Joan of Arc 1999 Limited Series

 Joan of Arc 1999 Limited Series

“We are all in God's hands, even those who choose to think otherwise.”

You are leaving because I denied you forgiveness?

“No papa I'm leaving because I have a calling, because this is what God meant for me to do.”

“Our Lord first served.”

The 1999 miniseries chronicling the story of Joan of Arc is surprising in all accounts. In the 25 years since its original airing, I believe on CBS, The only thing that has aged really is its format. It's been relegated to DVD. Sadly no HD transfer for this one. That said, at its core it still holds up tremendously well. Its last hour especially is a real reminder that age never dictates quality or the lack thereof.
I know, it shocked me as well, when I realized that a miniseries from 1999 may be considered old, though I digress. This miniseries defies expectations. It is a prime expression of humanity, and its extraordinary strength in the face of great difficulty. Elevating the story of Joan of Arc to its proper place. A place where womanhood and courage meet, to demonstrate the power of a symbol and its ability to affect the destiny of a nation. I am referring to symbols in the classical evangelistic sense of the word. At least, the good that is inherent in that definition. Joan, in this case represents that goodness, and that meaning. Often we denigrate symbols, granting them pride of place, but not allowing them their true autonomy. In other words, they are means to justify our ends, but as inspirations in and of themselves we deem them lacking. Here though, Joan's story turns that belief on its head. She is not a passive observer, but a catalyst for the hope she represents.
God does not offer us our lives in this world to be passive participants. Instead, we are supposed to journey with him on the road of life, with all its varied twists and turns. This miniseries succeeds because Joan is drawn as a multidimensional human being. One who is docility before God paradoxically enriches her ever present strength and courage. Her's is a mixture we rarely see. Yet, Leelee Sobiesk brings Joan of Arc to life with these traits on full display with all their nuance intact. Quite simply, she is Joan of Arc.
I am tremendously grateful that Ignatius Press was able to save this late 20th century gem out of obscurity. Let all this praise be a reminder that stories matter. Therefore, the way they are presented to us should matter as well. Now, I understand if the source material was unavailable or if money did not allow it. If that is the case, then I can somewhat understand why a less than stellar DVD transfer of this epic is the only format that exists Though let's be clear, that is being extremely generous. This DVD transfer is struggling to survive. I do not remember how the original miniseries looked, but I am quite sure it looked markedly better than this.
Even if my eyes are deceiving me, the facts just don't add up. If you compare this DVD to standard definition video of the time (The early 2000's) it is instantly apparent that there is something seriously wrong with the source from which this DVD was mastered. I am also confident that the quality of this source has nothing to do with the original production either. This miniseries was reportedly budgeted at $20 million, in line with high-end TV productions of the time. In short, this DVD should not look like this. Unless something happened to the original source material where it could not be restored. I am not trying to denigrate anybody's work, though I am entreating you, if possible to do better. The history that embodies the core of the Catholic faith is deeply meaningful, and life-affirmingly beautiful. It should be treated as such.
Preservation and restoration issues aside, this miniseries is well worth your appreciation. It breathes new life into the person of Joan of Arc. Better yet, it reinstates her as one of history's most inspiring heroines. Director Christian Duguay and his team give us a Joan of Arc who redefines The modern conception of an evangelistic symbol. Casting her as a pillar of hope and courage. In turn Joan discovers her true humanity, and we are granted an enthralling portrait of what it means to be a true saint.

Rated TV-PG for Blood and Violence

I found the 1999 Joan of Arc miniseries to be enthrallingly inspiring, meaningful and thought-provoking. I hope in some way you do too.