New DVD features sounds, images of Pope John Paul II

Published: 2007-11-29

VATICAN CITY (CNS)-- A new DVD was released featuring Vatican-archived sounds and images of Pope John Paul II set to an eclectic musical mix created by a British composer known for penning horror movie musical scores. The new 60-minute DVD, "Santo Subito" ("Sainthood Now"), is made up of 10 music videos that meld original musical compositions by Simon Boswell with the late pope's voice and images from his pontificate. "The film is a celebration of (Pope John Paul's) life, words and messages set to surprisingly contemporary music and images with spoken and sung passages" culled from recordings of the pope archived by Vatican Radio and footage from the Vatican Television Center, according to one Web site promoting the new DVD. Produced by the Italian Pauline media outlet, Multimedia San Paolo, and distributed by Universal Music Group, the DVD was officially released in the United Kingdom Nov. 19. Sales of the $14 DVD on www.amazon.com were set to start Dec. 4. Boswell, who has composed musical scores for numerous horror films as well as some Hollywood thrillers and classics, used musical styles ranging from orchestral music and Gregorian chant to electronic "trip hop" and acoustic guitar.

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