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The Golden Compass (2 disc Special edition) [2007]

Actors: Nicole Kidman, Eva Green, Ben Walker, Daniel Craig, Clare Higgins
Studio: Entertainment in Video
Category: DVD

List Price: ~~Ł24.99~~
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Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

9 reviews
Sales Rank: 2945

Format: Box Set, Pal
Language: Italian (Original Language)
Rating: Parental Guidance
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 109
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.3
Dimensions (in): 7.6 x 5.4 x 0.6

EAN: 5017239195822
ASIN: B0014XVTJ8

Theatrical Release Date: 2007
Release Date: April 28, 2008
Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
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Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...

4 out of 5 stars

Spectacular effects, okay film June 5, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

This film is based on the first book in the best selling `His Dark Materials' series by Phillip Pullman and although I haven't read any of that series I did enjoy this adaptation. As I have not read the book that this film is based on I cannot comment about how close it is to that but from the comments of others I can deduce that this isn't too good an adaptation but I feel that it more than makes up for this with some truly spectacular CGI and some adequate performances by the all star cast.

Of the cast Nicole Kidman as the villainous Mrs Coulter was a surprising favourite of mine as I have never previously enjoyed any of her performances but she was unexpectedly good here. Another noteworthy performance was that of Sir Ian McKellen, he is always enjoyable and he was very good as the Armoured Bear Iorek Byrnison. On the down side I didn't think much of Dakota Blue Richards' performance in the main role and Daniel Craig was hardly in the film.

The main problem with this film, as I see it, is the rather lacklustre script which does let the film down terribly. This is somewhat made up for by the peerless special effects but this has lead to the film being visually spectacular if a little light on substance, much like many other modern films. Overall this was an enjoyable film that would probably appeal more to those who haven't read the books first.

3 out of 5 stars

OK without great expectations May 17, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

I went to see this at the cinema as a group visit and so, had little choice
As a fan of the books, i was pessimistic to say the least and after hearing the negative reviews, this just enforced that belief!
However, when leaving the cinema my mind had not been completely changed - i am not saying this is a great adaptation - its not. But, with the obvious controversial issues surrounding it and preventing the director from really going to town with the books, its not a bad effort
Upon saying that, with a somewhat optimistic expectation of the DVD, i am a little worried i shall be disapointed seeing as, like i said, the film only really worked for me with little expectation

I am, however, looking forward to a Subtle Knife/Amber Spyglass adaptation seeing as they are supposed to be more true to the books

2 out of 5 stars

Such a sad travesty of the book, sorta looks OK May 12, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful

With the sound off, it looks pretty good. With the vision off it sounds like Noddy goes North. Dialogue is seriously wooden and big lumps of wood have been glued in - presumably to patch up other holes in the script.
Yes, it is hard to get a massive book into a movie - but Hollywood has totally missed the point of the books, and failed bigtime. So sad.
Good luck to those few who have enjoyed it - but please do not assume that kids will not notice the creaking script and holes in the plot left by Hollywood butchery. Kids are often smarter and more critical than adults. Especially kids who read.

3 out of 5 stars

This is not an extended edition of the movie May 10, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful

Just to reiterate J.J. Hall's review, I saw this title in a store alongside the original and thought that like with LOTR they'd reinstated lots of scenes that would would enhance the film but were deemed cuttable to get the running time down to an acceptable cinema length. A quick perusal of both boxes showed that both had main features that ran for 108 mins. What you get with this 2-disc edition is just lots of extra features (making ofs, interviews, etc). From the same company that did the excellent LOTR extended editions, this is a real disappointment. This isn't a review of the film (which I still haven't seen to be honest, heard mixed reviews but utterly love the books), just didn't want to see anyone caught out by the "extended" on the cover.

1 out of 5 stars

How can they get away with having 'extended edition' on the cover? May 5, 2008
7 out of 8 found this review helpful

I thought this to be a fairly flat and forgettable experience at the cinema with huge chunks of the book missing or re-arranged... a 2 star experience at best.

Then I heard nearly an hour of material had been cut by New Line and that gave me hope that at some point a 'Director's Cut' might perhaps emerge; with the correct ending and all the other missing footage restored, but it is not on this DVD as the running time reveals!

I have not bought this as I am awaiting the inevitable re-release when this sells well... my review here is only to warn people that the 'Extended Edition' slapped on the front is false advertising in my opinion and I cannot fathom how they can get away with it... if you thought the theatrical release of this film was flat and tame then don't buy this as it is exactly the same film!!