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This is a tough book to make into movie. While fantasy and sci-fi readers have a lot of experience with the alternate universe trope, the average movie goer does not. Complicating it further, you have a book that was written as a counter-point to Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia and viewed by many as anti-Christian, and in particular as anti-Catholic. It is set in a world where the church, very similar to the Catholic church at the time of the reformation, is trying to suppress that which will diminish its power and control (google Galileo and Copernicus) Because of the controversial sub-texts, the unfamiliar trope and complex story, the makers of this movie have chosen to make it into an action movie without spending too much time introducing the viewer into this strange alternate reality. Concepts such as dust and daemons, and characters like the gyptians and witches must appear as confusing to those who have not read the book. As a result, the motivations of the characters are unclear as are their subsequent actions. On the plus side - the CGI is fantastic. The daemons are great and the armored bears awe inspiring. Pullman's world comes alive in all its baroque glory. The amount a mayhem is not high for a PG movie, but what would scare the younger kids the most is pain experienced by the young children in the movie when their daemons/souls are amputated. This is not a movie for the under 10 crowd.Read full review
One of my favorite movies of all time! While the trilogy of books was good, the first one was the best. This movie is a wonderfull adaptation. Each character is amazing and the little girl who plays Lyra has a great range of emotion to display. This is one of my go to movies for a comfort evening, when I have time to settle in and enjoy the show without interruption.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I am always in the habit of watching special features first, to better appreciate the movie I'm about to watch. The 2nd disc is 2hr48min long!!!, so get comfy, and be AWAKE as there are many details to take in. The 3rd disc (if you have the 3-disc set) is about 40min long and goes into great detail about how stunts were done and locations were sought and utilized. The 2nd disc goes extensively into how the CGI was done, so if you think you know everything and haven't seen this information, you'll be in for a great surprise. Even though I have seen many movies in my time, I'm still surprised at how detailed and tedious the work can sometimes be when making a movie of this calibre. All in all, this movie was not excellent, it was perfect.
Excellent-quality DVD for people who want a behind-the-scenes look at the production design, casting, costumes, props, voice talent, and CGI work that went into The Golden Compass motion picture. The director's commentary was revealing, and included a mention of a newly-released Bill Pullman novel based on the Lee Scoresby and Iorek Byrnison characters called: "Once Upon a Time in the North" released in hardback in April 2008 after the film was released. Watching the construction of the alethiometers used in the film and seeing how the ice bears were realized was a real treat.
Enjoyed the movie. I love the Big Polar Bear.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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