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


RRP: £24.99
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Waiting for the Director's Cut or a truly extended version
Review date: 2008-11-16 Rating: 6 out of 10

The film at the cinema was good, but rushed. The pacing was poor...they tried very hard to cram in as much as possible and you could tell. I am now waiting for the real extended version...NOT this one! Other reviewers have been good enough to point this out. If you've not seen the film yet, wait for the (hopefully) much longer version: the pacing is sure to be very much better which should make for a much more enjoyable experience all round.

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Reviews


After waiting for what seemed like ages, you can't help but be dissapointed...
Review date: 2008-10-24 Rating: 4 out of 10

I read 'His Dark Materials' a couple of years before the film hit our screens, it is one of my favorite novels of all time and was literaly a life changing experience reading it, when I first heard about a movie adaptation I was very excited...and I waited in anticipation for this for what seemed like ages, I was expecting a 12 or 12a rating for this movie and I was a little shocked when I saw it has a 'PG' rating......this was what first put doubts in my head. Then I saw the running time, after the 'epic' Lord of the Rings I was expecting at least a 200 min film for the Golden Compass.....on release I went to the Cinema not expecting much for these reasons alone, what can I say? 'Average' is the word that springs to mind, it wasn't terrible, just average.. which considering it's based on one of the greatest books ever written is a shame. After watching it really does feel like you've only seen the beggining of the film, if you want a similar experience pick up any DVD watch the first 20 mins and eject it, that's what it feels like...why not make the film longer and tell a bit more of the story?

As an adult I never felt like I was reading a children's book, the same can't be said for this film, it's a children's film and make no mistake about it. Very dissapointing, very average.....and I'm also a little angry that they've turned something as wonderful as 'His Dark Materials' into DVD bargain bin fodder.

I really think it's going to take one of the big Japanese animation companies to pick this up and do a screen version that does the books justice. After watching 'Spirited Away' all I can say is Hayao Miyazaki help us please!!! I dare anyone to say that wouldn't be amazing.....

absolutely excellent!!!!
Review date: 2008-08-15 Rating: 10 out of 10

The Golden compass came out just after Stardust (great movie btw), further more amazing union of Craig and Kidman (The Invasion) you know you won't be disappointed. It is great movie however while watching the it I found myself lost with the story plot sometimes, and it seemed like the movie suffered some kind of editing sacrifices...
Therefore recently I have reached for the book and I am overwhelmed!!! It's difficult to describe how amazing it is. Everything cleared; Now I love the movie unconditionally!

I was reading recently that they might not me The Subtle Knife adaptation, because The Golden Compass performed badly. Performed badly because the story is not finished yet, and everyone should reach for the book, if they don't fully understand the movie. However everyone who read the book and have seen the movie, oh well they just type of people who never will be pleased.
ps. Nicole Kidman as Marisa her voice gives mi shivers is so amazingly spot-on.


Spectacular effects, okay film
Review date: 2008-06-05 Rating: 8 out of 10

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.

OK without great expectations
Review date: 2008-05-17 Rating: 6 out of 10

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

Product Details/Specifications


Actor(s):
Nicole Kidman
Daniel Craig
Eva Green
Clare Higgins
Ben Walker

Creators:
Nicole Kidman (Primary Contributor)
Eva Green (Primary Contributor)

Recording label: Entertainment in Video
Manufacturer: Entertainment in Video
EAN: 5017239195822
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 2
Format: Box set, PAL,
Release date: 2008-04-28
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 109 minutes
Theatrical release date: 2007
Language: English (Original Language)

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