Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #879 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-04-28
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Formats: Box set, PAL
• Original language: Italian
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 109 minutes

Synopsis
THE GOLDEN COMPASS is an adaptation of the first book in the beloved but controversial fantasy series by Phillip Pullman. The story opens with Lyra Belacqua (Dakota Blue Richards) an orphan girl who lives in an alternate world that is similar to earth, but where people's souls exist outside of their bodies in animal form. The people are ruled by a shadowy and oppressive council known as the Magisterium, which is doing it's best to keep everyone from getting information about what is called 'Dust.' Lyra's Uncle Asriel (Daniel Craig) has been researching Dust, and he has seen to it that Lyra is given safe shelter at Jordan College. But when the visiting Mrs. Coulter (Nicole Kidman) arrives, she asks Lyra to accompany her on a trip to the North to meet the Panserbjorne, a race of armoured bears. Before Lyra leaves, the Headmaster gives her a golden compass, a device which only she can read, and from which she can intuit the truth. Lyra leaves with Mrs. Coulter, but when she learns that her friends have been kidnapped by 'Gobblers' she heads out to find them, and soon joins forces with the nomadic Gyptians, some witches, and an armoured bear called Iorek Byrnison (voice by Ian McKellen). Lyra finds her friends, and so discovers the evil plans the Magisterium has cooked up for the world's children. By the film's end, she has vowed to track down her Uncle Asriel, and to discover the true power of Dust.
Hollywood had a tricky time of taming this tale, as Pullman's books portray religion - the Catholic Church in particular - in a less than flattering light. The film version carefully steers clear of these themes, and instead puts its enormous budget into creating visually stunning effects. While fans of the books may find fault with this streamlined version, children are sure to revel in the many talking animals and whimsical airships.

Customer Reviews

Spectacular effects, okay film
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
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

Such a sad travesty of the book, sorta looks OK
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.