Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #651 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-04-28
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Formats: Box set, PAL
• Original language: English
• 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

Waiting for the Director's Cut or a truly extended version
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.

After waiting for what seemed like ages, you can't help but be dissapointed...
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!!!!
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.