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The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Widescreen Edition)
Average Customer Review : 4.5/5 based on 775 reviews
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List Price : $19.99
Price : $14.99
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Editorial Reviews
C.S. Lewis's classic novel The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe makes an ambitious and long-awaited leap to the screen in this modern adaptation. It's a CGI-created world laden with all the special effects and visual wizardry modern filmmaking technology can conjure, which is fine so long as the film stays true to the story that Lewis wrote. And while this film is not a literal translation--it really wants to be so much more than just a kids' movie--for the most part it is faithful enough to the story, and whatever faults it has are happily faults of overreaching, and not of holding back. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe tells the story of the four Pevensie children, Lucy, Peter, Edmund, and Susan, and their adventures in the mystical world of Narnia. Sent to the British countryside for their own safety during the blitz of World War II, they discover an entryway into a mystical world through an old wardrobe. Narnia is inhabited by mythical, anthropomorphic creatures suffering under the hundred-year rule of the cruel White Witch (Tilda Swinton, in a standout role). The arrival of the children gives the creatures of Narnia hope for liberation, and all are dragged into the inevitable conflict between evil (the Witch) and good (Aslan the Lion, the Messiah figure, regally voiced by Liam Neeson). Director (and co-screenwriter) Andrew Adamson, a veteran of the Shrek franchise, knows his way around a fantasy-based adventure story, and he wisely keeps the story moving when it could easily become bogged down and tiresome. Narnia is, of course, a Christian allegory and the symbology is definitely there (as it should be, otherwise it wouldn't be the story Lewis wrote), but audiences aren’t knocked over the head with it, and in the hands of another director it could easily have become pedantic. The focus is squarely on the children and their adventures. The four young actors are respectable in their roles, especially considering the size of the project put on their shoulders, but it's the young Georgie Henley as the curious Lucy who stands out. This isn't a film that wildly succeeds, and in the long run it won't have the same impact as the Harry Potter franchise, but it is well done, and kids will get swept up in the adventure. Note: Narnia does contain battle scenes that some parents may consider too violent for younger children. --Dan Vancini
Spotlight Reviews
Great Adaptation (2009-01-07)
Customer Review : 5
The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005) had many great special effects. I think it stayed very close to C.S. Lewis' original story. Four children get dragged into a conflict between good and evil. The lion in Narnia symbolized Jesus.
I found a new book that helped me find hope in this world of such uncertainty, entitled "The Enlightenment, What God Told Me After One Million Prayers: A Message for Everyone," by John H. Eagan. I just finished it. It's really great and deals with God, the creator, Jesus' teachings, and His Passion. It brought me to tears. I think the fans of The Chronicles of Narnia will really enjoy The Enlightenment
Chronicles of Narnia (DVD) (2009-01-07)
Customer Review : 5
The Narnia DVD's are wonderful versions of the great CS Lewis series. They show us about the essence of living, loving and working together. Wonderful for children & adults. If we really understood the 'deep magic' of life, we would find true Life!
Excellent movie, excellent transfer (2009-01-01)
Customer Review : 4
First the movie: It's a pretty faithful adaptation of Lewis' novel. There are minor changes but nothing major. Acting is decent, direction is good, and the special effects are outstanding. The novel was a remarkable children's story of redemption and salvation, and the filmmakers avoided simplifying it or softening some of the harder edges. There isn't blood and gore, but there are still fairly intense battle scenes. Great movie for families (and I do mean families, not just kids). It's got a story most children will relate to (wicked witches, annoying siblings, events that they can't entirely control), and it's got enough meat on it to satisfy adults as well. There's isn't any vulgarity or nudity or anything like that, although the battle scenes may be a bit scary for very young kids.
The transfer quality was outstanding; this was the first movie I purchased on blu-ray and man oh man, was it a good choice :) Notably better than the DVD on my set (50" 1080p samsung plasma).
DVD - New Condition (2008-12-30)
Customer Review : 5
The movie got to me in a very timely manor. It was exactly as the seller described.
3 stars out of 4 (2008-12-27)
Customer Review : 3
The Bottom Line:
A perfect performance by Tilda Swinton as the White Witch, impressive set design, and a number of effective scenes are enough to recommend this movie despite the uninspired acting of its leads.
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