The Golden Compass

excellent film BUT there were supposed to be two further films to complete the story. Unfortunately due, YET AGAIN, to religious over reactions (especially from the American bible belt) the sequels were never made so we never got a proper ending. You have been warned.

WATCHED THIS WITH MY GRANDDAUGHTER AND I LOVED IT, WISH I COULD HAVE A DAEMON OF MY OWN AND RIDE ON A POLAR BEAR. DOES BEING 79 STOP ME FROM BEING A YOUNG ADULT Ha Ha Ha.

It is an appalling film. And it is no surprise that the sequels that were lined up to follow were never made.Muddled, incoherent, not sure what it was, stuck somewhere between fantasy, reality, poor man’s Lord of the Rings, kids or tennagers or whatever.Some performances were good - not entirely unsurprising with a cast of fine actors. But the Director was clueless. A classic case of the need to keep Director and Writer separate. Weiz is neither a good director nor a writer of any quality. So combining both was merely double trouble.I know it’s not possible but it was so bad I would like the two or so hours I spent watching this drivel, back. A complete waste of my time and £2.95 to rent the blessed thing.Best avoided at all costs.

I haven't read the Pullman books yet, so I came to this film with few expectations or preconceived ideas. As a fantasy film, it's beautifully produced, and I enjoyed spotting the Oxford locations I've been to. Story-wise, it's a bit disappointing. There is so much crammed in without a chance to really develop the characters or even give a strong sense of the issues at play. It's a great adventure story but it could have been so much more. The most disappointing thing is the lack of a real ending - especially given that there's no sequel coming. I felt as though things were really only just beginning when the film ended. As for this being the 'extended' edition, the marketing people obviously have a different definition to the one I'm familiar with. The film was the same length as the regular version. Yes, there's a second disk with extras, but the film itself isn't extended in any way whatsoever. The other thing that annoys me with the production is that I needed to keep the remote in my hand to adjust the volume - music and fight scenes were so much louder than dialogue to such an extent that my volume ranged from 7 to 20. To my mind that's poor mixing and editing.I loved Nicole Kidman as Mrs Coulter - suitably cold and menacing; Jim Carter as John Faa; and of course Ian McKellan as the voice of Iorek the bear. It's obvious that this was Dakota Blue Richard's first film and at times her clichéd performance was annoying, but other times she showed the potential that fuelled her later performance in The Secret of Moonacre.I didn't hate this film and I've no doubt I'll watch it again at some point, but I don't think it'll be on my 'watch at least once a year' list.

My children have both read the Northern Lights, so I was keen for them to see the film, and it did not disappoint. Well adapted for the screen, with great special affects and jam packed full of great actors giving wonderful performances.The DVD was an excellent price, well package and arrived swiftly.

This review is of the Bluray Extended 2 disc.There are no additional scenes. It's the theatrical release with some extras, making of etc.The Dark Materials trilogy is a major work of modern fiction and it is hard to see how such a beautifully crafted novel could ever really be made into a movie that reflects the subtle artistry that Pullman gave it. Having said that, this sanitised adventure version is not that bad.Cast is very good, especially the delightful Dakota who almost steps our of the pages of the novel - at least visually.It is a crappy ending like they'd run out of money or were so sure that they were creating the first instalment of a franchise.Weitsz seems sincere as the writer / director and so it may be that the studio pulled a fast one on him with regard to this. Though I would have thought a lover of the books would fight for the integrity of his adaptation.All in all it is a nice looking film, well acted and an enjoyable watch - unless you are a Pullman die-hard, in which case it wil be a species of torture.

Dvd arrived in great condition and as advertised. Great to know it's helping a hospice raise funds. Bought for my son to watch as he's just finished reading the books. A shame so much was missed from the books (apparently!) and also a shame that it doesn't cover to the end of the first book (again apparently!!) when it doesn't seem as if any sequels are going to be made. However it was an ok film to watch if you have an hour or so spare and reading the books beforehand wasn't an issue.

Having read other reviews on here I now understand why the film feels so jumbled and unexplained and why the ending is so rubbish. Even my 8yo daughter was incredulous at how bad it is!!It could have been good as the effects are great but the story never really makes sense.