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Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (Four-Disc Extended Edition + Bookend Gift Set)
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Manufacturer: Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Disney
Find all by Buena Vista Home Entertainment / Disney
Directed By: Andrew Adamson
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Theatrical Release: December 9, 2005
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
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Starring: Georgie Henley, Skandar Keynes, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Tilda Swinton
Chronicles of Narnia: Lion, Witch & Wardrobe -4 DVD Set w/ Bookends Genre: Childrens, Fantasy, Kids Adventure, Magic, Blockbuster, Theatrical Release, Wild Animals, Battles, Fantasy Worlds, Based On A Novel Director: Andrew Adamson Cast/Crew: Tilda Swinton, Jim Broadbent, James McAvoy, Anna Popplewell, Georgie Henley, William Moseley, Skandar Keynes, James Cosmo, Ray Winstone, Dawn French, Rupert Everett Description: BRAND NEW SEALED - BOXS HAVE SLIGHT COSMETIC DAMAGE Director Andrew Adamson gives a new dimension to C.S. Lewis's enchanting story with this long-awaited Disney adaptation. As the story begins, Mrs. Pevensie--in order to keep her children safe during World War II--sends Lucy (Georgie Henley), Edmond (Skandar Keynes), Susan (Anna Popplewell), and Peter (William Moseley) off to stay at a professor's country estate. Away from London and under the care of a strict housekeeper, they are instructed to stick to themselves and stay out of trouble. But when an innocent game of hide-and-seek leads young Lucy to a spare room containing a large wardrobe, she discovers something that will change their lives forever. Inside the wardrobe there is a world frosted with ice and filled with magical beings. Known as Narnia, the land is stuck in eternal winter at the hands of the cruel White Witch, played with great force by the pale, strong-featured Tilda Swinton. When she steps back into reality, Lucy struggles to convince her skeptical siblings of the things she's seen. After much disbelief, the others finally enter the world as well, learning that the creatures of Narnia have long been waiting for humans like themselves to appear and break the witch's spell. But in order to be of any help to the lovable talking beavers, fawns, foxes, and centaurs that they meet, the four will have to face betrayal by one of their own as Edmond cracks under the witch's tempting offer of unlimited Turkish Delights. Under the leadership of the great lion Aslan (voice of Liam Neeson), can Lucy, Edmond, Susan, and the oldest, Peter, prove themselves heroes in the ultimate battle of good vs. evil? High-budget special effects, impressive performances by the film's young newcomers, and beautiful set design move this film far beyond previous television adaptations. Review: The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe 4-Disc Share the magic of C.S. Lewis?s literary masterpiece this holiday with an extraordinary 4-disc extended edition of Disney's THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE. Venture deeper into this beloved fantasy world with an all-new feature-length film that brings you up close and personal with C.S. Lewis, the creative genius behind the book. Discover Narnia through his eyes, and experience the film as you never have before with new enhanced special effects and an extended climactic battle scene. Complete your Narnia collection with a limited-edition gift set featuring the 4-disc DVD set plus a pair of heirloom-quality bookends from the master creative artists at WETA, the Academy Award-winning innovators who designed the breathtaking creatures from the film. Both the extended-edition DVD and the keepsake gift set are available for only seven weeks before they disappear into the Disney vault. Source: Buena Vista Home Entertainment Release Notes: DVD Features: Region 1 4 - Disc Box Set Anamorphic Widescreen Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English (unspecified) - French, Spanish Additional Release Material: Bloopers Audio Commentary - 1. Filmmakers' Commentary 2. Kid's & Director's Commentary Featurette - 1. Creating Narnia 2. Creatures, Lands, And Legends 3. Discover Narnia Fun Facts 4. C.S. Lewis: The Dreamer Of Narnia 5. Visualizing "The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe" 6. Anatomy Of A Scene Text/Photo Galleries: Stills/Photos: 1
User Submitted Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (Four-Disc Extended Edition + Bookend Gift Set) Reviews
November 30, 2008
Narnia: Not My Cup of Tea
What can I say, I just don't care for this movie. I thought that it would be very entertaining and fun. But I was wrong. Sadly, this film falls short from the stories of its creator.
Narnia is not a film that I can watch oer and over again. I'm sorry but this film only gets * star from me.
November 26, 2008
Great Extended Version - Discs 3 & 4 are welcome additions!
Owning the two-disc version of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe", I was curious to see what the four-disc extended version would add to my viewing experience. My family and I enjoyed watching the extended scenes (Disc 1), particularly the "Battle for Narnia". I was pleasantly surprised by both Disc 3 and Disc 4.
Disc 3 " C.S. Lewis - Dreamer of Narnia" is a movie that educates the viewer about the man behind the "Narnia" series. Lewis' story is told in a very creative way. It opens with footage of a real lion steadily moving through a wilderness allowing us to visualize what it must have been like before and as Aslan created Narnia. We meet various literary and religious scholars who comment on C.S. ("Jack") Lewis and themes found in his writings in a clear, respectful, and warm-hearted fashion. We hear from a former student, a taxi driver (who gives tours of significant places in C.S. Lewis' life and tells of Lewis' impact on his life), a close friend of his wife, and Douglas Gresham (C.S. Lewis's stepson and a producer of the current theatrical movies) who shares quite personal insights about "Jack" and his mother. Interspersed throughout are voiceovers of "Jack" reading his letters aloud, giving this movie a solid narrative. Also included are brief scenes of children as they describe what Narnia means to them (in single sentences) and read excerpts from the books. I truly enjoyed this movie and found it quite educational. Parental discretion is advised since footage of WWI (actual footage is not gory but includes frank descriptions of war), suicide, death from cancer, and alcoholism are topics that are mentioned.
Disc 4 - "Visualizing The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe: The Complete Production Experience" is fascinating to watch as it shows the movie (theatrical version) with inserts of various members of the production team telling (and often showing) how they approached a particular element of the scene. The producers, director, costume designer, director of photography, set designer, special effects designers & directors, cast (live and voice actors), make-up & prosthetics designer, composer, and editor are all well-represented. Disc 4 will probably be of particular interest to anyone who loves this film and has an interest in filmmaking.
November 3, 2008
No place like Narnia
Great story of a far away place in another dimension with time warp factor.Great scenery and great acting. Fell in love with Lucy Pevensie. A most see for everyone af all ages. Can't wait to see Prince Caspian, 1300 years later.
November 2, 2008
The Chronicles of Narnia
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe [Blu-ray] This is a truly exciting movie for everyone to enjoy. Great acting, great sets, great story, great special effects and well shot. A truly wonderful tale that takes you far away from the hum drum. Catch this one if you haven't as yet.
October 30, 2008
Chronicles of Narnia DVD
The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Full Screen Edition)
Very enjoyable movie with winsom characters and fine special effects. Nice family movie. Nice fantasy movie for people that are tired of having half dressed characters and expletives be a part of every movie. I enjoyed it and so did my family. Plan to get Narnia, Prince Caspian this week.
October 5, 2008
A classic story transferred from page to screen!
"THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE" is a glorious example of exceptional production design, excellent cinematography, wonderful special effects and CGI-created characters, incredible fight choreography, swordplay, stunts, great music, very nice costumes, fantastic characterizations, and, most important of all, the film (for the most part) stays close to the book written by C.S. Lewis. The film is set during World War II. It is the epic story of the four Pevensie children - Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes), and Lucy (Georgie Henley). They enter the land of Narnia through a mysterious wardrobe. There they do battle with the evil White Witch (Tilda Swinton), become friends with a faun named Mr. Tumnus (James McAvoy), and have dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Beaver (Ray Winstone and Dawn French). To the fans of the books, such as my own humble self, the movie will leave you in complete awe and amazement. To the ones who have not yet read the books, it may confuse you, but it will soon transfix you to the seat. All the acting is magnificent, especially with Georgie Henley, James McAvoy, Tilda Swinton, and the voice talent of Liam Neeson. Each of their characters resonate with such power and personality that it is impossible for you not to be amazed. Henley plays Lucy with a great sense of innocence and courage, having the best performance in the entire film. To me, having read all the books, Lucy is the central character. In my opinion, she is really the only character the audience can totally identify with throughout the series. Director Andrew Adamson seems to notice this, and being one of the script-writers, he uses the other characters, dialogue, and situations to be mainly formed around her role in the film. Maybe that is why Henley is perfect for the part. Let's hope everything stays this way (with her character at least) through the remaining films. McAvoy portrays Mr. Tumnus as a true patriot, fighting for his Narnia. He is ordered to turn in Lucy to the Witch, but Lucy is probably his only friend, and he has high hopes for a peaceful and just Narnia. His character's feelings and beliefs are just a few examples of those of every Narnian exhibited in the film. McAvoy's performance is amazing in its brilliance. Tilda Swinton is magnificently evil, a trait that can only be found in the White Witch, like something chiseled out of ice (pun intended). Her performance is simply perfect. Neeson's voice as Aslan fills the theater with booming presence and deep resonance, yet its own calm and quiet assurance. I never knew that just a voice from such an accomplished actor could inhabit a CGI-created character so well, not to mention the superior animation of the character itself. However, the entire cast is sensational. Keynes, Popplewell, Moseley, Winstone, French, and others are almost as incredible as the film's best performances. The kids are not confused or disoriented about what they must do, they just do it because they know it's inevitable. The Witch just oozes with so much evil that even the words I am using in this review cannot describe it. Another cast memeber that I must mention specifically is Jim Broadbent as Professor Digory Kirke. He is the only character on this side of the wardrobe (besides the kids) that has truly great acting talent. I see the Professor as the Earthly version of Aslan, at least to the children. He is their guidance, their strength. It is really Peter and Susan's discussion with him that shows them that you do not have to do anything but believe. Listen for Rupert Everett in a small but heroic role as the Fox, watch for James Cosmo as Father Christmas. One last comment on the acting - I am always floored by how well the mannerisms, dialogue, and characters of the four main cast members matches up with their older counterparts. Also surprising is how fantastic the acting talents of the actors and actresses that played the older versions of the children are, even though they do not have long screen time. Definitely one of the greatest sequences in the film is the battle between the Narnians and the forces of the Witch. I adore the fight between Peter and the Witch. LOVE the scene where she attempts to remove his head from his shoulders. However, the true greatest confrontation is Aslan and the Witch. Ultimate Good vs. Ultimate Evil. And, if you believe in the allegories between the Chronicles of Narnia and the Holy Word of God (like myself), this last scene shall have special meaning for you. All in all, a beautiful film that everyone will enjoy.
SPECIAL FEATURES
Bloopers
Discover Narnia Fun Facts (Optional trivia pop-ups throughout movie)
Audio Commentary with director Andrew Adamson, William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, and Georgie Henley
Audio Commentary with director Andrew Adamson, producer Mark Johnson, and production designer Roger Ford
Also Recommended: STAR WARS: EPISODE I - THE PHANTOM MENACE (1999), LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING (2001), LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS (2002), LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING (2003), PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE CURSE OF THE BLACK PEARL (2003)
THIS REVIEW IS DEDICATED TO ANYONE, LIVING OR DEAD, INVOLVED IN THE PAST, PRESENT, OR FUTURE "CHRONICLES OF NARNIA" UNIVERSE.
October 1, 2008
Enough to make C.S. Lewis proud!
This first installment in the "Narnia" series may be the best action/adventure movie ever made. Aside from some minor changes, the movie stays remarkably close to C.S. Lewis's original novel. The only real differences are that the movie goes into more detail than the book in places, but it always works. (For example, the climactic battle in the movie is a huge, major scene, where as the book only devotes a couple paragraphs of retrospect to it.) Even book purists should love this movie.
September 24, 2008
The Wackness
Why watch Narnia when you can watch the Wizard Of Oz? They are basically the same movie, lost souls searching for themselves and a better world. The only difference is Wizard Of Oz is a timeless magical tale and there are flying monkies instead of Narnia's talking wolves. Narnia lumbers along with computer generated talking animals that look fake beyond belief. They talk like psycho adults bumbling around like fools on a mission. I'm sure it's great for children, this really is a children's film in the end. The enchantment is missing from this film. instead we get harsh winter scenes and a nasty war towards the end. I never finished the rest of the film, it had me dozing off so I shut it down before the war, I assume. If you want to see good fantasy films I would recommend The Wizard Of Oz, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy or even The Others. Narnia just didn't hit me over the head.
September 21, 2008
Cool Fantasy Story, Bad Cutting and Length
The Chronicles of Narnia- The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
When this movie originally came out is theaters I was euphoric. I was overjoyed and I had never read the book. The previews portrayed this as a more vibrant version of Lord of the Rings. Luckily, my church took a group of us to see the movie in a nearby theater. After a full, undivided view of the film, I felt disappointed with what I had seen. The movie compared in no way to Lord of the Rings. However, I have now watched it on DVD without the expectations of it being anything other than The Chronicles of Narnia. I enjoyed it much more without the strong comparison to Lord of the Rings.
"Spectacular epic film-making fills the screen and your heart," says John Siegel of Good Morning America. He must have put on rose goggles before watching this one to make that kind of an overstatement. Narnia is a great fantasy story that is unfortunately hurt by length and bizarre cutting. I did walk away from this one wanting more though. If you are into the fantasy genre, you will want to add this to your collection.
Four young children: Lucy, Edmund, Susan, and Peter are sent away from a German blitzkrieg. Many children at this time were sent away from battle zones to ensure their safety. They are sent to live with a mysterious professor in a country estate. While playing a game of hide-and-go seek, Lucy enters a spare room with nothing but a wardrobe in it. Lucy attempts to hide in the Wardrobe and finds the gate to Narnia inside of it. Soon the other children enter the world. A Narnia prophecy says that when two sons of Adam and two daughters of Eve enter Narnia, the world will be safe again. Safe from what you may be asking yourself. Narnia has been controls by a tyrant known the White Witch. She can manipulate ice. Narnia is now completely frozen by her. All that stood in her way have fallen.
The children's only hope is to find the former ruler of Narnia, Asland. Asland has magically reappeared after thousands of years due to the humans entering Narnia. There is a war brewing between Asland and the White Witch. The four human children are the key to who will win this war.
There are almost a million film devices in this movie. Symbolism reigns supreme with many symbols that relate to the bible. Asland represents God or Jesus Christ. One of the children will have to make the choice between good and evil. Asland forgives those who betray him. It is obvious to anyone who has knowledge of biblical events. No one else will notice it. There is also a lot of foreshadowing in this film. The talk about "always winter, no Christmas" foreshadows later events in the movie, and those events foreshadow later events. I like all these devices in a movie. Considering this came from a book, I understand where all these devices came from.
Narnia is horribly cut up though. The film seems to jump from one scene to a future scene instantly. There is no explanation as to what happened between the two times. At one scene, Peter kills a wolf and Asland tells him to clean his sword. Suddenly they jump to him being knighted in the same place. It looks like a horrible cut from one scene to another. I usually would never say this, but this movie needed more fluff. It feels like the movie could have been at least twice as long for a complete presentation.
The acting in this movie is mixed. I really liked Lucy, Susan, and a few other characters. Peter and Edmund are not the best actors though. They just seem generic and do not respond correctly to certain scenes. They seem to keep a straight face the entire movie or respond incorrectly.
The extras are decent, but nothing special. There is a blooper reel that lasts a few seconds. You can turn on fun facts during the movie. There are also two separate commentary tracks. One is with the kids and director, and the other is a filmmakers' commentary. At the end of the movie, you are sick of the kids' voices though. They are interesting, but do not bring this movie up.
If you are into the fantasy genre, or have read the books, check this one out. Everyone else should find some other movie. The awkward cuts and mixed acting will keep you annoyed, but the story will keep you wanting more.
September 19, 2008
awesome movie
This movie is great! And the high def transfer is, in my opinion, beautiful. Disney blu ray always seem to deliver outstanding picture quality (the battle scene towards the end looks incredible!) Unfortunately I do not have a home theater system set up so I can not rate the audio quality.
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