In 1949, author C.S. Lewis completed the novelette "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe," a fantasy set during the London blitzkrieg when the city was under Nazi fire, and a parallel fantastical universe found through a wardrobe portal that takes the protagonists into a surreal world where drama is also unfolding between the forces of good and evil.
It is no surprise that this new four-disc extended edition that includes the first two discs from the special edition and adds two additional discs of well done behind the scenes extras is topping critic's lists of the best of 2006 DVD boxed sets.
The book ends with these 10 words: "it was only the beginning of the adventures of Narnia." We can only hope it continues in film as well as this first effort of Lewis' literary masterpieces, directed by Andrew Adamson.
It is no surprise that this new four-disc extended edition that includes the first two discs from the special edition and adds two additional discs of well done behind the scenes extras is topping critic's lists of the best of 2006 DVD boxed sets.
This DVD collection is a quality compilation and a must own if you are a fan of the C.S. Lewis tale, and are the least bit curious on how the superb work was pulled off by the finest crafts persons assembled to make this now classic film.
Oscar winning makeup effects were provided by Howard Berger, Tami Lane and a KNB EFX Group crew of top artists, Richard Beggs supervised dramatic and moving sound design with composer Harry Gregson-Williams, Roger Ford's pitch perfect production design aided by an amazing art department, as well as stunning post production work with the finest effects shops in the world, special and visual effects rendered by Weta Workshop, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Rhythm & Hues, Industrial Light & Magic and New Deal Studios.
So why do I mention these crack artisans when reviewing a four disc reissue of a movie already in DVD release? It is important for all children to see the vast array of creative careers they may otherwise never have known of behind the camera, and these extras show the collaborative efforts of the various, uniquely skill set endowed crew that might fuel the right flames.
Simply, this well produced and detailed filled boxed set is a wonderful tool and educational spark for anyone interested in pursuing the film arts, mechanics and appreciate the Herculean task of making a Fantasy movie come to a realistic and rewarding culmination.
It takes more than a village to make a movie as good as "Narnia." The cast and crew's work is meaningful and sets a standard for all filmmakers. Their attention to the millions of details makes this film a flawless children's classic.
Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media present C.S. Lewis' timeless and beloved epic adventure directed by Andrew Adamson. The film follows the exploits of Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter, four siblings sent away by their mother to keep safe from World War II London, who find the secret world of Narnia through a magical wooden wardrobe while playing a game of "hide-and-seek" at the country estate of a n eccentric mysterious professor Kirke, played by veteran Oscar winning actor, Jim Broadbent.
Through this portal, they discover a once peaceful land inhabited by centaurs, beasts, dwarfs, and a talking friendly fawn named Tumnus, played by James McAvoy, Narnia is a world that has been put in a dark spell of eternal winter, but never with any Christmas' by the evil White Witch, Jadis, and in my humble opinion, portrayed by the best British actress alive, Tilda Swinton. The children are joined by the Witch's nemesis, regal Aslan, the lion King voiced beautifully by Liam Neeson, and there is a spectacular, climactic battle to be free of the White Witch's glacial powers forever.
Actress Georgie Henley turns in a precocious Lucy. Her wonderful eyes and expressive face convey her all her emotions. Casting directors Pippa Hall, Gail Stevens, Sameer Bhardwaj and Liz Mullane were clever to find these excellent child actors, virtually unknown to the majority of the audience. They pull off their roles without any self consciousness or overwrought acting.
The Chronicles of Narnia is a triumph of all the crafts, above and below the line, and is faithful to Lewis' novels. This film places an emphasis on the children's teamwork, loyalty, trust, forgiveness, and sense of family and hope for the future. It is a beautiful film.
Special Features:
This new four-disc extended boxed edition opens like an oversized Lifesavers candy Christmas book that I remember from childhood. A beautiful book-like case that inside has exquisite sepia Narnia artwork behind the discs. The set includes the first two discs from the special edition and adds two additional discs of extras.
Disc 1 contains the extended feature film and a couple of features. It also has "The Bloopers of Narnia" – which is a cute collection of typical blown lines and on set goofing. "Discover Narnia Fun Facts" that involves various factoids pop up video style as you are watching it. Audio commentary with director Adamson, and a key department head, production designer Roger Ford and producer, Mark Johnson.
Disc 2 is loaded with special features and starts off with:
Creating Creatures - This takes a look at the various types of creatures that inhabit the world of Narnia, from centaurs, minotaurs, satyrs, Aslan, The White Witch and Tumnus.
Disc 3 features "C.S. Lewis: Dreamer of Narnia" - a feature-length documentary on the legendary author of all of the Narnia books. This is an in-depth profile of the man and traces the autobiographical elements found in the Narnia book. This is a special bonus for literary and C.S. Lewis fans.
Disc 4 includes a detailed, two-and-a-half hour look at the all the key crafts that helped bring the book on film.
The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe: Extended Cut (Four-Disc Special Edition) is now available at Amazon and AmazonUK . Visit the DVD database for more information.
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