The second installment of The Chronicles of Narnia comes to DVD in this excellent 3 Disc Collector’s Sset. Peter (William Moseley), Susan (Anna Popplewell), Edmund (Skandar Keynes) and Lucy (Georgie Henley), are called back to Narnia from World War II London, and find that their special world has changed dramatically.
They join with Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) in an effort to forge a peaceful alliance between the Narnians and the encroaching world of men.
A new film in a series is always a bit of a chance. There is the possibility that it will not live up to the other film (or films) in characters, action, story or appeal. This is NOT the case with Prince Caspian.
The groundwork for the Chronicles having been laid in the first film, the second builds on the story and examines what is happening in politics and with the citizens of Narnia. As part of the chronicles Prince Caspian strengthens our knowledge and vision of Aslan’s beloved country as well as giving the familiar characters a chance to develop.
At odds in their own world, the return to Narnia gives Peter and Susan the opportunity to mature and realize the potential for the strength and goodness they carry as responsible individuals. Edmund and Lucy are the epitome of bravery and loyalty, and the four combined give Prince Caspian the force to make changes for the good of all.
When the 20th century children are called back to Narnia, they discover that they are the legendary Kings and Queens of old. Hundreds of years have passed, and with them much of the magic has disappeared. It is now up to them to restore the harmony and balance of Narnia and make peace between the creatures and men.
Much to their surprise, they are apparently on their own. Narnia speaks of Aslan, but he is not a physical presence as he was during their first time in that world.
Beautifully filmed, this story is full of lessons of bravery, trust, belief and goodness. We are shown the effects of greed and deception as Prince Caspian’s uncle tries to seize power and destroy those who are left of the old Narnians.
Prince Caspian fleeing for his life stumbles upon the refuge of some of these old ones, and unwittingly summons the Kings and Queens of Old to Narnia’s aid. Giving breadth and depth to Narnia, with gorgeous landscapes and incredible creatures, there is nothing silly or out of place in this portrayal of the beloved characters.
While the scenes with Prince Caspian’s wicked uncle may seem a bit dark, they are illustrations of avarice and manipulation and the evil that can come from such actions. The costuming for the human characters is exceptionally fine, and the creatures are believable and whimsical without losing any of the integrity with which they were endowed by author C. S. Lewis.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian is presented on three discs in this Collector’s Edition. The first disc contains the fim with a choice of audio commentary with director Andrew Adamson and actors in the film.
Disc Two contains a wealth of specials that should delight any Narnia fan beginning with The Bloopers of Narnia, Deleted Scenes, Inside Narnia: The Adventure Returns, Sets of Narnia: A Classic Comes to Life, Big Movie Comes to a Small Town, Previsualizing Narnia, Talking Animals and Walking Trees: The Magical World of Narnia, Secrets of the Duel, Becoming Trumpkin, Warwick Davis: The Man Behind Nikabrik. Disc Three is a Digital copy of the film.
This belongs in any family DVD library, as well as those who appreciate the literary fantasy genre. Authors C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien were contemporaries and friends, belonging to a literary group that was called the Inklings.
The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Three-Disc Collector's Edition) is now available at Amazon and AmazonUK . Visit the DVD database for more information.
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