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DVD Review

The Golden Compass (2008)

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BEAR WITNESS The Golden Compass's DVD extras hint at behind-the-scenes drama that led to a visual feast in service of muddled storytelling

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Credits

Release Date: Dec 07, 2007; Rated: PG-13; DVD Release Date: Apr 29, 2008; Genre: Fantasy; With: Nicole Kidman and Dakota Blue Richards; Distributor: New Line Cinema

By Ty Burr

Ty Burr

Ty Burr is a writer at large for EW and is no relation to Raymond or Aaron

Half the drama is in the EXTRAS, specifically reading between the lines of The Golden Compass two-disc set's commentary and 11 featurettes. In the former, writer-director Chris Weitz defends his adaptation of the first novel in Philip Pullman's fantasy trilogy. But in a making-of, Weitz looks like a man besieged by producers and his own insecurities. The film splits the difference: It's a visually awe-inspiring otherworld whose story is served up in awkward chunks. The kid (Dakota Blue Richards) is a find and Ian McKellen gives good bear, but this movie actually needed to be longer. B-

Posted May 02, 2008

More

Movie News New Line downsizes (Apr 25, 2008) | Nicole Sperling
Movie Review The Golden Compass (Dec 07, 2007) | Owen Gleiberman
Book Commentary Bestselling fiction hits theaters
Movie News ''The Golden Compass'' disappoints at the box-office (Dec 07, 2007) | Missy Schwartz
Cover Story ''The Golden Compass'' controversy (Dec 07, 2007) | Jeff Jensen
Movie News CGI magic in ''The Golden Compass'' (Dec 07, 2007) | Benjamin Svetkey

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