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-
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
Details Release Date: Apr 29, 2008; DVD Release Date: Apr 29, 2008; Movie Rated: PG-13; Genre: Sci-fi and Fantasy; With: Nicole Kidman and Dakota Blue Richards; Distributor: New Line Cinema
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