The Golden Compass (Full-Screen Single-Disc Edition)

Didn’t realize that this was only the first part of the story. Sure would watch more if it ever happens

I'm 80 years old. And still can appreciate beautiful things. I also own well over a thousand movies on dvd and BluRay. If pushed I would place this movie, this story, and above all, the amazing, incredible, astonishing creativeness in the beautiful cinematography of this work as the most enjoyable, exciting one. It is number one. Most of the scenes are simply breathtaking in their originality, the vast grandeur, the variety of settings, and their core richness of concept. NearIy all the characters are magical. Always enjoy almost anything Sam Eliot does. His is a particularly great role in this story. Fits him perfectly. I never tire of re-watching this. It has no equal. As a retired aviator, I was fascinated by the miraculous 'airbus' used by Lyra and Mrs. Coulter. Impossible combination of 17th century and 29th century technology. I can't imagine the creativity of the geniuses who produced this. Who created this amazing alternate universe. The "Lyra" song during the end credits is yet another stunning surprise. Something about it has brought me to tears of joy, and peace! Seems almost like a lullaby of sorts.I was also greatly encouraged by, and enjoyed the premise of the story. Since childhood, I've always looked with sadness, and great dismay on the machinations of any organization bent on subverting truth to further its own goals. This story is a gorgeously done allegory that depicts a physical, as well as a psychological conflict with dishorable, corrupt would-be masters of a different, but similar reality to our own. The parallels are unmistakably clear. If the Catholics of this world see this movie, a simple fantasy, as a threat, then what further indictment is needed? Villainy exists in our world as clearly as it does in Lyra Belacqua's.The conflict in the story that many see as pitting deeply religious thought against free-thinking, seems subtle enough that unless it's used as some kind of proselytizing tool by adults, most kids wouldn't be the slightest bit aware of the imagined import. Just good guys versus bad guys for them. And a wonderful, wild adventure for some kids. Lyra Belacqua sets a superb example of supreme courage and perseverance that I would think any parent would be glad to have kids witness.I highly recommend this movie.I came back here a few years later to add to my original review. Only to add that I just re-purchased this disk! I wanted a backup to be sure that should the first fail. Even here years later, I've come to feel that this work is a masterpiece.

When I discuss this movie with people, they are often surprised to note that it is based on a series of Novels known as the "His Dark Materials" trilogy.  The Golden Compass  is the first of the three novels, and to date the only one made into a motion picture (and based of the general controversy and dismal box office number in the US it's likely to remain that way). I should start by noting that I'm not one of those people who always believes that the book is better than the movie. There are several examples of movies and TV series that really out perform their print editions; Bones, Practical Magic, etc. I do believe; however, that it should be noted that this movie is significantly different from the novel. Please note, if you are a Golden Compass book or His Dark Materials fan, you may want to rent this one before buying.This movie is geared toward a younger child than the books. Given its intended audience it does rather well. There's not much room for character development so Lyra's actions don't always make a great deal of sense.The biblical reference to the "Authority" from the book trilogy has been cleverly removed from the film so it's also not as clear what the character's motivations are. There are some spirited performances; however, from Dakota Blue Richards (Lyra), Nicole Kidman (Ms. Coulter), and Ian McKellen (Iorek Byrnison). Freddie Highmore's vocalization of Pantalaimon (Lyra's Daemon) almost made me turn off the film on 4 separate occasions.Beyond the characters and plot, the visuals are amazing. It's very clear that this movie had a great deal of special effects budget. It was also not afraid to hold some gorey punches (pun intended) here and there.The soundtrack isn't bad, but it's certainly not going to be iTunes' top-seller.The bonus content on the BluRay edition of this film is definitely worth the extra for the two disc edition. Speaking of BluRay, if you are trying to decide between it and the DVD copy for this film I would highly recommend the BluRay edition. There's a lot of graphical wizardry, the kind that BluRay does extremely well.Overall, I think it's worth a rent if you have children, or if you enjoy family type movies. As a fan of the "His Dark Materials" novels I was extremely disappointed, especially with the end of this film. If you are concerned about renting or purchasing this for your family due to the controversy surrounding it, as always make the decision that's right for you, but know that they've greatly downplayed the parts that caused most of the controversy in the novels (for better or worse).If you are interested in other books in the same series as the one this movie was based off of, here you go:- The Subtle Knife, Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition (His Dark Materials, Book 2)(Rough-cut) - The Amber Spyglass, Deluxe 10th Anniversary Edition (His Dark Materials, Book 3)(Rough-cut) - Lyra's Oxford

This movie is so good. I'm so sad New Line never made the rest of it. ☹️

I did not take the kids to see this when it was released at the theater due to mixed reviews and the busy holiday season. I just picked up the bluray disc and we watched it over the weekend. If you are into fantasy films or your kids are it's a must rent or own. Forget about the anti-christian political stuff, there was no inkling of this in the film at all. It was a high quality film on the same par as some of the Potter movies. It is a step above the first installement of the Narnia movies. I attribute this to the higher quality of acting and editing.You know a movie is a keeper when your 12 and 14 year old kids want to watch it again after the first viewing. My only gripe is with the ending. As others have said it does not do enough to tie everthing together. I realize that their intent was to draw you into a sequal, but there was no sequel in production and there are no definite plans for one as of today due to poor domestic revenue. All that said it is still worth the price of a rental or a purchase for all but the last 5 minutes. It looks fantastic on my bluray player and hi def projector too!

This Movie Rates 5 stars, however this was meant to be a Trilogy @ least ! But alas nothing was ever done & most of the actors are now to old or have just moved on.(The packaging etc. were all perfect)

excellent film BUT there were supposed to be two further films to complete the story. Unfortunately due, YET AGAIN, to religious over reactions (especially from the American bible belt) the sequels were never made so we never got a proper ending. You have been warned.

I haven't read the Pullman books yet, so I came to this film with few expectations or preconceived ideas. As a fantasy film, it's beautifully produced, and I enjoyed spotting the Oxford locations I've been to. Story-wise, it's a bit disappointing. There is so much crammed in without a chance to really develop the characters or even give a strong sense of the issues at play. It's a great adventure story but it could have been so much more. The most disappointing thing is the lack of a real ending - especially given that there's no sequel coming. I felt as though things were really only just beginning when the film ended. As for this being the 'extended' edition, the marketing people obviously have a different definition to the one I'm familiar with. The film was the same length as the regular version. Yes, there's a second disk with extras, but the film itself isn't extended in any way whatsoever. The other thing that annoys me with the production is that I needed to keep the remote in my hand to adjust the volume - music and fight scenes were so much louder than dialogue to such an extent that my volume ranged from 7 to 20. To my mind that's poor mixing and editing.I loved Nicole Kidman as Mrs Coulter - suitably cold and menacing; Jim Carter as John Faa; and of course Ian McKellan as the voice of Iorek the bear. It's obvious that this was Dakota Blue Richard's first film and at times her clichéd performance was annoying, but other times she showed the potential that fuelled her later performance in The Secret of Moonacre.I didn't hate this film and I've no doubt I'll watch it again at some point, but I don't think it'll be on my 'watch at least once a year' list.

This review is of the Bluray Extended 2 disc.There are no additional scenes. It's the theatrical release with some extras, making of etc.The Dark Materials trilogy is a major work of modern fiction and it is hard to see how such a beautifully crafted novel could ever really be made into a movie that reflects the subtle artistry that Pullman gave it. Having said that, this sanitised adventure version is not that bad.Cast is very good, especially the delightful Dakota who almost steps our of the pages of the novel - at least visually.It is a crappy ending like they'd run out of money or were so sure that they were creating the first instalment of a franchise.Weitsz seems sincere as the writer / director and so it may be that the studio pulled a fast one on him with regard to this. Though I would have thought a lover of the books would fight for the integrity of his adaptation.All in all it is a nice looking film, well acted and an enjoyable watch - unless you are a Pullman die-hard, in which case it wil be a species of torture.

My children have both read the Northern Lights, so I was keen for them to see the film, and it did not disappoint. Well adapted for the screen, with great special affects and jam packed full of great actors giving wonderful performances.The DVD was an excellent price, well package and arrived swiftly.

Dvd arrived in great condition and as advertised. Great to know it's helping a hospice raise funds. Bought for my son to watch as he's just finished reading the books. A shame so much was missed from the books (apparently!) and also a shame that it doesn't cover to the end of the first book (again apparently!!) when it doesn't seem as if any sequels are going to be made. However it was an ok film to watch if you have an hour or so spare and reading the books beforehand wasn't an issue.