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Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Two Disc Widescreen Edition) [2002]
from Warner Home Video
starring Daniel Radcliffe|Rupert Grint|Emma Watson|Kenneth Branagh
directed by Chris Columbus

Features:

• PAL
• Widescreen

Editorial Review:

The world's most famous boy wizard dives straight into a darker and more thrilling magical adventure in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. It's practically the same set-up--something evil's afoot at Hogwarts; Harry and his pals must put it right--but fans of the books won't be disappointed. Director Chris Columbus, whose artistic licence is necessarily limited by the demands of adapting JK Rowling's phenomenally popular novel, does a spectacular job rendering Rowling's imaginary world: the production design and costumes are fascinating in their own right; such is the impressive attention to detail.

Daniel Radcliffe gives a more assured performance here as Harry, though he's not quite strong enough to carry the film without the aid of an excellent ensemble cast of experienced adults, notably a twinkly-eyed Kenneth Branagh. Of course, most viewers will already know what's going to happen as far as the story is concerned, so for them the pleasure in watching The Chamber of Secrets lies in the visualisation of Rowling's magical creations and the verve brought to the action sequences. It's fantastic fun for kids and a good excuse to regress back to childhood for the rest of us. --Laura Bushell

On the DVD: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets's first disc offers the film in all its fine widescreen (2.35:1) and surround-sound glory--it's a shame they didn't think of adding a commentary.

The second disc's special features are sparse compared to last year's release, most notably the games, which are simpler and dull in comparison to The Philosopher's Stone. Gilderoy Lockhart's classroom offers nothing magical, and the interviews with teachers and students offer only snippets of the actors' thoughts on their characters. Don't get over excited about the "Build a Scene" feature as, unfortunately, this is not a miracle of modern DVD technology, but a simple featurette. The real gem on the disc is a 16-minute interview with JK Rowling and Steve Kloves about the transfer from book to screen. --Nikki Disney

Customer Reviews:

• Avg. Customer Rating: 4.0 / 5.0

• If you like the first film, you'll like this.
  This film has a very similar feel to the first movie. It moves at a similar pace and the story is just as mediocre. Its not a bad film by any stretch of the imagination, in fact, when in a certain mood I can happily watch this movie and enjoy it. However, just like the first film, it is nothing special but just about keeps you interested enough to watch the next installment. I like fantasy and escapism movies and although this is not as good as the 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy or as funny as 'stardust' ...... more info

• another entertaing installent
  really good sequel that delivers the goods,its a tad overlong but its very entertaining flick that kids and parents can all enjoy

• Magic for all muggles
  It's Harry's second year at Hogwarts and Voldermort hasn't given up on trying to kill off our hero, Harry Potter and rise to power again. This year he's enlisting the help of a giant snake which puts a strain on Harry's friendships as he's the only one who can hear what it's about to do next.
  This marks the second successful transformation from page to screen for the Harry Potter series. A new adventure, better acting and some sterling performances from some of the best vintage, british acting talents... more info

• Despite Warnings, Harry Returns to Hogwarts
  All that is keeping Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) going through the summer is the thought of returning to school. Once again, his relatives are treating him poorly. And now that he knows he's a wizard, Hogwarts is the only place he feels at home.
  But he almost doesn't make it back. First an elf appears and warns him to stay away. Then the entrance to the train platform is sealed to him.
  Things quickly turn serious once he does show up at Hogwarts. Harry keeps hearing voices in the walls that no... more info

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