Review of Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets (Widescreen)

Introduction

When it comes to talking about sequels, you almost inevitably come up against that terrible phrase "The Law Of Diminishing Returns". Applied to movies, it`s that unwritten law that a sequel is never as good as the original and often tarnishes the reputation of that original film. In the case of "Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets", the phrase just doesn`t apply.

If anything it`s a hell of a lot better than the first film, and that was an instant classic. "Chamber Of Secrets" throws you straight into the action and doesn`t let up for two-and-a-half hours. The plot is darker and more complex than year one, bringing in concepts that are deeper than you`ll find in a lot of `grown-up` fare, such as racial purity and Harry`s personal identity. It`s a rip-roaring adventure of good wizards, bad wizards, lousy wizards and enormous spiders and snakes.

The movie is founded on the three leads - Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) - all of whom have grown not only literally but as actors since the first movie and the adult stars are their supporting cast. As well as the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore, the ever wonderful Maggie Smith as Professor McGonagall and Robbie Coltrane as the dependent Hagrid, there are wonderful performances from Jason Isaacs as Draco Malfoy`s dad Lucius and Kenneth Branagh as the new Defence Against The Black Arts teacher, the vain Gilderoy Lockhart.

J.K.Rowling`s strong storyline is the backbone of the movie, and a few liberties have been taken with well-loved scenes from the book, but then the movie would have been nearer seven hours long if it had been lifted word for word from the page. Steve Kloves has adapted the work with a sure hand, and only total purists could possibly be disappointed with the end result.

Video

The image is immaculate. Presented in full, anamorphic 2.35:1, the movie is pin-sharp, with a vivid colour palette and excellent contrast and detail. The effects work is nothing short of dazzling, and on repeated viewings I am sure many might find themselves freezing-frame to admire the sheer craftwork of the sets and shots.

Audio

"Chamber Of Secrets" is your top-of-the-range family blockbuster and comes with a suitable Dolby Digital 5.1EX soundtrack that offers a lively surround mix that often startles. John Williams` score echoes much of that from "Philosopher`s Stone", but has an identity of its own with new sweeping themes and if anything is a better score than the original.

Features

Whoa! There was a lot of ill-feeling from fans about extras on the first film. Warners had played it safe by aiming what they saw as a kids` film at younger viewers (and possibly alienated them by being a little too patronising). The second disc redresses the balance.

First a word in passing about the movie disc itself. As well as the movie and subtitles in English and Arabic, there is a small text piece reproducing the cast and credits list, a trailer for "Year One" and a theatrical trailer for "Chamber Of Secrets". The digipack wrap mentions a teaser trailer, but there is no menu option for this so I presume it has been omitted from the disc. A bit sloppy of Warners not to have altered the packaging.

The second disc is very satisfactory with some DVD-ROM content including voice control. The outstanding items are in the main extras category. There are nineteen "additional" scenes included on the disc in anamorphic 2.35:1 (but only DD2.0 sound). These scenes are all very short, consisting of running-time trims and the "Heir of Slytherin" subplot. Nothing earthshattering but all nice little scenes that might as well have been in the main feature.

There are interviews with J.K.Rowling and Steve Kloves, short interviews with the young stars of the movie and the older thespians. It is interesting to see which of the adult actors take themselves more seriously than others. There is an extensive gallery of production sketches, some of which are genuine dyed-in-the-wool masterpieces, and a two-stage piece on Dumbledore`s office. This may sound boring but is in actual fact a very nice making-of piece coupled with a steadicam roam around the set which you can navigate with your remote control. This is another opportunity to wallow in the craftsmanship of the film technicians.

There is a demo of the EA Games title of the same name, and a "Spellcaster Knowledge" quiz reminiscent of the stuff that got the first disc such a lot of flak. "Activities" offer a tour and "challenge" of the Chamber Of Secrets itself. There is also a "Forbidden Forest Challenge". Colin Creevey is a hyper little first-year with a camera who follows Harry around (more in the book than the film), but there is a visit to his darkroom, and finally a tour of Diagon Alley.

Lastly is the jokey "Gilderoy Lockhart`s Classroom" section full of pictures of Kenneth Branagh`s character being brave and resourceful, his irredeemably self-promoting books and the many certificates confirming his greatness. You should see the titles of the main feature right to the end for a great gag about the character.

Conclusion

This is great fun for the whole family. If you haven`t been blessed with issue, treat your inner moppet to this movie. One slight word of warning, arachnophobes might find some scenes a little strong as might some very small members of the audience. Ron is still fond of saying "bloody", so those of a sensitive disposition might be offended. For the rest of us, it`s a delightful diversion before the publication of the fifth novel in June.