Product: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (Two Disc Edition + BD-Live) [Blu-ray] (2008)
Rating: 4.0
Excellent Film Made by People Who Love the Narnia Books
This is an excellent film based on one of the more difficult C.S. Lewis Narnia books to translate to film. I understand how many fans of the Narnia books could be disappointed with the film. There were alterations to the storyline. However, when you read the book, you have to realize that it wouldn't translate well to film if presented as written on the page. The narration jumps back and forth and as a film it would have been too confusing. I have read all of the Narnia books and of all seven in the series, Prince Caspian is my least favorite. That is not because it isn't a good book. It stands on its own merits as a good book, but not as engaging as some of the others in the series.This film did not do as well at the box office as the first film (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe). However, it still qualifies as a smashing success and will pave the way for the next book to be filmed.Individuals may be unaware that C.S. Lewis' stepson Douglas Gresham is intimately involved in the production of the Narnia films. The scripts must meet his approval before they go before the camera. This film had his blessings. He is very passionate about preserving the integrity of the books. He agreed that to do the basic story justice as a film the plot had to be altered so the story could be told in a linear fashion.A lot of talented people were involved in the making of Prince Caspian, many of whom are passionate fans of the series. The results are an epic, beautiful film that stands on its own. The acting, production, music and special effects all work together to make a film that will be loved for ages to come.If these films continue to do well at the box-office, the producers have promised to try and make all seven books into films. Some will be more difficult than others. Prince Caspian made over $500 million in worldwide box-office revenues, and in the next few months filming will begin on the next in the series: The Voyage of the Dawntreader. That book is one of my favorites of the Narnia books. It will be directed by Michael Apted. Here's to hoping that film will have even better box office success so that other books in the series can be brought to life at the cinema.