Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets [2002] [DVD]

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

Synopsis
Director Chris Columbus recreates the magic of the second book from author J.K. Rowling's best-selling series about a young wizard, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe). In this sequel, Harry and his friends Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the new school year only to be met with a terrifying mystery. An unknown creature, one that supposedly lives in the legendary Chamber of Secrets hidden at Hogwarts, is attacking students in the school, leaving them literally petrified and as cold as stone. Even the professors seem at a loss for how to solve the chilling mystery, leaving it up to Harry and his friends to save the day. Rowling's story translates well to the big screen, with a magical flying car, a giant spider, a house elf named Dobby, and assorted other creatures making their film debuts. Radcliffe continues to charm as the wide-eyed young Potter, and Grint shines as his best friend and sidekick. Kenneth Branagh joins the all-star cast as the preening megalomaniac author and professor, Gilderoy Lockhart. HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS also stars the late Richard Harris, majestic Maggie Smith, and an under-used Alan Rickman.

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