Directed by Michael Apted, this swashbuckling adventure is based on the third novel in C.S. Lewis' beloved series. With their older Pevensie siblings—Peter (William Moseley) and Susan (Anna Popplewell)—out of the picture, hot-tempered Edmund (Skandar Keynes) and self-doubting Lucy (Georgia Henley) are placed in the care of their uncle in Cambridge during World War II, much to the dismay of their nasty cousin Eustace (Will Poulter). One afternoon, as the youngsters gaze at a painting of a galleon, they're suddenly engulfed by water and swept into a fantastical world. The ship is the Dawn Treader--commanded by Narnia's Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes)—embarked on a treacherous quest to acquire the seven missing magical swords of the Lords of Telmar, which must be placed on the table of the mighty lion, Aslan (voiced by Liam Neeson), in order to break an evil spell. Along the way, the youngsters are tempted and tested, and Aslan eventually informs Lucy and Edmund that they can no longer visit Narnia, but will know him as someone else in their world (Lewis' Christian allusion being quite clear). While the plot details often seem murky, the characters are colorful (particularly sardonic Eustace, who turns into a fierce dragon, mentored by a courageous little rat named Reepicheep--voiced by Simon Pegg), and a climactic battle with a monstrous sea serpent is truly exciting. Recommended, overall. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by director Michael Apted and producer Mark Johnson, deleted scenes (5 min.), and trailers. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release is an “Islands Exploration” interactive menu which includes six locations to visit (each with brief segments on various creatures and locations), a visual effects progression with optional audio commentary (13 min.), a “Good vs. Evil: Battle on the Sea” behind-the-scenes featurette (11 min.), a “Making a Scene” segment (9 min.), a “Portal to Narnia: A Painting Comes to Life” behind-the-scenes featurette (8 min.), “The Secret Island: Untold Adventures of the Dawn Treader” animated short (7 min.), a “Direct Effect with Michael Apted” production segment (7 min.), “King Caspian's Guide to the Dawn Treader” segment on legends and lore (6 min.), “ In Character with Liam Neeson” (5 min.), “In Character with Georgie Henley and Will Poulter” (5 min.), “The Epic Continues” featurette on the series (3 min.), a “Search for the Seven Swords” match game, bonus DVD and digital copies of the film, a collectible postcard book, and the BD-Live function. Bottom line: a fine Blu-ray extras package for a solid entry in the franchise.] (S. Granger)
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
Fox, 112 min., PG, DVD: $29.98, Blu-ray: $39.99, Apr. 8 Volume 26, Issue 2
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
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