Rating: 
Summary: Prove that sequels can be as good as originals
Review: Everyone knows that when you wait anxiously for a movie for a long time your expectations grow higher by the minute and you often go to the theater and become disilusioned due to your exagerated expectaions. Not so for the second movie in the Harry Potter series. This movie exceeded my expectations inmensely. I could barely contain my excitement. The movie, chronicles Harry's second year at Hogwarts and his new adventure. It also does justice to the book. This movie ia absolutely worth it. A must see movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Great Features, but not for Mac computers!
Review: Being an avid Harry Potter fan I looked forward to the DVD and the special features on Disc Two. I was pleased to see the producers went above and beyond the features in the Sorcerer's Stone DVD.Viewing the additional/deleted scenes reminded me just how much Chris Columbus had to cut out of the movie to keep it viewable at 161 minutes. There were quite a few scenes that were true to the book that were (unfortunately) edited out of the final film. Having read the books I feel some of the edited scenes might have helped clarify parts of the storyline somewhat (such as the scene where Harry accidentally arrives in Knockturn Alley...the dialogue between Lucius Malfoy and the shopowner regarding selling Voldemort's belongings were filmed but cut out of the final version...it would have helped explain why Lucius had Tom Riddle's diary with him when he runs into the Weasley's in the bookstore in Diagon Alley...). As an ADULT fan of the Harry Potter books/films, I would like the DVD producers to try to keep us older fans in mind when producing their next DVD features! I really enjoyed the interviews with the actors but wanted more! I would like to have heard about more topics, as well as hearing from more of the actors. (I did appreciate the option to pick and choose the interviews by actor and topic rather than having to endure one long piece). The interview with JK Rowling and Kloves (the screenwriter) was interesting as well. But again, I'd like to hear more from Rowling and Kloves about their collaborative process. The interactive features, especially those of Dumbledore's Office and the tour of Diagon Alley, are absolutely awesome! The computer graphics are better quality than the graphics used in the features part of Sorcerer's Stone and the interactivity of the games (such as the Forest Chase game!!) is improved as well. By the way, if anyone knows how to get out of the Chamber Challenge alive, please post in your review!! However, I thought the Gilderoy Lockhart feature was a waste of valuable space. Again, more interviews or interactive activities would have been better than going through this rehash of Lockhart's vain character. I would like more than anything to see an UNEDITED DIRECTOR'S CUT version of this movie on the DVD. It would be much more palatable to sit through 4 hours in the comfort of my own home than in the theater, and the unedited version would be a delight to see. Also, a feature I really enjoy on DVD's is watching the movie with running commentary from the director, et al. That would be a real treat to learn more about the filming of the Harry Potter movies, but, alas, it is not a feature on this disc (again, that's something that is more adult-oriented...). Finally, my one HUGE DISAPPOINTMENT is in the "Extra Credit" feature. Once again, we Mac users are out on a limb when it comes to DVD-ROM features. I put the second disc in and only got the same special features I got on my television (they looked great on computer though!!). Apparently, the games, screensavers, and activities that are so tantalizingly previewed on the disc are nowhere to be found when the disc is inserted into a Mac computer.
Rating:
Summary: A good movie, but the book is better
Review: This is a good movie. It's wonderfully acted and the effects are terrific. That said, the book is SO MUCH better. The movie leaves so many scenes and details out that in order to enjoy the movie, read the book first. Also, if your child is 3 or younger this movie might be a little scarey for them.
Rating:
Summary: Given the benefit of the doubt . . .
Review: And knowing that most of the other reviews are going to have about two main quibbles with the movie, which is 1) This movie rocks!, and 2) This movie's not good because it's not like the book, I would like to offer another point of view that's sort of in the middle of that debate. To answer the POV #1, yes, this movie is VERY, VERY good! I ended up seeing the movie about nine times in the theater. Something about Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets drew me to see it more often than the Sorcerer's Stone/Philosopher's Stone Movie. The pace in the COS movie was faster and more linear than the first movie, the actors (especially Dan, Rupert, and Emma) were very much improved (as were the special effects), and it was just more exciting and fun to watch. To answer the POV #2, by its nature the movie is NOT like the book at all. Of course, certain editing decisions would have helped the move FEEL more like the book. On Disc 2 of the COS set (thank the gods they took off the "game" to find the extra scenes!!), there were three deleted scenes that I personally felt would have helped the movie out in terms of character development and bringing some of the book's themes to life. I won't give away what is said in those scenes, but you'll know them because the three I'm talking about fall just after the dueling scene (with a BEAUTIFUL long shot of the lake!), during Christmas, and just after Harry leaves the study hall. When you see those scenes, you'll see why they should have been left in the movie. I gave the movie 4 stars because of those deleted scenes, and some other minor characterization quibbles (referring to one other scene, "if you're dying, PLEASE act like it!!"). To summarize, this movie is definitely one for your collection because of the fun and adventure of it. It's very enjoyable and just scary enough to have fun squealling. Just let yourself let go of the idea that the movie HAS to be EXACTLY like the book and it will "go down" more easily. After all, the longest movie in the world can't match the reader's imagination and interpretation of the original source material. Go ahead. Get the movie. Take a risk. Have fun!!
Rating:
Summary: Better and better....
Review: The Chamber of Secrets is such fun for us true Harry Potter fans. A great book comes to the screen without the movie makers changing the story into something else entirely. The cast is coming together as if renewing old friendships. And happily, the younger cast members are picking up the excellent craftsmanship of their stellar elders (Richard Harris, Robbie Coltrane, Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman, etal). Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) is so much more relaxed and natural this time out and both Rupert Grint and Emma Watson remain absolutely wonderful as Ron and Hermione. Most of the rest of the cast is back in force, giving the movie a feel of continuity, just like any other (more ordinary) school. I think that a successful project is often realized in the details. And beautiful care has been taken in making Harry's world perfect, right down to the smallest details. I know this DVD is going to be viewed frequently, and I'm sure I'll see something new each time. Kenneth Branagh has taken complete control of Gilderoy Lockhart. He is just so perfectly "over the top". (There is a very funny little bit after all the credits are over that you will want to be sure to see) And FINALLY, Warner Video was listening when Harry Potter fans told them they fumbled the ball making the first HP DVD. This time, I can find few faults with the special features offered on the second disk. There are lots of really cute extra scene clips and the tour of Dumbledore's office was sharp, clear and far superior to those on the Sorcerer's Stone features disk. I still have some things to explore. Like the DVD-ROM features but even without any of those I still give 5 stars and a big thumbs up to Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets.
Rating:
Summary: Good DVD, but could have been better
Review: I love the Harry Potter movies (and books) and already have the DVD. The movie is wonderful and my older child loves it too. I was however disappointed that the 19 additional/extended scenes were not blended into the theatrical version. I think that Peter Jackson's "Fellowship of the Ring-Extended version" has set a presidence for future DVD releases. I would have enjoyed the movie even more with the deleted scenes returned to the movie. Perhaps that will come later-lets hope!
Rating:
Summary: This movie followed the book very well!
Review: I love all of the Harry Potter books and the first movie disappionted me just slightly because they didnt follow the book as closely as I thought they needed to. I think that this movie followed the book in almost every aspect and they did a very nice job with it. Anyone who enjoyed the first movie will love this and anyone who enjoyed the books will enjoy this movie as well.
Rating:
Summary: Welcome back, Potter...
Review: This second installment in the Harry Potter franchise follows Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and friends Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) as they enter their second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Dark forces are at work as the mysterious Chamber of Secrets is opened, releasing something that threatens the school's students. Harry, despite being a suspect, investigates the dangerous happenings along with the help of his friends, giant spiders, a house elf named Dobby and a magical diary.
The Chamber of Secrets is more sinister than the first film, targeted towards older children and adults. The length of the movie, clocking in at a total of 161 minutes, might be another deterrent for younger viewers. However, the magic of flying cars and wizard duels and another amazing Quidditch match may help to make a great deal of that time vanish. New cast members such as the vain Gilderoy Lockhart (Kenneth Branagh) and menacing Lucius Malfoy (Jason Isaacs) only serve to underscore the incredible casting of this loyal adaptation.
Sadly, this second Harry Potter film was the last appearance of Richard Harris as Albus Dumbledore. Harris passed away due to Hogkin's Disease on October 25, 2002, less than three weeks before the film's theatrical release.
The DVD of this release will contain a number of bonuses aimed at providing more Hogwarts information and entertainment to older children. Beyond the now familiar deleted scenes and interviews we expect on all DVD releases, this disc also provides some fascinating features on the DVD-ROM. The most exciting is the fact that the various components of the DVD-ROM may be activated and controlled using voice-only commands.
Overall, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets provides enough mystery, adventure and wonder to make any movie viewer believe in magic.
Rating: 
Summary: good companion piece
Review: This movie will certainly be snatched up by all HP fans that thronged the theaters when it was released. The special effects and creations of mythical creatures enhance the film. However, as always, the movie cannot stand as a replacement for the book. What the movie obviously lacks is the development of the characters and their relationships. The book's popularity largely is owed to the insight and dialogues of the students of Hogwarts. It is their growth and development that keep the reader riveted as they encounter new and unusual challenges. The movie simply focuses on the challenges. Much of the talented writing found in the book is ignored in the production, perhaps to fit a certain movie time frame. But if you have read the book, it is worth seeing some of the scenes come to life on the screen.
Rating:
Summary: Chris Columbus' second solid Rowling romp
Review: This second Harry Potter film is a fine adventure, and this two-disk DVD edition has fun features. Disc One contains the film (you have to purchase widescreen or fullscreen rather than getting both on one disc -- what's up with that?), which can be heard in English or Spanish, or read in English, Spanish or French. The disc also contains a cast and crew listing (which includes neither Moaning Myrtle nor Mr. Weasley!); a theatrical trailer; and an entertaining synopsis trailer of the first film. Disc Two navigates easily and contains a number of good items, including: an enlightening 16-minute conversation with author Rowling and screenwriter Kloves; charming interview snippets from virtually every speaking actor; production sketches; a photo gallery; a 17-minute behind-the-scenes featurette of the production team as they tackle Dumbledore's Office; Lockhart's Classroom, a facsimile replete with certificates, books and pictures all concerning Magical Him; a quiz; an interactive tour of Diagon Alley that lumbers a bit through Navigation Alley but contains clever images; and two games, one getting through the Chamber of Secrets, the other navigating the flying car through the forest -- the latter looks really fabulous. Nineteen additional scenes are available, and they are a lot of fun. I wish several had been used in the theatrical release, including a fine bridge between (a) Hermione's telling Harry he could, indeed, be the heir of Slytherin, and (b) Harry's feeling the curious stares of his housemates; the scene is beautiful -- Harry looking forlornly out over a Lake District-y looking place. I think it's a scene that could easily have been overplayed, but Radcliffe pulled it off nicely. It convinced me that Radcliffe may grow in the role and benefit from another director. (I'd love to see Tim Burton tackle an instalment!) I think all three young leads are better this time around, and of course the entire supporting cast is flawless. Sets and props are inspired, and the effects are breathtaking. Tom Riddle's wordy denouement is less successful on the screen than it was in the book, but therein lies the difference in the mediums. All in all, I'd say this DVD set is lots of fun. The film is very good and the extras are quite entertaining. Caveat: the movie may be too intense for young viewers, people who don't like spiders, or people who don't like snake-ish things.
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