Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets

First sequels are the true test of an enduring movie franchise, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets passes with flying colors. Expanding upon the lavish sets, special effects, and grand adventure of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry involves a darker, more malevolent tale (parents with younger children beware), beginning with the petrified bodies of several Hogwarts students and magical clues leading Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) to a 50-year-old mystery in the monster-laden Chamber of Secrets. House elves, squealing mandrakes, giant spiders, and venomous serpents populate this loyal adaptation (by Sorcerer's Stone director Chris Columbus and screenwriter Steve Kloves), and Kenneth Branagh delightfully tops the supreme supporting cast as the vainglorious charlatan Gilderoy Lockhart (be sure to view past the credits for a visual punchline at Lockhart's expense). At 161 minutes, the film suffers from lack of depth and uneven pacing, and John Williams' score mostly reprises established themes. The young, fast-growing cast offers ample compensation, however, as does the late Richard Harris in his final screen appearance as Professor Albus Dumbledore. Brimming with cleverness, wonderment, and big-budget splendor, Chamber honors the legacy of J.K. Rowling's novels. --Jeff Shannon

Theatrical International release dates:
Europe: Nov 15, 02
Japan: Nov 23, 02
Australia: Nov 28, 02

Movie Details

Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson (II), Fiona Shaw, Toby Jones
MPAA Rating: PG
Running time: 161 min
DVD Aspect Ratios: 2.35:1

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DVD Features:

Available Subtitles: English, Spanish, French

Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1 EX), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1 EX)

19 additional/extended scenes

Interviews with Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Rupert Grint (Ron), Emma Watson (Hermione) and other cast members

An exclusive interview with author J.K. Rowling and screenwriter Steve Kloves

Self-guided tours allowing viewers to linger on the details of the Chamber of Secrets, including places never shown in the film such as more Diagon Alley shops

Activities allow viewers to escape the Forbidden Forest, sneak into the Chamber and more

Visit Lockhart's class and get a closer look at his photos and memorabilia through the use of still galleries

Keep track of events with the Hogwarts official, animated timeline

DVD-ROM has more than 15 special features including: The One VoiceDVD technology will allow users to navigate through the DVD-ROM features and access set top features using only their voices; an animated, interactive Hogwarts timeline; a slider puzzle challenge; printable magic trading cards; jigsaw puzzles, matching challenges, downloadable screensavers and more

International rating:

Europe: PG
Australia: M

DVD International release dates:
North America: Apr 11, 03