“Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets” is the second outing of the magical young man who has stolen the attention of boys and girls around the world. Based on the writings of J.K. Rowling, the series follows the exploits of Harry as he learns and grows amongst other wizards-to-be at Hogwart’s School. What’s not to like about Harry Potter? The books are ripe with adventure and mystery, and are written in such a way as to help children make the transition from ‘kiddie books’ to more adult fare. (And in some parts of the country, I understand they’ve helped some adults make the transition, too. Hee Hee.) The great thing about the movies, unlike many books made into films, is there is a concerted effort to stick to the story with minimal changes.

I was so impressed when I first saw “Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone.” I had recently read the book to my son, so being familiar with it, I marveled at how it successfully re-created what I had imagined. Everything was as I had pictured it. But as good as it was, I have to admit to liking the sequel even more.

“Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets” is a much, much darker story, filled with whispering voices, giant spiders, enormous serpents and dangerous battles to the death. There’s still a lot of humor to be sure, but the villains are far more villainous, the frights far more frightening, and in some cases death… far more permanent.

There’s also some new faces added to this installment, most notably that of Kenneth Branagh as Gilderoy Lockart. When I read the book, I immediately loved this character. As the braggart ‘Wizard’s Wizard’ who writes best-selling books about his own exploits, I imagined a character likened to a carpetbagger. Always out to sell something. Who better than Branagh to play this pompous oaf? No one that I could think of.

Sadly, “Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets” also marks the passing of the great Richard Harris. As Hogwart’s Headmaster Dumbledore, Harris created a character of quiet dignity. He was able to exude a sense of power and authority with little more than a look. He will be sorely missed.

Like the DVD release of the first movie, Warner Brothers held nothing back in the way of extras and features in this new double disc set. The first disc contains a brief catch up of the events of the first movie and a cast and crew listing. Disc two is where you’ll find everything else. The best being an interview with author J.K Rowling and screenwriter Steve Kloves.

The audio and video transfer on “Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets” is incredible; the images are all extremely sharp and clear. As the film is very dark in parts, this clarity is extremely important in order to catch everything that is going on.

Oddly enough, there are a lot of detractors to the series out there. Many religious groups seem to think the books and movies are evil, and teach our children to believe in something other than God. They see their kids going around pretending to be Harry and casting spells against their imaginary enemies and somehow this is a bad thing. This is complete and utter hogwash. Have these people forgotten ‘Cowboys and Indians’, ‘Cops and Robbers’ or playing ‘Army?’ Playing ‘Harry’ is no different. Kids have imaginations that should be nurtured, and that’s what the Harry Potter series does. If a child has a problem understanding the difference between what is real and imagined, I believe the problem lies with the parents (though they’ll scream and holler otherwise).

Then there’s the film ‘purists’ that believe that any movie that makes money is a commercial sell-out intended to be a cash cow with no redeemable cinematic value. I’d like to remind these ‘intellectually challenged’ people that while there is room for films that teach or enlighten, there is nothing wrong with films that merely entertain.

Directed by: Chris Columbus
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grant, Emma Watson, Kenneth Branagh, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Richard Griffiths, Richard Harris, Jason Isaacs, Alan Rickman, Fiona Shaw, Maggie Smith, Julie Walters
Extras: 19 additional/extended scenes, Lockhart's Classroom: visit Lockhart’s class, and get a closer look at his photo gallery, certificates, required reading list, and memorabilia through the use of still galleries, Behind Hogwarts: Conversation with author J.K. Rowling and screenwriter Steve Kloves about rendering the adventure to the screen, "Dumbledore's Office" with a ‘Build A Scene’ featurette, or an interactive tour
Specifications: Available in Full Screen and Widescreen Versions, Dolby Digital 5.1
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: 4/11/2003
Region 1
MPAA Rating: PG (Scary Moments, Some Creature Violence and Mild Language)
Website: http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/home.html

© 2003 Warner Home Video. Harry Potter Publishing Rights © J.K.R. HARRY POTTER, characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros.

We'll give Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets an A.