HisDarkMaterials.org - Opinions

Review: The Golden Compass Best Buy Bonus Disc

HisDarkMaterials.org — Sun, 04 May 2008 05:08:41 +0200

Thought I'd drop a word in on the Best Buy Bonus Disc. I've watched the full thing over now and I have to say, things like this make DVDs what they are. There are no deleted scenes, but you sometimes catch the "behind the cameras" view as the cameras are filming small instances of cut footage - things like the Librarian saying "Master" at the end of his first line, or Farder Coram explaining "alethia is Greek, meaning 'truth'."

Keep in mind this is only about forty-five minutes of film, no fancy menu titles involved.

Review: Dark Matter - Jeff's Review

HisDarkMaterials.org — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:35:08 +0100

Of the several books on Pullman’s His Dark Materials read by this reviewer (about a half-dozen or so), this one is, without a doubt, the best, most insightful and informative of all. Watkins does a superb job of analyzing the background issues (which provide the literary setting for the trilogy) and the stories themselves, both explaining and respectfully criticizing Pullman’s work. In the preface of the book, Watkins states, “I am unashamedly a fan (of the trilogy), but I also take issue with Pullman on the question of his attack on God and Christianity” (page 7). Watkins thus writes as an enthusiast of Pullman’s stories, but also as one who respectfully disagrees with the beliefs and perspective of the author and carefully explains the reasons for his different position.

Review: Discovering The Golden Compass - Jeff's Review

HisDarkMaterials.org — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 19:02:14 +0100

Despite its title, George Beahm’s Discovering The Golden Compass is a wide-ranging book that goes far beyond the single topic of The Golden Compass. Besides a section on the three books of the trilogy, this book also includes major sections on the life of Philip Pullman and on various presentations based on Pullman’s work such as live plays and the recently released movie by the same name.

Review: Michael McLennen on The Golden Compass Soundtrack pt. 2

HisDarkMaterials.org — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:38:00 +0100

Track-by-Track Analysis (Total running time: 74 mins 3 secs)

NOTE: This is a re-written version of my original soundtrack review, which appeared here. Having now seen the film, I felt it was worth re-considering the soundtrack with the film in mind. All questions are welcomed by PM

Warning: Spoilers aplenty lie ahead. I’ve tried also to minimise key spoilers from the narrative by referring to some plot issues elusively, but do be warned – you will know a lot more about the story if you read this than if you don’t.

Review: Michael McLennen on The Golden Compass Soundtrack pt. 1

HisDarkMaterials.org — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:23:39 +0100

Music composed and conducted by Alexandre Desplat Orchestrated by Alexandre Desplat and Conrad Pope Performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, and soloists Album produced by Alexandre Desplat

Review: The World of the Golden Compass

HisDarkMaterials.org — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:12:53 +0100

I received The World of the Golden Compass through the mail today, and after feeling important and official carrying a Global Priority packet (complete with the amazing rip-off strip that English post is sadly lacking!), I was surprised at the size. From the few images of the book I had seen, I expected it to be around A4 size, yet this book is somewhere between A4 and A5, which is perfect for reference books. The cover is very well presented, and I like the image of the Alethiometer that graces the centre - obviously (and quite quickly) computer-rendered, but that adds to the charm of the book, in my view (it also perfectly sums up my review! Stay tuned!). The blurb on the back cover is quirky and refreshing; clearly this book is, although meant for reference, a fun journey through many topics, including why it's a bad idea to have dinner with Mrs Coluter and what to do when your dæmon is your laptop (guilty as charged!). A cursory flick-through gives me great pleasure to say that each essay within this collection is referenced (properly! :D ), and footnotes are everywhere to help with some of the tougher points without the essay deviating from the point.

Review: Exploring His Dark Materials

HisDarkMaterials.org — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 02:54:06 +0100

In the preface of her book, Lois Gresh writes: “This book delves into the subjects behind His Dark Materials. As such, it is not a book about the story lines and subplots, the characterization, and the writing style in His Dark Materials. Instead, the focus is on angels, souls, the afterlife, Dust, dark matter, and quantum entanglement: the meat of the books.” Gresh’s book, therefore, is not a literary analysis of Pullman’s stories; instead, it offers a thorough discussion of the topics and subjects dealt with in the stories—topics that form the background of these stories.

Review: The Elements of His Dark Materials - Jason's review

HisDarkMaterials.org — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:47:52 +0100

Why should you buy The Elements of His Dark Materials: A Guide to Philip Pullman’s Trilogy, by Laurie Frost? What makes it different from all the other books which have been rushed to publication to cash in on the success of our favorite series? Well, here’s what Philip Pullman says:

Review: The Elements of His Dark Materials - Ian's review

HisDarkMaterials.org — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:40:19 +0100

The His Dark Materials trilogy has, like many works of its high quality, lead to the publication of a number of reference materials and analytical texts. The latest (published this month), and quite definitely most comprehensive yet seen, is The Elements of His Dark Materials: A Guide to Philip Pullman’s Trilogy by American Laurie Frost (her dæmon is a sloth).

Review: The Elements of His Dark Materials - Edd's review

HisDarkMaterials.org — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:37:03 +0100

This book dropped onto my doormat a little over two weeks ago. The first thing you notice is the size of the book, it is very thick. This is a portend of the extreme levels of detail that are about to be uncovered.

Review: The Magical Worlds of Philip Pullman

HisDarkMaterials.org — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:34:56 +0100

Philip Pullman was wrong.

That was my first thought after finishing David Colbert's The Magical Worlds of Philip Pullman. What I'm referring to is the front cover Pullman quote: "Intelligent and perceptive...This is a good guide." A guide will help you navigate and find your way, Magical Worlds is much better described by Colbert himself: "a treasury of fascinating facts." And it is, indeed, a treasury - a highly unusual one with those prominently displayed locked golden gem-encrusted brilliantly lit chests stuck through with a key awaiting only the turn of your wrist.

Review: The Science of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials

HisDarkMaterials.org — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:30:54 +0100

Mary and John Gribbin's The Science of Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials is a nice starting companion for young readers interested in discovering more about how Pullman's universe uses our own science as a base for much of the storytelling. If you've ever wondered how experimental theology becomes science, this will be a good place to begin.

Review: Darkness Visible: Inside the world of Philip Pullman

HisDarkMaterials.org — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:25:59 +0100

Darkness Visible: Inside the World of Philip Pullman, authored by Nicholas Tucker, begins with some very clear ambitions. Tucker organizes his book to tell a bit of Pullman's life, his books, and how everything ties neatly into the creation and execution of the story of His Dark Materials. The book reads very nicely like a novel rather than some awkward sparknotes on Pullman or a bland history and a bit of preaching.

Review: Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials: A Multiple Allegory

HisDarkMaterials.org — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:21:58 +0100

Author Leonard F. Wheat's Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials: a Multiple Allegory divides itself three ways with the bulk of the book devoted to tackling His Dark Materials as it relates to two instances of allegory, and a third section of symbolic connections to be drawn between Pullman's writing and our own history. If words like "allegory" and "symbolic" don't get the clockworkings of your brain itching for some connections to wander around, this might not be for you. The first section of the book concentrates on an allegorical retelling of The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe within Pullman's trilogy, the second dives into Paradise Lost and the third is fairly accurately summed up in its chapter title of "Missionaries, Darwin, and Conclusion."

Review: Golden Compass Premiere, Victoria Point, Australia

HisDarkMaterials.org — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 12:45:15 +0100

9am, December 26th. The horde of His Dark Materials fans gather around the front door of the still closed Victoria Point Cinema in eager anticipation of the 10.30am showing of the movie. Okay I lie, it’s just me. But by 9.30 some others have joined me in the wait for the cinema to open; not until 9.50. There are some here for Golden Compass too; but mostly just for a Boxing Day morning movie.