Fans of the Harry Potter books and first film will be highly satisfied with the 2nd and better film of the series.  Harry is back at the Dursleys for the summer, and of course he's being treated miserably.  Things appear bleak until Dobby, the house elf, appears and warns Harry not to return to Hogwarts Academy, as there's great danger there.  Of course, Harry disregards this warning, and returns, opening the door for a great adventure, many scares, and thrilling moments. 

Almost from the beginning, "HARRY POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS" offers a better pace than the previous film.  Part of this reason is undoubtedly due to the first film having to lay out the background to so many characters and the school itself.  "CHAMBER OF SECRETS" wants to whisk the viewer away at the start, and it does!  Soon after Harry begins his 2nd year at Hogwarts, he finds a cat has been hung and petrified.  Scrawled above its body are the worlds, "The Chamber of Secrets has been opened." This scene sets the film's overall creepy atmosphere and it's very effective!

Kenneth Branagh is excellent in his role, but then, the entire cast is terrific.  Richard Harris again demonstrates why replacing him will be so difficult. Maggie Smith, Alan Rickman and most of the first film's cast are all back. There's much more depth in this film than the original.  In fact, it's as superior to the first film as "ROAD WARRIOR" was to "MAD MAX!" 

The overall success of the first film may have opened the door even more for a bigger effects budget, for while they were good in the first, they're awesome in this one!

"CHAMBER OF SECRETS" manages to project a much darker tone than the original, but still remain inspired and even delightful!  Most of the previous film's flaws are gone here, and while it still could have benefited from some tighter editing near the end, it's extremely enjoyable, and as we were able to witness first hand by observing our kids, highly re-watchable!  A band of youngsters from 8-14 has watched it 3 times over the weekend, and many screams and laughs could be heard above the soundmix!

WARNER BROS. has preserved the film's correct 2.35:1 aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement. A dreadful "pan & scan" version is also available separately.  As already mentioned, "CHAMBER OF SECRETS" has a much darker tone, but the excellent transfer offers incredible detail throughout the film. Colors are rich and the contrast is excellent, offering incredible depth and clarity in every scene, but especially in darker ones.  None of the abundant grain found in the first film is present either.  Fleshtones appear natural throughout. 

WARNER BROS. has presented a Dolby Digital 5.1 EX mix! The previous film offered an entertaining mix, but "CHAMBER OF SECRETS" is superior to it in many ways.  This mix offers much better definition, and even the film's more subtle effects are extremely effective. While there are long passages wherein surrounds are restrained, these scenes contain crucial dialogue and the effects aren't necessary.  However, when the mix is boosted, watch out!  John Williams' great score is well complimented through all speakers and there are a large variety of directional/panning effects making up most of the film's final third. 

While we're disappointed there's no commentary with the film's director, WARNER BROS. has put together a large amount of satisfying extras!  "YEAR ONE AT HOGWARTS" gives a good overview of the first film for any viewers becoming newly inducted into Potter "lore." 

The "deleted scenes" section is terrific!  While most of the "19" offered are just extensions or shots, there are several which are very worthwhile, offering greater depth to the film's plot and characters. Most impressive is the fact that all of them are presented in their correct aspect ratio, with 16:9 enhancement! They all look as wonderful as the actual film.

While there are many supplementary features, our favorite is "A Conversation with J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves." In it, the two joke around with great candor, and it's more insightful about the adaptation process than we'd expected. 

For those less interested in filmmaking, and wanting to just get "Potter" extras, there are plenty of interviews and featurettes as well.

A terrific release, and worthy of inclusion in every film lover's dvd collection!