The gorgeous movie version of The Narnia Chronicles: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe takes your breath away with its spectacular sets and amazing special effects. Although the film is probably too long and frightening for very young children, most other viewers will be captivated while watching what happens to siblings who discover a strange land inhabited by talking animals, mythological creatures and one of the meanest witches imaginable. As a Christian allegory, the movie highlights prophecy, forgiveness and sacrifice while weaving cinematic magic throughout almost every scene.

Based on the popular book by C. S. Lewis, the story begins during World War II when London children are evacuated to protect them from frequent bombing raids. The four Pervensie siblings end up in a country mansion with many rooms, a stern housekeeper and an owner (Jim Broadbent) who is seldom seen. When the youngsters decide to play a game of hide and seek, Lucy (Georgie Henley), the youngest, finds refuge in a huge wardrobe closet. Imagine her surprise when she comes out the other side of the wardrobe into a landscape filled with snow and meets a very friendly faun who invites her to tea in his humble hut!

Of course, Lucy is not believed by her older sister (Anna Popplewell) and two brothers (Skandar Keynes and William Mosely) -- at least not until they all manage to go through the wardrobe and arrive in Narnia themselves. Their adventures in this wintry land ruled by the White Witch (Tilda Swinton) form the basis for the simple plot. Simple, yes. But eminently watchable, thanks to director Andrew Adamson (Shrek) and his filmmaking crew as well as to Swinton and Henley, who deliver spellbinding performances. Swinton’s dazzling White Witch character, whose beauty is enhanced by sophisticated hair-dos and outrageously stunning costumes, is manipulative to the max -- sometimes oh-so helpful and, without warning, turning quickly into evil with a capital “E.”

In contrast, little Henley portrays Lucy as innocence personified. This darling new actress reminds me of the great Judy Garland as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She projects that same appealing vulnerability and sense of wonder. And, like Dorothy, Lucy makes friends with an important Lion (voiced by Liam Neeson), but definitely NOT a cowardly one. 

Once the Pervensie children are in Narnia, they must defeat the White Witch in order to fulfill a prophecy. Unfortunately, one of the brothers betrays the group. How will Aslan the Lion help bring the family back together? What sacrifice will be needed to win the upcoming battle between good and evil? If you have read the book, you know the answers. Even so, you absolutely must see how all this plays out on screen, especially the exciting sequence showing two huge armies composed of centaurs, giants, ogres, unicorns, fauns and animals of all kinds ferociously fighting each other on a Narnia battlefield.

The Narnia Special Two-Disc Collectors Edition DVD, available on April 4 (2006), features almost ten hours of bonus materials. It’s a beautiful entertainment package that includes such items as bloopers, fun facts, commentaries by the kids as well as the by filmmaker, an in-depth look at all aspects involved in the creation of Narnia, and an enlightening featurette about author C.S. Lewis. A Single-Disc DVD version is also being released on April 4. Bonus features for this version include the bloopers, fun facts and commentaries.

My advice? Be sure to watch the movie first. Viewing the detailed DVD bonus features before seeing the film might spoil Narnia’s magical spell for you.            

(Released by Walt Disney Pictures/Walden Media and rated “PG” for battle sequences and frightening moments. Bonus features not rated.)