By Kit-Kat

It is very rare that I run across anyone who has not either read some (if not all) of The Chronicles of Narnia, or at least has seen the latest film adaptation for The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Oddly enough I myself have only read the second book from C.S. Lewis' epic tale and of that, I dimly recall having my own childhood adventures of the transporting closet. Why I never read the rest of the books I cannot say. Even now, reading them doesn't appeal to me so I am extremely glad to know this tale is going to continue on the silver screen.

When I first saw the movie in the theatre I was impressed, but not on the level of my other childhood obsession for The Lord of the Rings trilogy. And I know I'm not the only one that has compared these movies side by side, as after all - we do have the spectacular works of Richard Taylor ties them together in association (in a manner of speaking). I was a bit disappointed honestly, as the film just seemed too rushed and I remember thinking to myself at the end that there must have been more details that somehow got tossed aside so I would sit still for the DVD and see if I could give this movie more praise that I was sure it deserved.

Disney has lived up to my tough expectations and with the Limited Edition Four Disc Set release (Available only from December 12, 2006 through January 31, 2007) they have gotten into my good graces again. You are not only treated with integrated extended scenes but a plethora of extras that is something everyone should not only watch but snap it up before it's locked back up in the Disney vaults.

If you've been living under a rock I'll give you a brief synopsis for the movie: C.S. Lewis' timeless adventure THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA: THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE follows the exploits of the four Pevensie siblings -- Lucy, Edmund, Susan and Peter -- in World War II England who enter the world of Narnia through a magical wardrobe while playing a game of 'hide-and-seek' in the rural country home of an elderly professor. Once there, the children discover a charming, peaceful land inhabited by talking beasts, dwarfs, fauns, centaurs and giants that has become a world cursed to eternal winter by the evil White Witch, Jadis. Under the guidance of a noble and mystical ruler, the lion Aslan, the children fight to overcome the White Witch's powerful hold over Narnia in a spectacular, climactic battle that will free Narnia from Jadis' icy spell forever.

I cannot tell you exactly where the extended scenes were added, as I've not seen the theatrical version since it was in the theatre but they definitely make a difference. I didn't find myself feeling rushed and I thought the movie flowed more smoothly and I really liked this version a lot. Even though it was mere minutes added back the content makes a difference. In addition to the extended version on Disc One you are treated again with two audio commentaries that were available on the earlier two disc release as well as a Discover Narnia section with some great information from Douglas Gresham (stepson of C.S. Lewis), a bloopers section (always fun), your standard scene selections, and a peek at a lot of upcoming Disney products.

Disc Two also duplicates the second disk of the previous release, and before ya'll get cantankerous over that, I think having everything grouped together in a Limited Edition is a wonderful thing, all in a tidy package and how can you beat that! So anyways, if you're not savvy with the first two disc release, I'll give ya the break down. The features are in two sections, one Creating Narnia and the other Creatures, Land and Legends. Within both you are treated to detailed featurettes on the land of Narnia, the creation for the fantastical beings in Narnia, a look into the mind of C.S. Lewis and so much more! Even if you've seen it once, there is always more to discover a second time around (and a third!).

Disc Three is by far the best of the features - a whole disc devoted to the featurette C.S. Lewis: The Dreamer of Narnia. A wonderful biography that gives you a priceless gift- delving into the life of the legendary writer as told by his fellow authors, scholars, family, friends and fans.

Disc Four has all new items for your enjoyment including a great Visualizing The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, a complete production experience that is beyond fascinating to watch. You truly can appreciate what goes on for an epic film when you realize just the extensive things going on behind the scenes. For those who loved the battle at the end you are treated to an Anatomy of a Scene feature detailing the process for that exact scene. And for those artistic types you can rejoice at the extensive Art of Narnia Gallery - some amazing work to behold on the end of the DVD.

This is by far one of the more brilliant DVD set releases for 2006 and definitely one you should snap up to add to the collection. It's full of rich, interesting features and a seriously better version of the movie to enjoy. Considering it's only available for a few brief weeks I'd stop reading my natter and get your pre order set up right now!