CD: Walt Disney Records 5008 61373-7 17 tracks. 70 minutes. DVD disk (Region 1): behind the scenes extras. Price: $24.95 (US) although this can vary to $ (US) when I looked around.

check out websites: www.DisneyRecords.com and www.narnia.com


Last month, I reviewed the standard edition of the CD of 'The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe' soundtrack and wondered what the deluxe version would be like. Wonder no more cos look what winged through the letterbox. It's also only an American Region 1 release at the moment, so unless you have a multi-regional DVD player, then you might have a problem this side of the Atlantic.

As I covered the music last month, I'll spend more time with the extras DVD instead. There is a long interview with composed Harry Gregson-Williams which confirmed my thoughts about the Irish lilt in some of the music from his own mouth. It also put a lot the music in context with scenes from the film which either re-enforces my thought that this is where its strengths really lies. There is also extended pieces covering film and concept illustrations from the film, together with looks behind the scenes with small clips of how the film's special effects and choice of real-life scenery was selected and used. If you're a sucker for this kind of thing, like I am, then you'll be right at home here. They are also on the www.narnia.com website and although you might have seen these clips already, this way is kinda more permanent.

There is also a 40 page illustrated booklet with photos from the film. It's a shame that they didn't cover more of Narnia's inhabitants but I guess that they wanted to hold something back for the film. It's all presented in a nice multi-foldover wrap that gives the appearance of an old book album.



If you have the choice between the two versions, I would be inclined to go for this one purely because of all the other extras. I think the extras make this one worthwhile. Don't let it sell out before you get your copy.

GF Willmetts