Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Revisited

This was an improvement over the last edit for several reasons. First Chamber of Secrets is just a much better film than Philosopher's was. Not only are the kid actors on a whole much better, but Chris Columbus’ directing isn’t as limp and boring. Second is that the editing for this edit is just much better than it was for the previous one. Most of my complaints from the previous edit are gone. There are still scenes cut that shouldn’t have been because they make later scenes feel as if they happen too fast or for no reason, getting the letters at the burrow is necessary for them to go to Dragon Alley because now we have no idea why they’re going there, and cutting out Lockheart deboning Harry’s arm makes the editing too obvious. However, now all these problems are contained to the first act and after the first petrification, there are no editing foibles except for one and before continuing on to what the film does well I have to get this out of the way.

On my first viewing not knowing about this edit before watching it, not revealing it was Ginny who was taken into the Chamber until Harry’s in it didn’t work because knowing it’s Ginny whose been taking really adds to the urgency. However, on a subsequent rewatch that change doesn’t bother me anymore. Now to go onto some more of the positives. The film feels more confident in its new tone than the first one did. The only time a musical choice feels jarring is in the very beginning of the film when the opening titles end and Hedwig starts screeching, and when Riddle explodes, because the original can be heard underneath it. I also thought adding music from films other than Harry Potter worked really well. I enjoyed hearing the musical track that you used during the 3rd petrification and when Harry figures out what the monster is. Does anyone know what that song is and where it’s from because I really love that track?

Most of the cuts you make I have to compliment. Removing the hand sequence from Borgin and Burkes and cutting right to Harry in Nockturn Allery is something the original should have done. I’m also glad that most of the deleted scenes were added into the film. I’m glad to see the flashback from the previous movie back into this one. This time it’s used sparingly, only twice, proving that in this case less really is more. Also, the ending is just too jarring. Yeah, I know the original ending is too cheesy, but so is the ending for Prisoner. Also, it now feels like a tease or a trailer for the next movie rather than an actual ending. However, it just seems that with the goal of this edit it was really impossible to have the ending work all that well. Overall I’d recommend this edit because it’s despite some of my gripes it was well done.

This fanedit was a fantastic experience. Firstly, Andreas worked wonders with the score, which has reshaped this movie into the suspenseful, thrilling experience it could have been. Melancholy, dread, danger: all expertly created now in places that they did not exist before. Secondly, the recoloration work Andreas has done really has changed the feel of this film: he's come as close as I think possible to making this film look like the films that follow it. Lastly, his judicious cuts make for a much improved narrative experience, adding mystery where it should have been, removing exposition where it wasn't needed, and trimming unnecessary humor so that what was left was actually funny. I thought the abbreviated ending is perfect. Wham, bam, done.

My only three, and very minor, suggestions would have been 1) trimming Dobby jumping up and down on the bed on his first appearance, 2) making it slightly clearer that Harry is serving detention as a result of the Whomping Willow/ flying car incident, and 3) leaving the Hagrid/ Riddle flashback before we see Aragog fleeing the box. #1 and #3 I think would have added a dash more mystery to each of their respective scenes, by removing a little whimsy from Dobby, and by casting a bit mored doubt on what exactly Hagrid was up to. #2 just felt slightly disconnected, partly I think due to the detention being a few scenes removed from the car crash and Snape's berating. Whether or not that disconnect is worth the much improved pace in this case, I can't say.

What I can say, again, is well done, Andreas. I'm planning on having a backyard double screening of these sometime this summer for a few friends, so they too can see what could have/ should have been. As far as I'm concerned now, these ARE how the Harry Potter series begins.

Next to Goblet of Fire this was my least favorite movie in the Harry Potter series. This edit brought new life to the whole movie! The pacing was so much better, and the tone with the music changes really brought this movie together. I liked this edit more than his edit of the Sorcerors Stone. I'm excited for more.

Same as the previous edit Andreas brings the characters to feel more realistic rather than over the top. Especially with Draco. I think the whole restructuring of Lockhart was well done as well.

My review of this movie will largely be cut/paste from the review of Sorcerer’s Stone because my thoughts overlap just the same. I wish I could provide a more detailed review comparing with the originals, but simply cannot do so:

My Harry Potter collection is very dusty. That means I have not touched those in a long time. I cannot remember when I even saw this movie. I watched the latest edit that was released. I am unable to compare to my prior experience, but it definitely feels so much better based on the little I do remember.

The movie also felt visually superior and I liked the revised musical score matching the rest of the franchise. I intend to go through the rest of the revisited series when released. This one was excellent.

For those who have the movies gathering dust, this is a highly recommended and excellent way to revive the Harry Potter experience.