The Spiderwick Chronicles (Widescreen Edition)

The Spiderwick Chronicles (Widescreen Edition) is a nice enough fantasy movie aimed for children. The problem that I have with it is that the plot seems really thin and not having read the books I do not know if their is a difference in the story line. The special effects are alright but nothing special. The acting is ok but nothing special. I did not come into watching this with expectations but I still find it to be not nearly as good as other childrens fantasy movies such as "Neveredning Story" or the Harry Potter movies. 3/5.

This film is nothing more than a showcase for young Freddie Highmore and the venerable Joan Plowright. A fatherless family moves into their grandmother's old house and magical faerie crap begins. It is all so derivative and such a colossal yawn I can only say it's good for the kids and as a family lets-kill-quality-time movie. Oh, and Freddie Highmore, who was praised for his flawless American accent here, plays twins exquisitely. This kid will win Oscars in the future, mark my words. Otherwise, what a waste of talent here. The great David Strathairn, who up until he played Edward R. Murrow was a minor, minor, minor character actor, is wasted. It was insulting to put Joan Plowright here...like asking Spencer Tracy to do a dime store opening. Nick Nolte may not have been up to much more work than he gets here, but that fact that he's even in it... UGH!!! So save your hard earned toadskins and get something else, or buy this for the 10-year-old kids in the house.

Two copies of this bluray were defective so I had to give up and get a refund. Audio would quit half way through the movie on both discs so never got a chance to watch the entire movie. I enjoyed the 1/2 movie that I saw, wish the manufacturers would get their act together. And yes I have the latest firmware for my player...

Amazon sent a new copy out immediately and issued a refund when I returned both copies. Perhaps there is a recent bad batch of these out there since I have seen no one else mention this problem as of yet. My player has only had a problem with one other title which was definitely a manufacturing defect. I'll probably end up purchasing a DVD copy of this title as the family enjoyed the half we did get to watch.

This seller not only sells cheap great quality products they also mail it out very fast. Thank you

Blu-ray version
Blu-ray version is better than DVD version having owned or viewed both. (daughter now owns DVD version).
1. First Blu-ray arrived, popped it in and played it. last 10-15 minutes was wonky and unable to play. we had to skip to last frame set to watch.
tried it in 3 other players, same result.
2. Emailed Amazon, they immediately sent a new disc, gave us a return number and shipping label. all w/o cost.
3. Second Blu-ray arrived and works as advertised. Kids like the movie, effects are pretty good and story fits older kids who like to use their imagination.
the parents liked it too.

their are plenty reviews on the storyline and everyone has its opinion

we upgraded in the hope that has time goes, our older kids mid 20s have kids (grandkids) and we can sit and watch this with them.
it looks great on 1080P or even on the 720P HD TVs.