I just finished watching the DVD (rented). Fabulous CG -bears, rabbits, wolves, oh my! I have not ever read the books (His Dark Materials Trilogy (The Golden Compass; The Subtle Knife; The Amber Spyglass) (His Dark Materials)and after watching the movie, I am not sure that I would want to. Having enjoyed Harry Potter, Narnia, Fellowship of the Ring, this movie just seemed to steal ideas (battles, CG animals, witches.....)even Nazis.... The plot was difficult to follow, especially if it was intended for children. I briefly looked up the controversy, and frankly if the Christrian Right had just stayed quiet, I think the movie would have just died.Don't bother with this one.