The Golden Compass Sizzle Reel Revealed

A "sizzle reel" for New Line Cinema's new epic fantasy adaptation The Golden Compass was discovered online this weekend. The footage is still available, so we're guessing that the movie studio isn't too concerned. Basically, the footage was put together for exhibitors and merchandisers to see at ShoWest. The featurette proclaims that the film is "the next evolution of fantasy filmmaking." And the first footage looks very promising (at least more so than Narnia). Check the video clip out after the jump.

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Based on Philip Pullman's bestselling and award-winning novel, His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass has a reported $150 million pricetag, making it the studio's biggest-budget project since The Lord of the Rings.

The story follows the coming of age of Lyra Belacqua and Will Parry, as they "wander through a multiverse and a backdrop of epic events." The books were marketed to children, but it has garnered a large adult readership. The story features fantasy elements such as gypsies, witches, and armoured bears.

Written and directed by Chris Weitz, His Dark Materials: The Golden Compass stars Nicole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Sam Elliott, Ian McShane and Dakota Blue Richards. The movie and book are the first in a trilogy. The film opens on December 7th 2007.