In this fantasy offering based on one of Susan Cooper’s five The Dark Is Rising gothic novels that were published in the ’70s, 14-year-old Will (Alexander Ludwig) discovers he’s an Old One, one of a dwindling number of “Protectors of the Light,” who keep the Dark from destroying all of civilization. He suddenly has his hands full, jumping through history and collecting the Signs before The Rider (Christopher Eccleston) can bring about Armageddon. Too bad the script is unspectacular (too many “I want the power” lines) because this adaptation has been imbued with the kind of special effects, set pieces and anticipatory narrative that implies franchise intent.

Shelf Talk: The Seeker didn’t find an audience in theaters last fall, and the same fate could await the disc unless it is highlighted to the demographic that will find it most entertaining—tweens. Deadwood’s Ian McShane, Eccleston of Dr. Who and Heroes fame and Six Feet Under’s Frances Conroy should help draw some attention. Fantasy does well at home if not in theaters—Stardust comes to mind—so be sure to group this one with the Harry Potter series and The Golden Compass, which is due on April 29. Also, the title was endorsed by Kids First! Coalition for Quality Children’s Media and family-approved by the Dove Foundation.