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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Special Widescreen Edition)
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Manufacturer: Warner Bros. Pictures
Find all by Warner Bros. Pictures
Directed By: Chris Columbus
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Theatrical Release: November 20, 2008
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
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Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane
In this enchanting film adaptation of J.K. Rowling's delightful bestseller, Harry Potter learns on his 11th birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and posseses magical powers of his own. At Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry embarks on the adventure of a lifetime. He learns the high-flying sport Quidditch and plays a thrilling game with living chess pieces on his way to face a Dark Wizard bent on destroying him. For the most extraordinary adventure, see you on Platform 9 3/4!DVD Features:
DVD ROM Features:Be sorted by the Sorting HatCollect wizard trading cardsDownload Quidditch screensaver and your own RemembrallReceive Owl email messagesSample game demos and much more!
Deleted Scenes:Never-before-seen footage
Featurette:Self-guided tour of Hogwarts, including the Gryffindor common room, the Great Hall, Harry's room, and Hagrid's hut controlled by your own remote.Learn to play Quidditch with an original Quidditch montage featuring Oliver Wood and Harry.Meet the ghosts of Hogwarts.Open a Screaming Book, enjoy video highlights of students and professors, and much more!
Interactive Menus
Interviews:Interviews with Director Chirs Columbus and Producer David Heyman
Other:Catch a Snitch with your remote!Have a wand choose you at Ollivanders Wands.Cast a spell over a scene and in eight languages with "Harry Potter throughout the world".Create potions correctly or wind up in the infirmary.Sneak past Fluffy and other challenges to reveal the secret in the Mirror of Erised.
Scene Access
Theatrical Trailer
User Submitted Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Special Widescreen Edition) Reviews
November 1, 2008
Nearly Been Trampled By Grade Schoolers Brought My Interest About The Movie
I still remember the day the first Harry Potter movie came out in the mall. I was nearby the movie theater entrance when I heard a voice say "The Harry Potter movies first showing is starting now" than I saw a mob of elementary school kids rampaging their way to the theater and I was in their way. After the dvd came out I decided to buy it just to see what the excitement was all about and I was astonished at how much I enjoyed the movie. After that I decided to but the first book and have since gotten the entire seven books of Harry Potter as well as the five movies that have so far been made. The first blur-ray dvd video and audio isn't to much better than the standard version. Some of the background is a little clearer and sharper but in all not to much of a difference and the same can be said for the audio as well. The next four I can tell you are a lot better though as those have much better picture quality detail. The audio choices are also amazing with the next four blu-ray dvds meaning the languages you can select are massive. You also get a bit more with the extras but if you're like me you probably never really check them out. So as the prices for these great blu-rays have gone down in price I say either get the entire collection set or just buy the first one and see if you like the movie. I'm sure you won't be disappointed with your decision...
October 16, 2008
Year One at Hogwarts
In 1997, unknown author J.K. Rowling had her first novel published. Not only was it an intelligent and highly imaginative fantasy story, but it also served as the first book in a seven-part series. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (later renamed Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for American readers) renewed children's interest in reading and became an international bestseller, receiving high acclaim and multiple awards. The book became a cultural phenomenon and after the publication of its sequel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, a film adaptation was inevitable. Harry Potter was one of the most sought after properties in cinematic history, and attracted the attention of Hollywood's biggest names. Ultimately, Chris Columbus directed the film, from a screenplay by Steve Kloves.
When Harry Potter was only a year old, his parents were mysteriously killed and he was sent to live with his mother's sister's family, the extremely unpleasant Dursleys. From an early age, young Harry Potter proved to be an unusual child. Once while on a visit to the zoo, Harry accidentally made a pane of glass disappear letting loose a python, which scared his obnoxious cousin Dudley half to death.
On Harry's eleventh birthday, a half-giant named Hagrid explains that Harry's mother was a witch and his father was a wizard and that Harry's been invited to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry also learns that his parents did not die in a mysterious car crash as he had been told, but rather they had been killed by the notorious Dark Lord, Voldemort, often referred to as He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Hagrid accompanies Harry to London and from there to Diagon Alley, where magical supplies can be bought. Harry buys his first wand, his spellbooks, and Hagrid even gives him a snowy white owl named Hedwig. From there he's off to Hogwarts by way of the Hogwarts Express, a bright red train, which leaves from Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station. While waiting for the train Harry meets a large wizarding family, the Weasleys, and befriends their youngest son Ron while on the train. Harry and Ron also meet Hermione, a clever but often snobby young girl.
After arriving at Hogwarts Castle, Harry and the other first year students are sorted into one of four houses. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are placed into Gryffindor, a house that is renowned for having courageous and loyal students. Harry meets the different teachers: the kind yet stern Professor MacGonagall, the malicious Professor Snape, twitchy and nervous Professor Quirrell, and the wizened and eccentric headmaster Dumbledore. Harry soon learns that each teacher treats him differently. MacGonagall, despite her chilly demeanor is very clearly fond of Harry, but Snape on the other hand seems to have a vendetta against Harry. Harry also learns of a rivalry between the school houses of Gryffindor and Slytherin, and this rivalry is exemplified by an arrogant bully named Draco Malfoy.
One day Harry, Ron, and Hermione get lost in the castle and come across a room that's being guarded by a three-headed dog. Harry, Ron, and Hermione soon learn that the dog is guarding a series of hidden passageways and rooms, where something called the Sorcerer's Stone is being stored. The Sorcerer's Stone has the power to make whoever possesses it immortal. After a bit of late night investigating, Harry comes to believe that someone, probably Snape, is trying to steal the stone for Lord Voldemort. With the stone, Voldemort would be restored to his full power and he would again terrorize the world of magic. Can Harry, Ron, and Hermione prevent Voldemort's return and who can Harry trust in this world full of magic and intrigue?
Adapting such an inventive and detailed story would prove difficult, and yet the film is successful as it manages to include almost all of the important characters and events from Rowling's novel.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone became a worldwide blockbuster and set Box Office records. There are a number of reasons for the film's colossal success. One of those reasons is the group of highly talented special effects artists that were gathered in order to create the style and look of the film. Also making a huge contribution were the experts who designed the costumes, the props, the sets, and the general atmosphere of the film. But the person who deserves the most credit is Rowling herself, who created an immaculate fantasy world that holds a universal appeal for both children and adults.
The extraordinary cast includes veteran British actors, as well as some talented young unknowns (who aren't unknown anymore). The cast features Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ronald Weasley, Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, Maggie Smith as Professor MacGonagall, Alan Rickman as Professor Snape, and Richard Harris as Headmaster Dumbledore.
Though the film is a marvelous attempt at turning Rowling's novel into a physical reality, it does have its flaws. Much of the time the special effects are unconvincing, which wouldn't be so bad if they weren't used as the centerpiece of almost every scene. Another problem, and this is a very minor problem, is that some of the younger cast members under emote, or give stiff and forced performances. However, the acting will improve with each successive Harry potter film.
Ultimately, Harry Potter's first year at Hogwarts will be remembered and treasured by fans of all ages for many years to come.
I also recommend the spectacular soundtrack by John Williams.
October 1, 2008
Boring - Boring - Boring - Can you say really
If you're not a kid and/or didn't read the book.....run as far away from this drivel as you can. It is so contrived and boring and long and sad........I know it is hugely popular...but I fell asleep several times as the dialog went on and on in the most ridiculous directions! Just pure nothing this film. Boring, Boring, Boring............although my kids loved it...they really do love the book and this film - so I have to add that to this review. It just was definitely not my kind of film.......The Lord of the Rings, though........that's another story! That's what you should go see if you like fantasy films and are older than 9!
September 25, 2008
Good enough
This movie captures the magic of Harry Potter enough to be a great movie. Third best movie in my opinion.
September 14, 2008
Enjoyable fun for everyone
Even though I had so many good things about Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone I had my resverations about it. I bought the DVD when it was first released and never got around to watching it so when it came on a HBO Saturday night I watched it and I enjoyed the film. Chris Columbous has made his best film since the oringial Home Alone, a film that everyone can enjoy. The film is great on the acting and the special effects. The Quigwich match was really exicting and I've looked forward to all the Harry Potter films ever since.
September 9, 2008
Sucked in by my teen age daughter.
My daughter got me to watch this when it first came out. Now Im hooked on it worse than she is. I have all the Harry Potter movies on BLU-RAY. I am such a big kid. The details on blue-ray are spectular. Wonderful addition to my movie collection.
August 30, 2008
Collectable Movie
When you compare part 2 or part 3...... Part 1 is always the best.
August 24, 2008
A MARVELOUS BEGINNING
For a lot of reasons, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is probably a tempting movie to criticize. After all, there is almost nothing a critic hates more than a film that is practically - baring some unforgivable act of gross incompetence - a guaranteed success, despite anything he or she might happen to write about it.
At any rate, while some may quibble with the notion that Sorcerer's Stone is too much like the book that inspired it, the upside for moviegoers is that neither Rowling nor director Christopher Columbus have forgotten the film's primary audience: young readers between the ages of 12 - 16. For those whose parents read the book to them, the age may actually drop a bit below that.
For the most part, as every parent knows, it is an audience frequently patronized with the worst sort of infantile pap imaginable, sometimes inundated with coarse language and gratuitous violence, or simply ignored altogether. Columbus, to his credit, does none of the above. In remaining true to his audience, Columbus has, in fact, delivered a film for all of us.
It is obvious Columbus knows, for instance, that a young audience wants to see on the screen what it read in the book. In pursuit of this goal, Columbus and screenwriter Steve Kloves have fashioned characters and settings true to the letter and the spirit of the novel. The characters, especially, strike just the right chord of familiarity. Certainly, we all know that familiarity can wander over the line into disinterested comfort. Remarkably, the characters in Sorcerer's Stone never do. Robbie Coltrane's Hagrid, for instance, looks just as we expect him to. More important, he radiates a warmth and trust that serves as a secure anchor in those moments when events seem to be spinning out of control. As good as Hagrid is in the book, Coltrane's Hagrid is more vivid on the screen.
Which brings us to the performance of Daniel Radcliffe in the role of Harry Potter. At first glance, Radcliffe seems reticent and withdrawn, hidden behind a gauze curtain, an uncertain hero. Yet we cannot forget that Harry Potter is an eleven year-old orphan whose parents have been murdered. He is a foundling whose caretakers resent his existence and actively disapprove of everything he is and, worse, in their own eyes, everything he will become. He is forced to sleep in a closet under the stairs and absorb a constant stream of verbal and physical abuse from his malevolent aunt and uncle and their overindulged son, Dudley.
Yes, of course Harry is withdrawn. Small wonder. Or, as my daughter would say, "Duh!"
In fact, Radcliffe's performance is entirely consistent with Harry's history and upbringing, and Columbus has wisely ensured that, as the chronicle of films progresses, the character of Harry has somewhere to go. There are, after all, six movies still to come. Columbus has clearly determined that, unlike some other celluloid heroes of recent memory (Indiana Jones springs to mind), the character of Harry Potter should have some room to develop, otherwise both the young wizard and his friends would grow quickly stagnant.
Another notable attribute of the film is that the atmosphere and setting, through the more subtle elements of special effects, are beautifully realized. As the first-years are journeying across the lake, their - and our - first view of Hogwarts Castle is absolutely breathtaking, a spectacular, gothic memory from a medieval dream. Inside the castle are stairways that move, pictures that talk and go about their daily routines, and a splendid dining hall that evokes the grandeur of a cathedral. When the Sorting Hat pronounces "GRIFFINDORE" on this opulent stage, Harry's adventures officially begin.
Yes, the adventure has its obvious, special effects masterpieces. The Quidditch match is a high-flying, fast-paced extravaganza of soccer, polo, and basketball on broomsticks. The chess match is the high point of the film. At the same time, there are special effects so well done that they don't draw attention to themselves. The messenger owls flying gracefully into the dining hall to deliver envelopes and parcels is a brief, finely structured, aerial ballet that is easy to take for granted because we are momentarily suspended in the world of Hogwarts and have willingly cast aside our powers of disbelief. When Hedwig flies above Hogwarts Castle, our spirits and our sense of wonder soar with him. It is an impressive accomplishment.
Because it is true to itself and never panders to its audience, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is both exciting and entertaining, an escape to a world where magical things can still happen. It is, in short, a film for the child in all of us.
July 12, 2008
Blu-Ray version. Cut to bits...
I thought that if I bought the Blu-Ray version that it would be better than the regular DVD and, since my old DVD disappeared, I ordered this. Anyway, I was very wrong. I noticed several scenes that were missing or truncated, even from the short bit of the movie that I watched on TV a few days ago. They are in the "extras", but I expected a bit more. Some scenes also looked a bit grainy on my HDTV. I am disappointed.
June 23, 2008
Sorcerer's Stone is a classic
HP and the Sorcerer's Stone is the first and best! We learn about the boy, Harry, and his history living amongst muggles. The magic in this movie is all the wonderful cgi effects, and I prefer this actor's Dumbledore to his replacement (yes, I know the original actor passed away). THE HD DVD video has amazing clarity. I can watch this movie again and again!
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