Rating: Summary: The Movie--With Tons Of Lame Extras! Review: Good Lord. Now, I liked the Harry Potter movie, so this is mainly a rant on the inaccessibility of the DVD version: Disc 2 is loaded with a bunch of useless stuff, and it's nigh-on impossible to get to the deleted scenes (which I was dying to see). If you get this turkey and want the nice extras, be prepared to jump through hoops just to find them.
Rating: Summary: I really liked this movie! Review: But, of course, not nearly as much as I love all of the books!I was a little surprised by the "special feature" disc. Actually, I was a bit frustrated. The explore-and-discover format was an interesting concept, and a semi-enjoyable experience, but I'm afraid it may just annoy people who aren't Harry Potter fanatics. Those who just want to see the deleted scenes and be done with it. The deleted scenes were good, though. I would love to eventually see a version of the movie with them integrated back in.
Rating: Summary: Totally disappointed... Review: They surely knew how to advertise this movie. There were less special effects than I expected. The movie is incredibly slow and long. It is easy to get bored. I expected Harry to do more spells and "witchy" work, but it was Hermione who did just few spells. Since Harry was a "natural" I expected more action but it was more like a quest for something movie. It was like if you were watching Zelda made in a movie. I was truly disappointed.
Rating: Summary: 5-star movie + 3-star DVD = 4-star experience Review: Well, it's finally arrived. The filmed version of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" arrived on May 28 in a 2-disc set jam-packed with Special Features. Well, sort of. First, the movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, is an adaptation of J.K Rowling's fantastic and successful novel, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (original UK name; movie and book dubbed in America). When I first saw the teaser Trailer, I was screaming! Harry Potter looked so fantasic on film! But when I saw it in theaters, it was far from the teaser trailer but still, it was a great movie. And the film was so true to the book, probably even more true than Peter Jackson's epic, The Fellowship of the Ring. Almost everything from the book is in there, with a few scenes and a particular character cut for an overlong running time (the movie's 152 minutes). Besides the faithfulness, they've cast some of the best British actors to play Hogwarts Staff and supporting characters. But the actors were looking at is the main trio. Harry is played by the extremely well look-alike, Daniel Radcliffe, Ron by funny Rupert Grint and Emma Watson playing the bossy but clever Hermione Granger. Surprisingly, the children hold up a definite performances, with most emotions expressed. The adults play well too. Maggie Smith plays the strict Professor McGonagall and Richard Harris playing the old and wise Professor Albus Dumbledore. But by far, the best performance of the whole film was Alan Rickman, playing the silky and sinister Severus Snape, the Potion's Master. You simply couldn't get a better Snape. He expresses everything Snape contains, sly, sinister, moody, mysterious and striking. Perfect cast, really. And you simply can't review this film without talking about John Williams' score. He's definitely not been original the last few years but still, he gives off the Harry Potter feel almost fully (Howard Shore's Fellowship of the Ring score takes best). The CGI effects are some of the best in recent filming, from a troll, to a baby dragon, to a CGI villain wizard bent on destroying poor Harry. Though some CGI effects could've been tightened up a bit. You could definitely see poor computer generation when a CGI Harry interacts with the CGI troll and The Quidditch Match. But then, Radcliffe did do most of his stunts. And the transfer from Theater to DVD is nice and crisp, keeping with all of the original colors from the theatrical release. The only problem is the bits of grain and small picture shimmering throughout the film. It's not a huge problem but may affect some people. And now, the "supposedly" greatest DVD ever. The second disc is set up somewhat like a game, as you are a new student in Hogwarts School. The gripe about the second disc is that the menus are so confusing and the small animation effects take too long to load to the next menu. You'll go through Diagon Alley to get your supplies and money but first you'll have to find which bricks to hit. This caused a bit of trouble and was annoying. There is one 10-15 minute interview with Chris Columbus, David Heyman (producer) and Steve Kloves (screenwriter) as with a few crew members. This was disappointing because many were expecting an interview with AT LEAST Daniel Radcliffe or any other actor but they didn't. They did talk about Sorcerer's Stone a bit and a little on Chamber of Secrets. Nothing phenomonal. And you can also access seven deleted scenes on the second disc. Cool so far, until you try to find them, heh. It takes so long to find the deleted scenes and you'll do it all over again when you want to see them again. While the deleted footage is great, it's only about ten minutes...all scenes combined. But they ARE worth it. In the end, it's a five star quality movie but the special features are too simple, as its for kids basically. The deleted scenes are really the only reason I put in the second disc. Let's hope for a "Special" Special Edition later sometime. Only a four star DVD. Could've been a lot better.
Rating: Summary: Potter fans will want so much more Review: The movie part of this DVD is great. The quality is terrific and the special effects don't look quite as fake as they did in the movie theater. On the downside, the "Special Features" DVD is a disappointment. In order to access the deleted scenes, you have to go through an intricate and frustrating set of exercises -- every single time. Fine if you're into video games -- but if all you want is to see the seven scenes (and there are too few in my opinion), it's a pain. It's great to have a game, but it would be easier for this non-video-game-playing-person to have it separated from the other features and that way, everything can be enjoyed. (Although I must admit to a certain amount of excitement when I passed Potions, made my way to the Stone and finally saw those anxiously awaited deleted scenes.) On the plus side, there are some amusing film bits on many of the characters sprinkled throughout the interactive section. Another is that the interview with Chris Columbus, the producer and screenwriter is easily accessible. I do not have a DVD-ROM drive and so cannot comment on those aspects -- I'm sure much is hidden there. Given the broad spectrum of extras that so many DVD's offer, this has fallen a bit short of my own expectations. But, there will still be hours of enjoyment to be had at Hogwarts.
Rating: Summary: Impeccable movie...Radcliffe, Watson and Grint shine!! Review: I have read all of the Harry Potter books to date so when I went to see the movie I expected it to be like most movies made from Novels...completely different. I was so wrong. This movie lived up to every expectation I had. Given I was slightly dissappointed they didn't have the scene where Hermione and Harry are trying to figure out the potion to take in order to get to Voldemort but other then that I was in awe. They wanted it to be close to the book and it was. As for the acting...what can I say. It was great. Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint are all newcomers and inexperienced, not to mention very young and I think they did an extraordinary job portraying Harry, Hermione and Ron. They are exactly what I pictured in my mind and I was not dissapointed by any means in their performance. Robbie Coltrane did wonderfully as Hagrid and I don't think they could have casted anyone better for the part. I have the same mind on Albus Dumbledore and Prof. McGonagall. I would give it more stars if I could. This is not just a movie for kids but a movie that all ages will enjoy. I highly recommend it.
Rating: Summary: No Deleted Scenes Review: I read the books - they were a 10 Saw the movie - it was about an 8 Bought the DVD - it is a 2 why a 2 - Never before seen footage does not exist! the box clearly states - See Never before seen footage
Rating: Summary: "Followed the book exactly!" Review: I've only seen the theatrical release of this movie, but it was the bomb! My favorite scene was when Hermione, Harry, and Ron battle the Mountain Troll. The most action-packed scene was the Quidditch game, at which ended with Harry spitting out the Golden Snitch, therefore winning the game over to Gryffindor (I don't know if that's how you spell it or not). It was funny when Harry talked to the boa constrictor, it scared Dudley. Anyway, this was a really cool movie, and was suspenseful at times. I definately recommend this!
Rating: Summary: WORST EXTRAS EVER Review: DISC ONE. Overall the movie looks great on this DVD. Even though it's a pan and scan transfer, the movie still translates well, and none of the scenes really suffer for it. DISC TWO. Worst Extras Ever. I'm sorry, but my life just isnt long enough to devote enough time to figuring out what the hell is going on here! How confusing is this interface. I know it's primarily a kids DVD, but the information contained in this DVD is NOT readily accessible. I know that's the point, that it's an adventure, etc, and the kids will love it. But this kid found it a headache.... And where is the extra footage?? Is it really there?? I couldnt find it..
Rating: Summary: The #1 movie of 2001 Review: With a $90.3 Million opening weekend, plus a 300 and some million-dollar total at the box office in the end, the most famous wizard will no doubt be popular with his new DVD! Directed by Chris Columbus and starring Daniel Radcliff, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone makes DVD a magical experience. It is a 2 disc DVD set. The movie is wonderful and rated PG for scary moments and some course language. This film has it all, action, mystery, fantasy, and suspense! The DVD package even has "Year one" on its side, just like the books! DVD number 1 includes the complete movie with Scene access, English and Spanish subtitles, plus the teaser and theatrical trailers! The opening intro to the DVD menu is spectacular with scenes from the movie and the popular Hedwig's Theme music! Disc 1's menu has 4 options to choose from: Play Movie, Special Features, Scene Selection, and Language! The background of the menu is the beautiful enchanting Hogwarts Castle! DVD number 2 has just special features. The menu opens up to a small intro and you see Hogwarts school get closer and it zooms in, then you're in the Great Hall, and finally the you're at the Teacher's table (The menu). You can choose from options like a 360 degree tour of Hogwarts (You tour the Great Hall and the Gryffindor common room). Other options include: *Diagon Alley-Visit Gringotts, Eeylops owl Emporium, or Ollivanders. *Classrooms-go to class to mix potions, and cast spells. *Interviews-Watch interviews with the director and producer themselves, plus get info on the next Harry Potter movie. *Plus you can tour Hagrid's hut at Hogwarts grounds, check out the Library, and even see the extra credit, but you need a PC DVD-Rom drive to access the extra credit features. Then there is the highly anticipated 7 deleted, never-before-seen clips. Only problem is that they are hidden in disc 2. To get them you have to got through the Forbidden Corridor, sneak past Fluffy, get the correct winged key and potion, and you'll end up at the Mirror of Erised to get the Sorcerer's Stone and your hearts desirer...The deleted scenes! They are a reward. The clips don't come out in the full movie, which many probably expected like I did. The 7 scenes are: Dudley's uniform, Cracking eggs, Tube ride, After troll, Harry's meditation, Finding Flamel, and Snape's class. The DVD is truly magical and is worth buying once you get used to it!
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