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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Widescreen Edition)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Widescreen Edition)

List Price: $19.98
Your Price: $14.99
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Wonderful Fantasy Adventure Fro Children & Adults!
Review: Approaching this film as an entity separate and apart from its fabulous reputation as the first in a series of books that have broken all records for children's literature, one must still stand in awe at the finished work in terms of its storyline, special effects, and splendid performance by an ensemble cast that transforms the beautifully articulated words from the books' author to a literal vision capable of transporting the viewer into the magical world of Harry Potter. While I have read the books, I must admit to being less of a fan of them than many, for reasons I won't belabor here. Yet even I have to admit that this film constitutes a wonderful object lesson that the supernatural world of youthful magician's apprentices can in fact be faithfully and artfully depicted by a director who also happens to be singularly capable of envisioning the world of special effects and wonder described in the novels. This is great stuff! And as far as entertainment goes, this is an overwhelming success.

From the depiction of Harry Potter himself and his own native sense of wonder and mischief, to the motley crew of sidekicks, assorted hangers-on, and fellow craftsmen to be, the movie works as a vehicle for exploring the alternative world of possibilities such activities portend. From beginning to end, this is a kind of busman's tour of the world of the Brother Grimm turned upside down, falling over into wild adventures and merry childlike fantasies. None of it is substantial, however, and while I can readily applaud the skill and craft that went into making such a faithful production of this first of many novels about Harry Potter, I would also like to mention that this is all really just frosting, none of it very educational or useful for anything other than entertainment. And while the reading of the books at least fosters an appreciation for the possibilities of stretching the imagination and reading skills of the reader, the film version does nothing but push forward a solipsistic view of the world as a dominion best left to wizards and hobgoblins to worry about. It is a sort of slap-happy fairy tale, but is one that is cleverly disguised as a youthful adventure. Enjoy it as entertainment. That's all it really is.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I Was not a Harry Potter Fan.................At first
Review: I was not interested in becoming a Harry Potter fan. I fought hard against it! A friend of mine badgered me into seeing it. All she could talk about was Harry this and Harry that. So to shut her up I agreed to see it. I LOVED IT!!!!!!! From the moment the movie started to the end credits, I was engrossed in what adventures Harry, Ron and Hermione would have next! (I did not care for the Dursley's at all!!)After seeing this movie, ALL I could talk about was Harry this and Harry that! Talk about a change of heart! Rush out and buy the DVD version today!!! Play the game to see the deleted scenes. Have a ball with Harry and his friends! To anyone who has not read the books, I would recommend those also!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Loved it!
Review: I didn't get to see the movie in the theater, so when I saw it on DVD (my husband pre-ordered it, thank Goodness!), I was happily surprised. I really wasn't expecting anything, I really don't when I see movie adaptations of books. And let me tell you, I love the books, I think they're truly wonderful.

I am always disappointed when movies cut bits out of books, but I understand the necessity, so I'll skip over that particular criticism, and just say that the production team did a magnificent job bringing Harry Potter to the screen. Everything is as I imagined it, most of it even better. Quidditch finally realized is a true treat for the eyes!

If you haven't seen this movie, and have a vivid imagination and can disengage your doubt and Twenty-first Century cynicism, you will truly enjoy this fantastical treat. Trust me, I'm always right.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Greater fidelity to the book would have been a GOOD thing...
Review: The DVD movie was fine but . . . unlike so many others, I firmly believe that greater fidelity to the book would have been a GOOD thing, not a bad thing, for the movie. The key is the seven deleted-but-available scenes in the DVD-Disk II, totaling less than five minutes - they would have made film much more coherent and integrated to anyone who hadn't read the book. Any chance of asking for and getting a version for the movie with the deleted scenes included (?) . . . didn't think so. The actors were universally well cast but Robbie Coltrane does steal the show - as does Emma Watson. Her constant, exasperated glare on Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint belie a complicated chemistry between the actors that will be a highlight (we hope) for the next two films, as they were in the books.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: great movie, stupid ending
Review: The ending really needed to be different. I wasted 23 dollars for this movie. I wouldn't be that sad about if they had a alternative ending but this ending licks eggs. Don't see the second movie until it comes on video. Rent it, don't see it in theathers or buy it.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Excellent, in my opinion! Thrilled to have a Full Screen!
Review: I originally made the mistake of purchasing the Wide Screen option of this film, only to find well over a third of my screen wasted and the darker scenes difficult to see, at best. As soon as I realized a Full Screen Version was available, also at a reasonable cost, I couldn't purchase it fast enough. The whole family is MUCH happier now. Everyone from 16 to 74 LOVES the movie! My only concern is that at the speed (or lack thereof) the books and movies are being released, that the actors/actresses are going to be approaching their 30's by the time they "finish" school at Hogwarts". I hope things can pick up the pace, because I am 47 years old and I certainly want to live long enough to finish the series! I have enjoyed this series more than most any books I've read in years! :-)

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Harryo Pottero,Bring Me the Fun(swish of a wand)
Review: Like it says on the back of the case to this movie,"THE WIZARD OF OZ OF OUR TIME!"I found this movie to be very entertaining.Even if they didn't get the title right,which I thought it was,who cares.I want to see the movie not the title.Anyways,the actors who played Harry,Ron,and Hermione were perfect.Couldn't find any other better kids to play the parts.Richard Harris as Dumbledoore-VERY EXCELLENT CHOICE.Alan Rickman as Prof.Snape was great.The cold evil look and sound of him bring the character very much to the book.Robie Coltraine plays a good Hagrid and Tom Felton brough the bratty,snobbish character of Draco Malfo to life very well.As for the scenes being scary for little kids,its true.But I'd say only for about kids 10 and under.What did you expect from Harry Potter?A bright coloful movie with no intense scenes?The scary moments will be in Prisoner of Azkaban.Then,I'll agree on the 12 and under for the scary moments.Some of the scenes were funny,like the part in the zoo and the scenes in the Dursley's home.The battle with the troll was humorous with the wand getting stuck up his nose and the final confrontation with Lord Voldemort,was pretty cool.Good special effects on the destruction of voldemort.Over all,this a very great movie for people who have read all the books,and maybe for those select people who like fantasy and sci-fi.If you likes it,buy it.Ya hate it,dont waste your time.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: I thought it was pretty good
Review: This movie actually surprised me. I have not been a fan of the Harry Potter series. I haven't read the books at all, and quite frankly I don't really understand the hype about the books. However, I thought that the movie was well made.

From reading the reviews, it sounds like a number of people are dissapointed in the movie and prefer the books. However, no movie (not even Lord of the Rings, fellow reviewers) that is based on a book will ever follow the book exactly.

I think that if you buy this movie, you will not be disappointed. It's fun to watch, and now I may even want to read the books.

Enjoy!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Excellent fantasy movie
Review: I thought the movie was quite good, though it broght to mind Star Wars, The dark side, and James and the Giant Peach, the evil "parents." I think Rowling could have been more orginal. However, it made me feel lie I wanted to be a wizard, much like Star Wars made me want to be a Jedi. The story captivating, the effects excellent. Worth purchasing.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: a great addition to the phenomenon
Review: This is a wonderful must-have for any Harry Potter fan. I enjoyed the extras on the DVD-ROM very much. Most DVDs extras are worthless, but this one's enhance the experience.


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