Rating: 
Summary: Faithful, well-made film version of the bestseller
Review: The staggering success of J.K. Rowlings' Harry Potter novels put enormous pressures on the producers of the movie version of the first book in a the series, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". This was the most eagerly anticipated movie based on a book since "Gone With the Wind" sixty-two years ago. I am happy to report that the movie turns out to be quite good. If it has a problem, it is that it is too slavishly faithful to the book. This prevents the movie from soaring to the great heights a visual medium can reach on its own terms and makes it run a bit too long. Two and one-half hours is a long time for most kids to sit still; however, there are enough sights and thrills here for most of them to tolerate its length happily. For those of you who don't know, Harry Potter [Daniel Radcliffe] is an orphan who lives in the cupboard under the stairs of his uncaring relatives' suburban home. One day he and his guardians are inundated by letters [delivered by owls!] which say that Harry has been accepted into Hogwarts School. This is how Harry finds out that he's a wizard. After much magical persuasion, Harry gets to go to Hogwarts. There, he meets wizards and witches, sorcerers and trolls, and other fantastic creatures. For the first time ever, Harry feels like he's at home. There are a lot of happy, magical moments at the school, but there are also dangerous ones. Among them are a dark wood that students are never to enter, an evil professor, some not-so-nice fellow students, and a demon that wants Harry dead. Harry and his new best friends, Ronald and Hemione [Rupert Grint and Emma Watson], are in for many fantastic adventures. The excellent cast includes some of Britain's best actors, including the legendary Maggie Smith as Minerva and Richard Harris as Demeledore. Robbie Coltrane is remarkable as Hadrid, the loveable giant who is always doing and saying the wrong things, and so is Alan Rickman as the nasty Professor Snape. Radcliffe, Grint and Watson are gifted young actors and play their characters without the annoying cuteness that is found in many kids' movies. Some of the special effects are amazing, especially the flying Quiddich game sequences and one involving an encounter with a giant chess set that comes to life. Many of the effects don't look lifelike, but, considering the movie's big budget, this may have been done on purpose, in order to give the movie a fantasy, dream-like look. Some of the movie may be too intense for very young children. This has always been a problem with movies, though. When I was five or six, I was totally traumatized by the wicked queen and her poisoned apple in Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves". I don't like apples to this day. But, then, I was pretty high on the wimp scale.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty good movie, but DISK 2 IS A JOKE.
Review: Anyone who would want to see the deleted scenes cant find them
(AND DON'T WANT TO BOTHER SEARCHING FOR THEM). EXTRAS ARE FOR THOSE OF US WHO WANT EXTRAS,
NOT WASTE HOURS PLAYING POINTLESS GAMES.
THIS JUST MAKES ME SO ANGRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ::slight spoiler::
Does anyone else realize that there was no point to the kids defending the stone!
The entire quest was all for nothing, since anyone who wants it can't get it!
This film simply serves as backstory for the next two films.
Rating:
Summary: Great fun for Adults who are still kids inside!
Review: The DVD was very entertaining even though we saw the movie twice in the theaters (once with our 4 yr old granddaughter). What was even more fun was the second DVD. My husband and I had a great time searching for things on the DVD and can't wait to try the 'extra credit' on the CD-ROM.
Rating: 
Summary: Enchanting!
Review: Two of my co-workers talked me into reading the Harry Potter books. From the first three paragraphs in the first book, I was hooked. At first I was a bit embarrassed about being so caught up in what was supposedly a children's book, but I quickly learned that Harry Potter is for young and old alike. In fact, I have talked to many adults who have read this series of books and are anxiously awaiting the next (me included). I was very curious to see if the movie would follow the book and it does. Obviously they had to condense the book or else the movie would be hours long. But the screen writers did an admirable job and this movie absolutely lives up to the hype! The movie is 2½ hours long but it will have you spellbound the whole way through. The actors are superb and the special effects are outstanding. It's rated PG for 'scary moments and mild language.' I believe that only very young children might be frightened by a few of the scenes, they just aren't that bad. One scene, as an example, shows a dead unicorn with the villain, Voldemort, bent over the unicorn's neck, drinking it's blood. Voldemort has to do this in order to continue his evil existence. There is no closeup, nothing graphic, no gore in this scene; it was done as mildly as possible. The director gets the point across without the 'blood and guts.' It is also stressed about what an evil and cowardly act it is to kill an innocent animal and that the person who does it must pay the price. Still, you do see a dead unicorn with the knowledge that the bad guy killed it. A very young child may have difficulties with it. As for the language, it is very mild, nothing to worry about. I have heard about many people wanting the Harry Potter books and movie banned because they say it's about witchcraft and the dark arts. Harry Potter is indeed a wizard, as are his friends, Hermione and Ron. But the books and movie stress that wizards only use their special powers for good, not evil, intentions. The power of love, strong moral values, courage to stand up for your convictions, the value of friendship, sports etiquette, and perseverance are some things that J.K. Rowling addresses in her books. In Harry Potter's world, good always conquers evil. I recommend the DVD version of Harry Potter because of the added features of the 2nd disc. I tried it on my computer and did enjoy the tours and game that were included. I have not been able to view the never-before-seen-footage however. They should have made that more accessible.
Rating:
Summary: Great DVD but hard to see the deleted scenes
Review: The deleted scenes DO exsist, on disc two. It is hard to get to them, you have to work your way trough the 'game' of the second disc, starting on Diagon Alley, getting your wizard money at Gringotts and then your wand at ollivanders, then going to the classrooms and starting in Transfigureation, go to the stand with the owls on it. It will take a bit of time to figure it all out but you can finally see the deleted scense, you basically play through the book. I am dissappointed by this, as it took me a long time to figure it out. This doesn't dampen my spirits though, the movie is still `number one, though it cut out some minor thingsfor the sake of time. Overall it's a great buy, if you have kids, if not, still worth it to keep the movie forever, since DVD's, unlike VHS tapes, don't wear out, only break.
Rating: 
Summary: BORING MOVIE
Review: THE WORST KIDS MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN! THIS MOVIE IS SO BORING IT MADE ME FALL ASLEEP. THE ACTING IS TERRIBLE. READ THE BOOK
Rating:
Summary: A horrible movie.
Review: I've enjoyed every Harry Potter book that has been released so far, however the film adaptation of the first book is very disapointing. I'll concede that the books certainly weren't wonderful peices of literature, however they did tell an entertaining story and have well crafted characters. And unfourtunately the movie does neither of these things. With many crucial scenes being delted (to keep the attention span of young viewers, which is already a stretch at two and a half hours) the story becomes nothing more then a series of plot points, losing many of the charming aspects that made the first Potter book so captivating. The viewer feels dragged along from scene to scene, missing out on the in depth attention to detail that makes Rowling's writing so immersive. As a result of this unfourtunate fact, it would be almost impossible for one who has not read the books to get anything out of this film other then a lackluster, mildly confusing, seldom entertaining, child's movie. Another point of fault is the casting. It's understandable that eleven year old actors won't be of wonderful quality, however the kids in this movie react in wooden, artificial, ways. At every scene I could just imagine an acting coach to the side saying "Alright, now try and look amazed, now sad," etc. Even the adults in the movie suffer from this affliction. Characters don't really convey what the books meant for them to, instead being unsatisfying cardboard cut-outs that facilitate special effects and plot points. Speaking of the effects; they were another disapointing aspect of the production. None of the CG really seems to mesh for me. The quiditch match is alright, but there are times when it looks far too blue-screened. Added to this the child actor's sub-par ability to have emotional responses, and often the CG and the real motion fail to mesh -- it appears as though the actors are simply responding to onstage prompts, and aren't actually a part of the CG. All of this combines together to form a movie I could barely stand watching. Despite the fact I enjoyed the books, characters most of all-- I felt a dull apathy for the characters in the film. Harry especially. If perhaps only one of the afore mentioned negative points had been present in the movie I would have enjoyed it much more, but all of them together robbed Harry Potter of any enjoyment, turning it into a boring, annoying, lack-luster production.
Rating:
Summary: Enchanting And Fun Movie For Everyone
Review: I have to say right at the get go that I know absolutely nothing about Harry Potter. Zilch. Nada. Never read any of the books or heard anything about them. I had no idea what the blazes a hogwart or muggle was. But, I have to admit that I was a wee bit curious. What was all the fuss about?. I went into this film stone cold and was very surprised. First of all, you don't need to be a Harry encyclopedia. Things are pretty well explained to you. You won't be lost. I was expecting it. Daniel Radcliffe plays 11 year old Harry Potter, who is dropped on his aunt and uncle's doorstep as a baby. Flash forward 11 years later and Harry is living a most miserable life. His relatives are the most horrid bunch. They make Harry sleep under the stairs. Then, Harry begins to get letters from Hogwarts School. A large giant of a man named Hagrid(played by the loveable Robbie Coltrane)comes and tells Harry that he is a wizard and takes him to Hogwarts school for Wizardry. There, Harry befriends Ron(Rupert Gint), and Hermione(exceptionally played by the drop dead adorable Emma Watson). While learning his abilities at the school, Harry and his new friends discover that the sorcerer's stone is hidden under the school and that someone is trying to get to it. Who is it?. Why do they want it?. These are questions you will have to see the movie to find out. The supporting cast is the best of the best. These people include Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, and the great Richard Harris. Keep your eyes open for cameos by John Cleese, John Hurt, and Julie Walters. They are all teriffic. Next up is the score. You can always count on John Williams to deliver the goods. He is a god. His musical score really catches that right whimsical fairy tale sound that is dead on perfect. Haunting and beautiful at the same time. The outfits were outstanding, as was the scenery and sets. Many sets were absolutely breathtaking. The castle itself is a wonderous piece of beauty in itself. I will say that the movie did seem a tad long. Then again, so are the books. The long running time did hurt it a tad bit. Daniel Radcliffe is exceptionally good as young Harry. He has wonderful charm and a great smile. But, I was in awe of little Emma Watson as Hermione. This young girl is wonderful. A star in the making. Director Chris Columbus("Home Alone", "Mrs. Doubtfire")really knows his stuff. The cast is great and he keeps the film tight and sharp looking. Kudoes to you Mr. Columbus. As for how faithful the movie is from J.K. Rowling's book, I can't say. I haven't read them. But from what I hear from everyone else, the movie was very faithful to the book. Maybe I should read them?. There are a number of whiners commenting on the movie being long and boring. If you are interested in quality than quantity, then this shouldn't be a problem at all. If you have short attention spans and have a hard time staying focused for a three minute video on MTV, then this is not for you. Critics have hailed this film as "The Wizard Of Oz Of Today". They just may be right.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent adaptation of the book! Brought it alive!
Review: As a Harry Potter fan, I'm so happy with this movie adaptation. It's very true to the book (which is fabulous in my opinion, I don't know why some people complained about that), although there are some slight differences. The movie makers have done a wonderful job bringing Rowling's world on screen. The visual effects, especially Fluffy, ghosts, chess pieces, Quidditch game were done exceptionally well. The second disc is all extras. I guess it was designed for Harry Potter fans and people who enjoyed the movie very much because it was assumed that you've watched the movie beforehand. The deleted scenes were a little hard to find since several steps have to be taken. First I had to go to get the key and take money from the Gringotts bank in Diagon Alley. Then purchase wand from Olivander's. Then return to the school and attend classes. Go to potions class and answer three questions. The questions were a little bit of a hassle for me. Answer for the 1st question: Aphrodel and the tube next to it (forgot name); 2nd question: wolfsbane and monkhood; 3rd question: snake fangs and porcupine quills. After the questions, select winged key by trying out a few. Then select the orange colored potion and you will see the mirror of erised. There are a total of 7 deleted scenes. Although some will say they are not worth the hassle, but I liked them. My other favorite extra is the interview. It was good to learn about the behind the scenes interaction of the director/producer/actors etc and production of the movie in general. They also mentioned something about the second movie. Overall good buy. Worth every cent. Will rewatch it on DVD many times.
Rating:
Summary: Love It, But There Could Be More
Review: I'm very happy to have the film in my Harry Potter collection. I love the books almost as much as C.S. Lewis' "Chronicles of Narnia", & the film is very true to the books. I hope this continues as the film series continues. One disapointment is that I wish the deleted scenes had been added INTO the film as a "Director's Cut" instead of just tacked on to the end of the tape, it would have added to it's fidelity to the source material...of course, a Director's Cut will probably come, when Warner Bros need more cash! Also, I wish the VHS would have ALL the deleted scenes, & interviews. DVD isn't an option for everyone, so while those lucky enough get the fun and games, why not give the rest of us all the tape there is?
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