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Friday, November 21st 2008
Harry Potter Store - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Mini DVD) (Harry Potter 3)
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List Price: $29.98
Our Price: $9.73
Your Save: $ 20.25 ( 68% )
Availability:
Manufacturer: Warner Bros. Pictures
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Richard Griffiths, Pam Ferris
Directed By: Alfonso Cuarón
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Binding: DVD
Brand: Warner Home Video
EAN: 0012569694712
Format: Full Screen
Label: Warner Bros. Pictures
Manufacturer: Warner Bros. Pictures
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Warner Bros. Pictures
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2005-04-26
Running Time: 142
Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
Theatrical Release Date: 2004-06-04
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: My Favorite Of The Harry Potter Film
Comment: I thought this was excellent....better than the first two Harry Potter movies combined and better than what has followed.. That's my feeling, and I'm still sticking to it.....especially now that it's available with a great Blu-Ray transfer.
This was just great fun, right from the opening. In fact, the early bus scene is the best in the film. Overall, the movie didn't have as mean an edge to it as the others, although it has a number of scary moments (which might have warranted a PG-13 rating). That was fine with me. I got tired of the dark and annoying characters of the first two films, and especially the irritating blonde wise-guy kid. I give this major points for cutting his role down. Even Alan Rickman's character softens.
In other words, there is no despicable villain to hate throughout the film, which I thought was refreshing. Instead, we just go through one adventure after another until the final surprise ending.
Along the way are a lot of fun special effects and scenery, some humor (Emma Thompson is a hoot as an eccentric tea-leaf reader) and some fantastic 5.1 surround sound to go along with this new high-definitiion disc. I wish all the Harry Potter films were like this one.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Cuaron's Labyrinth
Comment: Firstly, it should be noted that under most circumstances, this would not be my series of choice (books or movies) about which to write. I have enjoyed the movies moderately, and have some experience with the first-third books of J.K. Rowling's original series. Regardless of whether these facts validate or invalidate my opinion for those who read, I will commence with my critique.
The exceptional circumstances that lead me to write this review are the other reviews already published. I was quite surprised at first to see that so many consider this film a black sheep of sorts in the series; for me, it's the only one I care enough to talk about. To address *why* I care enough to talk, I would like to first discuss my problems with the previous installments in the cinematic Potter series.
As a director, Chris Columbus has proven himself to be far too generic (I have heard of his "trademark close-up photography"--I can vouch for that); real energy an *drama* simply seemed to be largely missing from the first two films. If anything, Columbus proved he knew how to do comic scenes: Richard Griffiths is always cruelly hilarious as Vernon Dersley, and Kenneth Branagh, while not the most obvious choice for Gildroy Lockhart, was quite funny as well. The drama, however was far too weak. I have become convinced that the heart of Ms. Rowling's series is in the characters and their emotions, not the "witchcraft and wizardry." I'm still not sure Columbus had a handle on this. It's fine to cater to the kids, but the world does not have to be watered down for them. I can appreciate competence in acting, cinemtography, and camera work--for the Columbus episodes had all of these qualities--but competence is no replacement for outstanding and genuinely imaginative filmmaking. More to the point, watered down humor and "dungeons-and-dragons" galore are no replacements for films that get to the hearts of their characters (one reason I have enjoyed the SW prequels so much, while others have not.)
A number of things set this film up to leave hardcore fans wanting: the change of directors--especially when the new man on set was unique Alfonso Cuaron--meant a change of tone, and as well as a likely change of overall feel and style. This may have been an issue for those who loved oen and two, but since I didn't especially like them, it wasn't for me. Also, Richard Harris had taken his last bow and departed this world (RIP) in between the filming of installments, so Dumbledore had to be recast. Like above, it may have been problematic for some, but was not particularly vexing for me. Add a darker story, as dictated by the book, and you have something that might not be completely to the little ones' liking, or for those in love with the look and feel of the previous films down to the last detail.
I consider myself lucky that I was not particularly attached; this allowed me to see, on its own merits, the brilliant piece of cinematic fantasty Alfonso Cuaron has created.
Remember what I said about competent acting? Well anyone who can deny that the cast as a whole has improved greatly in this installment does not, in my opinion, know quality dramatic acting when they see it. Alfonso Cuaron does, and thankfully he knows how to wring it out of his performers a good deal better than Columbus was either able or willing to.
Case A) The Boy who Acted. Dan Radcliffe channels Harry's emotions to the audience; it's just that simple. We can feel his joy; his sorrow; his pain, and his pleasure. That is all I require in a performance. While in truth none of the cast have ever performed better (in this series) than here, I feel this was a particularly good outing for Radcliffe, especially in the Hogsmead and "Aunt Marge" scenes (more on that character later.)
Case B) "Elementary, My Dear Watson". I'd have given Emma Watson points just for raising Hermione Granger beyond the level of a one-dimensional, occasionally wooden (there is no other word to describe it) know-it-all. But Watson spent the majority of her screentime thoroughly blowing me away, I have to say; some of it was present previously, as in the troll scene from film #1, but now that Cuaron has allowed Drama to be King, she comes shining through. Granger actually has a fully-formed character here, and is shown to be a good, caring friend, there to reassure when danger is present to Potter's character. I rather suspect Ms. Watson enjoyed working with Cuaron; Cuaron, for his part, ought to be lucky to get a child performer willing to dig deep inside and pull what's needed when it's needed. The showdown in the Shreaking Shak (to be discussed in greater detail later on) was a highlight for the rising star.
Cas C) "Out with the old, in with the new". This film has introduced more new characters at once than any other in the series. Firstly is the brief performance of Pam Ferris as Aunt Marge. If you watch as much British TV as I do, you might well know Ms. Ferris. She does not disapoint here. It's nice to see Griffiths put in the shade by a new unfriendly relative. How she manages to be hilarious while be absolutely brutal to the hero of the film I am not quite sure, but it is not a performance to be missed. This especially as her role is reduced from the book to one or two key scenes (I miss the added dimension of her dog breeding, though I believe some of that stays in.) The Aunt Marge scene had me cheering from within in the book and it brings about similar rallying emotions here. That's a good first sign that Cuaron has more than a clue what he's doing.
Also new are a trio of actors that *made* this movie series for me: David Thewlis, Gary Oldman, and Timothy Spall. To get the simplest out of the way first, Spall, as Peter Pettigrew, was born to play a rat, a doubling meaning you'll understand if you've scene the film/read the book. Physically he's perfect, and he gives a despicable, slimy portrayal of the lowest of villains: traitors. (This is without giving away too much.)
In giving ample credit to David Thewlis in his role as Professor Lupin, I can say but this: R.J. Lupin, of all Rowling's characters, has to his name a section of my heart to this day. I am shocked, to say the least, that some got no more than the aura of a "bland school teacher" from Thewlis' performance. He brought his character to life for me: Lupin embodies that which all humans should strive to be. He is kind-hearted, happy with both his life and his work, as far from malicious as humanly, possible, and he is warm and compassionate. Honestly, I am more than a little dismayed that some cannot seem to get a handle on his character just because he is not quite as clear cut as weak-minded, double life-living Quirrel, or fraudulent Lockhart. (Then again, the greatest audience for this series probably comes from young children, and I can imagine a lot--possibly the majority--of this flying high above their heads, and that only shows that they shouldn't be subjected to so much watering down...) As a side bar, one other reviewer questioned why Harry should choose to believe Sirius and Lupin. I think Lupin is the link: Harry has spent his year liking and trusting Lupin. On top of that, when it becomes obvious that Peter Pettigrew is alive and not dead (again, trying not to give too much away), and that Sirius was being honest when he said what really happened to Pettigrew, doesn't it become a matter of common sense?
That brings us to Sirius Black himself: Gary Oldman. Of course, if ever there were a sympathetic character, here he is. And like all of the cast, he is absolutely convincing. I believed him when he was doing his best to make up for lost time with Harry; I bought it when he said he wished he could have Harry, but his life was too turbulent for the time being. As a matter of fact, the whole emotional path of the film for all the characters is very well-done. But before that...
There's a new Albus in town! Michael Gambon, another respected British thespian, replaces Richard Harris as Dumbeldore. I find the negative response to his portrayal puzzling. I was recently reaquainted with the first book, and looking back, I see much more of Dumbeldore's delightful eccentricity in Gambon than in Harris. He's still obviously a great and powerful wizard, and--never fear--Gambon is able to deliver this while still playing well to the humorous side of Dumbeldore. I saw only flashes of this appropriate quirkiness in Harris. (I also love the beard in the band! As I understand it, that was a touch Gambon himself originated.)
And now, to finally talk about the direction itself. Cuaron brings a wonderful darkness, a brilliant sense of realism, and a refereshing dose of actual, palpable drama to the series this time around. When I can feel the emotions and, consequently, become involved in the story, this satsifies me immensely, and here Cuaron delivers in spades.
Visually the film sets the perfect heavy atmosphere: lots of clouds, rain, and wind, very dark, shadowed rooms. In fact, there is a good deal of blue and black in this film in general. In another ingenius touch, Cuaron uses the wamping willow on the Hogwarts grounds to denote changes in the season. This is an effective, non time-consuming way to relate the passage of time to intelligent viewers. People who cannot comprehend visual storytelling might do well to say away from this film. Cuaron clearly understands that film is a visal medium above all else, and doesn't try to create a verbitum telling of the novel. In spite of the overzealous fans who couldn't stand it when deviated in the least, Cuaron should be acknowledged for what he achieved here: a mature, refreshingly beliavable rendering of a story on film. Anyone who honestly thinks Columbus is the superior director is hereby implored to name their planet of residence as they cannot possibly hail from Earth (alright, that's a bit hyperbolic, but I'm sure you know what I mean.)
Nowhere is the emotion more palpable than in the Shrieking Shak scene. This is a scene set in a small room, with five characters participating for the majority of the scene. The room is dimly lit, dusty, shadowed and in a general and appropriate state of disrepair. It almost feels like a play at times, given the small setting and intimate performances. Each actor seems to get his or her spotlight moment, at least once if not more. That would be another sign of skilled staging, and accomplished screewriting for that matter. It is also, of course, a testament to the actors that they were all considered talented enough to get a veritable solo. Most chilling and gripping of all is the interaction between Lupin (Thewlis), Black (Oldman), and Pettigrew (Spall.) While Oldman simply impresses with great range (chills were literally up and down my spine when he identified Pettigrew),and Spall with his ability to make human slime convincing and not grating, Thewlis is all over the place. He calls his friendship with Harry, and his honesty, into question, while at the same time maintaining his believable, benificent aura. As I have already emphatically elaborated, Thewlis is first-rate from beginning to end in this film, and by far the best DADA professor in the series for all my opinion is worth.
The Shack scene is a masterwork, both visually and dramatically. While it is hard to elaborate without handing out too many "spoilers", I must conclude that it is the most believable dramatic scene of the series thus far. Kudos again to Cuaron for pulling it off. (Bonus points, as well, for a satisfying moment when Harry puts Snape out of the scene early on. In fairness, I did actually find myself beginning to loath Alan Rickman's pantomime potions professor, but still, the less said the better in my opinion. Maybe the films just didn't elaborate enough, but I don't particularly see anything interesting or worth preserving in his character at this point.)
Cuaron also paints a much more beautiful and compelling portrait of Hogwarts,and indeed of the Wizarding World, than Columbus. The Clocktower on the castle grounds is hugely appropriate given the prominence of time travel in the story, and the whole Hogwarts visual is pleasing to the eye and also appropriate to the tone and style of the film. I cannot empathize with those who make a big deal of Hagrid's hut being elsewhere (who's to say he didn't move for the purposes of his class over the summer? Rowling has not denied it, so I feel it is a safe surmize.) Also controversial is the wardrobe. To be honest, this film is pretty much visually perfect for me, and the wardrobe and hair are no exception. To the contrary, they are the best, I think of the whole series. It's true that the children are not seen in their robes as much, but the clothes look fantastic and entirely beliavable (this coming from a guy, take a note) and only enhance the realization of Cuaron's vision. I can live with deviance, while some obviously cannot. In all honesty, this is such a great *film* that I can hardly bring myself to care about miniscule, easily explained inconistencies. You have to expect differences (big ones sometimes) when directors change. That alone is the message I intend to put forth with this review.
I'd welcome Cuaron back at anytime (though, for better or worse, it looks like this is not to be), and eagerly await opportunities to delve into his other work. An exceptional director has been brought to our attention now, no doubts about it. Give me Cuaron over Columbus any day. (Those who have vowed never to see another Potter film unless Columbus directs had best open their minds or risk missing the finale of the series.)
W.O.
Customer Rating:
Summary: This series is getting darker and more mysterious
Comment: This series is getting darker and more mysterious. It continues with the history of Harry's parents and unlocks new characters. The characters are getting closer and working together as usual. AND the introduction of time travel!!! This is the best DVD of the series to date!
Customer Rating:
Summary: Fire the script writer! Please!
Comment: While Azkaban is one of my favorite HP books, the movie is not. Once again, the script writer kept essential character scenes out of this movie- it's been like this with ALL the movies! And just like with all the other movies, Snape's character gets his lines widdled down to a toothpick. Azkaban really lost a lot of suspensful elements toward the end, too, not to mention some dark humor. For ex, Snape just "shows up" in the Shack bedroom, but how? It wouldn't have hurt the writer/director to show maybe 1 minutes' worth of Snape discovering the cloak, map, etc. I gave this a rating of 3 instead of a 1 for it's cinemetography. And that's being generous.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Wish it was better...
Comment: Well, it was pretty good. The dementors looked good in this movie and I thought Gary Oldman was perfect for the role of Sirius Black. It worth a watch.
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Editorial Reviews:
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Some movie-loving wizards must have cast a magic spell on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, because it's another grand slam for the Harry Potter franchise. Demonstrating remarkable versatility after the arthouse success of Y Tu Mamá También, director Alfonso Cuarón proves a perfect choice to guide Harry, Hermione, and Ron into treacherous puberty as the now 13-year-old students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry face a new and daunting challenge: Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from Azkaban prison, and for reasons yet unknown (unless, of course, you've read J.K. Rowling's book, considered by many to be the best in the series), he's after Harry in a bid for revenge. This dark and dangerous mystery drives the action while Harry (the fast-growing Daniel Radcliffe) and his third-year Hogwarts classmates discover the flying hippogriff Buckbeak (a marvelous CGI creature), the benevolent but enigmatic Professor Lupin (David Thewlis), horrifying black-robed Dementors, sneaky Peter Pettigrew (Timothy Spall), and the wonderful advantage of having a Time-Turner just when you need one. The familiar Hogwarts staff returns in fine form (including the delightful Michael Gambon, replacing the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore, and Emma Thompson as the goggle-eyed Sybil Trelawney), and even Julie Christie joins this prestigious production for a brief but welcome cameo. Technically dazzling, fast-paced, and chock-full of Rowling's boundless imagination (loyally adapted by ace screenwriter Steve Kloves), The Prisoner of Azkaban is a Potter-movie classic. --Jeff Shannon
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