Fiona

Starring:Anna Levine, Felicia Maguire, Alyssa Mulhern, Anna Grace, Bill Dawes, Mike Hodge, Christopher McCann (II), Matthew Powers, Sue Ponczkowski, Susan Santopietro, Peggy Van Tries, Phil LaRocca, Alice Blythe, Lisa Abate, Samantha Buck, Lisa Sauber, Michele Santopietro
Director: Amos Kollek
Studio: Vanguard Cinema
Product Type: DVD

Harry Potter Years 1-4 (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone / Chamber of Secrets / Prisoner of Azkaban / Goblet of Fire) (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Harry Potter Movies
Good
Disappointed customer
First Four Harry Potter Films on DVD: A Great Gift Idea!
Harry Potter DVD Boxed Set

Harry Potter Years 1-4 (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone / Chamber of Secrets / Prisoner of Azkaban / Goblet of Fire) (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Richard Harris , Maggie Smith , Robbie Coltrane , Saunders Triplets , and Daniel Radcliffe
Director: Chris Columbus , and Alfonso Cuarón
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-6)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Widescreen Edition)
The Lord Of The Rings - The Motion Picture Trilogy (Widescreen Edition)
Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Man's Chest (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

ASIN: B000E6UZZK
Release Date: 2006-03-07

Description

The Harry Potter Years 1-4 includes each of the four 2-disc sets of Harry Potter 1, Harry Potter 2, Harry Potter 3 and Harry Potter 4 (all widescreen versions).

Customer Reviews:

Harry Potter Movies.......2007-07-04

The movies are very entertaining and a must see for all who have read the books. I recieved my movies on time and am so happy with the service.

Good.......2007-07-01

I love the books, so the movies are never as good as the books, but they are good. They are fun and interesting and go quickly but keep true to the story. Good films that are fun. This is the order of the BEST FILMS (1 being best...4 being worst)
1. Prisoner of Azkaban
2. Sorcers Stone
3. Chamber of Secrets
4. Goblet of Fire

Disappointed customer.......2007-06-24

Very disappinted with my first buy from this seller.
Movies arrived on time, but it wasn't what I ordered or expected.
I bought a Box Set of Harry Potter, years 1-4, but 4 separated movies arrived, not a Box Set. Besides, the seller claims that he has the only Full Screen versions available on the market, one of the movies, Goblet of Fire, is NOT a full screen version, the box is a full screen version, but the DVD inside is marked and it is a Wide Screen version.
I would really like my money back !!!!!!!!!!!
Very, very disappointed indeed.

First Four Harry Potter Films on DVD: A Great Gift Idea!.......2007-06-21

In 1997, a children's book written by a then little-known author, J. K. Rowling, began to gain popularity in Britain. Entitled "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone", the book's title was changed when it was released in the U.S. to "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone". A year later, children who had been mesmerized by the first book got to read its sequel, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets". Though a seemingly darker book than the first, more and more children (as well as adults) began to take interest in the amazing stories a boy name Harry Potter, who is also a wizard. As J. K. Rowling wrote each additional book, interest continued to rise as bookstores began to open at midnight upon each book's release date to the throngs of children and their parents anxious to read the next installment of Harry Potter's adventures at the magical Hogwart's School of Wizardry Witchcraft with his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger as they battle the evil Lord Voldemort. To date, five books have been written. The third, fourth and fifth books are respectively entitled "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban", "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" and "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". And, the soon to be released seventh & final book is called "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows".

With so much popularity, it was only natural that film producers would approach J. K. Rowling about transforming her wonderful books into big-screen films. The year (2001) following the release of her fourth book, the first film adaptation of her first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" was released in theaters. This was followed by the subsequent releases of the film versions of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" (2002), "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" (2004) and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (2005).

Starring Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley and Emma Watson as Hermione Granger, each of these four films is quite good. Also starring in all four films are Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy, Matthew Lewis as Neville Longbottom, Richard Griffiths as Uncle Vernon Dursley, Fiona Shaw as Aunt Petunia Dursley, Harry Melling as cousin Dudley Dursley, Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid, legendary actress Maggie Smith as Professor Minerva McGonagall and the wonderful actor Alan Rickman as the shadowy potions professor Severus Snape. Sadly, the brilliant actor Richard Harris (1930-2002), who played Professor Albus Dumbledore, died shortly before the second film opened in theaters. Stepping into the character in the third & fourth films was veteran actor Michael Gambon, whose seamless & identical portrayal of Professor Dumbledore was a true credit to his excellent acting abilities; though some were not as pleased with Gambon's performance as with Richard Harris.

A brief summary of each film follows:

1. "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"

At 11 years of age, Harry Potter has been taken care of from the time that he was only one year old by his Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia, who have a child of their own named Dudley. They have taken care of Harry because his own parents, James and Lily Potter (Lily was Petunia's sister) were killed by the evil wizard Lord Voldemort. The Dursleys want nothing to do with magic, and since Harry may be a wizard, they have not treated him very well. However, just before Harry's 11th birthday, he received a letter from the Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft; but the Dursleys won't let him read the letter. More & more letters from Hogwarts arrive until out of desperation, the Dursleys attempt to run away with Harry; but they are easily found and on Harry's birthday, a huge man by the name of Hagrid arrives to personally deliver Harry's invitation from Hogwarts to study magic. It is only then that Harry finds out that he's a wizard and that the Dursleys had lied to him about how his parents died. Harry leaves with Hagrid and begins his first year at Hogwarts, where he makes his first true friends: Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger. It's an exciting story as Harry learns to play quidditch, learns potions with the unpleasant Professor Snape and becomes entangled in some secret affairs at the school. He may even have an encounter with "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named".

2. "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"

At age 12, Harry has been treated slightly better by the Dursleys over his summer holiday, but things begin to turn sour when an elf named Dobby suddenly appears in Harry's bedroom to give him a message: that he should not return to Hogwarts this year. Not accepting the warning, Dobby makes mischief while the Dursleys are entertaining. Uncle Vernon puts bars on Harry's bedroom window and refuses to let him return to Hogwarts, but a flying car carrying Ron Weasley and his brothers Fred and George arrive and rescue Harry. Harry's does finally get to Hogwarts, but students begin to be attacked by an unknown force and Harry starts to hear strange voices. That's when they learn about a legendary part of the castle known only as "the chamber of secrets", in which a horrible monster is said to dwell. Will Hogwarts get shut down, or can Harry and his friends figure out where the chamber is? Look out for Professor Gilderoy Lockhart (the brilliant Kenneth Branagh) and Moaning Myrtle (Shirley Henderson).

3. "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban"

At age 13, after Harry accidentally causes one of his other unpleasant muggle aunts, Aunt Marge (Pam Ferris), to inflate like a balloon, he runs away from the Dursleys and encounters a large black dog before a magical bus appears. Harry has a wild bus ride to "The Leaky Cauldron" where he meets the Minister of Magic himself, Cornelius Fudge (Robert Hardy), but he doesn't' get in trouble for inflating his aunt. Instead, there is something far more ominous: Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), a very dangerous prisoner and convicted murderer, has escaped from Azkaban prison. Everyone at Hogwarts must be on guard, especially with the dreaded dementors on the prowl looking for Sirius. While Ron & Harry can't understand how Hermione is getting to all of her classes (some classes at the same time), Sirius Black is looking for Harry. When Harry finds out who Sirius Black is, he goes ballistic; but things may not be as they appear.

4. "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"

This is an unusual year at Hogwarts: instead of the usual quidditch matches between the four houses, an international Tri-Wizarding Tournament is to be held. Limited to only upper-class students that are at least 17 years old, everyone is shocked when Harry (14 years old) is named to be one of its contestants. The Tri-Wizarding Tournament is somewhat dangerous to its participants, but Hermione finds herself in an affair with a world-renowned quidditch player, Viktor Krum (Stanislav Ianevski), who is representing his school in the Tournament. In the meantime, Harry is attracted to a girl named Cho Chang (Katie Leung), but his life is complicated when he begins to experience strange visions of snakes and "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named". What is "He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named" doing? Harry will no doubt be caught in the thick of it and it may interfere with the Tournament! Keep a close eye on Mad-Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson), who is at Hogwarts by invitation of Dumbledore himself!

Overall, I rate all four films together with a resounding 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend them. In case you have a friend or family member that wants to watch/own all four Harry Potter films, but doesn't yet have any of them, the "Harry Potter - Years 1-4" DVD collection would make an excellent gift.

Harry Potter DVD Boxed Set.......2007-05-31

First four Harry Potter movies special wide screen edition. Each movie comes with a second disc with special features. Movie one and two come with "special edition" case.

If you like the books then you'll enjoy the movies, although they are sometimes very different from the original writings.

Average customer rating:

Ripe, Fulfilling Romantic Classic
One of my top ten most romantic movies ever made!
Not Persuaded by the film
Didn't like at first .. but then I did.
Excellent film!

Persuasion (1995)
Starring: Amanda Root , Ciarán Hinds , Susan Fleetwood , Corin Redgrave , and Fiona Shaw
Director: Roger Michell
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Indie & Art House | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Sense & Sensibility (Special Edition)
Mansfield Park (1999)
Pride and Prejudice - The Special Edition (A&E, 1996)
Emma (A&E, 1997)
Emma (1996)

ASIN: B00003JRCQ
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Amazon.com

Movie adaptations of Jane Austen's classic novels were all the rage (relatively speaking) in the mid-1990s. Clueless updated Austen's Emma, which was more conventionally adapted in another version (Emma) starring Gwyneth Paltrow. Emma was produced yet again, this time for British television, as were a celebrated miniseries of Pride and Prejudice and this splendid film of Austen's Persuasion. Persuasion is the story of a love that survives eight years of dormancy and the frustrating obstacles of class prejudice in 19th century England. Anne (Amanda Root) is captivated when she meets the dignified naval officer Capt. Wentworth (Ciarán Hinds), but she is advised to discourage his romantic overtures because he has no fortune. They meet again eight years later, but now Capt. Wentworth has become wealthy while Anne's father is in reduced circumstances in the wake of reckless extravagance. A series of circumstances ensue which prevent Anne and Wentworth from expressing their mutual and inevitable love. The film's success depends entirely on the subtle, superb performances of Root and Hinds. The film builds slowly, occasionally leaving you wondering if anything at all is going to happen. When it does, you realize how carefully crafted a film this is, and the final result is grandly rewarding. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

Ripe, Fulfilling Romantic Classic.......2007-07-05

Ripe, Fulfilling Romantic Classic

Anne Elliot and Frederick Wentworth's romance came to a sudden halt in 1806. Anne, the daughter of a conceited and spendthrift baronet, loved Wentworth but was advised by her family's confidant, Lady Russell, that the match was inappropriate, as Wentworth had no connections or money. Now 8 years later, Anne's family is forced from their estate because of her father's mounting financial debts. The family retreats to Bath, where, to the delight of Anne's father, they can maintain their privileged lifestyle on a much smaller budget. The family's home, Kellynch Hall, is to be let by an Admiral and his wife, who, coincidentally, are related to Wentworth. This liaison throws Anne back into the society of Wentworth, now a Captain in the Royal Navy who amassed quite a fortune in privateering. The Captain has now caught the attention of Louisa Musgrove, whose brother married Anne's sister, Mary. Meanwhile Anne, now in her late 20's and showing signs of physical and emotional stress, is surprisingly courted by the heir to Kellynch Hall. The question remains as to whether Anne and the Captain can reconcile to the point of being friends, or perhaps even put aside their past afflictions and possibly rekindle their lost romance.

No one can weave a romantic tale like Jane Austen did in her prime. This movie is a wonderful afternoon retreat. The acting is superb, and the dialogue gives us many wonderful moments to ponder long after the DVD is finished. Fans of period pieces will NOT be disappointed. This one is not to be missed.

Cris Cunningham for Amazon.com

One of my top ten most romantic movies ever made!.......2007-06-22

This less-than-2-hour movie aired on PBS with a great intro by host Russell Baker. I still enjoy that VHS tape I made at the time, but its colors are dark and sometimes the dialog is hard to understand. Not having it on dvd is NOT an option for me. Luckily, it had been over a year since I last viewed this one, and it was better than ever, even better than the 1st time I saw it. Sometimes I see Captain Wentworth as mildly retarded, that he cannot see that Anne obviously has feelings for him. Then I remember he was thoroughly snubbed by her family as well as refused by her, so his hesitancy is understandable. In the 8 years that have elapsed since refusing him, Anne has found herself & her own voice, & is finally able to tell her well-meaning but patronizing friend, "That is not a thing that I want!" I am always so proud of her for going after what she does want, finally. The last few minutes of the film are some of the most romantic ever made.

My top ten: Pride & Prejudice (mini series with Colin Firth), 2)Persuasion, 3)Room With a View, 4)Casablanca, 5)Emma (Kate Beckinsale version), 6)My Foolish Heart, 7)The Terminator, 8)Doctor Zhivago ('65 version), 9)Best Years of Our Lives, 10)Will Penny. Ok, those last 5 shift around a bit sometimes, depending on which old movies I come across. Some of the traditionally favorite ones like GWTW, or Love Story -- there's more anguish than romance there, to me. What are your favorites? Always on the lookout for romantic moments on film. Hey, that could be another top ten, of your Top Ten Romantic Moments on film, which could be altogether a different list!

Not Persuaded by the film.......2007-05-30

Glad I read the book before watching the film. There were scenes from the book that could have been included to make the film story line flow better. The actors/actresses were not as believable and didn't seem to fit the descriptions in the book as well. This adaptation of "Persuasion" was not as good as Ang Lee's "Sense and Sensibility" (with Emma Thompson) nor Andrew Davies' "Pride and Prejudice" (with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle).
If you're not keen on owning this DVD, I'd borrow it from the local library, a friend, or NetFlix before spending money to buy it.

Didn't like at first .. but then I did........2007-05-04

I am a big Austin fan and have seen just about all of her movie adaptatons. At first I found this movie slow and pointless but about 1/2 way through I got excited to see how it would end. The ending makes good sense but could have been more detailed. The movie builds up antisipation and then ends ubruptly and leaves you saying what just happened. All and all this movie is worth seeing if you enjoy other Austin movies.

Excellent film!.......2007-04-26

This is one of my favorite movies. I saw it at the theater when it first came out and then I bought the book. The characters seem like real people that a person could meet.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 3)

Average customer rating:

Different Director; Great Adaptation
Good Movie, but not as good as the first two
Disappointment.
Massive Disappointment
I LOVE Harry Potter!

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 3)
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe , Richard Griffiths , Pam Ferris , Fiona Shaw , and Harry Melling
Director: Alfonso Cuarón
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

Two-Disc Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

Harry Potter and Prisoner of Azkaban | Top 30 | Specialty Stores | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 2)
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 1)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 4)
Star Wars - Episode III, Revenge of the Sith (Widescreen Edition)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)

ASIN: B00005JMAH
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Amazon.com

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

Description

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry, Ron and Hermione, now teenagers, return for their third year at Hogwarts, where they are forced to face escaped prisoner, Sirius Black, who poses a great threat to Harry. Harry and his friends spend their third year learning how to handle a half-horse half-eagle Hippogriff, repel shape-shifting Boggarts and master the art of Divination. They also visit the wizarding village of Hogsmeade and the Shrieking Shack, which is considered the most haunted building in Britain. In addition to these new experiences, Harry must overcome the threats of the soul-sucking Dementors, outsmart a dangerous werewolf and finally deal with the truth about Sirius Black and his relationship to Harry and his parents. With his best friends, Harry masters advanced magic, crosses the barriers of time and changes the course of more than one life. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron and based on J.K. Rowling 's third book, this wondrous spellbinder soars with laughs, and the kind of breathless surprise only found in a Harry Potter adventure.

DVD Features:
3D Animated Menus
Challenges:Three great interactive challenges! Test your memory with "Magic You May Have Missed", help Crookshanks "Catch Scabbers", and go on an unexpected quest with Sir Cadogan.
DVD ROM Features:Wizard Trading Cards.Hogwarts Timeline.
Deleted Scenes:A selection of mystifying exclusive never-before-seen footage
Featurette:Conjuring a Scene - an in-depth look at the making of key scenes from the filmMeet the animal trainers from the movie in Care of Magical Creatures.
Interviews:Raucous interviews with the cast lead by Johnny Vaughan and the Shrunken HeadCreating the Vision - a revealing interview with J.K. Rowling and the filmmakers.
Other:Self-guided iPIX tours into Honeydukes and Professor Lupin's Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. Choir Practice - sing-along with the Hogwarts choir.Hogwarts Portrait Gallery - get a closer look at the various portraits lining the walls of Hogwarts castle. Electronic Arts game preview.
Theatrical Trailer:Harry Potter 1, Harry Potter 2, Harry Potter 3

Customer Reviews:

Different Director; Great Adaptation.......2007-07-02

The third movie in the Harry Potter franchise brings us a new director in the form of Alfonso Cuaron. While there are some obvious stylistic changes to the movie, it still expertly captures the third book in the series.

This year finds Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) facing a personal threat from day one. Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from the wizard prison of Azkaban. His betrayal led to the deaths of Harry's parents years ago. Everyone assumes that Black is heading to Hogwarts to kill Harry and avenge You Know Who's death. Is he out to get Harry? Will he catch up with our young hero?

Naturally, as the books get longer in the series, the films have to cut more out. This one does a decent job by cutting out most of the Quidditch matches and streamlining the plot. The plot loses some of the twists and bumps, but it certainly works. I first saw it without having read the books and really enjoyed it. Only now that I've read the books do I know the details I was missing. While they help, they aren't necessary to enjoy the film.

Having watched the first three films in such close proximity, I really noticed the difference in the films this time. If you are paying attention, it's obvious they've changed the setting for Hogwarts. Even the insides of the castle look different with the Great Hall being less ornate but the halls have many more portraits. These are minor things and didn't hamper my enjoyment of the film at all.

The cast does their normal great job. All three of our leads are growing into fine young actors. Michael Gambon takes over the part of Headmaster Dumbledore, and he does a great job. There is a little difference, but not much. The special effects are once again amazing.

Book purists may be disappointed by the changes made to the story. But I think you'd hard pressed to find a better film version of this book no matter who was involved.

Good Movie, but not as good as the first two.......2007-06-15

This movie was OK. It was good but The Sorcerer's Stone and The Chamber of Secrets were better. Although, something funny was that there was this scary book that went wild! I watched this in class. This was just OK overall.

Note: Rated PG. Parental Guidance Suggested--Some material may not be suitable for children.

Rated PG for scary images, mild violence and brief language. May not be appropriate for children under the age of 8 years.

Disappointment........2007-06-12

After reading the 3rd book, I was highly anticipating the release of the movie. I'm sorry to say that I was extremely disappointed. Alot of people I know loved this movie, but none of them had read the book. The book was AMAZING! It made the movie look dim. There were alot of main points that occured in the story that were not brought out in this movie. The fact that authors have no say in the way the movie of the book they wrote turns out, is ridiculous.

Massive Disappointment.......2007-06-09

I've owned this movie for years, buying it shortly after it appeared on DVD. However, unlike the other Harry Potter movies, after only a few minutes of watching this DVD, I turned it off. Now, it is several years later, and I still have to struggle to get to the end. Basically, it's a bad and boring movie, a tremendous disappointment because this movie should have been wonderful - the story is fabulous.

Many of my complaints have been written before, so I will only echo them here. So much of the wonderful bits of the story are inexplicably missing or botched. Ron should stand up for Hermione when Snape calls her a Know-It-All; both Ron and Hermione should be inside the Three Broomsticks when Harry learns about Sirius Black; Ron and Hermione should be at odds with each other for much of the school year; Hermione's time-turner should be hinted at sooner - she should be tired from all her studying; the Firebolt should arrive at Christmas and not the end of the year; there should be a sense of passage of time. Scabbers and Crookshank should be given more air time. And where is Ron's moment of terror when he says he was attacked by Sirius Black? (Ron's character was particularly short-changed by this movie.) And so on, and so on.

Other items are introduced or dwelled on for no apparent reason. Why does Hogwarts have a choir? Why are we wasting precious movie moments having the Fat Lady sing? I get the joke, but we don't need it here. Why do we spend so much time with the chattering shrunken heads?

Moreover, there are numerous changes from the earlier movies. I, too, don't care for the lack of school uniforms, the dark dinginess of the castle, the inexplicable restructuring of the landscape, especially Hagrid's cabin. This movie lacks the charm of the earlier movies - and the charm of the movie that has since followed, Goblet of Fire. Much of the acting also strikes me as poor - but it may be that the actors had no choice, either because of the screenplay or the direction.

In writing, there is something known as showing versus telling. Writers are probably telling too much when they use too many adverbs, or when they write sentences such as: "Joe felt sad." The same can happen in a movie. Instead of the dialogue in which the characters touch each other emotionally and thus the readers/viewers as well, Cuaron "tells" us how we should feel by using, for example, either scary or haunting music. He would have done better to stick with dialogue. A number of other reviewers have enjoyed the movie version of Prisoner of Azkhaban, saying that Cuaron brings forth the darkness of the story. I don't agree. By making the whole movie dark, Cuaron detracts from dark's contrast with light. Compare this movie, for example, with Goblet of Fire. When Harry returns from the graveyard with Cedric's body, there is a moment where he is in utter despair - he's wailing his heart out - but the circus-like music keeps playing. I have trouble watching this scene of Goblet of Fire, but for a very different reason: it is so good that it hurts. With Prisoner of Azkhaban, the scenes are so boring as to be downright embarrassing.

I'm not quite sure how this travesty happened. I expect it is mostly due to Cuaron, who moved things around the Hogwarts grounds for no reason, and who was, perhaps, trying to give it his own artistic stamp - why, in a series? But there seem to be problems with the screenplay as well, so perhaps Steven Kloves deserves some of the blame. Evidently JK Rowling approved everything, too, which I can't understand, although I guess it would be impolitic of her to come out and say that she hates the movie (and of this I have no idea).

A great disappointment. Unfortunately, we have no time-turners ourselves, so we can't go back in time and do this movie right.

I LOVE Harry Potter!.......2007-04-18

Its my little secret. I dare not tell any of my friends. Shhh!
This movie is my favorite of the Happy potters. Snape seems nicer, and there is a twist! Ron's rat turns out to be something its not. And someone is a warewolf! Guess who!
This movie is the greatest, I'm going to buy all of them!

Average customer rating:

Please enter a title for your review
Heartwarming.
"Catch & Release?" I say just let go!
Pretty bad sorry to say
Catch & Release

Catch & Release
Starring: Jennifer Garner , Timothy Olyphant , Sam Jaeger , Kevin Smith , and Juliette Lewis
Director: Susannah Grant
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Domestic Comedies | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Because I Said So (Widescreen Edition)
Music and Lyrics (Widescreen Edition)
The Holiday
Night at the Museum (Widescreen Edition)
The Painted Veil

ASIN: B00005JPF3
Release Date: 2007-05-08

Amazon.com

Jennifer Garner's lips grow more Angelina-esque every year. In the romantic comedy Catch and Release, Garner (Alias, 13 Going On 30) plays Gray Wheeler, a young woman whose fiance dies unexpectedly before the wedding, leaving Gray unable to afford her home--so she moves in with her fiance's best friends, Sam (Kevin Smith, director of Clerks and Dogma) and Dennis (Sam Jaeger, Lucky Number Slevin). But the presence of another old friend named Fritz (Timothy Olyphant, Deadwood) leads to the unveiling of a secret: Gray's fiance had a child with another woman. Catch and Release lacks the clear story structure that most romantic comedies are built on, but trades it for a richer sense of the ambiguities of human relationships. Garner, though lovely and personable, is a bit bland--fortunately, she's surrounded by actors with all kinds of edges, including Smith (who shows an unexpected and uncloying earnest side), Fiona Shaw (from the Harry Potter movies) as the fiance's grieving mother, and Juliette Lewis (Cape Fear), who demonstrates once again her powers as a fearless and surprising actress. Catch and Release is an uneven movie, with a remarkably elegant visual style that sometimes clashes with the workmanlike dialogue, but it can't be written off as the same old Hollywood claptrap. Though a happy ending is inevitable, the path it takes has some surprising turns and flashes of unexpected emotional depth.-- Bret Fetzer

Stills from Catch and Release (click for larger image)

Beyond Catch and Release on Amazon.com

More Films from Jennifer Garner
CD Soundtrack
More Romantic Comedies

Customer Reviews:

Please enter a title for your review.......2007-07-04

One of the least engaging movies I've ever endured. It's hard to know how to criticize it when I can't see anything it was attempting. The biggest problems are how little of a sense you get of who the characters are to each other and the cryptic way the plot unfolds without containing any interesting mysteries. As a Kevin Smith fan I don't understand why he thought this movie was worth his time. Even his part didn't make me laugh. I'd give four stars to his commentary track that goes a fair way to redeeming the overall product though.

Heartwarming........2007-07-04

I really enjoyed this movie. I am a Jennifer Garner fan and she plays a great role in this movie. Timothy Olyphant, Sam Jaeger and Kevin Smith are very convincing in their roles as grieving friends even though they share a very odd sort of kinship.

The movie shows the different ways these individuals grief for their deceased friend and how they emerge on the sunnier side of life at the end of the film via different paths.

There are some very funny moments in the film but mostly it leaves you with a very warm fuzzy feeling....even the hubby enjoyed it !

"Catch & Release?" I say just let go!.......2007-07-01

Boy, am I bored. I can't think of anyone who I'd like to recommend watching this, except for some uptight teenage girls. I just finished watching it. The main plot isn't all that bad. It could have had its niche. But the director managed to make a slow-moving,lifeless piece of work which I think most viewers would find it hard to sit to the end. The only thing that got me to watch this in the beginning,like some other viewers,is Kevin Smith. I love to have a chance to see how he acts in other people's movies. But I can only say even with that, the movie is boring like hell.

Pretty bad sorry to say.......2007-06-28

I watched this movie because I'm a Timothy Olyphant fan. My husband and I loved his work in DEADWOOD. And we enjoyed the tv series ALIAS with Garner. However, this film took a long time to get going and then went nowhere and fell flat with a little thud. There was some chemistry with Olyphant and Garner, but it wasn't well-demonstrated. I don't mean to be cruel, but Garner played just about the worst drunk I've ever seen in a movie. That's not her strongpoint. Her wardrobe was hideous. But just getting back to the movie it was not something we'd recommend. We recommended HOLIDAY recently with Cameron Diaz & Kate Winslet - that was adorable. But a couple high points of "CATCH" were Grady's mother coming round at the end and Kevin's character getting together with Juliette Lewis (she WAS great!). As a romantic comedy it was horrible. As a romance it was very so-so. As a drama it was light. I wanted to see something exciting happen with everyone, some windfall of money Grady'd left to all of them, or some sizzling emotional scenes with Olyphant & Garner. Garner does deserve credit for portraying a miss-perfect waspy princess very well. I felt much of the plot was unrealistic. A woman like Gray would never jump into bed with Fritz so fast.

Catch & Release.......2007-06-27

This movie was terrible, It did not hold my interest, there seemed to be no plot to it.. I was bored and wish I had never bought it. A total waste of my money.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 1)

Average customer rating:

Great fantasy for children and adults too!
Great movie for all!
Pretty Good Movie
Faithful Book Adaptation
HARRY POTTER & THE SORCERERS STONE

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 1)
Starring: Robbie Coltrane , Warwick Davis , Richard Griffiths , Ian Hart , and John Hurt
Director: Chris Columbus
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

7-9 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Scary Movies & Mysteries | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

Two-Disc Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 2)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 3)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 4)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Widescreen Edition)

Accessories:

LEGO Creator Harry Potter

ASIN: B00003CXI1
Release Date: 2002-05-28

Product Description

The beloved book about a young wizard named Harry became a huge hit as a big screen feature and now makes its debut as deluxe DVD. In the film Daniel Radcliffe portrays the young orphan who gets invited to attend the exclusive Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, after years of living with his horrible aunt and uncle. At school he discovers his true heritage as the son of a witch and wizard, and faces a daunting force of evil. Get ready for fun, adventure, and action with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Special Features Include:

Never-before-seen-footage.

A 360 degree tour of Hogwarts controlled by the viewer's remote.

New interviews with the director and producer.

Learn how to play Quidditch.

Catch a Snitch with your remote.

Have a wand choose you at Ollivander's Wands.

Meet the ghosts who live at Hogwarts.

Cast a spell over a scene in eight languages.

Create potions.

Face challenges to reveal the secret in the Mirror of Erised.

Transfigure objects.

DVD ROM Includes:

Get sorted by the Sorting hat.

Collect wizard trading card.

Receive owl emails.

Lots of game demos...and more!

System Requirements:
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris, and John Cleese.
Directed By: Chris Columbus.
Running Time: 152 Min., Color.
This film is presented in "Widescreen" format.
Copyright 2002 Warner Home Video.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com essential video

Here's an event movie that holds up to being an event. This filmed version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, adapted from the wildly popular book by J.K. Rowling, stunningly brings to life Harry Potter's world of Hogwarts, the school for young witches and wizards. The greatest strength of the film comes from its faithfulness to the novel, and this new cinematic world is filled with all the details of Rowling's imagination, thanks to exuberant sets, elaborate costumes, clever makeup and visual effects, and a crème de la crème cast, including Maggie Smith, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, and more. Especially fine is the interplay between Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his schoolmates Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), as well as his protector, the looming Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane). The second-half adventure--involving the titular sorcerer's stone--doesn't translate perfectly from page to screen, ultimately because of the film's fidelity to the novel; this is a case of making a movie for the book's fans, as opposed to a transcending film. Writer Steve Kloves and director Chris Columbus keep the spooks in check, making this a true family film, and with its resourceful hero wide-eyed and ready, one can't wait for Harry's return. Ages 8 and up. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

Great fantasy for children and adults too!.......2007-06-30

Chris Columbus directed "Young Sherlock Holmes". If you saw that movie, you would not be surprised at Harry Potter. He puts all the visual stage elements that it takes to mesmerize audiences. The book is not able to give this clear picture. You must have a producer who can nail it on the head to make it in the film industry.

The color, costumes, makeup, stage design, and everything all the way down to the wire was perfected to make sure this movie had a lasting effect on the audience. Hats off to the author for the creation, but definitely to the produccer for bringing it to life on film.

Great movie for all!.......2007-06-22

"Harry Potter and SS" is the best fantastic movies I have watched so far. Together with the excellent skills of director Christ Columbus and well-done acting of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson as three main characters, and other stellar casts, "Harry Potter and SS" has becomes one of the most-watched movies once it's first released in the threater. The plot mainly focuses on the friendship between Harry and his two best friends, Hermione and Ron, and how they struggle throughout the movie to make the stone protected from the Lord Voldermore, an evil darkwizard. As the movie begins, Harry Potter, portraits by Daniel Radcliffe, a 10-years-old wizard is being treated so badly by his mean uncle and aunt. The Dursley's family has been concealing the fact that Harry doesn't belong in this Muggle world, and try all attempts to block all the invited letters from Hogward, a magical school where all young wizards go. It all changes, however, until his eleventh birthday when Hagrid, a giantkeykeeper of Hogward, comes and directly give him a letter, which simply says that Harry has been acccepted to attend to Hogward. Leaving the Dursley's family to go to Howard, Harry learns all about the death of his parents and begins to feel himself important as every wizard eagerly wants to shake his hands wherever he passes by. He also learns that the scar on his forhead, which makes him invulnerable from LV when he was a little baby, has made him the most famous wizard in the Wizard World. Once Harry sets foot on Hogward, a school full of matric spells, he struggles to make himself adjusted to the new World; he befriends with Ron and Hermione and other young wizards as well. Ron, who is Harry's closest companion, keeps Harry reasonable at all times and is willing to risk his life and everything he could for friendship. In the movie, you will witness how he sacrifies himself in the magnificently dangerous chessmatch in order for Harry to keep going. On the other hand, Hermione is a sensitive and very intelligent girl who really helpful throughout the movie. Thanks to her knowledgable tips, Harry could be able to choose the right potion and move on to the next door. Perhaps, that is their friendship which makes the movie go smoothly and held my interest and curiosity 'til the end, when Harry is face-to-face with LV.......
This movie is highly recommended for all, especially for youths who are searching for adventure and fantastic movies.

Hung Duong

Pretty Good Movie.......2007-06-13

I liked this movie. It was pretty funny. It was little bit scary, but great other than that. The parts I saw was good, only that I didn't see the full movie. I was outside in the hall doing POS (Parts of Speech). I watched this movie in class. It was pretty good.

NOTE: Rated PG. Parental Guidance Suggested--Some Material may not be suitable for children.

Rated PG for spooky moments and mild brief language. This movie may not be appropriate for younger kids under age 8.

Faithful Book Adaptation.......2007-06-06

Now here's something you don't see every day - a movie that is faithful to the book.

11 year old Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is an orphan living with his uncle and aunt. They treated him barely better then a servant.

All that changes one day when he finds out that he's a wizard. Suddenly, he's introduced to a world that he doesn't know yet where he's famous. Before it all really sinks in, he's off to Hogwarts for his first year of schooling in the art of magic.

There, he makes friends with Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson). But he also makes enemies in the form of Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton), a snobbish student. He evens seems to have attracted the negative attention of one of the teachers.

But under all the fun, a serious danger lurks. And Harry is stumbling upon the pieces. Will he figure it out? What can an inexperienced wizard do against overwhelming powers?

This movie was my introduction to Harry's world. Now I'm going back and watching it again after having read the books. I was pleased to see just how faithful it really was to the story. It tried to stay as true as it could to the book. The set, costumes, and special effects all worked well to bring the world of the books to vivid life.

But that faithfulness is also the movie's downfall. Outside of Harry, Ron, and Hermione, none of the characters get much in the way of development. Additionally, the story takes a while to really get going. This is a flaw with the book as well, so I can't blame this only on the movie.

Even with those complaints aside, it's wonderful to see this imaginative series brought to such vivid and accurate life. Fans of the books will be pleased.

HARRY POTTER & THE SORCERERS STONE.......2007-05-31

GREAT MOVIE. FUN TO WATCH AND THE SPECIAL EFFECTS WERE GOOD.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 2)

Average customer rating:

My favorite movie!
If You Liked The Book, See The Film!
Despite Warnings, Harry Returns to Hogwarts
Pretty Cool!
Liked The First One Better

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 2)
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe , Rupert Grint , Emma Watson (II) , Richard Griffiths , and Fiona Shaw
Director: Chris Columbus
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video

Two-Disc Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 1)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 3)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 4)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B00008DDXC
Release Date: 2003-04-11

Product Description

The next installment in the Harry Potter series finds young wizard Harry Potter (DANIEL RADCLIFFE) and his friends Ron Weasley (RUPERT GRINT) and Hermione Granger (EMMA WATSON) facing new challenges during their second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as they try to uncover a dark force that is terrorizing the school.
Running Time: 161 min.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com

First sequels are the true test of an enduring movie franchise, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets passes with flying colors. Expanding upon the lavish sets, special effects, and grand adventure of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry involves a darker, more malevolent tale (parents with younger children beware), beginning with the petrified bodies of several Hogwarts students and magical clues leading Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) to a 50-year-old mystery in the monster-laden Chamber of Secrets. House elves, squealing mandrakes, giant spiders, and venomous serpents populate this loyal adaptation (by Sorcerer's Stone director Chris Columbus and screenwriter Steve Kloves), and Kenneth Branagh delightfully tops the supreme supporting cast as the vainglorious charlatan Gilderoy Lockhart (be sure to view past the credits for a visual punchline at Lockhart's expense). At 161 minutes, the film suffers from lack of depth and uneven pacing, and John Williams' score mostly reprises established themes. The young, fast-growing cast offers ample compensation, however, as does the late Richard Harris in his final screen appearance as Professor Albus Dumbledore. Brimming with cleverness, wonderment, and big-budget splendor, Chamber honors the legacy of J.K. Rowling's novels. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

My favorite movie!.......2007-06-30

This is my favorite movie and whenever I get to pick the movie for movie night, I pick this one. This is the best movie I have ever seen and the acting is truly amazing. You don't have to wait forever for it to get to the plot (like most movies), and the the director definatley didn't have a budget when it came to special effects. I recommend this to any Harry Potter fan!

If You Liked The Book, See The Film!.......2007-06-27

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) is probably MY favorite book in the series (besides Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) because, in my opinion, they are both equally fantastic). However, I have to admit that this movie is an amazing interpretation of the book. Usually, I dislike the idea of books being brought on to the big screen because most of the time, the book gets ruined with a horrible interpretation. Well, it's not so with this book/movie! Every single deatail from the Dursleys to Dobby to Gilderoy Lockhart to The Flying Car to Moaning Myrtle to Tom Riddle's Diary to Aragog to The Basilik are completly amazing and just how I pictured them when I read the book. I have to say that watching this film will get you the same as reading the book because every page from J.K. Rowling's great work is portrayed incredibly without a single detailed spared (almost)! Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2) is one of the best books I ever read, and this movie is one of the best that I've ever seen! It gets you hooked instatly. I highly recommend buying this, whether or not you've read the book. This is GREAT for mystery lovers. ***Oh, yeah! The plot: Harry Potter is a young wizard who goes to a school called Hogwarts that helps him develop his magical abilities. During his second year there, someone has opened The Chamber Of Secrets, and has released a great evil that is turning the students to stone!

Despite Warnings, Harry Returns to Hogwarts.......2007-06-26

All that is keeping Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) going through the summer is the thought of returning to school. Once again, his relatives are treating him poorly. And now that he knows he's a wizard, Hogwarts is the only place he feels at home.

But he almost doesn't make it back. First an elf appears and warns him to stay away. Then the entrance to the train platform is sealed to him.

Things quickly turn serious once he does show up at Hogwarts. Harry keeps hearing voices in the walls that no one else can hear. And then there is the warning written on the wall in blood. What is the chamber of secrets? Why can only Harry hear the voices? Are the students safe?

As with the first movie, this one brings Harry's world to life beautifully. And once again, the movie sticks very closely to the book. Since I liked this book better then the first one, I like this movie better, too. The cast from the first movie returns and hits all the right notes with their characters. Joining the cast this time is Kenneth Branagh as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and he's a riot in the comic relief role. Unfortunately, this is Richard Harris' last performance as Dumbledore. I loved his grandfatherly take on the character.

Over the course of this movie, Harry faces a family of giant spiders and a giant serpent. These scenes are a little scary and could frighten small children. If your kids scare easily, you might want to view the film first.

Fans of the books will be delighted with this film. It perfectly captures the book on which it is based.

Pretty Cool!.......2007-06-13

I liked this movie a lot. I watched it in class. It was good, other than the violence. Dobi was pretty funny. He was the alien creature that appeared in Harry's room. I watched this in class, too. It was funny when there was a shadowy girl floating in the bathroom! It was a fun movie.

NOTE: Rated PG. Parental Guidance Suggested--Some Material may not be suitable for Children.

Rated PG for scary images, mild creature violence and some brief mild language. May not be appropriate for young children under age 8.

Liked The First One Better.......2007-05-25

I liked the first one better, probably because everything was new. But this one is really good too. You need to read the book though, that's why I'm really posting this, to tell people to read the book. It has so much more.

Average customer rating:

Not Bad
a favorite in spots, beautifully filmed
One of my FAV movies!
childhood favorite
Great for all ages

Return to Oz
Starring: Fairuza Balk , Nicol Williamson , Jean Marsh , Piper Laurie , and Matt Clark
Director: Walter Murch
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Home Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

All Disney Titles | Disney Home Entertainment | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The NeverEnding Story
Labyrinth
Alice in Wonderland [TV 1985]
The Wizard of Oz (Two-Disc Special Edition)
The Worst Witch (The Movie)

ASIN: B0000DZ3EN
Release Date: 2004-02-03

Amazon.com

You don't fool with Mother Nature, spit into the wind, remake Casablanca, or trash the land of Oz. Perhaps that is why the 1985 live-action sequel split critics and audiences alike. The 1939 classic musical is so beloved that it's almost impossible to imagine seeing Dorothy in shock therapy, a crumbled yellow brick road, the ruins of Emerald City, and the Tin Man turned into stone. But L. Frank Baum, the author of the original Oz books, portrayed just that with his continuing stories of Dorothy. When you get by these tough facts, the film version is solid entertainment for the over-7 set.

Dorothy (a 10-year-old Fairuza Balk in her debut) is back in Kansas, where Aunt Em (Piper Laurie) is at the end of her rope: her niece is not sleeping and going on about a place called Oz. Therapy may be the answer, but luckily the scary clinic goes dark before Dorothy can be, er, cured (but the lead-up will scare the munchkins out of most kids). She wakes up in the land of Oz, now in tatters, and searches for its king, the Scarecrow. A new set of friends, including a tin soldier, a talking chicken, and a pumpkin man, help her against new villains, including Princess Mombi (Jean Marsh)--complete with a set of detachable heads--and the evil Nome King (Nicol Williamson with a great assist from Will Vinton's Claymation). The sole directorial effort of Oscar-winning editor Walter Murch is stuffed with marvelous effects that foreshadow later works by Tim Burton and the Henson non-Muppet films. --Doug Thomas

Description

If you loved THE WIZARD OF OZ, you'll love accompanying Dorothy on this second thrilling adventure based on L. Frank Baum's "Oz" books! Dorothy finds herself back in the land of her dreams ... and makes delightful new friends (like Tik Tok, Jack Pumpkinhead, and the Gump) ... and dangerous new enemies (the creepy Wheelers, the head-hunting Princess Mombi, and the evil Nome King). With every twist in the yellow brick road, you'll find awesome new surprises and special effects that will astound you!

Customer Reviews:

Not Bad.......2007-06-16

I checked this out at the library and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The dated special effects give it a more gothic feel than the original, and the director's interpretation of the characters is messed up. All in all, worth seeing a few times, but nothing to write home about.

a favorite in spots, beautifully filmed.......2007-05-23

When Return To Oz came out in 1985 I was excited as I am an Oz fan and enjoy the Oz books. I was wondering how they would combine the two Oz Books, Ozma of Oz and The Land of Oz and I have to say at the time I was pleased and saw the film several times. That was years ago and now I see the movie a bit more critically. Many who have read the books and seen the film say it is closer to Baum and yes in parts it is. I love every moment Dorothy is in Oz. Tik-tok, Jack Pumpkinhead, and Billina all come to life and are fun to see. Dorothy saves the day and manages to fight the Nome King by just being the strong little girl she is. If this film just took place in Oz it would be perfect, well almost perfect. To my mind the director made a mistake not having the scarecrow and Tin woodman through out the film. Few people knew about TikTok and Jack Pumpkinhead and just assumed they were rip offs of the Scarecrow and Tinwoodman. A continual presence in the film would have helped. Then there is the beginining of the film and it is a nightmare. Why would Aunt Em send Dorothy in for shock treatment? Did she really feel she was sick? To make a long story short they could have made a better introduction for a very good film which would have been much more appealing due to the changes. If this movie were a sandwich I would say the meat or center is good but the bread needs work. Still I enjoy it even today and feel it could have done better.

One of my FAV movies!.......2007-05-15

This was one of my favorite movies as a kid and I just purchased it recently and I still love it. this is a classic movie that will be with my family forever.

childhood favorite.......2007-05-07

another great movie that i grew up watching, the scary parts are still a little freaky and i just loved this version as a child. It is very good for opening the imagination, and i will cherish it for a long time!

Great for all ages.......2007-04-05

I first saw this movie as a child, age 8, and ever since I have loved this movie, for the most important fact that it is a darker, and more interesting, adaptation of the Oz story. The dark side of this movie may scare children, as it did myself, but it is not overwhelming or too extreme. In fact, this movie strikes a fine and perfect balance on the darker elements, so that a typical child, over the age of 6 or so, will be scared in a good way. This is because the darker sides of this film are represented by things that children really should watch out for in real life, such as stranger adults, and the temptations to wander to far off from home. The characters are unique and original, and the set designs are a visual treat. This movie is a must see for people who want more substance than the overrated sappy 'The Wizard of Oz' movie with the pathetically timid Judy Garland. In this movie, Fairuza Balk plays a much stronger and compelling Dorothy, who we can respect and believe in. Overall, this movie is far better than any other Oz movie in terms of its dedication to the original books.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Full Screen Edition) (Harry Potter 1)

Average customer rating:

Great fantasy for children and adults too!
Great movie for all!
Pretty Good Movie
Faithful Book Adaptation
HARRY POTTER & THE SORCERERS STONE

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Full Screen Edition) (Harry Potter 1)
Starring: Richard Harris , Maggie Smith , Robbie Coltrane , Saunders Triplets , and Daniel Radcliffe
Director: Chris Columbus
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adventure | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

7-9 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

10-12 Years | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Scary Movies & Mysteries | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( H ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Two-Disc Special Editions | Fully Loaded DVDs | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 2)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 3)
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Two-Disc Special Edition) (Harry Potter 4)
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (Widescreen Edition)

Accessories:

LEGO Creator Harry Potter

ASIN: B000062TU1
Release Date: 2002-05-28

Product Description

Never-before-seen-footage.

A 360 degree tour of Hogwarts controlled by the viewer's remote.

New interviews with the director and producer.

Learn how to play Quidditch.

Catch a Snitch with your remote.

Have a wand choose you at Ollivander's Wands.

Meet the ghosts who live at Hogwarts.

Cast a spell over a scene in eight languages.

Create potions.

Face challenges to reveal the secret in the Mirror of Erised.

Transfigure objects.

DVD ROM Includes:

Get sorted by the Sorting hat.

Collect wizard trading card.

Receive owl emails.

Lots of game demos...and more!

System Requirements:
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris, and John Cleese.
Directed By: Chris Columbus.
Running Time: 152 Min., Color.
This film is presented in "Standard" format.
Copyright 2002 Warner Home Video.

Format: DVD MOVIE

Amazon.com essential video

Customer Reviews:

Great fantasy for children and adults too!.......2007-06-30

Great movie for all!.......2007-06-22