Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Widescreen Edition)

Received product in excellent condition in a timely manner without any problems. I would use the system to purchase items again and inform my friends of my satisfaction.

I found this the least satisfactory of the films. The new director apparently took it for granted that the audience had read the books and didn't find it important to explain things. Not only that, he sabotaged the screenwriter's plot exposition: when Fudge is explaining the resolution of the Aunt Marge plot the director tries to distract the audience with a dancing hunchback; later when McGonagall explains Black's (supposed) crimes to Rosmerta, the director has Fudge blocking the view of the women talking. Then Hermione just happens to have a time-travel charm on her necklace -- no explanation of how she got it, or why she didn't use it earlier.

Some good ideas: having the choir sing Shakespeare's "Someone wicked this way comes"; the talking head; the idea of having the students dress in normal clothes instead of robes during their off hours (presumably Rowling agreed, and the subsequent movies followed it up); Thewlis, with that sickly look, was the perfect choice for Lupin. But the central story ought to make sense.

I was surprised to discover that the third Harry Potter film was to be directed by none other than art-house favorite Mr. "Y Tu Mama Tambien" himself, Alfonso Cuaron. While I rejoiced Chris Columbus' departure, I was a bit hesitant if Cuaron could take Harry in the direction he so desperately needed to go. However, choosing Cuaron as director of "Azkaban" wasn't necessarily a complete shot in the dark. In 1995, Cuaron directed the very under-appreciated but very enchanting, "A Little Princess," an adaptation of the classic children's story. It's interesting that in nearly ten years, Cuaron had not attached himself to another children's story. That was until 2004's "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," the very best Potter film to date (though they are all quite consistently good). Something amazing happens in "Azkaban." Yes, the film is "darker" and obviously more intelligent than its two previous predecessors, but most importantly, "Azkaban" feels like a valid piece of filmmaking! The bar has been raised with this particular entry. It's hard to imagine what kind of films the current three successors would be had Cuaron not directed "Azkaban."

Alfonso Cuarón comes on as the new director of this series and adds the magic that was missing from the earlier films.
The cast is still fun and the blue ray dvd is an improvement on the regular dvd

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is easily the best of the Harry Potter films. It has an emotional richness that rises above some of the silliness of the other films. Prof. Lupen as the new teacher and Sirius Black are both strong and complex characters, both with their inner demons and hidden strengths. Lupen and Potter's talks are amongst the most moving moments in the entire series - talks about finding a mentor and retaining one's confidence in the face of fear. John Williams' soundtrack is excellent and really sets the mood. Even if you're not a Harry Potter fan, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is still worth checking out.

Oh my goodness gracious. I cannot believe how bad this is. How can you go from excellent to TERRIBLE in one movie? This movie was terrible and i found myself lost and unable to figure out what was happening until I read the book. They take out so many needed scenes from the book and replace them with what, people eating candy that makes their ears smoke! It's obvious that the director wanted to show off the special effects rather than the story. But Daniel Radcliffe and his comrades are as good as ever in their acting and I commend them for their performance despite thee terrible story and choppy dialogue. It seems like one day Harry and Lupin are student and teacher and the next day their best of friends skipping around the Hogwarts grounds. The viewers are basically put in a speeding cart whereas you are speeded from one book point to the other and along the way seeing some badly made adaptations that should have been kept out of the movie and only served to push away the needed dialogue. Don't get me started on the firebolt, my gosh. There is no reference to him having a firebolt from his godfather until after the movie when he flys away into the sunset. The Marauder's map was hardly used and, like someone mentioned before, no reference as to who made the map it's just here Harry use it well. Now let me get started on Dumbledore. It seems that when Richard Harris died Dumbledore died with him but this was rctified by putting in the very unqualified Michael Gambeon who makes Dumbledore sound mad all the time and did a terrible job of delivering words of consolation and what not. If they had chosen someone better (Christopher Lee for example) this might ave been alright. But it seems that the series needs to be babied for when Chris Columbas leaves BAM! the series starts to suck!!! The only class Harry Potter gets here is Care of Magical Creatures and Muggle Attire. I'm serious throughout most of the movie he was in Muggle attire in a wizard school, what's with that!!! It seems like the director just said, radcliffe just bring some of your clothes and bring them to the set. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE!!! The CGI was as good as ever but it's really a pity everyone can't be dazzled by special effects (well some can.) Star Wars was popular for its special effects but also for its story which it kept strong through the entire trilogy, Bottom line I'm very dissapointed J.K Rowling and the screenwriter said in a commentary this was likely to be the best Harry potter movie ever but um, I don't think so. Maybe the worst! Anyways thanks for wasting two hours of my life I'll never get back please do better next time.

They definitely picked up the pacing with this one! In Harry's third year, a deranged murderer escapes Azkaban and is on the hunt for the young wizard. The writers for this one and the director really trimmed the fat of the story and just focused on Harry and the hunt for Black. We quickly get through the Dursleys and the Leaky Cauldron scenes and after thirty minutes we're on the Hogwarts Express. Not even the first two had us on the train after thirty minutes. The cast continues to mature and add depth to the roles and continue to get better. Michael Gambon joins the cast as Dumbledore, replacing Richard Harris and in my opinion is the better Dumbledore, especially now in the recent two where the character's more involved in the action. And he has good comedic timing. Gary Oldman is perfect as Sirius Black, but he's not in the movie enough, in my opinion, to really bring an impact to the character. David Thewlis portrays Lupin as a caring teacher with a dark secret and Emma Thompson is great as the looney Prof. Trelawny. There's a little more tension and action in this one and John Williams score is a great upgrade from the rather drab music of the first two installments.

There are two reasons that HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN is the best of all the films in the series. First and foremost, the movie was headed by one of the finest directors working in the world today, Alfonso Cuarón, directed of one of the greatest films of the 21st century, THE CHILDREN OF MEN, as well as the celebrated Mexican film Y TU MAMÁ TAMBIÉN. The first two films frequently suffer from pacing and rhythm problems. Things just frequently feel "off." Too many scenes don't work or are too abbreviated. But the worst thing about the first two movies is that they focus on the most lamentable parts of the relevant books and then drag them out. Cuarón is, unlike Chris Columbus, a genius. Second, THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN is the last book in the series that can be moderately summed up in a film. THE GOBLET OF FIRE was the first of the Harry Potter books that could be considered a very long book. So THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN contained most of the highlights of the novel without seriously abbreviating the story. But I don't want to exaggerate things. THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN works as a movie less because it summarizes the events of the book than because it gets at the heart of the story and repackages it into a new medium. Ultimately THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN works not because it is a good adaptation of a movie, but because it is a great movie on its own merits.

That really does sum up why this is the best of the Harry Potter movies: it is the only one of the films that stands on its own. All of the other of the movies play as if the director/writer has an eye on the movie from which they are derived. Too their credit, subsequent movies try to follow in the path of AZKABAN and several of them are entertaining. But what is lacking is the great script of this film and the impeccable talent of Alfonso Cuarón.

One of the most impressive things about the series of films as a whole is the extraordinary array of acting talent. The main three improved tremendously after the first two movies and they were constantly surrounded by an amazing group of actors. In this film such excellent actors as Robert Hardy, Emma Thompson, Timothy Spall, Julie Christie, and David Thewlis join the cast. It is amazing that actors of this quality join and already impressive group of performers. Sadly, another great actor, Michael Gambon, joined the cast under sad circumstances. After the death of Richard Harris, who played Dumbledore in the first two movies, Gambon took over as head of Hogwarts. I loved Harris and I regretted his loss, but Gambon stepped into the role and didn't miss a beat.

While I've loved the subsequent Harry Potter movies, none of them have come up to the level of this one. In fact, in an objective list of the great fantasy movies ever made, this is the one entry from the series that could make such a list. By any standard, this is a great movie. Sadly Alfonso Cuarón declined offers to direct subsequent films in the series. Well, kinda sadly. How can you regret that the movie he made instead of THE GOBLET OF FIRE was THE CHILDREN OF MEN, which is quite possibly the greatest dystopian movie ever made? As I said, that movie would feature in any discussion of the very greatest movies made in the last decade. Still, while I love that movie dearly (if you haven't seen it, you should make a point of doing so immediately), I'm sorry that he couldn't have continued with the Harry Potter series. Heck, I wish he could have made all of them. Frankly, I am shocked that they were able to get an actor of his stature involved with this series to begin with. Even though he did not continue with the series, he at least elevated the tone from the first two films. Thanks to him the rest of the series aspired to be more, even if later directors did not always succeed.

This film is certainly a departure from the first two films. When it first came out, I didn't really like it. But after watching it a few times, I realized it really is the most interesting Harry Potter film. Although I'll probably never forgive the film makers for leaving out the Mauraders subplot, I've still probably watched this more times than either of the first two at this point.

Excellent fantasy adventure.Can anyone tell me for certain if the original blue versions of these movies are theatrical or extended editions?

I'm very happy with this transaction. The book is as stated and came within the time period.

This one's great! I love Serious Black and i think Mike Newell did a decent job with the book.

Abou a month ago, I ordered the above memtiond VHS tape and it was a mess. I contacted the the company I ordered the tape from and they were wonderful. They immediately sent me a check for my purchase. The Company was Epson. I will certainly use them for any other orders I have.

This time I ordered the same tape from Amazon and it arrived before I expected it and it was in good shape.

I will continue to use Amazon for all my orders.

Love this movie as all the others. Great details on all the sets, very realistic.

Great qualtiy,good condition,fast shipping. And of course it's Harry Potter so you know tht is entertaiment.

I love the time warping aspect and the "kids" in this movie are at the age I picture them in the books. The visual look is wonderful as they are in all the Harry Potter movies and I've probably watched this over 10 times now so you can (obviously) tell I love this movie! I never end up watching any of the extras because I never find any of them that interesting, so on that count minus one star. The movie itself is a big thumbs up.

Harry Potter (Daniel Redcliffe) is about to start his third year at Hogwart's School of Witchcraft and Wizardy but trouble has started in the world of Muggles (non-magical folk) as he accidently inflated his Aunt Marge (Pam Ferris) and runs away. He is reunited yet again with his two best friends in the whole wide world of magic known as Ron (Rupert Grin) and Hermonine (Emma Watson) but during his newest year at the school he gets a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher named Professor Lupin (David Thewlis) whom befriends him and of course there is talk about an escaped killer from Azkaban prison named Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) who is believed to be heir to Voldermort begins to trouble poor Harry. Not only that but also some dreaded Death-like Dementors who seek him and want his soul, but can Harry find out if Sirius Black is really the heir to Voldermort or it might be someone else.

Brilliant and thrilling installment of the ever popular cinematic fantasy adventure franchise based on the beloved books by J.K. Rowlings. Mexican director Alfonso Cauron steps in place of Chris Columbus while Columbus is producer for this is the most complex and artsy of the franchise that also reunites stars Tom Felton as Draco Malfoy, Maggie Smith as Professor Macgarnagle, Alan Rickman as Professor Snape, Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid, Julie Walters as Mrs. Weasley, John Cleese as Nearly-headless Nick and introduces new characters like Emma Thompson as Professor Trealaway. The film replaces Richard Harris who played Dumbledore in the first two movies with Michael Gambon as Dumbledore for i think he brilliantly plays the character more so then poor Harris whom was good. Here this movie gets dark and more richer even with character development and suprises in store including more wonders abound and a nifty ending, this is one of the best movies of the franchise.

This blu-ray offers brilliant sound and picture quality in perfect HD as possible with great extras like trailers to all HP movies, deleted and extended scenes that were unused, interviews and featurettes.

The third of the Harry Potter movies, this is probably my favorite. The atmosphere of this movie is darker than the previous two and it is great to see the same actors/actresses back to play the characters we know. Harry's Aunt blowing up and floating away and the ride on the Knight Bus adds a little silliness to the film. Harry is starting to rebel a little which makes him identifiable to our own behaviors as kids when we rebelled or got upset or lost our temper. This helps add to Harry's character and make him seem, for all the magic in the world, seem so "normal" to us. The story seems to have passed character development for the most part and focused more on where the story is going, what has happened before (the parents and friends of our heros/heroinne now), and does a great job of using "time". We learn more about the dark past with Lord Voldemort, meet new characters (Prof. Lupin and Sirius), and established characters such as Haggrid and Draco seem to really come of age for lack of a better term.

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004), Chris Columbus made room for Alfonso Cuaron as the new director for the third installment in the series. Cuaron's changes brought the series in a new direction, yes, but created a few problems, too.

First off, all the familiar faces in terms of characters are there, with a few new ones. The biggest change in terms of casting is the new Dumbledore. After Richard Harris' unfortunate death soon after the release of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Widescreen Edition), Michael Gambon was chosen as the next actor to play Dumbledore. The problem with Gambon's performance is the lack of warmth and caring nature of Harris' (especially because the character is portrayed as a kind old man in most of Rowling's books).

Some things about Cuaron's direction that I did like were the increased amount of humor, but not at the expense of accuracy to the book. I also got a chuckle out of the use of the Whomping Willow to represent the changing seasons.

The film is darker than the previous films and feels like it's target audience was teenagers and adults. The gloomier atmosphere, especially the creepy Dementors, made me think that this movie's rating was only borderline PG.

One other flaw I think the film had was having Harry, Ron, and Hermione wear street clothes. I thought that having them display the styles of 2004 would date the film in years to come.

Overall, the film is worthwhile entertainment. Not quite as amazing as its predecessors, but its good qualities outweigh the bad ones. 4 stars.

I love this movie, its my second favorite in the series. the special features are great and its a great movie. the only back draw is that this is the only 2-disc special edition in the series so far that hasnt come with a slip cover or the cardboard sleeve. im a little ocd and a collector so it erks me that it doesnt go with the others, at least display wise. other than that, its great.

This is one of the best movies I ever watched.For an old vhs,it is still just as good as a DVD.

I will keep this brief. I tolerate this movie because it is part of the Saga but in my opinion the director fouled up horribly. The movie is relate to the book but it skips and omits in an unbelievable fashion. The entire time thing just does not make sense. The complete overhaul of the castle is horrifying. The alteration of the movie so as to remove Quiditch entirely from the plot line is abhorrent. Please don't get me wrong - I enjoy the movie but as I said - only because its apart of the series. But in my opinion the director did not really care much about the storyline or the book. He had an idea - he had never read the book - he altered, cut, mutilated and destroyed. So. Thats all I have to say. Just dissapointed that this movie could have been so much more... and it wasn't.

I like widescreen stuff and Only Purchased this to finish my collection of Widescreen HP movies. its not as good as the rest HP films and im sure that the Director could have given us more movie and less Fading/tree sequences

This is one of my favorite harry potter movies. I like hoe the director made the movie feel and look darker than the second one. I'm also glad that I bought this DVD because they don't sell the double disk one. I try looking for it in stores but they only sell the single disk. And this one is the original released DVD with the two disk.

The movie, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban", was a very good movie and I did enjoy it. Soon after the beginning, there is an odd bus ride that I did not enjoy as much as I did in reading about it in the book. Also, the movie overdoes the warnings of potential dangers from Sirius Black. Finally, there are some serious changes from the book that appear in the movie. And, there is a bunch of things in the book that do not make it to the movie.

However, once we are past the first quarter of the movie, it really got much better in my estimation. The movie is less confusing than is the book for the last three quarters of the story. There is a serious exception. We get to the Shreeking Shack and, just when we need clarity, the movie is confusing. Nevertheless, at the end, I appreciated the story that J. K. Rowling had created more than I had at the end of the book. On the other hand, I think I would have been totally lost if I had not read the book first.

I recommend this movie but read the book before going.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

I'll keep this short and sweet,it's HP and it's on Blu Ray,what else can I say other than this disc rocks!!! Great visuals,sound,and extras!!! I cant believe i got this on sale for only 10 bones brand new!!! A must for the HP and Blu Ray fan!!! Recommended!!! Much better than the standard DVD release!!! A+

for blu ray reviewers, order of phoenix is better in video and sound quality. but prizoner of azkaban is a movie that you like to watch over and over again. Nice colors when harry is saving the big bird.

It's Harry Potter need I say more. I really love how the producers kept as close to the original book. I can't wait for the rest of the movies.

I just love this story and love this film. Very well done and while a little different than the book, they did a great job capturing the essence of the book. This can be a very difficult task for loyal Harry Potter series readers that love the story the way it is. They actually pulled it off - in my opinion.

I always find myself tearful when he conjers the stag and realizes the source.....every single time.

A real treat for Potter fans of all ages. I don't have many films in my video library (other than my kids movies), but I had to purchase this one for myself. They too, loved it.

Who doesn't like Harry Potter. It's got excitement, children, fun, magical characters and creatures. As long as the people watching it are old enough to understand that it is fiction and that they can't walk through subway walls and they aren't going to have there mail delivered by owls, or that it's in any way okay to have children living in the cupboard under the stairs, it's great fun.

THE DVD IS GREAT. IT ARRIVED QUICKLY WITHOUT A SCRATCH. I WAS VERY HAPPY WITH PURCHASE.

I find all of the Harry Potter films to be good family fun, and this film is no different. It is hardly a masterpiece, and it has nothing new to offer. It does't even break any ground in any aspect of film making. What it is good for is entertaining the grand kids, and for that it deserves three stars.

Good Camera work in this installment. The previous two by Chris Columbus were very good but they were laden with his trademark close-up shooting (as evident in the 'Home Alone' series). The pulled back camera shows our aspiring witches and wizards as part of larger world and adds the element of mystery for the viewer.

There are some very good special effects in this film and it was one of only three films nominated for an Oscar in 2004. 'Prisoner' is also the only Potter movie to make AFI's top 400 films of all time list.

The only failure of film is we don't have enough time to fall in love with or even have the movie 'flesh out' the characters. That seems to be the problem with all the films.

It seems that no one has made the connection that most successful Potter film was the first and co-incidently the longest. Brevity has had no effect on the success of the Potter films so I don't know why its enforced. I sure would have liked to linger longer in Cuaron's vision of Harry Potter's world...but I guess I have to be satisfied with what I can get. I would like another helping of Cuaron and Potter...but it doesn't seem to be in the cards.

This installment requires more thought by the viewer than the others...it probably won't be as well recieved by youngsters. I found it entertaining and sometimes unsettling, and yet very enjoyable none-the-less.

Cheers to the 'Best' and 'Most Artistic Potter Film' to date!

I remember seeing the all of the Harry Potter films in theaters. The first one I saw twice in the theater, the fifth one I saw only once. The rest I saw three times, however, the third Harry Potter film is the only one that I saw in the IMAX theater. And not to say is that because I saw it in IMAX, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" remains my favorite of the Harry Potter series. And while at that, I thought the series has gotten better as the time goes along.

Harry Potter and all of his friends are on their third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. This time around, Harry Potter hears that a deadly prisoner escapee has escaped from Azkaban prison and Harry Potter is afraid that Sirius Black (that's the name of the escapee) wants to kill him. But as soon as Harry Potter meets Sirius Black, he actually turns out to be his godfather.

Sure, the story was short to explain, but on the other hand, I actually didn't mind that at all. However, be warned a lot of stuff gets left out of the book. What I would say is the worst change of all is that Harry Potter gets his broomstick at the very end. But for some reason, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" did manage to not follow-up from the book but made it in a way where it can be turned into a great movie.

Overall, I thought "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" was the best Harry Potter film. But that's just my honest opinion.