Amazon.com
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
Additional Features
Kids can try their skills at the feats Harry performed in the movie with the puzzles and games included on the second disc. They're set up as a tour of Diagon Alley and Hogwarts, and contestants use the DVD remote control to pick the right wand, find keys, mix potions correctly, see 360-degree views of various rooms, grab a snitch, and solve other riddles to reach the Sorcerer's Stone. Reaching the titular stone unlocks seven deleted scenes that are worth the 10- to 15-minute investment in the games. (However, the same tactics are needed to view the scenes on repeat visits.) The traditional extras include 15 minutes of interviews with the filmmakers and more DVD-ROM games. This one is definitely a kid-pleaser.
--Doug Thomas
