 --- Harry Potter: The Complete Collection Years 1-7 (8-Disc 8-Film Set) --- Year Three at Hogwarts means new fun and challenges as Harry learns the delicate art of approaching a Hippogriff, transforming shape-shifting Boggarts into hilarity and even turning back time. But the term also brings danger. Soul-sucking Dementors hover over the school. An ally of the accursed He-Who-Cannot-Be-Named lurks within the castle walls. Fearsome wizard Sirius Black escapes Azkaban. And Harry will be forced to confront them all. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron and based on J.K. Rowling's third book, this wondrous spellbinder soars with laughs, shivers and the unique breathless surprise only found in a Harry Potter adventure. Mischief managed! Storyline: Harry Potter is having a tough time with his relatives (yet again). He runs away after using magic to inflate Uncle Vernon's sister Marge who was being offensive towards Harry's parents. Initially scared for using magic outside the school, he is pleasantly surprised that he won't be penalized after all. However, he soon learns that a dangerous criminal and Voldemort's trusted aide Sirius Black has escaped from the Azkaban prison and wants to kill Harry to avenge the Dark Lord. To worsen the conditions for Harry, vile creatures called Dementors are appointed to guard the school gates and inexplicably happen to have the most horrible effect on him. Little does Harry know that by the end of this year, many holes in his past (whatever he knows of it) will be filled up and he will have a clearer vision of what the future has in store... Written by Soumitra Reviewer's Note: Reviewed by Greg Maltz on January 1, 2008 -- Having hit its stride in The Chamber of Secrets, the Harry Potter saga reaches its zenith with Prisoner of Azkaban. Much of the third film's success is due to the quirky, humorous and stylistic nuances of director Alfonso Cuarón, who used the element of magic and witchcraft as devices for nonstop bewilderment, humor and--so far as home theater goes--system-stretching special effects. In this way, Cuarón effortlessly taps in to the excitement of the novel while entertaining the masses. The Prisoner of Azkaban keeps within the formula of the first two films, but also extends to new areas of wizardry, humor, danger and discovery. The third story in the series serves up a few laughs at the outset, as Harry's abusive step- parents, Petunia and Vernon Dursley (Fiona Shaw and Richard Griffiths), continue to harass him. Vernon's sister Marge insults Harry to the point where his wizardry instincts take over and he inflates his step-aunt with hot air. The effects, as she expands into a round ball, floats out the door and into the sky, are quite remarkable (and the effects only get better throughout the film). Buttons fly off the lady's dress as she expands and her reaction is played perfectly. The comic relief ends as Harry is berated for this mishap. He insists it is the lady's own fault for insulting him, and as maligned teenagers are wont to do, he packs up his belongings and runs away from the Dursley's house. As Harry sets his chest down in front of a suburban park, a fearsome beast appears to be watching him from the bushes--a figure that will figure prominently into the plot. Harry must quickly figure out how to meet up with his friends and mentors. Unlike in the other films, including Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry is transported by the magical, triple-decker Knight Bus. As the vehicle meanders at supersonic speeds through busy streets, we are treated to more humor and effects from Cuarón. As the bus averts non-magical vehicles, the sheer thrill of this segue represents the very peak of the Potter series. While en route, the young wizard learns that Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), a convicted murderer said to be in league with Lord Voldemort, has escaped from prison. The Knight Bus drops Harry off in a bed-and-breakfast called the Leaky Cauldron where he is reunited with his friends. The conflict soon materializes when Harry is told that Black played a role in the death of his parents. The prisoner may have escaped to finish him off. Just as daunting are the Dementors-- supernatural, flying beings that are looking for Sirius but also attack Harry during a quidditch match and menace him later. Much of the plot centers on Remus J. Lupin, Professor for Defence Against the Dark Arts and Rubeus Hagrid, Professor for Care of Magical Creatures. The theme of lycanthropy play a key role in the story. Harry learns that people are not who they seem to be, and he must find Sirius before it is too late. The Prisoner of Azkaban was, by far, the best-directed and -conceived film in the Harry Potter saga. To see it on Blu-ray in 1080p is a real treat. The actors step up their game, with Radcliffe appearing more natural. The set design and look of the scenes is enchanting. For fans of the Potter series, this BD is of course a must-have, but for those who find the saga hard to get into, Prisoner of Azkaban may be the entrance point into a rewarding series of films. The reason is undoubtedly due to Cuarón's style. He gets the best performances from his actors and high-caliber effects and set design from his crew. Enjoy, fellow muggles! Cast Notes: Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter), Richard Griffiths (Uncle Vernon), Pam Ferris (Aunt Marge), Fiona Shaw (Aunt Petunia), Harry Melling (Dudley Dursley), Adrian Rawlins (James Potter), Geraldine Somerville (Lily Potter), Lee Ingleby (Stan Shunpike), Lenny Henry (Shrunken Head), Jimmy Gardner (Ernie the Bus Driver), Gary Oldman (Sirius Black), Jim Tavaré (Tom the Innkeeper), Robert Hardy (Cornelius Fudge), Abby Ford (Young Witch Maid), Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley). IMDb Rating (07/24/14): 7.8/10 from 291,805 users IMDb Rating (11/21/09): 7.7/10 from 98,325 users
 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
