Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 01/29/2008 Rating: Pg

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

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

I have to admit that years ago, when the Harry Potter series was first getting its start, I was hesitant as a Christian to get into something that focused so much on witchcraft and wizardry. In the years following, I have learned to be more openminded about such things. Last month, I finally decided to watch the Harry Potter movies.

I was immediately captivated by the movie, and its subsequent sequels. In the month that I have owned the first five movies, I have already watched them all three times.

Yes, the focus of the story is on Harry Potter and his friends at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I caution Christian audiences not to immediately dismiss this movie just because of that. Some of you may remember the old Disney movie, "Bedknobs and Broomsticks". This series is no more harmful than that.

The entire movie has a wonderful sense of whimsy to it, created by such things as chocolate frogs, banks run by goblins, candles floating near the ceiling, and the great broomstick-based soccer/polo-like sport known as Quidditch.

The cinematography was beautiful. The Hogwarts sequences had such a warm, colorful, enchanting feel to them. It made me want to enroll at Hogwarts.

The cast of characters is perfect, including such well-known stars as Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, and John Cleese. And the acting by everyone was absolutely superb.

The musical score by John Williams is very different from the composer's normal sound, but is still a masterful score.

I say again - watch this movie with an open mind, and you will be amazed and spellbound by this great landmark in fantasy.

We have all of the Harry Potter DVD's. They are well done and the layout on disc is great. You get extras on the DVD's too. We have all five so far. They always say the movie is never as good as the book... These movies come pretty close! Great stories and awsome special effects!

This is a great movie! It is just like all the other great Harry Potter movies. Widescreen is a great choice.

This Harry Potter movie is excellent. Actually, it was better than I expected.

Yes, the movie has cut many, many, small things from the book. But, this is inevitable. If everything from the book went into the movie, you would have a five or six hour movie.

I recommend this movie.

Movies are never as good as the books. It was entertaining and that is all I expected.