If the producers want to make all of the books in the Harry Potter series with this same cast, then the pace has to be quickened. So for Potter nuts, Prisoner of Azkaban is worth a look, but a rental is the best option.
Warner’s disc looks and sounds good, but is stuffed with short, useless bonus materials.
But rest assured, more films in the series will follow, as long as the books sell. The same bargain basement special effects show up, while story is limited to short bursts that don’t always weave together. If you’re a diehard Potter fan, then you’ll probably force yourself to like Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, but the fact remains, this is not a good movie. I suppose younger fans will see it as much more dark, but blue tinted visuals and mean expressions aren’t enough. The darker tone is there, but only by a few shades, as this is still a film aimed at a younger audience. I have to admit, Prisoner of Azkaban is better than the first two movies, but this sequel still falls short of expectations. This third installment marked some serious changes in the series however, as we were promised a darker, more polished effort, complete with a new director. The productions were well funded, but sported low rent special effects and the much promised magic was, well…as flat as a pancake. The first two Potter films were overly long, meandering, and in some scenes, out and out dull. The films pulled respectable box office, but were panned by critics and even loyal book readers were often disappointed. The books in the Harry Potter series have been blockbusters, so of course, cinematic versions have followed. But what is the real connection between Potter and Black, the stories he has been told, or some unknown connection? This leads him to Black’s past and as he learns more, he finds out more about himself. As all of the students adjust to the new precautions and the faculty changes, Harry tries to learn more about Black. At the school, new teachers arrive and so do wraith like guardians, all while Harry prepares for Black’s arrival. Potter is told that Black will arrive to finish off his master’s work, which was to murder Harry and his family. And the buzz is that Black will come to Hogawart’s and seek out Harry, but not with good intentions. The prison was supposed to be impossible to escape from, thanks to bonds and obstacles of both physical and magical varieties, but Black managed to leave Azkaban behind. The madman Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from the Azkaban prison. This year, Harry has to contend with the usual worries, like his magic, his Quiddich games, and his friends, but he also faces grave danger. Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) is about to start his third year at Hogwart’s, but there is a dark cloud around the school. Plot: What’s it about? Video: How does it look? Audio: How does it sound? Supplements: What are the extras? The Bottom Line Plot: What’s it about?