Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Adapted from J.K. Rowlings bestselling book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the story of the boy who lived (Daniel Radcliffe). Placed with his unloving Aunt and Uncle as a baby, he grew up in the muggle world until rescued by Professor Albus Dumbledore (Richard Harris), headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where Harry will spend the next seven years of his life in order to fulfill his destiny.

I've read every Harry Potter book multiple times and am a fan of the movies. Having been previously released on Blu-ray a couple of years ago, I'm surprised that these "Ultimate Edition's" are making their way onto the market now, instead of waiting for the second installment of The Deathly Hallows in 2011. Timing aside, I'm ecstatic with these lavish sets and love the elaborate hardbound packaging.

In both cases there is the theatrical as well as extended cuts of the film (7 minutes on Sorcerer's Stone and 13 on Chamber), all of the DVD bonus features from previously released titles, In-Movie Experiences (theatrical cuts only), and some additional swag that include collectable books, cards, and a digital copy. Additionally, each box set includes one installment of the 8-part documentary "Creating the World of Harry Potter."

"Part 1: The Magic Begins" is over an hour long and talks about bringing the popular children's book to the silver screen. "Part 2: Characters," runs nearly 80 minutes and looks at the casting of the series and translating the written characters to film. A teaser card the shows the subsequent installments as "Part 3: Magical Creatures," "Part 4: The Music of Harry Potter," "Part 5: The Evolution of Harry Potter, "Part 6: Special Effects," Part 7: Growing Up Potter," and "Part 8: The Harry Potter Phenomenon." If the latter documentaries are as interesting as the first two, I can't wait to get my hands on them!

The video quality of the movies mimic the previously released Blu-ray's. Sorcerer's Stone is softer than the second film and has inky blacks, adequate shadow detail, and strong color reproduction. Facial pores can look a tad waxy, but it holds up reasonably well with other films from earlier this decade. Chamber is a remarkable improvement with improved detail, color, and shadows.

In lieu of the PCM 5.1 tracks found on the single disc Blu-ray releases, Warner has chosen DTS-HD MA 6.1 soundtracks (5.1 on extended cuts) here that are very impressive. The first film doesn't have as robust of sound design as the second, but it still offers impressive dynamic range, first-rate frequency response, and impressive bass. In the second film, the sound design is amazing, especially during the climactic battle between Harry and the basilisk. The surround speakers come alive as the evil snake slithers its way through the underground maze and foundation-shaking bass fills the room when it strikes.

There are some that complain about the protracted lengths of the first two films, but I'm not one of them. I love the extended cuts and can't wait to see the additional footage when the other films in the series receive the Ultimate Edition treatment. The presentations are very similar to the previously released discs, but it's the impressive swag that will have fans clamoring for the upgrade. Highly recommended.

Release Date: December 8, 2009

Studio: Warner

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Movie: 8/10

Picture: 8/10

Sound: 9/10

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Movie: 8/10

Picture: 9/10

Sound: 10/10

Review System

Source

Oppo BDP-83 Blu-ray player

Display

JVC DLA-RS1 projector

Stewart FireHawk screen (76.5" wide, 16:9)

Electronics

Onkyo Pro PR-SC885 pre/pro

Anthem PVA-7 power amplifier

Belkin PF60 power conditioner

Speakers

M&K S-150s (L, C, R)

M&K SS-150s (LS, RS, SBL, SBR)

SVS PC-Ultra subwoofer

Cables

Monoprice HDMI cables (source to pre/pro)

Best Deal analog-audio cables

PureLink HDC Fiber Optic HDMI Cable System (15 meters) from pre/pro to projector

Acoustical treatments from GIK Acoustics