Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban DVD Review

Harry Potter, Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley return to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Courtesy of Warner Brothers

Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione Granger (Emma Watson), Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) and the rest of the gang are back in the third Harry Potter movie. This time it's Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, based on the book of the same name by J.K. Rowling, on the big screen. The witches and wizards in training have finally hit their teens and are back at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, but the psycho wizard Sirius Black is on the loose and after Harry! How does the third year at Hogwarts stack up againgst the first two with its new director and darker style? Here's the Kidzworld movie review.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Third Year Magic!

With new monsters, new magic, new villains and teenage heroes, how can it go wrong? The answer is - it doesn't! The Prisoner of Azkaban is the best of the three Harry Potter films so far because it really brings the school to life. The Chamber of Secrets was a bit slow, but this one feels like it's full of energy. Also, Buckbeak, the Dementors, Sirius Black and a certain surprise character are awesome.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Crazy Creatures

The new monsters, the Dementors, are the kind of creatures that amuse themselves by playing "Kick the Kitten" on weekends - they're wickedly evil and very creepy. They look kind of like a certain kind of wraith from a movie about a ring, but they fly and there are a lot more than nine of them. The coolest new addition to the film is definitely Buckbeak - he's a hippogriff (part eagle, part horse), and is so cool that you'll want to take him home with you.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Criminal Convict

Sirius Black is played by Gary Oldman who does a great job as the greasy, dirty, psycho-looking Sirius. From his tattoos to his nasty teeth and scraggly hair, he's a great character.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Failing Grades?

Even though it's a fun film, Harry Potter fans will notice that it's different from the book. They cut out a Quidditch match for starters, messed with the timeline, and cut other cool scenes to keep it from getting too long. The ending is the biggest weakness though - it'll be a lot better once Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is out because watching them back-to-back will really help. But, on its own, The Prisoner of Azkaban ending is disappointing.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - DVD Features

If you're a Harry Potter fan, The Prisoner of Azkaban is the ultimate DVD to add to your collection. Check out interviews with Harry author J.K. Rowling and all your fave Harry Potter cast members! Learn how to take care of magical creatures (in case you ever find yourself stuck with a hippogriff) and sing-along with the Hogwarts choir. If that's still not enough Harry Potter fun, you're in luck - with the Prisoner of Azkaban DVD you get to check out a new EA game preview and sort through cool Harry Potter trading cards.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - Bottom Line

Excellent characters and monsters, a real sense of energy that keeps the film moving and some serious Hermione-smackdown (don't get this girl mad!) makes for an awesome film. With a bit more Quidditch and a stronger ending it would be a perfect flick.