Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Film)
From Hpwiki
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third film in the Harry Potter film series, based on the book by the same name.
In this third film, Harry Potter finds himself facing the terror of Sirius Black --- a prisoner escaped from Azkaban prison. Black is said to have broken out of Azkaban to hunt down Harry, hoping that his death will restore his master, Lord Voldemort. There's a secret about Sirius, however, that few could guess.
This film was released wide on June 4, 2004. Gary Oldman appeared for the first time in the role of Sirius Black. Also, Michael Gambon makes his first appearance as Hogwarts' Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, replacing Richard Harris.
Cast and Crew
Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter
Emma Watson as Hermione Granger
Michael Gambon as Albus Dumbledore
Robbie Coltrane as Rubeus Hagrid
Bonnie Wright as Ginny Weasley
Differences Between Book and Film Version
Many changes and cuts were made to this film. Changes and cuts included, but were not limited to:
- All mentions of O.W.L. exams are removed
- All scenes at the Dursleys are cut except for portions of the scenes with Aunt Marge and an opening with Harry attempting to learn the spell Lumos Maxima. Harry does not receive his Broomstick Servicing Kit, nor receive birthday tidings from Hagrid, Ron and Hermione. He does show the permission slip for Hogsmeade to Uncle Vernon, but little else is mentioned about it.
- Most scenes on the Knight Bus are cut. Harry and Stan have only a brief conversation about Voldemort and Harry does not say his name out loud. Ernie Prang hardly speaks at all in the film. The film version adds a comical Shrunken Head who cracks jokes and the music piece The Knight Bus, a jaunty comic number. Harry does not give his name as Neville Longbottom, he simply does not give it at all.
- Harry does not spend two weeks in Diagon Alley. He leaves for Hogwarts the day after he arrives. His schoolbooks are purchased for him.
- All Quidditch scenes are cut except for the first match. There is no mention of the House Cup and Harry does not receive his Firebolt broom until the very end of the film.
- In the books, great detail is given to Hermione taking many more classes than the other students and cracking under the pressure. In the film, only vague references are made to Hermione's unusually heavy courseload.
- Many scenes in Divination are cut. In the scene in which Hermione leaves the class, Hermione shouts "Not that stupid Grim again!" after Professor Trelawney claims to see in a crystal ball. In the film version, Trelawney asks Hermione what she sees and Hermione sarcastically comments, "The Grim, maybe?"
- When Hagrid teaches the class about hippogriffs, there is only one hippogriff in the film, Buckbeak, as opposed to the twelve in the book. In the book, Harry is nervous about the idea of riding Buckbeak and when he does, only flies once around the paddock and does not enjoy it. In the film, Harry has a thrilling ride on Buckbeak, who glides, rather than flapping his wings heavily. Harry rides all around the grounds and while coasting over the lake, holds out his arms and shouts with glee. His ride is also the subject of the musical piece Buckbeak's Flight.
- Professor Lupin talks more about his relationship with Harry's mother, Lily Potter, as opposed to his father James.
- When battling the boggart, the happiest memory that Harry summons is that of his parents. He states that he's not even sure if it's a real memory. In the novel, Harry specifically tries to avoid hearing the screaming and shouting of his parents and thinks of when he first learned that he was a wizard and would be leaving the Dursleys.
- In the book, Severus Snape becomes enraged upon learning of the escape of Sirius Black. In the film version, most scenes involving Snape during this sequence are simply cut.
- When rescuing Sirius from the tower, Hermione uses the spell Alohomora in the book. In the film, she shouts Bombarda!
- In the book, Albus Dumbledore congratulates Harry and Hermione on a job well-done after they rescue Sirius. He then later talks with Harry in Lupin's office. In the film, Harry and Hermione tell Dumbledore that they did it and Dumbledore responds by quipping "Did what? Good night." He does not appear later.
- Harry does not receive a letter from Sirius on the Hogwarts Express at the end of the film, nor is the train even shown at the end. Ron does not receive his owl, Pigwidgeon.
