

Yeah, retrospectively it could have been better, but it could also have been much worse.

Looking back, I don't know if it was a good idea to have Chris Columbus direct this, as he does have a reputation for being something of a hack, albeit a decent one. While there he learns to come into his own, meet people that are actually good to him, and learn more of his dark past. Upon learning of his guarded magic roots, Harry gets enrolled in Hogwarts- a British school for witches and wizards. Harry would be dead too, but was miraculously saved, making him something of a legend. They were murdered by a dark and powerful evil wizard named Lord Voldemort. He lives with his uncaring Muggle (non magic) aunt, uncle, and cousin since his parents died when he was a baby. Harry Potter is an 11-year-old boy who comes to find out that he is a wizard.


The 2009 Ultimate Edition DVD/Blu-ray release includes this cut as well. It was first shown on TV networks (ABC in the US, several international broadcasts had the same extended showing) in 2004. There is an extended cut of the film running about 159 minutes vs the theatrical version runs 152 minutes.
