Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Review
Score: 83
from 5 reviewers
Review Date:
Harry Potter 4K UHD release impresses with stellar visuals/audio; lacks new extras.
Disc Release Date
True 4K
HDR10
DTS:X
DTS-HD MA
Video: 84
Warner's 4K UHD of early Harry Potter films offers pristine, detailed visuals with richer colors and deeper blacks, markedly surpassing Blu-ray quality.
Audio: 86
The DTS:X audio track in Sorcerer's Stone is lauded for its immersive, detailed surround sound, enhancing effects, dialogue clarity, and music, significantly outperforming previous versions.
Extra: 83
The UHD set lacks new extras, reusing content from prior Blu-ray editions without Ultimate Edition's full features, contrasting Warner's odd decision against fan's expectations for comprehensive special materials.
Movie: 71
Harry Potter's cinematic debut, faithfully adapted yet cautious, sets an enchanting yet safe tone for the franchise, with standout performances and impressive world-building.
Video: 84
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" delivers an exceptional visual upgrade from its previous 1080p version, providing fans with the opportunity to re-experience the magical world with unprecedented clarity and depth. Warner Brothers has meticulously remastered the film from a 4K scan of the original 35mm film negatives, utilizing HEVC / H.265 encoding with a resolution of 2160p and an aspect ratio of 2.40:01 on a BD-66 layer disc. This scanning process, paired with extensive color correction and HDR encoding, revitalizes the film's visuals, bestowing it with richer textures, and a vibrant color palette that significantly enhances the cinematic experience.
The application of HDR and WCG (Wider Color Gamut) marks a significant improvement in picture quality, yielding deeper blacks, more luminous highlights, and a wider spectrum of colors that breathe life into the wizarding world. Details like the intricate gold inlays on the Wizard Chess pieces, the lush green of the Quidditch pitch, and the deep oranges of Hogwarts’ torch-lit corridors are rendered with such fidelity that they elevate the visual storytelling. Close-up shots reveal refined details in skin textures, fabric patterns, and even individual strands of hair, like those of Dumbledore's beard, with unprecedented clarity. The enhanced resolution also brings increased depth to scenes, ensuring characters and objects within the busy halls of Hogwarts remain distinct amidst the bustling background.
Despite these improvements, it's noteworthy that the upgrade magnifies some of the films' CGI limitations, particularly during the Quidditch matches, although this is a minor quibble against the overall enhancement. Scenes that previously suffered from visual noise or softness on Blu-ray are now crisp and detailed, but there are isolated instances of banding and digital noise, such as seen on Hagrid’s motorbike light in the opening scene. Overall, this 4K UHD presentation not only sets a new standard for home viewing but also respects and amplifies the original cinematographic intent behind "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," making it a definitive experience for fans and cinephiles alike.
Audio: 86
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" boasts an English DTS:X surround track that marks a significant upgrade over its predecessors, delivering an audio experience as magical as the story itself. This highly immersive track fully utilizes the additional speakers, including the overhead layer, to create a truly enveloping atmosphere. Key scenes, such as the flurry of Hogwarts acceptance letters, the thrilling Quidditch match, and the climactic wizard chess game, are rendered with astounding clarity and depth. The DTS:X format enhances these moments with precise sound object placement, allowing for nuanced audio that moves fluidly between speakers. The bass provides a solid foundation, offering powerful low-frequency effects that add to the intensity of the on-screen action without overwhelming the dialogue or John Williams’ iconic score. The dialogue remains crystal clear and well-positioned within the mix, ensuring that every word is easily discernible.
Warner Bros’ implementation of the DTS:X track on this release has been met with acclaim for its dynamic range and its adeptness at balancing vocals, score, and effects. The soundtrack adeptly handles both quieter, dialogue-driven moments and dynamic action sequences with equal finesse. Particular praise goes to how it replicates the expansive environments of Hogwarts, from echoing footsteps in vast corridors to the subtle ambiances that bring each scene to life. Effects are sharp and detailed, with well-rounded and distinct sounds that utilize every speaker in a home theater setup, creating an engaging soundstage that adds a new dimension to the film's immersive qualities.
Moreover, this audio mix doesn’t shy away from leveraging lower frequencies and surround sound capabilities to enhance the storytelling. Whether it’s the deep rumble accompanying magical bursts or the meticulously crafted ambient noises that populate the Hogwarts grounds, the sound design ensures a captivating experience throughout. Notably, the advanced mixing techniques have propelled scenes with complex audio layers, such as the mesmerizing flight of the flying keys or the tension-filled giant wizard’s chess battle, to new heights. These enhancements are not at the expense of dialogue clarity or the integrality of Williams' score, both of which are seamlessly woven into the auditory tapestry of the film. In summary, this audio presentation elevates "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone" with a richness and clarity befitting the wizarding world, making it a definitive sonic experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Extra: 83
The "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" 4K UHD Blu-ray release presents an interesting situation for fans and collectors alike, particularly concerning its extra content. Despite housing the visually stunning 4K UHD version of the film, this release notably lacks any bonus features directly on the 4K disc itself, directing viewers to its Blu-ray counterpart for any supplementary material. Included within this set is a Blu-ray disc that mirrors the Special Features disc from the Ultimate Edition with content dated back to 2009, unfortunately omitting the third disc from the Ultimate Edition which was a DVD containing additional extras. For enthusiasts seeking comprehensive behind-the-scenes insights, retaining prior editions for their extra content is advisable. The decision by Warner to structure the release this way has been met with mixed reactions, reflecting a staggered approach to merging high-definition film presentation with the enriching context found in special features.
Extras included in this disc:
Introduction By Daniel Radcliffe: A brief introduction by the leading actor.
Creating The World of Harry Potter, Part 1: The Magic Begins: An extensive look at bringing the magical world to life.
A Glimpse Into The World Of Harry Potter: Additional insights into the film's creation.
Deleted Scenes: Scenes not included in the theatrical release.
Teaser Trailer: The initial teaser for the movie.
Theatrical Trailer #2: A second promotional trailer.
Theatrical Trailer #3: A third variation of promotional material.
TV Spots: Several television advertisements used to promote the film.
Movie: 71
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the inaugural adventure in the famed Harry Potter series, launched a pivotal cinematic journey, adapting J.K. Rowling's beloved novel with a cautious yet effective approach. Under the direction of Chris Columbus, a choice met with skepticism given his previous works, the transition from page to screen was handled with a level of reverence that ensured a faithful replication of the source material. This cautious adaptation was marked by undeniable successes - notably in casting and visual fidelity - yet it also harbored an adherence to safety that restrained its potential for cinematic greatness. The film meticulously introduces viewers to the magical realm of Hogwarts, laying down a comprehensive foundation for the wizarding world and its rules without overwhelming newcomers, a testament to screenwriter Steve Kloves' adept script.
Central to the film's appeal is the dynamic among its young protagonists - Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson), and Ron (Rupert Grint) - whose casting was nothing short of serendipitous. Their portrayal of camaraderie and youthful curiosity breathed life into their characters and cemented their place in the hearts of viewers, supported ably by a stellar ensemble of British actors in adult roles. However, despite these strengths, the film's unwavering loyalty to the novel's narrative structure resulted in a rendition that, while charming, felt predictable and devoid of risks. The omission of certain story elements, like Hermione’s showcase of logic over magic, was felt, albeit understood within the broader context of adapting such a dense source material.
Warner Brothers' reissue of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in 4K UHD accentuates these foundational elements with remarkable clarity and depth. The migration to 4K was distinguished by meticulous scans from original camera negatives, which revealed layers of detail previously unappreciated in earlier formats. This technical enhancement enriches the visual narrative, offering fans both old and new a refreshed viewing experience that highlights the intricate set designs and vibrant costuming that helped define the cinematic Harry Potter universe. Despite criticisms for not accompanying these 4K releases with remastered Blu-rays, this update remains a definitive must-have for enthusiasts, ensuring that the magic of Harry Potter’s first foray into Hogwarts is preserved for posterity with unprecedented quality.
Total: 83
The 4K UHD Blu-ray release of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" represents a significant upgrade over previous editions, offering a superior viewing experience that is a must-have for fans and home theater enthusiasts alike. This release, part of an eight-disc set covering the entire Harry Potter series, showcases an impressive new 4K scan and clean-up, providing a native 4K presentation that breathes new life into the movie. The detail, color reproduction, and black levels are noticeably enhanced, making for a visually stunning experience. The audio is similarly upgraded, with a DTS:X surround track that provides an immersive listening experience, perfectly complementing the visual improvements. However, the package does not include any new extras or a standard Blu-ray version, relying instead on legacy features and previously released Ultimate Edition extras carried over on the Blu-ray Disc.
The film itself, while considered one of the weaker entries in the Harry Potter franchise due to its heavy focus on setting up the series, benefits tremendously from this 4K restoration. The creative team's respectful HDR treatment and use of a BD-100 disc to ensure ample bandwidth have resulted in a gorgeous presentation that makes "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" feel fresh and engaging. This release is particularly noteworthy for its excellent video and audio quality, which are described as top-notch and highly recommended for Ultra HD Blu-ray setups.
In conclusion, the 4K UHD Blu-ray of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" is an outstanding release that offers significant improvements in both picture and sound quality, making it the definitive version for fans to own. Despite the lack of new supplementary materials or a remastered standard Blu-ray for those yet to upgrade their systems, this release stands as a compelling upgrade for enthusiasts seeking to experience the magic of Harry Potter in its best possible home video presentation. Warner Bros. has provided a meaningful incentive for fans to invest in the latest home video format with this highly recommended release.
avforums review by Simon CrustRead review here
Video: 80
Also the increased picture resolution shows up some of the inconsistences of the CGI, particularly the quidditch match, but all these are minor quibbles, since that’s always been true....
Audio: 90
The score is well layered into the mix and, again, makes full use of all the available speakers....
Extras: 70
There are no extras on the UHD disc, and this 8 disc set does not contain any Blu-rays with extra features – a somewhat peculiar commercial decision by Warner....
Movie: 70
Initially I put this down to the film missing a large portion of the source material, which, of course, it does, but actually that’s not the problem....
Total: 0
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is part of an eight disc set released by Warner containing all films in 4K. The disc itself, courtesy of a new 4K scan and clean-up, is presented as native 4K and...
Blu-ray.com review by Michael ReubenRead review here
Video: 100
Perhaps the most noteworthy effect of the UHD's increased detail and enhanced contrast is the image's balance in the many scenes of students and teachers bustling to and fro; individuals remain distinct,...
Audio: 90
While DTS:X has been criticized in technical circles for failing to provide a true "object-based" sound format � la Dolby Atmos, there's no disputing the exceptional power and precision of the audio engineers'...
Extras: 100
The accompanying "Special Features" disc is a reprint of disc 2 from the "Ultimate Edition" with 2009 file dates....
Movie: 70
The first set of Potter UHDs was noteworthy primarily for changes in the color grading ranging from subtle to overt, but fresh scans reveal new layers of detail and intensity in the earliest films....
Total: 60
The only negative is the failure to remaster the standard Blu-ray, thereby abandoning those who haven't yet upgraded their equipment to a wan and outdated image from the early days of the format....
High-Def Digest review by Bryan KlugerRead review here
Video: 100
The warmer colors, including the reds, oranges, and yellows all have distinct layers to them, depending on how they are shown on screen, but always have a brightness to them that other releases lack, thanks...
Audio: 100
Not only was it the sound dynamics of the overhead speakers that got me smiling, but it was also the echoes and reverbs of being in a large castle that bounces the sounds off all the walls in a large space....
Extras: 0
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Movie: 70
Since anyone reading this is likely familiar with the basics of the story, I'll dispense with the plot synopsis, other than to say that since Sorcerer's Stone was engineered from the get-go to be a franchise-starter,...
Total: 90
There were top notch visuals, performances and a great script that captured the good elements of the book....
AVSForum review by Ralph PottsRead review here
Video: 94
I wouldn’t describe either as overtly colorful, however, there are elements, such as the Quidditch matches, shots of London, and the Weasley home, where the palate of autumn based hues, sepia tones and...
Audio: 94
I think that each of these immersive sound mixes complimented the source material, and made for an invigorating listening experience....
Extras: 90
Disc 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc 2: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Blu-ray Disc 1: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc 2: Harry Potter...
Movie: 80
: Adaptation of the first of J.K. Rowling's popular children's novels about Harry Potter, a boy who learns on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique...
Total: 90
Each is making its Ultra HD Blu-ray debut in a Combo Pack from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment featuring top notch Ultra HD video, excellent lossless surround sound, via a complimentary DTS:X immersive...
Why So Blu?Read review here
Video: 90
With this new 4K Ultra-HD transfer of Harry Potter’s original adventure, I feel it has a bit more of a full look to it in terms of colors and skin tones being stronger to go with the obvious natural blacks...
Audio: 100
Low Frequency Extension: Crashes, magic bursts, large objects moving and more provide a rather large bump in the sub....
Extras: 80
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone comes with the Blu-ray edition (2-Discs) and an UltraViolet Digital Copy of the film....
Movie: 70
The stakes are lighter and the final battle in this film is a bit of a whimper, but the best is going to come and luckily the series both in book and movie form deliver on said promise....
Total: 80
You’ll get all the extras carried over from before, so it should be with no hesitation that Potter fans and home theater/movie collecting enthusiasts can replace their old copy.<br />...
Director: Chris Columbus
Actors: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Richard Harris
PlotAn orphaned boy, Harry, who has lived a bleak life with his callous aunt and uncle, discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard. He learns that his parents, who were also wizards, were murdered by a powerful dark wizard when Harry was just a baby. Soon after, he is whisked away from his mundane existence by a gentle giant named Hagrid to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, Harry makes friends, learns about his celebrity status in the wizarding world, and begins to uncover the truth about his past.
At Hogwarts, Harry befriends Ron and Hermione, two fellow students who become his closest allies. The trio stumbles upon a series of mysterious events tied to a hidden object being protected within the school. This object is believed to grant immortality. Curiosity and a sense of duty lead the youngsters to investigate further, drawing them into a world of magic, danger, and challenges that test their bravery and friendship. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, some helpful and some with darker intents.
Writers: J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves
Release Date: 16 Nov 2001
Runtime: 152 min
Rating: PG
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Language: English, Latin