From Page To Screen (45) Harry Potter and the Prisoner Of Azkaban


For this weeks From Page To Screen I have decided to cover Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling.

First let's discuss the book.

Here's a bit of back story in case some of you aren't familiar with the novel. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a novel written by Author J.K. Rowling. The book was originally released July 8, 1999 by Bloomsbury (September 8, 1999 by Scholastic in the U.S.). Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban follows Harry as he enters his 3rd year at Hogwarts. Upon release the book was met with mainly positive reviews. Out of the first 3 books in the series Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban took the least time to write. Rowling has stated that Prisoner of Azkaban was "the best writing experience I ever had...I was in a very comfortable place writing (number) three. Immediate financial worries were over, and press attention wasn't yet by any means excessive."




Let's take a look at some of the characters now, shall we.


Harry Potter- A 13 year old boy in his 3rd year at Hogwarts. Even though Harry was famous before he even knew he was a wizard, He steers clear of special treatment, flattery, and praise. Harry strives to live a normal wizard's life even amongst the chaos his life as The Boy Who Lived brings. Harry is very loyal to Dumbledore and also his friends. He also is courageous which sometimes leads him into difficult situations.

Ron Weasley- Ron is the youngest brother of the Weasley clan. Although Ron grew up poor he was deeply loved by his family. However his poverty is a source of contention and he is prone to outbursts of anger when teased about his tattered robes and hand me downs. Ron is a pure blood but doesn't let that status go to his head. Like Harry Ron is also very loyal to his friends and family.

Hermione Granger- Hermione is a Muggle born wizard despite this she is top of her class at Hogwarts. Hermione is very self confident and loves to learn. While Hermione doesn't always approve Ron and Harry's actions she always stands by them out of love and loyalty.

 Sirius Black -  James Potter's best friend turned escaped convict from the wizard prison Azkaban. Sirius Black is suspected to be the cause of twelve Muggle deaths as well as the indirect cause of the deaths of Harry's parents. Sirius is Harry's godfather and an Animagus. His nickname is Padfoot (due to turning into a dog) and he is also one of the creators of the Marauder's Map.

Now let's discuss the movie.
In case some of you aren't familiar with the film, here is a bit of back story. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban was directed by Alfonso CuarĂ³n and was released May 31,2004 (June 4, 2004 in the U.S.) by Warner Bros. Pictures. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban cost $130 million to make and went on to make $796 million worldwide. Prisoner of Azkaban opened to widespread critical acclaim and despite being the lowest grossing film of the series it still holds the record for being the fortieth highest grossing film of all time. Fun fact: The Honeydukes set  shown in Prison of Azakaban is a redress of the set of Flourish & Blotts that was seen in Chamber of Secrets, which, in turn, was a redress of the Ollivanders set from the first film.




Major Differences Between The Book Film
BookFilm
During Hagrid's Care of Magical Creatures class several Hippogriffs are present.Only one Hippogriff is seen during Hagrid's class and that is Buckbeak.
Harry tell the driver of the night bus that his name is Neville Longbottom.Harry never reveal his identity.
Harry receives his Firebolt during Christmas. Since the sender is anonymous it is confiscated by Professor Flitwick and Madam Hooch to be checked for jinxes.Harry receives his Firebolt towards the end of the film. It is a gift from Sirius.
Ginny and Neville are in the compartment with Harry, Ron and Hermione when dementors attack the train.Ginny and Neville are omitted during the scene when the Dementors attack.
During Harry's exam Trelawney goes into a trance and reveals a second prophecy.Harry picks up the crystal ball Hermione knocked over during class and brings it back t Trelawney. She is mid trance and then reveals the prophecy.
Hermione slaps Malfoy in the face after he makes fun of Hagrid.Hermione pulls her wand first and then punches Malfoy in the nose.
When Harry learns that a happy memory is needed to produce a patronus he recalls the moment he was able to leave the dursleys.  It takes him two tries before he is successful. Harry thinks of his parents and after failing one time is able to produce his patronus.
While walking to Hogsmeade under his invisibility cloak Harry throws mudballs at Malfoy and his friends.Harry throws snowballs and Malfoy and his friends instead.
Harry visits Hogsmeade twice.Harry visits Hogsmeade one.
Ron and Harry get into a big fight with  Hermione over the Firebolt and Scabbers.Ron and Hermione only argue a little. No big fight happens.
During Quidditch Harry falls off his broom which allows Cedric to capture the snitch.Harry falls off his broom after being struck by lightning. Cedric does not capture the snitch.
When Harry accidentally inflates Aunt Marge she floats to the ceiling of the Dursley's home. When Harry inflates Aunt Marge she floats up to the ceiling and then through the open patio and up into the sky while Mr. Dursley holds on in vain trying to bring her back to the ground.

The above mentioned are the major differences I noticed when the book was translated From Page To Screen. Due to the books size vs. the length of the film I'm sure I probably overlooked a few. Feel free to point them out in the comments below. Which however, Do I prefer? I have to give it to the book this week. While the film is stunning and I love all the actors it simply did not have a run time long enough to include some of my favorite moments from the book. At the time of release this book was the longest of the three and easily could've been split into 2 films or at least given an hour longer run time. Also I was still saddened by the loss of Richard Harris and I had a hard time coming to terms with Michael Gambon as Dumbledore. I highly suggest seeing the film if you haven't already but if you really want the best version of the story stick with the book.

Want to see for yourself? Check out the trailer below!


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Well that about wraps up this weeks From Page To Screen. Have a recommendation for an upcoming From Page To Screen, let me know in the comments below!

Have you read the book or watched the film? 
Which did you like better? Why? 
What is your favorite quote or scene from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban? 
Just for fun: What animal would your Patronus be?

Leave your answers in the comments below, I love to read your responses. Like what you see? Please share!

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