May 23, 2004 (Radio City Music Hall)
May 31, 2004 (United Kingdom)
June 4, 2004 (United States)
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is a 2004 epic high fantasy adventure film directed by Alfonso Cuarón from a screenplay by Steve Kloves, based on the 1999 novel of the same name by J. K. Rowling. It is the sequel to Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) and the third instalment in the Harry Potter film series. The film stars Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter, alongside Rupert Grint and Emma Watson as Harry's best friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger respectively. The film follows Harry's third year at Hogwarts and his quest to uncover the truth about his past, including the connection recently-escaped Azkaban prisoner Sirius Black has to Harry and his deceased parents.
With this film, the Harry Potter series switched to a longer eighteen-month production cycle. Cuarón was selected as director from a list that included Callie Khouri and Kenneth Branagh. The cast of previous instalments returned for the film, with the additions of Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, and Emma Thompson, among others. It was the first appearance of Michael Gambon as Professor Albus Dumbledore, due to Richard Harris's death in 2002. Principal photography began in February 2003 at Leavesden Film Studios. It was the first in the series to extensively use real-life locations, with sets built in Scotland and scenes shot in London. Filming concluded in November 2003.
The film was released on 31 May 2004 in the United Kingdom, and on 4 June 2004 in North America. It was the first Harry Potter film to use IMAX Technology and released into IMAX theatres. Prisoner of Azkaban grossed a total of $798 million worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing film of 2004, behind Shrek 2. Critics praised Cuarón's direction and the lead actors' performances. It is credited for marking a notable change in the franchise's tone and directing style, and is often regarded by critics and fans alike as the best Harry Potter film. It was nominated for two Academy Awards, Best Original Music Score and Best Visual Effects, at the 77th Academy Awards in 2004. It was followed by Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2005.
Storyline
Also See
- Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)
- Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
- Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
- Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
- Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (2010)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (2011)
Sound Effects Used
- Disney Big Ben Chime
- Hollywoodedge, Baby Crying Slowly PE144001 (The 4th and 5th halves can be heard from a portrait crying baby carried by a mother.)
- Hollywoodedge, Balloon Inflate Defl SS020202
- Hollywoodedge, Cat Domestic Meow Ang AT010601
- Hollywoodedge, Cat Domestic Meow Sad AT010101
- Hollywoodedge, Cats Fighting Loud Sc PE917007/Hollywoodedge, Cats Two Angry YowlsD PE022601/Pro Sound Effects, Cat, Angry Growls, Moans, Various Versions/Sound Ideas, ANIMAL, CAT - SEVERAL GROWLS, SPITS, INHALES, HISSES & SWIPES, FIGHT SCREECHES (4th yowl; heard in a lower pitch.)
- Hollywoodedge, Chimpanzee Screeche PE026201
- Hollywoodedge, Dog Doberman Growls AT021001
- Hollywoodedge, Elephant Trumpeting PE024801
- Hollywoodedge, Gusts Heavy Cold Wind PE031601
- Hollywoodedge, Hinge Squeaks ThreeS PE285802
- Hollywoodedge, Hinge Squeaks ThreeS PE285804
- Hollywoodedge, Hinge Squeaks ThreeS PE285805
- Hollywoodedge, Horn Honk Compact Car PE297301
- Hollywoodedge, Leopard Snarl Fast CU AT012201
- Hollywoodedge, Lightning 08 CloseG SIG012601
- Hollywoodedge, Raven Common Squawks AT080801
- Hollywoodedge, Rottweiler Vicious B PE023601
- Hollywoodedge, Screams 1 Woman Singl PE133501
- Hollywoodedge, Steam Train WhistleS 3D024801
- Hollywoodedge, Trees Falling Tree Br FS024203
- Hollywoodedge, Wood Door OCKnob Ratt PE180201
- SKYWALKER, BIRD - HEDWIG SQUAWK
- Sound Ideas, BEAR - BLACK BEAR CUB, MOANS, PURRS, ANIMAL
- Sound Ideas, BELL, CLOCK - BIG BEN, STRIKES 12:00, INSIDE BELL-TOWER, LONDON, ENGLAND, DIGIFFECTS
- Sound Ideas, CAT, DOMESTIC - 8 ANGRY SNARLS & HISSES, ANIMAL
- Sound Ideas, CREAK, WOOD, DOOR - HEAVY WOOD DOOR: LOUD HINGE SQUEAK 03
- Sound Ideas, CREAK, WOOD, DOOR - HEAVY WOOD DOOR: LOUD HINGE SQUEAK 08
- Sound Ideas, DOOR, BELL - ELECTRIC DOORBELL: RING 01
- Sound Ideas, DOOR, BELL - ELECTRIC DOORBELL: RING 03
- Sound Ideas, DRAWBRIDGE - GEAR AND CHAIN MECHANISM MOVING DRAWBRIDGE, CASTLE 01
- Sound Ideas, HORSE - EXTERIOR: WHINNY, ANIMAL 06
- Sound Ideas, LEVER, RATCHET - LARGE CRANK OR LEVER: RATCHETING, 10 TAKES (The 10th take is heard once.)
- Sound Ideas, ROCK, WATER - ROCK: SPLASH INTO WATER 01
- SoundDogs, Animals: Rat Mouse - CU - Squeaks & Squeals
- SoundDogs, Train: Trains - Freight Cars Coupling Impact - MCU - Bg Engine Noise, Also Rattles, Clunks, Squeaks, & Creaks, All Coupling Related, Several Ambiance Changes (7th impact only.)
- Unknown Sound Effects Library, Monster or Animal Roaring (Used for Lupin in his Werewolf form.)