Harry Potter Is Better Than James Bond Sep 12, 2007
The first movie inspired by the JK Rowlings books, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, was released in 2001 and it was followed by Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets in 2002. After two years, in 2004 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban hit the screens and 2005 was the year of Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. (eFluxMedia (press release))
Summer tentpoles stand tall overseas Sep 4, 2007
It trails only "Titanic," "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and the second and third "Pirates of the Caribbean" pics. Other weekend biz saw "Knocked Up" with $6. (Variety)
'Shrek' tops 'Bourne' overseas Sep 3, 2007
1 million at 2,913 in 30 markets," topped again by tasty French takings in its fifth frame with $5.2 million -- off a mere 7% and more than the combined grosses of the next three pics. The Paris-set Pixar toon's provoked plenty of French affection with a $51 million cume, trailing only "Spider-Man 3" as the year's top grosser in the territory."Ratatouille" has totaled $189 million overseas with 50% of markets still to launch, starting next weekend with Australia. Underlining the popularity of... (Variety)
Movies turn to magic Aug 10, 2007
Who knew a very fleeting appearance by a dying unicorn in 2001's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was an early warning sign. But when Stardust opens today, the genre's answer to velvet Elvis paintings will gallop across the big screen once more, with forehead protuberance intact. (USA Today)
Harry Potter Book Ending Creates Headache for U.K. Bookmaker William Hill Aug 9, 2007
The first book in the series, ``Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,'' called ``Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'' in the U.S., was published in 1997. The books are published by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc in the U.K. and Scholastic Corp. in the U.S.. (Bloomberg)
Bewitched and Besotted by Book 7 Aug 5, 2007
The phenomenon is familiar to anyone who has not "disapparated" (disappeared) from the planet since "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" appeared in the United States in 1997. Orphaned after his parents are killed by Voldemort, Harry lives a Cinderella-like existence of abuse and neglect with relatives until age 11, when he is summoned by a message-bearing owl to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. (Yahoo News -- Harry Potter)
'Simpsons' success lifts Fox Jul 31, 2007
Domestic results for the weekend show "The Simpsons Movie" marked the fifth-highest opening for a non-sequel movie in history after "Spider-Man," "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "The Passion of the Christ" and "The Da Vinci Code.". Also enjoying wide success overseas, "Simpsons" made $170 million at the worldwide box office through Sunday. (Variety)
Fans close the book on Harry Potter Jul 30, 2007
The seven books written by British writer J.K. Rowling have been a phenomenon since "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" was released in 1998. In the next six books, the last of which was published last week, fans followed the wondrous universe of witches and wizards, as good battled evil in a death match in book after book. (Newsday)
Generation Hex Jul 28, 2007
From the moment "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" arrived at a cinema near us, in 2001, we switched from being readers to being consumers of Harry Potter. One can see the effects of this on Ms. Rowling: "The Deathly Hallows" reads as much like a blueprint for a movie as it does a novel. (Wall Street Journal)
Summer franchises fulfill promise Jul 27, 2007
After nine weeks, it's still at 2,958 international playdates so it may be able to catch "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" at $651 million for the third slot. But it obviously won't surpass "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" at $742 million or "Titanic" at $1. (Variety)
A fond look back at Harry Jul 26, 2007
It would be renamed Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone when it was published in the USA in 1998 ... The book was published in the United Kingdom in 1997 and in the USA in 1998 as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. (USA Today)
Potter's MAGIC Jul 25, 2007
About 400 people watched the first movie in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone , in the Smiley Building auditorium. Then they marched in the costume parade and danced at the street party. (Durango Herald)
Under Harry's Spell Jul 24, 2007
Last spring, a Rowling-signed first edition of the first Potter book, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" (renamed "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in the United States) was auctioned in London for $56,319. Top Video. (Fox News)
What a magical ride it's been for a family of J.K. Rowling fans Jul 23, 2007
But from the first chapter of " Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, " it was clear that the book had cast its spell on me, too. My 12-year-old daughter devoured the books on her own, and we often had to read in shifts. (Boston Globe -- Living)
Final Harry Potter book triumphs Jul 23, 2007
"It is easy to feel, rising through the pages of this final book, what must be Rowling's own bereavement at finishing this series. Perhaps that also is what helps to make this book feel somewhat ragged, and unfinished. To have ended it perfectly, compactly, fully, would have been more heartbreaking than what we have here -- a holy, not an unholy, mess.Still, the series' accomplishment is staggering. It has renewed literature, as great writings always do. It has changed assumptions about what... (Boston Globe -- Living)
Weird Chronicles: A Muggle's Musings Jul 23, 2007
Finally, close to the premiere of the first movie, I gave in and picked up "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." About the time Hagrid bunged a tail onto Dudley Dursley's hind end, I was completely and irrevocably hooked. This was no kids' book. (WNBC.com, NY)
'Potter' adventure ends as it must Jul 23, 2007
The first book, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, has the Mirror of Erised ("desire" spelled backward) which teaches the 11-year-old not to waste time wishing for the impossible. Book 5, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, has the Occlumency lessons, in which the 15-year-old learns to empathize with his most bitter enemy. (Baltimore Sun)
Devoted fans line up to find out final fate of Harry Potter Jul 22, 2007
Once she picked up the first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," she was hooked ... Once she picked up the first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," she was hooked ... Once she picked up the first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," she was hooked. (The Examiner)
Potter-mania Jul 22, 2007
Kurt Siegal, 18; Emily Nguyen, 18; and Chelsea Rose, 17; began reading the series as elementary school students, when Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone came out in 1998. It makes you feel like a kid again, Siegal said. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Stores, fans prepare for Potter-mania Jul 21, 2007
The book she was discussing, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," seemed to be a great Christmas present. When buying a copy for a gift, she also bought one for herself. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
With mixed emotions, Rowling looks ahead Jul 21, 2007
By the time the book appeared in the United States in 1998 -- as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" -- Harry was on his way to becoming a publishing phenomenon. Rowling was profoundly affected by the death of her own mother from multiple sclerosis in 1990 at the age of 45. (Boston Globe -- Living)
First fans get final book Jul 21, 2007
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. The setup: Harry suspects Professor Snape is trying to steal the Sorcerer's Stone, which grants eternal life, and maybe kill Harry while he's at it. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Ready for Harry Potter in Bethel Jul 21, 2007
The first six books in the series were "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban," "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" and "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." The first five books have been made into extremely successful films by Warner Brothers. Filming on "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is set to begin in September. (Bethel Beacon, CT)
Potter Mania Jul 21, 2007
Like Harry himself, who we first saw at age 11 in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, the series has grown up with each succeeding entry. Rowling opens the text with inordinate solemnity, citing grave quotations about mortality from Aeschylus ("Oh, the torment bred in the race,/the grinding scream of death") and William Penn ("Death is but crossing the world, as friends do the seas; they live in one another still"). (Sun-Sentinel.com)
The wait is over: Fans get their hands final volume of Harry Potter magic Jul 21, 2007
Rowling, who created her magical character in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" a decade ago, was giving a midnight reading to 500 competition-winning children in the grand Victorian surroundings of London's Natural History Museum. Rowling sat in a large wing-backed chair and read the opening pages -- description of a mysterious assignation, a clandestine meeting and important news for Voldemort. (North County Times)
Rowling bids her boy wizard goodbye with 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' Jul 21, 2007
By the time the book appeared in the United States in 1998 -- as "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" -- Harry was on his way to becoming a publishing phenomenon. The six Potter books have sold some 325 million copies in 64 languages, including Latin and Ancient Greek. (North County Times)
British retailer sells final Potter book for $10, setting dangerous precedent for U.S. market Jul 21, 2007
Audio Clip: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Related Articles. (International Herald Tribune)
Find out here Jul 21, 2007
Fearing that American readers would either not understand the word "philosopher" or not associate it with a magical theme, Scholastic insisted that the book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone be given the title Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone for the American market. -- Courtesy Wikipedia. (The Palm Beach Post)
Harry Potter frenzy is magic for fans Jul 21, 2007
"Deathly Hallows" is the last book in a series that began a decade ago with "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the story of an orphaned boy who learns on his 11th birthday that he is a wizard. Since then, Rowling's books have sold 325 million copies in 64 languages, and the launch of each new volume has become a Hollywood-scale extravaganza. (KGW Northwest NewsChannel 8, OR)
Harry casts final spell at midnight Jul 21, 2007
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ... Mr. Bowman has been a fan since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. (KHOU.com, TX)
Despite fury over leaks, Harry Potter casts a spell Jul 21, 2007
The first book in the series, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," was released in 1997, four years before 9/11. Critics have interpreted the Potter series as political and biblical allegory, as a Nietzschean philosophical tract and as an anti-feminist affront. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Fans Line Up for Final Harry Potter Novel Jul 21, 2007
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" at 9:30 a.m., "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" at 12:15 p.m., "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" at 3:30 p.m. and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" at 5:15 p.m.. The Provo Library will not be open at midnight; however, the first 60 people to reserve the book for checking out can pick up their copies at 9 a.m. Saturday. (The Daily Universe, UT)
Final Potter On Sale (No Spoilers) Jul 21, 2007
" Inside were answers readers have waited long to learn and that J.K. Rowling and her publishers have labored, with mixed results, to keep secret. Will Harry kill evil Lord Voldemort, or die in the attempt? Who will be slain in the battle between the good guys and the wicked Death Eaters? And what are deathly hallows, anyway? "It's all that matters to him, to get this book he couldn't eat or sleep," mother Laura Helmy said of her 15-year-old son, Bobby, who purchased the novel at midnight in... (Time.com)
A farewell to Harry Potter Jul 20, 2007
Rowling's series (accompanied by the ensuing movie and marketing blitz) has been a fixture since 1998, when the first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," was published. Nearly 10 years later, after we've devoured the last book, Harry's fans must say farewell to a friend we've had for most of our lives. (The Daily Texan, TX)
Seeing Harry to the end Jul 20, 2007
"I think she has just a real great grasp of narrative, what it takes to tell a story, what it takes to get you interested and want to know what happens next. ... A large part of it are these characters. I think she's created characters you can care about."The series, which began U.S. publication in 1998, starts when the boy wizard is 11 in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." Each subsequent volume marks the next year in his life. As he's aged, the initial charm and enchantment has given way... (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Harry Potter Fans Bet Boy Wizard Kills Self in Final Book as Wagering Ends Jul 20, 2007
The first book in the series, ``Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone,'' called ``Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'' in the U.S., was published in 1997. The timing of the fifth movie opening and its success so far has helped fuel interest in the final novel. (Bloomberg)
Kids don't have monopoly on Harry Potter Jul 20, 2007
Then there was the big hype that preceded the first movie, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." She surrendered and bought the first book, and in the course of about three days, she knocked off the first four volumes, more than 1,000 pages of schoolboy sorcerer magic. "And I've been addicted to them ever since," she said. (Sioux City Journal)
The voice of Harry Potter can keep a secret Jul 20, 2007
Audio Clip: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone ... Serendipity landed Dale the part of reading "Harry Potter." Back in 1999, Listening Library, then an independent company, acquired the United States audiobook rights to "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the first book in the series, for just $15,000. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
Harry Potter Orders Reach Record as Non-Wizard Muggles Head to Bookstores Jul 20, 2007
She read the first book, ``Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'' in 1999. Christian Parallels. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Midnight Magic Jul 19, 2007
Many fans are anxious to see what J.K. Rowling has in store for Harry, Ron, Hermione and all the other characters that readers have grown to love or hate in the 10 years since the series began in 1997 with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Although the clock will strike midnight on the Harry Potter series on June 20, come 12:01 all the magic and mystery will be revealed. (South Brunswick Post, NJ)
Stores carry more than just books for Potter fanatics Jul 19, 2007
Your Connection to the. " But Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Borders Group Inc. is upping the ante this time around by offering everything from calendars and journals to wall scrolls, wands and lunch boxes. "There is much more product available this time because of the timing of the movie and book releases," said Diane Mangan, director of children's merchandise for Borders. Athens' Borders and Barnes offer Muggles - or non-magical folks - plenty of merchandise to enhance the Harry Potter experience.... (Athens Banner-Herald)
Click at your own risk, Potter fans Jul 19, 2007
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. (KHOU.com, TX)
Harry Potter fans cast 'silencio' on book spoilers Jul 18, 2007
In the 10 years since the first book, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" -- renamed "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" for U.S. release -- hit bookshelves, the heretofore six books in Rowling's series have been translated into at least 60 languages, with more than 325 million copies sold across the globe. Not to put too fine a point on it, but Harry Potter's the biggest thing to happen to books in a long, long time. (Sacramento Bee)
'Potter' plot thickens Jul 17, 2007
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the first film in the series, registered a first week of $129 million in 2001. The subsequent installments have done first weeks of $106 million, $123 million and $146 million, respectively. (AZCentral -- Entertainment)
Harry’s last stand Jul 17, 2007
She loaned out her copy of the first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," and it wasn't long before the new fans bought their own. As for life after Harry, Clarkston said she thinks the fandom won't fade out. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
'Potter' Whooshes To Top Of Box Office; 'Transformers,' 'Ratatouille' Hang Tough Jul 17, 2007
1 "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" ($976. 5 million) (4th) #2 "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" ($892. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Explore: Potter People Jul 16, 2007
From the moment they met on the train in the first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," Harry and Ron have been friends. If Harry's running headlong into trouble, Ron's usually right there with him. (CBS News -- Early Show)
'Phoenix' off to 'Potter' film series' fastest start Jul 16, 2007
The most noticeable change is that the young stars have grown up from the early, PG-rated films, starting with 2001's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.". The consistency extends well beyond the marketing. (Los Angeles Times)
Young Muggles review new "Potter" film Jul 15, 2007
Daniel Radcliffe returns in the fifth film in the series, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." Radcliffe, now 17, was 11 when he was cast in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.". Related. (Seattle Times)
Fans brushing up on Harry Potter history to prepare for last book Jul 15, 2007
Larissa Boike, 14, said she became a fan first by reading the first book "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and then found out they were making a movie out of it. "I like all the magic," said Boike. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Fans, booksellers to celebrate finale Jul 15, 2007
But they're thrilled that reading has become so cool since Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone landed on their shelves in 1998. It's hard to compete with the Internet, television, movies, said Marina Claudio-Perez, youth services coordinator for the San Diego city library system. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Harry Potter by the numbers Jul 15, 2007
3,762: Record-breaking number of screens in the U.S. that opened the first in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. 590,000+: Harry Potter fansites. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Harry Potter 5 Stirs Controversy Jul 14, 2007
He's not the small child he was in the first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. Harry is interested in girls, he is facing even more adult issues and facing them in such a way where he understands their significance and can no longer rely on childish innocence. (Suite101.com)
Fairbanks teens waiting in line for 11 days to get Potter book Jul 14, 2007
Printing has been on the rise with every book, she said, up from 50,000 copies printed on the first run of the first novel, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone." There are 121. 5 million copies of all the books in circulation throughout the U.S., she said. (Seattle Times)
Harry Potter sets new box office record Jul 13, 2007
5 billion dollars at worldwide box office, with the first installment, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" in 2001, delivering the best performance with global revenues of 975 million dollars. Film industry analysts earlier predicted record numbers for this summer season, but a series of blockbuster sequels, including "Sider-Man 3," "Shrek the Third" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," have yet to boost the box office to new heights. (Xinhuanet, China)
Full Story from The Pitt News Jul 12, 2007
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone:" Harry Potter's big-screen debut was helmed by Chris Columbus ("Home Alone"). Columbus focuses on spectacles like rotating staircases and Quidditch. (U-Wire.com)
Midway, Epic Games and Sony Computer Entertainment America Announce Unreal Tournament(R) 3 As Exclusive to PLAYSTATION(R)3 system and PC in 2007 Jul 12, 2007
Epic is also responsible for the Unreal Engine, which is the underlying technology for a wide range of games including, Console Game of the Year winner, "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (TM)" by Ubi Soft; PC Gamer's Game of the Year, "Deus Ex" from Ion Storm/Eidos; "America's Army: Special Forces," by the United States Army, and "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (PC) by Electronic Arts. Epic's Unreal Engine 3 is the current holder, and three-time consecutive winner, of Game Developer magazine's... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Casts Box Office Spell - Breaks Into MovieTickets.Com All-Time Pre-Release Sales List Jul 12, 2007
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (1) 12. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2). (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Potter reviews lukewarm Jul 11, 2007
The first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, grossed $US976 million ($A1. 14 billion) worldwide in 2001, and four years later, the box office for the fourth film, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, slipped only eight per cent to $US892 million ($A1. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Camelot expects crowd for "Order of the Phoenix" Jul 11, 2007
com, the first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," is the ninth best-selling book of all time. Internet Movie Database lists all four of the previous "Harry" movies in the Top 20 of all-time ticket sales. (Orangeburg Times and Democrat, SC)
Harry Potter worship Jul 11, 2007
Zorn was introduced to all things Potter at age 9, when her grandmother gave her a copy of the first book, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," for Christmas. It took her two months to read. (Newsday -- Long Island)
Box office hot for 'Harry Potter' Jul 11, 2007
"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," which kicked off the pic series in 2001, remains the highest grossing, both domestically and worldwide, with a domestic take of $317. 6 million and an overall cume of $976. (Variety)
Harry Potter: Magic man is back Jul 11, 2007
"That's what sets it apart from other fantasy works. It's happening right now. It could be Jackson, New York, wherever. And I could be 12 and a giant comes to tell me I'm a wizard. THE POTTER-Y YARN: SUMMARIES OF MOVIES Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001): In the first adaptation of J.K. Rowling's series, the orphan Harry Potter, at age 11, has suffered years as an unwanted child. He is summoned to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns the truth about the powers... (The Clarion-Ledger)
'Potter' Star Rises To Occasion With Dark 'Phoenix' Jul 11, 2007
It's been a tricky year for Daniel Radcliffe, the teen actor who became international film star after "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" and its three sequels cast a spell on moviegoers worldwide starting in 2001. That's because something wicked his way came in early 2007 after filming wrapped on movie No. 5, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix." For when the 17-year-old actor took provocative lead role that included nudity in revival of the Tony Award-winning drama "Equus" on... (Click2Houston, TX)
Harry Potter has limited effect on reading habits Jul 11, 2007
In the 10 years since the first one, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," was published, the series has sold 325 million copies worldwide, with 121. 5 million in print in the United States alone. (International Herald Tribune -- Arts)
