Of Philosophers and Sorcerers -A Book vs. Film Comparison of the Sorcerer’s Stone

This is what happens when your train home gets delayed, a legend about a boy going to school is born, and, no, it's not Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters. J.K. Rowling created an epic seven part saga in literature that was successfully adapted into film and ingrained itself into our cultural zeitgeist. While both book and film were highly popular, what were the key differences you might ask?

Book (UK: June 26, 1997 / US: September 1, 1998) vs. Film (November 16, 2001)

• Book starts from the perspective of Vernon Dursley observing strange behavior from people dressed in cloaks and odd hats (wizards) who are celebrating Voldemort’s defeat. Shows how close minded and paranoid Vernon is for anything out of the ordinary.

• Book Only: Name drop of Sirius Black, the former owner of Hagrid’s flying motorbike, a key character introduced in the third installment.

• Film Only: Dudley actually getting stuck behind the glass of the zoo’s boa constrictor display.

• Book Only: Harry is moved to Dudley’s second bedroom before his first year at Hogwarts, not in between his first and second years.

• Book Only: Referencing the Ministry of Magic and its Minister, Cornelius Fudge, before being first introduced in Harry’s second year and heavily focused on during his fifth year.

• Harry meeting Draco Malfoy in the novel at Madame Malkin’s while getting fitted for a robe and learning about Quidditch and wizard blood lines, instead of the start of term feast at Hogwarts in the film.

• The film does not make the timing of Harry’s visit to Diagon Alley clear, but he has to spend an entire month more with the Dursley’s as his birthday (July 31st) does not fall right before the start of term at Hogwarts (September 1st).

• Peeves the Poltergeist is completely omitted despite scenes being shot with actor Rik Mayall.

• The book actually showing Harry in Quirrell’s classroom where the professor discusses fighting vampires in Romania and the origin of his purple turban.

• Malfoy’s midnight duel declaration is cut out of the movie. Instead, Harry, Ron, and Hermione accidentally visit the third floor corridor for the first time due to the confusing moving staircase.

• Book Only: Harry’s other presents include a flute from Hagrid, 50 pence coin from the Dursleys (how generous...), and chocolate treats from Hermione.

• Book Only: Dumbledore claims that he only sees himself holding a pair of socks through the Mirror of Erised.

• Harry eavesdrops on Snape threatening Quirrell in the halls of Hogwarts using the Invisibility Cloak after dark during the film as opposed to the Forbidden Forest while flying his Nimbus 2000 in the book.

• Norbert’s biting of Ron and subsequent delivery to Charlie Weasley’s friends is removed from the film adaptation.

• Security measures to protect the Sorcerer’s Stone shown only in the book, as traversed by Harry and Hermione after Wizard’s Chess, include Professor Quirrell’s troll, which is already subdued, and Professor Snape’s logic puzzle with potions. Hermione helps Harry solve Snape’s puzzle before going back allowing Harry to continue.

• In the last chapter, Quirrell reveals to Harry that Snape’s contempt for Harry is driven by the rivalry the professor had with Harry’s father, James Potter, which is not shown in the film adaptations until the third and fifth years. After, Dumbledore would reveal Snape protected Harry during the quidditch match to fulfill a life debt to James for saving his life.

• Quirrell’s skin boils in book and fades to dust in the film. While the professor clearly dies in front of Harry during the film, he is only revealed to have passed away as a result of Voldemort leaving his body after Harry is knocked unconscious.

Just like Harry, we are pumped and have no plans to stop at year 1. We hope you enjoy the journey along with us!