The latest Harry Potter film had its world premiere on Sunday. Hogwarts' famous young wizards flew to New York to join an estimated 6,000 fans in a red-carpet opening.

In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry and his friends Ron and Hermione return for their third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There, the teenagers are forced to confront their darkest fears as they confront a dangerous escaped prisoner, and the equally forbidding Dementors, who are sent there to protect them.

On the red carpet of the premiere, the young stars turned out with their family, and their new director, Alfonso Cuaron.

Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry Potter, said the third film has been the most exciting one to work on so far.

Actor of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Daniel Radcliffe said, "It was very different from the second because it was a new director, a lot darker film. It was really interesting to work on and a lot more intense because there are a lot more intense scenes in this one I think. It really is amazing. It is a really amazing brilliant film, I think."

The third film promises a darker, edgier experience, where Harry needs to make sense of some terrible secrets, using all the courage, support and magic he can muster.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban opens June the 4th, 2004.

(CCTV.com May 25, 2004)