Stores across the US opened at midnight for fans to get their hands on the video and DVD release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

The blockbusting tale of a young wizard sent off to Hogwarts School to learn his craft as a magician is the second-biggest box office hit of all time in the US.

And just six months after it hit cinemas around the world it has had its home entertainment release.

Children dressed in wizarding costumes lined up outside shops to be among the first to buy the video or DVD.

Daniel Radcliffe plays Harry Potter

The film took $960m (�657m) at the world box office, second only to Titanic.

Now Warner Bros, the studio behind the movie, is hoping its debut on the small screen will emulate that success.

The DVD version includes extras such as a tour of Hogwarts, new footage and lessons in mixing potions and catching a snitch.

Sales

Author JK Rowling was consulted about the making of the DVD but was not able to write anything new because she was too busy promoting the film while it was being created.

The US need only look at the initial sales of the video and DVD in the UK as an indicator of how successful it could be.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, as it is known in the UK, sold 1.25m copies in its first day of trading, making it the most successful home release of all time.

It also benefited from a midnight opening in many places, generating publicity and consumer interest.

It is still sitting at the top of the charts for both video and DVD sales.