{"id":4687,"date":"2012-09-07T08:53:47","date_gmt":"2012-09-07T15:53:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/moviemansguide.com\/main\/?p=4687"},"modified":"2012-09-11T08:22:44","modified_gmt":"2012-09-11T15:22:44","slug":"review-harrypotter-collection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/moviemansguide.com\/main\/2012\/09\/review-harrypotter-collection\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection BD"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Although the Harry Potter Wizard\u2019s Collection<\/em><\/strong> is quite expensive ($345 on Amazon as of this writing), for fans of the series, it might be worth it. I know fans will have already owned it but there might be enough here to make it worth your while. As for the set itself, there\u2019s an enormous amount of features including some new featurettes which expands on the behind-the-scenes world and how the franchise was made.<\/p>\n

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Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection (2001-2011)<\/strong><\/p>\n


REVIEW NAVIGATION<\/strong><\/span>
The Movie<\/a> | Special Features<\/a> | Video Quality<\/a> | Audio Quality<\/a> | Overall<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Genre(s): <\/strong>Fantasy, Adventure, Family
Warner Bros. | PG\/PG13 \u2013 $499.99 | September 7, 2012<\/p>\n

MOVIE INFO:<\/span>
Directed by: <\/strong>HP1<\/em>-2: Chris Columbus, HP3<\/em>: Alfonso Cuaron, HP4<\/em>: Mike Newell, HP5-7<\/em>: David Yates
Writer(s): <\/strong>J.K. Rowling (novels); Steve Kloves, Michael Goldenberg (screenplay)
Cast: <\/strong>Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane<\/p>\n

DISC INFO:<\/span>
Features: <\/strong>Audio Commentaries, Featurettes, Deleted Scenes, DVD Copies, UltraViolet
Number of Discs: <\/strong>31<\/p>\n

Audio: <\/strong>HP1\/HP2 – <\/em>English (DTS-HD MA 6.1), HP3-7A, 7B \u2013 <\/em>English (DTS-HD MA 5.1), Various
Video: <\/strong>1080p\/Widescreen Various
Subtitles: <\/strong>English SDH, French, Spanish, Various
Codec: <\/strong>MPEG-4 AVC
Region(s): <\/strong>A, B, C<\/p>\n

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THE REVIEW<\/strong>
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Special Note: <\/strong>This is going to be an unusual review. As one might expect, we were not provided the full collection however, Warner was kind enough to send bonus discs containing new bonus material not in the previous releases. If you want a full rundown of those, I will provide links to each at the bottom of this page. I did not review the first two \u201cUltimate Editions\u201d but I\u2019m sure with some Google work, it\u2019ll be easy enough to find them.<\/p>\n

So without further ado, on with the… well… review.<\/p>\n

About the Set:<\/strong>
The Harry Potter Wizard\u2019s Collection <\/em><\/strong>is a limited edition set containing over 37 hours of special features, including all previously released special features for all eight Harry Potter <\/em>films. Also included are nearly five hours of exciting, never-before-seen bonus features that offer fans an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the Harry Potter franchise. Wizards and witches everywhere will enjoy the all-new documentaries detailed below.<\/p>\n

Eight pieces of movie memorabilia, designed exclusively for the Harry Potter Wizard\u2019s Collection <\/em><\/strong>by the graphic designers from the films, give fans a unique chance to bring the artistic details of the world of Harry Potter into their own home. High-quality concept art prints and a colorful fabric map of Hogwarts and the areas surrounding it are perfect for framing. The hard-bound \u201cHarry Potter Catalogue of Artifacts\u201d and the artistic \u201cLabel Collection\u201d offer fans a broad look at the intricate details of each film prop. Also included are a blueprint poster of Hogwarts castle, sketch prints from the production designer, a Horcrux locket prop replica and a certificate of authenticity.<\/p>\n

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Beautifully packaged in a stunning gift box measuring 12-3\/4\u201d x 10-9\/16\u201d x 11-1\/4\u201d and weighing 19 lbs, the Harry Potter Wizard\u2019s Collection <\/em><\/strong>is the largest collection ever released by Warner Bros.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s included in this collection? Well, glad you asked:<\/strong>
– Harry Potter and the Sorcerer\u2019s Stone<\/em> (Theatrical and Extended Cut)
– Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets<\/em> (Theatrical and Extended Cut)
– Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban<\/em>
– Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire<\/em>
– Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix<\/em>
– Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince<\/em>
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1<\/em>
– Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2<\/em><\/p>\n

Exclusive Premiums (i.e. trinkets):<\/strong>
– Label Collection: A collection of prop labels created by the production
– Harry Potter Catelogue of Artefacts: 48-page book featuring the favorite props of the film\u2019s graphic designers
– Blueprint Poster of Hogwarts Castle
– Concept Art Prints
– Map of Hogwarts and Surrounding Area: Full color map printed on fabric
– Stuart Craig Sketch Prints
– Horcrux Locket: Wearable, high-quality prop replica created by Noble Collection
– Certificate of Authenticity<\/p>\n

Each movie is on Blu-ray, DVD and an UltraViolet Digital Copy. The last two also include the 2D and 3D versions (which, IIRC, were previously Best Buy exclusives). Along with those, they also include the previously released special features which, as I mentioned before, you can check out in our other reviews.<\/p>\n

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SPECIAL FEATURES
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All features are presented in high-definition<\/strong> unless otherwise noted. <\/strong><\/p>\n

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Bonus Disc (Year 7, Part 1):
Creating the World of Harry Potter<\/em> Part 7: Story (47:28)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 With this featurette, you get to hear the story of how J.K. Rowling and screenwriter Steve Kloves collaborated and developed a friendship based on trust and respect as they sit down for an intimate conversation. This is the big feature and continuation on an overall \u2018making-of\u2019 for the franchise.<\/p>\n

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows \u2013 Part 1<\/span><\/em><\/strong>: Behind the Magic (44:09)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Discover how one of the most complex scenes as assembled and how the flying sequences were shot. Then hear stories of friendly competition among the stars and gain insight into life on the set.<\/p>\n

The following are smaller featurettes which, to me, could have been put into another lengthy featurette like the previous two on this disc.<\/p>\n

Harry Potter<\/span><\/em><\/strong>: On the Road (19:37)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Follow the film\u2019s production all over England for on-location shoots that added exciting new backgrounds to the series.<\/p>\n

The Return of the Order (5:35)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Join the turning members of the Order of the Phoenix as the actors discuss how they feel about being back on set.<\/p>\n

Scabior and Greyback (4:10)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Learn about the creation of newly created character Scabior and the re-imagining of vicious werewolf Fenrir Greyback.<\/p>\n

Dobby\u2019s Farewell (4:28)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Interviews with David Yates, Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and others discuss why Dobby\u2019s death scene was so important and what made Dobby such a beloved character.<\/p>\n

The Look of Bill Weasley (3:41)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Costume Designer Jany Temime explains the choices behind the clothes and accessories used to give Bill Weasley the rock-star look that defines his character.<\/p>\n

The Weasleys (3:33)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Examine the importance of the Weasleys both as surrogate family to Harry Potter and as fighters in the war against Voldemort.<\/p>\n

The State of Evil (9:58)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Explore the dark side of the great Wizarding War.<\/p>\n

The New Guys (7:06)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Meet the new actors introduced in the film.<\/p>\n

One Book, Two Movies (4:38)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Producers David Heyman and David Barron and Director David Yates discuss the decision to split the final book into two films.<\/p>\n

The Wizarding Shop (5:28)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 The prop maker displays some of the new props created for the film.<\/p>\n

The following are available on the individual release: The Seven Harrys (5:29)<\/span><\/strong>, On the Green with Rupert, Tom, Oliver and James (13:38)<\/span><\/strong>, Dan, Rupert and Emma\u2019s Running Competition (2:45)<\/span><\/strong>, Godric\u2019s Hollow\/The Harry and Nagini Battle (6:00)<\/span><\/strong>, The Frozen Lake (4:10)<\/span><\/strong> and some Deleted Scenes (10:54)<\/span><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Also included is the Teaser Trailer (2:31)<\/span><\/strong> and the Theatrical Trailer (2:23)<\/span><\/strong> along with a couple promotional adverts.<\/p>\n

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Bonus Disc (Year 7, Part 2):
Creating the World of Harry Potter<\/em> Part 8: Growing Up (49:19)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and other cast and crew reflect on the extraordinary experience they shared growing up on set, and the moments that helped shape who they are today. It\u2019s a really melancholy view on the entire series and easily the best of the \u201cCreating the World of Harry Potter<\/em>\u201d featurettes.<\/p>\n

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows \u2013 Part 2<\/span><\/em><\/strong>: Behind the Magic (47:01)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Go behind the scenes to learn how CGI was used to create Hogwarts and see how the Great Hall was destroyed and rebuilt three times during filming.<\/p>\n

Hogwarts Last Stand (Extended Version) (30:27)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Glean a sense of the enormous amount of energy and effort required by cast and crew to bring the final battle to the screen.<\/p>\n

The Great Hall of Hogwarts (4:13)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Cast and crew share their thoughts on the iconic Great Hall and how they feel seeing it all demolished for the final battle.<\/p>\n

Ron and Hermione\u2019s Kiss (4:12)<\/span><\/strong> examines the budding romance between Ron and Hermione in a look back at their relationship throughout the series.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s a Wrap, Harry Potter<\/em> (4:55)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 The cast and crew share their feelings on reaching the finale of a decade-long relationship with the Harry Potter<\/em> films.<\/p>\n

Neville\u2019s Battle Makeup (4:11)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Watch the elaborate task of bruising and bloodying the actors involved in the Battle of Hogwarts.<\/p>\n

The Gringotts Disguises (4:07)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Helena Bonham Carter discusses the challenge of playing Hermione in disguise as Bellatrix.<\/p>\n

Harry\u2019s Death: The Courtyard Confrontation (10:14)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Join the cast and crew on set for the filming of the pivotal scene.<\/p>\n

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows<\/span><\/em><\/strong>: The Quest (TRT 51:57)<\/span><\/strong> is a series of 16 mini-featurettes:
– Emma Watson Gets a \u201cRed Card\u201d (2:02)<\/strong>
– Daniel Radcliff Discusses His Mentors (4:27)<\/strong>
– The Secrets of Flight (4:03)<\/strong>
– Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort (4:05)<\/strong>
– A Look Back at Severus Snape (3:18)<\/strong>
– Exclusive Footage from the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows \u2013 Part 2<\/em> London Premiere (2:23)<\/strong>
– The Love Life of Ron Weasley (2:56)<\/strong>
– The Weasleys: A Look Back at Harry Potter\u2019s Favorite Family (3:27)<\/strong>
– Dumbeldore and Harry: A Look Back (3:23)<\/strong>
– Favorite Lines with the Harry Potter<\/em> Cast (3:44)<\/strong>
– Favorite Props and Costumes with the Harry Potter<\/em> Cast (3:31)<\/strong>
– Riding Memory Lane (4:37)<\/strong>
– Finding Luna: A Dream Come True (2:27)<\/strong>
– A Tribute to Dobby: The Beloved House-Elf (2:43)<\/strong>
– A Special Message to Fans of Harry Potter<\/em> (2:25)<\/strong>
– The Cast of Harry Potter<\/em> Say Goodbye (2:26)<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019m sure all of those were previously released at some point but thought I\u2019d just include them here. Much of the footage was used before and spliced in other featurettes.<\/p>\n

And the rest of the featurettes were previously available on the individual release: A Conversation with J.K. Rowling (Extended Version) (1:03:20)<\/span><\/strong> which is about 10-minutes longer, The Women of Harry Potter<\/em> (23:31)<\/span><\/strong>, The Goblins of Gringotts (10:56)<\/span><\/strong>,<\/p>\n

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Bonus Disc (Collection):
When Harry Left Hogwarts (Extended Version) (1:26:54)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Hear candid and emotional stories about the final days on set in a behind-the-scenes featurette which is more or less kind of fly-on-the-wall with interviews by the cast and crew.<\/p>\n

50 Greatest Harry Potter<\/em> Moments (Definitive Version) (1:03:52)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Narrated by Robbie Coltrane, in this featurette they countdown 50 scenes from the movies alongside comments by the cast as they talk about said scenes. Not sure what the \u201cDefinitive Version\u201d means but I assume it differs with what was aired or is on the Internet. Not nearly as engrossing as the previous documentary but it certainly will keep fans entertained.<\/p>\n

Designing the World of Harry Potter<\/em> (23:22)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Explore how production designer Stuart Craig and his creative team brought J.K. Rowling\u2019s imagination to life on the screen and how the design evolved.<\/p>\n

Secrets Revealed: Quidditch (10:50)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 For the camera and special effects departments, the Qudditch scenes required special rigs and the design of hundreds of shots.<\/p>\n

Secrets Revealed: Hagrid (11:18)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 For the first time, see the camera tricks, towering stand-in and voluminous body suits behind the character meant to be twice as tall and three times as wide as the average man.<\/p>\n

The Harry Potters You Never Met (10:31)<\/span><\/strong> \u2013 Meet the stunt doubles for Dan, Rupert and Emma as they demonstrate how they balanced major stunt work with seamlessly mimicking the actors they represent.<\/p>\n

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FINAL THOUGHTS
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Although the Harry Potter Wizard\u2019s Collection<\/em><\/strong> is quite expensive ($345 on Amazon as of this writing), for fans of the series, it might be worth it. I know fans will have already owned it but there might be enough here to make it worth your while. As for the set itself, there\u2019s an enormous amount of features including some new featurettes which expands on the behind-the-scenes world and how the franchise was made.<\/p>\n

As promised, here are the links to the reviews we do have:<\/p>\n