Any true Harry Potter fan would have upgraded to a Blu-ray player and picked up this set when it was released last November. For those who haven’t you’re obviously not a true fan. Well, maybe you are and you’re just not aware of it yet. Not only do you get the first five films in the Potter series (The Sorcerer’s Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire and Order of the Phoenix) in jaw-dropping high definintion, but each disc is packed with features that will please all fans. Being under $100CDN this set is well worth your money too.
Harry Potter Years 1 – 5 Gift Set (Blu-ray)
**** out of 5 stars
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton
Directed by: Chris Columbus, Alfonso Cuarón, Mike Newell and David Yates
Based on the books by J.K. Rowling
Total Running Time: 750 mins.
Rated: PG
Although the whole set is bloody brilliant (in the words of Ron Weasley), here is a breakdown of each title.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
The first Potter film is still my favourite. It was a magical ride back in 2001 meeting Harry, Hermione and Ron, and seeing Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for the first time sent chills through me. Watching it again on Blu-ray eight years later is still amazing and has tons of life left in it (like The Wizard of Oz, I’m sure it will be adored for generations to come). Unfortunately, out of all the discs in the set this one didn’t transfer to high definition as well as the rest. It looks and sounds great but it didn’t blow me away like the other four titles did. Special features are all standard definiton and include the featurettes Capturing the Stone, Ghosts of Hogwarts, Yearbook Character Clips plus additional scenes and more. Film **** out of 5 stars. Blu-ray *** out of 5 stars.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
The Harry Potter franchise started getting dark with Chamber of Secrets. Although Dobby the House Elf (the very Jar-Jar Binks type character) brought down the intelligence of the film, it does still hold its own in the series and is very re-watchable. Quality speaking this disc is far superior to Sorcerer’s Stone and really shows how good a format like Blu-ray can revive an older title. Special features are in standard defintion and include 19 additional scenes and the featurettes Conversation with Author J.K. Rowling and Screenwriter Steve Kloves, Building a Scene: Moviemaking Magic plus more. Film *** out of 5 stars. Blu-ray *** out of 5 stars.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
While the kids are growing up and learning to be independent, crazed murderer Sirius Black is on the loose and looking for Harry in what is by far one of the darkest entries in the Potter series. Not only was Prisoner of Azkaban the first Potter film with a different director (Alfonso Cuarón took over for Chris Columbus), but it was also when Michael Gambon took over the role of Professor Dumbledore after Richard Harris passed away. Needless to say the quality of this disc is one of the best in the bunch and includes the special featurettes (in standard definition) Creating the Vision: Director Alfonso Cuarón, Author J.K. Rowling and others reflect, Conjuring a Scene: The On-Set Magic of Cinematic Craftspeople, Care of Magical Creatures plus more. Film **** out of 5 stars. Blu-ray **** out of 5 stars.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005)
More Quidditch than anything else makes Goblet of Fire feel like a sports film. Hard to get into more than once and my least favourite in the serie. It could be that director Mike Newell (who had directed films such as Donnie Brasco, Four Weddings and a Funeral and Pushing Tin prior) was the wrong man behind the lens or it could be Daniel Radcliffe’s horrible hair. Special features are in standard definition and include additional scenes and the featurettes Preparing for the Yule Ball, Reflections on the Fourth Film, Meet the Champions plus more. Film *** out of 5 stars. Blu-ray *** out of 5 stars.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)
Order of the Phoenix quickly rose to the top of my list as my second favourite Potter film (it’s been bumped down to third since seeing Half-Blood Prince; which opens in theatres on July 15). The film is dark, has a lot of action and flows well. The acting and character growth is top notch and it’s also the shortest film in the Potter series (running a measly 139 mins.). The transfer to Blu-ray on this disc is beautiful (definitely the best one to show off your Blu-ray setup). The special features are also in high definition and include the featurettes The Hidden Secrets of Harry Potter, Harry Potter: The Magic of Editing plus additional scenes and more. Film **** out of 5 stars. Blu-ray **** out of 5 stars.
