Harry Potter HBP Dec 8th!

Ultimate Editions of the first 2 Harry Potter's are also coming the same day as HBP

From Thedigitalbits.com


Here's more big news... Warner Home Video has set Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince for DVD and Blu-ray Disc release on 12/8. There will be a single-disc DVD (SRP $28.98) and 2-disc DVD ($34.99 - with Digital Copy) and a Blu-ray combo pack that includes DVD and Digital Copy versions ($35.99). Extras will include a pair of behind-the-scenes documentaries, including one on author J.K. Rowling's work writing the final book in the series, 2 short featurettes on the cast, deleted scenes and a look at Universal Orlando's new Harry Potter-themed attraction. Here's what the cover art for the two DVD versions will look like (Warner hasn't released the final BD cover yet)...

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (single-disc DVD)Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2-disc DVD SE)

That same day, Warner is also releasing a pair of titles we've known about for a while now, but we finally have more details - new DVD and Blu-ray Ultimate Editions of the first two Harry Potter films, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (SRP $39.92 each on DVD and $49.99 on Blu-ray) Each will include both theatrical and "extended" versions of the films, 48-page photo books, new cast introductions, screen-test footage, all-new featurettes, Digital Copy versions and many (of not all) of the extras from the previous versions as well. You'll also get new In Movie Experiences and Maximum Movie Mode options on the Blu-ray versions featuring director Chris Columbus, complete with PIP video, photos and artwork. Here's a look at the Blu-ray & DVD box covers - note that these are large, oversized box sets, not standard cases...

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Ultimate Edition (Blu-ray Disc)Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Ultimate Edition DVDHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Ultimate Edition (Blu-ray Disc)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Ultimate Edition DVD

Oh my! That is a lot of money. Never paid $35 for BD...yet. Maybe this will be my first, lol. Hopefully, stores will have great deals on that.

This is why I hate Combo packs. They jack up the price significantly.

I'm buying this for sure. When I saw it on opening day I wasn't quite sure if I liked it as much as Prisoner of Azkaban and Order of the Phoenix (which I consider the high-water marks of the series), but when I saw it again at the drive-in I warmed up to it considerably. It was a bit less action-packed than the other film entries and even the book it was based on, but it works well with the generous character development and as a sort of calm before the storm that is Deathly Hallows.

I'm afraid I have little use for the DVD and digital copy, though. I hope it doesn't add too much to the price.

Those Ultimate Editions sound like great packages, but my unconditional love for the novels does not extend to the first two films. I might be tempted to get them for completion's sake (genuine OCD sufferer here) eventually when I have more disposable income. Now, if they could just hurry up and do that for the third film...

I hear you on this.

I've been avoiding buying HP movies on Blu b/c I'm sure there'll be some Bloody Freaking Spectacular All Movies In A Quidditch Pitch Complete With Golden Snitch edition once the final movies come out. I'm unsure if I'll be able to hold out when this one comes out though... aaack!

Good luck to you on that. I've pretty much resigned myself to buying them all individually on initial release, and finding new homes for them once I swallow my pride and buy the inevitable and (hopefully) all-inclusive boxed set.

When that time comes it is also a given that I will import the aforementioned set from either Canada or the UK in order to get the Philosopher's Stone and not the Sorcerer's Stone. Woe is the Potter fan who also happens to be a neurotic collector.

Any time Warner Brothers is involved, I'm skeptical.

Don't count on any release dates. They're famous for dates changing. In other words, don't plan any parties for Nov 4th to watch your new LOTR Trilogy either.

Wasn't this movie supposed to be in theaters in 08 also? Hmmm, what happened?

I saw this at the theater at the midnight opening and of all the HP movies, I'd say this one has the best chance of being demo material on Blu. Unfortunately, the movies so far have pretty much looked average at best. I'm being generous there. The Blu's of the other films are pretty sad imho. PoA from a color pallete standpoint is probably closest to this film, but imo, Hp 6 is a much better looking film. "better looking..."

I saw it on 35mm at the Theater and that looked terrific. Now what the digital version looks like is gonna be anyones guess. They've got good material to work with anyhow. If the released disk looks bad, it's not the director and crews fault. Don't be surprised if the best looking part of this Br disk ends up being the WB logo at the begining...

I hesitate to call this HP & HBP because the HBP never has anything to do with the movie! I prefer just to call it HP6. Story wise, I thought this was the worst of the series by a wide margin. I try to buy as few BR disks as possible and this is one I can see myself saving money on. I own the first 5 and they've got re-watchability (well, 4 do). This one I have no desire to see again.

This will be a definite buy for
me!!

Yeah I don't think I could handle that; I'm in Canada so I have the Philosopher's Stone for both the movie(dvd) and the book. My husband got me this beautiful boxed set of all the HP books (it was some sort of deal with some other books he got from The Folio Society) and we were both annoyed when we opened it up and saw that they were the American Scholastic versions, so I guess I *do* also have the Sorcerer's Stone as well.



What happened was, The Dark Knight made too much money, so Warner wanted to spread the dough around. It was supposed to open around Thanksgiving 08 but they pushed it to summer 09, as they knew it'd make a ton of money & they wanted to have a good 09 since they knew 08 was already fantastic for them.


As for the movies vs books, I have to separate them completely in my head, otherwise it's a nitpicky bit of hell for me. I love the books & I love the movies, but I can never, ever compare them or I'll absolutely HATE the movies. I know, I know, "The book is always better than the movie," but if I don't think of them as two totally separate things, I truly go batty!

I have the first three movies on DVD. I bought a "Years 1-3" box set for $15, brand new on Ebay. And the seller sent me the Canada version of the DVDs. They're still Region 1, so they work fine on U.S. Players. So count me in as one of those that has the "Philosopher's Stone" version. Of course, the seller didn't mention that in his description, so I had no idea he wasn't going to send that version. I wasn't too happy about it because I'd prefer to have the U.S. title.

G3,
I don't mind the movie not mirroring the book. They've gone apart more and more since the beginning, and to some degree that's understandable. What they did to HP6 was pointless. As for "The book is always better than the movie", I'm not a believer in that. These books are great, but I also really enjoy the movies. I enjoy these equally enough that I regularly will watch the movies, yet two weekends ago I took 8 hours out of Sat to re-read the first book. I sure am glad I didn't waste a day to re-read HpHBP before going to the theater for the HP6 movie. There was no connection between em!

I guess I liked it better back when JKR was monitoring the screenwriter to make sure they didn't step on what was to come. Now that she's got no interest in how much they re-write the stories, I think the movies are going to suffer (as this one did).

Maybe now that she's no longer got a thumb on top of these guys, they've actually re-written the entire 6th and 7th books and are going to have a completely different outcome. I don't know. Before anyone laughs too hard, I wouldn't be surprised. They've got a great start on book 6. I would not be surprised if Rowling would underwrite a plot change too. There's money to be made.

Wow, you're the fourth person here to say this movie was bad. One on this thread and three on another thread. I haven't seen the movie, but was looking forward to a blind buy. But since most people dislike it, I might pass. Not a bad idea since that $35 price tag is such a turn off. I would rent it, but I just canceled my Blockbuster Online subscription a couple of weeks ago. It's a long story.

I thought the movie was great, easily the best since Prisoner Of Azkaban. The pace of the movie wasn't rushed like the last two in the series, generous character development as the other poster mentioned, definitely a more grown up, mature Potter movie. For me, with the exception of some minor changes, they hit upon all the key aspects of the book. A must buy for me.

+1 absolutley loved this one. After seeing this one I appreciate them even more. I never used to watch the first two as I found them suited more for children, but know I enjoy them just as much.

I actually did spend a day rereading book 6 prior to going to see this in the theatre. I took my little girl, who's a Harry Potter freak (along with superheroes as you know from the PQ thread!). HBP is the first movie that I did feel really was apart from the books in a major way enough to annoy me if I allowed myself to go so far as to compare them at all.

One part I was annoyed with especially was (and do NOT read this, seriously it's a big spoiler if you're unspoiled, spoiler tag is used for a reason)



Er. Sorry.


xraffle, renting is probably a good idea for this one, unless you are diehard for the movies. I liked the movie, but it's not the best. For me, if I don't hold out on it and wait until they make the Box Set X-TREME! with all of the movies (and who am I kidding, I'm a Blu Ray junkie, i'll probably buy this on release), the set would be good for me as it'd give me the DVD for the playroom for when my daughter wants to watch it 10,000 times, and the Blu for me to watch in (hopefully) pristine quality.

The damn Twilight movie had more character development. It wasn't rushed because it started slow then kept that same pace throughout the movie. And then it just ends.

This one was dead through and through, you could skip this movie and not miss a thing. Since the big ending will surely be recapped in the first half(first 5 minutes) of the finale.

Warner should have ponied up and hired a director with a better pedigree, one with better vision would be an even bigger improvement. My expectations for a jaw dropping ending are low.

A three-disc edition with two of the discs being a digital copy and a DVD? What a colossal joke. Warner never fails to make the worst possible choices. So the BD special features will be on the same disc as the movie, and the resulting PQ will be the usual garbage Warner always gives us.

I understand complaining about the $50 price for the HP1 and HP2 sets, but $35.99 for HBP sounds like a normal list price, so I'm not sure what the complaints are about that price.

I'm in. Plus extended versions of the first 2? Definitely double dip.

+1

Well if B&M and Online discount them properly, it should be ok. Maybe Amazon might have a good deal. As for B&M stores, I'm not so sure. I'm tired of seeing these on price tags when I go there:
Price: $35.99
Sale: $34.99

Giggle.

I liked this film, definitely up with PoA in the HP series, though I will admit, I am not into HP in the least - these movies (and the books I assume) are at their best when the reveal the creativity of magical imagination - for instance, the Marauder's Map. That's brilliant.

Anywho, despite the absolutely devastatingly vacuous sparkless lack of on screen chemistry between Hermoine and Ronald, and what became a little bit of a discomfitting preoccupation with makeout sessions at Hogwarts, the heart of the film is quite interesting and if you at least know the story, enjoyable to even the most casual HP observer.

Bet this goes off at $25 at Amazon. Yes, BD pricing sucks, and has since the format war died. Christ, they still want $26+ for Pretty Woman and Sixth Sense, WTF!?!?

Here's a more detailed list of the Ultimate Editions courtesy of Blu-Ray.com.
They are planning double dips on ALL Harry movies!



Ultimate Editions Announced for First Two Harry Potter Movies

Posted September 18, 2009 04:30 AM by Juan Calonge

Warner Bros. Warner Home Video has announced and detailed ' Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Ultimate Edition' and 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Ultimate Edition', due out on December 8, tying in with the release of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince'. These rereleases will contain theatrical and extended versions of the movies, and the first two parts of a new comprehensive series documentary, plus In-Movie Experience, Maximum Movie Mode and BD-Live, and a 48-page photo book.

These are the first two of eight total Harry Potter Ultimate Editions. Warner is expected to gradually release Ultimate Editions of the remaining Harry Potter films (yes, even 'Half-Blood Prince') to tie in with the theatrical or home video releases of parts I and II of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows'.

The extended cuts add 7 minutes to 'Sorcerer's Stone', and 13 minutes to 'Chamber of Secrets.'

Each of the Ultimate Editions will include a new one-hour featurette that highlights a unique aspect of the filmmaking process and will be combined to make the complete eight-hour documentary, "Creating the World of Harry Potter."

'Sorcerer's Stone' will have Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 1: The Magic Begins, in which viewers get an inside, in-depth look at the planning, creativity, personalities and other elements that went into the initial creation of Harry's screen world.

'Chamber of Secrets' contains Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 2: Characters. Here fans get a first-hand look at the unique strengths of each of the films' directors and what they brought to the principal characters in the Harry Potter film series. In addition, it will include clips of never-before-seen screen tests of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, giving fans a chance to see how the characters have been transformed over the past decade.

The full list of special features follows:


Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone



* Introduction by Daniel Radcliffe - An introduction to the many special features for the Harry Potter films (new)
* Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 1: The Magic Begins: discover the story of how one vision for the Harry Potter films came together out of limitless possibilities to create the visual world we have come to know and love (new)
* In-Movie Experience with Director Chris Columbus: an interactive viewer experience where the entire film is examined; includes PiP, storyboard comparisons, still galleries (BD exclusive)
* WB Maximum Movie Mode picture-in-picture programming, cast walk-ons, focus points, graphics and more (BD exclusive)
* Diagon Alley
* Tour the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry's Room and the Great Hall - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hogwarts, home of witches and wizards in training, and take in the sights.
* Classrooms:
o Defense against the Dark Arts
o Spells and Charms
o Potions
o Transfiguration
o Third Floor Corridor
o Deleted Scenes
* Sorting Hat
* Library
o Gallery of Art & Architecture
o Hogwarts Yearbook
o Guide to Ghosts - Discover the many marvelous and mysterious ghosts of Hogwarts.
* Hogwarts Grounds
o Quaffle and Bludger: get a lesson from Oliver Wood on how to play Quidditch
o Tour Hagrid's Hut: welcome to the self-guided tour of Hagrid's Hut, home of Rubeus Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, and his faithful companion, Fang.
* Extra Credit
* Interview - Capturing the Stone: A Conversation with the Filmmakers: director Chris Columbus, producer David Heyman, screenwriter Steve Kloves and production designer Stuart Craig talk about casting and bringing the novel to life.
* A Glimpse Into the World of Harry Potter: 2001 International TV Special
* Deleted scenes
* Trailers and TV Spots
* BD-Live with access to worldwide events, special guest participants, community features and more




Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets



* In-Movie Experience with director Chris Columbus: an interactive viewer experience where the entire film is examined; includes PiP, storyboard comparisons, still galleries (BD exclusive)
* WB Maximum Movie Mode picture-in-picture programming, cast walk-ons, focus points, graphics and more (BD exclusive)
* Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 2: Characters: explore how the cast and creative team of directors and designers take the characters' descriptions on the page to the actors' performances on film (new)
* Screen tests of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson (new)
* Deleted scenes
* Lockhart's Classroom
o Photo Gallery
o Certificates: have a look at Gilderoy Lockhart's many achievements.
o Required Reading: find out what text books you'll need for Lockhart's Defense Against the Dark Arts class
* Extra Credit
* Behind Hogwarts
o A Conversation with J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves: the author and screenwriter detail how the books are brought to life, and the changes that happen in the process.
o Dumbledore's Office
o Build a Scene: building a scene as magnificent as Professor Dumbledore's office takes more than wood, plaster, nails and paint; it takes imagination
o Tour Dumbledore's Office: welcome to the self-guided tour of Professor Dumbledore's office, one of the most fascinating rooms at Hogwarts
o Interviews with students, professors and more
+ Students - What would you ask the cast, if you could? Put yourself in the interview chair as the stars answer questions about making the film.
+ Professors and More: enjoy personal moments with the professors and others as they discuss their characters: Prof. Gilderoy Lockhart, Lucius Malfoy, Prof. Pomona Sprout, Molly Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Prof. Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid, Prof. Severus Snape, Uncle Vernon Dursley, Aunt Petunia Dursley, Argus Filch, Prof. Minerva McGonagall.
o Gallery of Production Sketches
o Activities
+ The Chamber Challenge [Game]
+ Tour the Chamber of Secrets: what are you doing here? This place isn't safe. Begin your journey down the dark corridor for the self-guided tour of the Chamber of Secrets.
+ The Forbidden Forest Challenge [Game]
+ Colin's Darkroom
+ Tour Diagon Alley: welcome to the self-guided tour of Diagon Alley, where you can find all your supplies for the school year. Explore the many shops, such as Flourish & Blotts and the Magical Menagerie.
o Spellcaster Knowledge Challenge [Game]
o EA Game Preview
* Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Revealed: 2002 HBO First Look special
* Trailers and TV Spots
* BD-Live with access to worldwide events, special guest participants, community features and more (BD exclusive)



Source: Blu-ray.com | Permalink | Relevant for: United States

Exactly. Its like these people have never seen an MSRP before. Every movie has a high MSRP! It will be 23 bucks on amazon and 25 at best buy. Just like almost every other new release. Hell, The Ultimate Editions are already up for preorder on Amazon for 35 each(MSRP 50)

Just because $35 is cheap to you, it doesn't mean it's cheap to everyone. A month ago, I saw the three POTC movies on sale one time for $18.99 each and thought this was an awesome deal. I didn't buy it since I already own them on DVD, but I told some of my friends about the deal. They thought $18.99 was expensive. Go figure.

yeah MSRP is only the price at WB's site everywhere worth bothering with will have it considerably cheaper...

i'd bet that $35 preorder will drop to somewhere between $25 and $30 by the time they ship them

Shadowrage, Patrick99, You hit the nail right on the head. My sentiments exactly.

GGG,

I'm lmao at your spoiler! hain't that the truth. Especially the text message! I could give about another 5 examples that are huge as either plot holes, complete story re-writes that will have BIG repercussions in volume 7, or are gross omissions to where a person who did not read the book would have ...not - a - clue... what is going on with the scene.

When I see some folks comments about this movie, it's obvious some never read the book and are ignorant that way, and even more who did read, completely ignored the parts that had no reason/development, whatsoever, and just excuse them away. Like, they're still ok with that 5 minutes here, 5 minutes there, with absolutely no connection to the rest of the film.

According to some of what I've read online, Steve Kloves wrote in all sorts of stuff that never made it into the film. Directorial and editorial decisions changed the layout of the movie a lot. Even during the extra 8 months waiting for release. If that's true, then I'd give Kloves a pass. If it's not, he oughta be fired.
------
Edit
A good price for this is when it's in the 4.99 bin at Kmart

I definitely have my blinders on re: the movies. I have to, or else I'll never watch any of them again, and I'm a big fan, so I can't do that. Instead, I push the rage down deep and occasionally explode in spoiler-tag fashion as above, but for the most part I'll just put my fingers in my ears and sing, "La la la la, I can't hear yoooou!"

This was my favorite book and the movie is very good except the ending seemed rushed. Another 2 or 3 minutes added during the last "confrontation" would have made a HUGE difference. Still a very good movie for the series.

I CAN NOT believe they left that part of the book out! WTF. That was the best part of the book!