It’s truly the end for Harry Potter, Hermione and Ron now that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 has arrived on DVD and Blu-Ray. After this release, there is no more Harry Potter to discuss -- which is why it is so incredible what Warner Bros Home Video has done with the Blu-Ray release. To say it is a must-own is the understatement of the decade. In fact, Deathly Hallows Part 2’s Blu-Ray is a must have, not only for Harry Potter fans, but for film fans everywhere.
Harry Potter is the highest grossing franchise in movie history and that fact makes all the extras on the Blu-Ray release of Deathly Hallows Part 2 all the more special. There is unparalleled insight, especially a nice conversation video with author J.K. Rowling and star Daniel Radcliffe (check out the video below!).
Movie Fanatic received the Blu-Ray/DVD Combo-Pack that features three discs: The Blu-Ray of the feature film and the Warner Bros “Maximum Movie Mode.” The second disc is filled with hours of special features while the third disc is the DVD that also includes an UltraViolet Digital Copy for instant streaming.
The Maximum Movie Mode is a terrific addition to the set with Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) hosting, that also includes visits from some other stars from the film. We also completely cherished The Women of Harry Potter feature that takes a look at the astounding women of the series and how they are crucial to the entire series’ success. Also, Warner Bros recently announced that it would be starting tours of the studio where Harry Potter was shot, Leavesden Studios, and one of the features on the Blu-Ray gives audiences a delightful sneak peek. And yes, there are also deleted scenes that for fans of the book series will be a welcomed addition to their Harry Potter movie collection.
As for the film itself, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 should receive some Oscar attention -- in our opinion. Much as Return of the King was a rewarded finale to the Lord of the Rings series, we're hoping Deathly Hallows Part 2 will be as well. The movie is a thrilling and emotional rollercoaster ride that fans will find a satisfying and inspiring close to the beloved series. What also strikes us watching Deathly Hallows Part 2 is the incredible job that the first film’s director, Chris Columbus, did in casting. All three of his leads, Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint have not only grown into their parts, but also become stellar thespians in the process. Back in the beginning, if you had said that Radcliffe would go toe-to-toe with Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort), as he does so brilliantly in the film’s final chapter, you might have thought it a crazy notion. But he does. It is impossible to imagine anyone else portraying Harry, and Hermione and Ron for that matter.
The battle scenes are shot with a power by director David Yates that brings Rowling’s writings to life. The emotional resonance of the sacrifice made by all those involved in fighting back against evil is palpable in every frame. Yates was the perfect choice to bring the franchise to a close.
What also struck Movie Fanatic was honestly, how the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Blu-Ray left us heartbroken -- and we mean that in the most flattering of ways. This is more than an end to an era. The final Harry Potter marks a close to a chapter of a book and cinema experience that we may never witness again in our lifetime. When you are finished with all the Blu-Ray has to offer, it is truly the end. Period.