Blu-ray Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1

A good release, but it's probably best to wait and buy 'em both at once

By: Brad Brevet
Published: Tuesday, April 12th 2011 at 1:42 AM

I couldn't remember what I wrote verbatim in my theatrical review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, but I knew the main gist was it held the potential to be a solid half of one great movie. My biggest issue is that it clearly isn't a singular film in its own right, but my expectation is that once Part 2 arrives on July 15 it is truly going to knock our socks off as everything has been saved for the second half.

I will, however, admit I did enjoy sitting through Part 1 more this second time around. Perhaps my expectations for these films are so high that a first viewing never manages to satisfy me. The same thing happened with Order of the Phoenix, which is probably now my favorite of the series thus far, though I have a feeling Part 1 and Part 2 of Deathly Hallows are going to make for what will easily be one hell of a finale to an excellent film franchise. J.K. Rowling's work has been carefully adapted, expertly cast and now it's all about waiting as Harry Potter's seventh year is taking a little longer than the six others to be completed.

Warner Home Video's Blu-ray release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 is a satisfying effort with a very good Maximum Movie Mode, which is made more impressive as several members of the cast and crew guide you through the feature length interactive supplement giving you behind-the-scenes looks and commentary as the movie plays in the background. Beyond image and sound quality it is my opinion features like this are what give Blu-ray a decided advantage and Warner Bros. is obviously edging closer to perfecting this feature as Disney has already proven the leader.

Otherwise there are eight deleted scenes totaling 11 minutes, five additional featurettes outside the Maximum Movie Mode feature, a "Behind-the-Soundtrack" feature, a look at the grand opening of "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" in Orlando and a sneak peek at the opening scene of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.

Unfortunately, Warner Home Video didn't supply reviewing press with a look at the Part 2 sneak peek, opting to include a second disc that had all the features other than the sneak. It's probably for the best, but I was a bit disappointed as I am truly anxious to see this thing come to a conclusion and I wanted a little taste.

Despite the fact this is a solid release, I can't recommend it as a purchase. Why buy one half of a five hour movie when you know that by September or October both parts will be available and most likely by Christmas you will probably be able to buy some special edition super collection with both films in one package and probably a fancy schmancy complete collection? Of course, I can't stop you from spending your money… So…

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