The Film
The eighth and final film in the J.K. Rowling series of the boy who lived is out on Blu-ray, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 couldn't have received a better platform to show off its special effects. The second part of the final book can be broken into two parts. The first part, before arriving at Hogwarts, is a rushed third of the movie. The second part offers a blow-by-blow of the final battle with Voldemort and the Death Eaters, richly savored through the better part of the film's two hours and ten minutes.
While the final book was cut into two parts for the movie, the films match up from the end to the beginning so they can be played one after the other with no interruption. Three friends, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Hermione (Emma Watson) and Ron (Rupert Grint) regroup after escaping captivity at the Malfoy residence and get ready for a bank heist at the goblin-run Gringotts, where they believe one of the remaining Horcruxes (piece of evil Lord Voldemort's soul) is hidden. A small portion of the movie is committed to this part of the story, yet certain scenes such as the rollercoaster ride through the mines of Gringotts seem to last extra long. Possibly the extra time devoted to such scenes is just to show off the special effects or provide repeat playback thrills in the home theater.
In the final act of the movie, the action races through several stages of battle between Harry and Voldemort, laying waste to many of the dark lord's minions, the valiant witches and wizards and even the venerable establishment of Hogwarts. Deathly Hallows, the movie, in both its parts, remains faithful, if not completely true, to the book. There are liberties, but that's to be expected in the theatrical telling of any book.
Read Joe Lozito's review of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 for another take on this exciting saga's final chapter.
The Picture
The filmmakers exceed expectations on picture quality. The 2.4:1 transfer is highly detailed, almost to a fault. In some scenes you see so much detail. In a scene between Harry and Dumbledore you actually see Michael Gambon's makeup.
In Deathly Hallows, the magical world has a reddish-cast in some scenes, and a blue cast in others. The picture is not quite as dark as the previous film, with enough daylight scenes to brighten the mood. You get the feeling the sun is breaking through the clouds with the destruction of every Horcrux. A 3D version of the film is not included here though one was exhibited in theaters (upconverted from 2D film stock with enhanced effects).
The Sound
Battle sequences and dialog scenes are impressive. Equal attention is paid to common sounds such as the drop of a wand, and magical ones as the casting of spells to construct a force field. The 5.1 channel DTS-HD Master Audio surround soundtrack keeps you at the edge of your seat. The action keeps on booming, literally, until the final scenes.
The Extras
Extras are numerous, and a farewell featurette lets the series' major players say their goodbyes to the fans that stuck through each movie. Similar to the Deathly Hallows Part 1, a Maximum Movie Mode lets viewers take a look behind-the-scenes as they watch the movie. Presented by Matthew Lewis, the actor who played Neville Longbottom, the mode cues viewers into back story behind characters, objects and events from previous books. There's also insight into the special effects behind certain scenes. Each segment is inserted into the film so the action continues once the segment runs through.
Fans are also treated to a preview of J.K. Rowling's Pottermore, which is currently in beta. While most of the extras focus on the eighth film, some span the whole series. It's so strange to see some of the actors as little kids, after watching them grow up so magically over the years.
Final Thoughts
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 closes the series and a chapter in so many people's lives. It's a necessary addition to any Blu-ray library. While some would argue the movie strays too much from the books, it's an impressive film worth viewing and owning.
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