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The sixth installment of the Harry Potter series begins right where The Order of the Phoenix left off. The wizarding world is rocked by the news that "He Who Must Not Be Named" has truly returned, and the audience finally knows that Harry is "the Chosen One"--the only wizard who can defeat Lord Voldemort in the end. Dark forces loom around every corner, and now regularly attempt to penetrate the protected walls of Hogwarts School. This is no longer the fun and fascinating world of magic from the first few books—it's dark, dangerous, and scary. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) suspects Draco Malfoy (Tom Felton) to be a new Death Eater recruit on a special mission for the Dark Lord. In the meantime, Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) seems to have finally removed the shroud of secrecy from Harry about the dark path that lies ahead, and instead provides private lessons to get him prepared. It's in these intriguing scenes that the dark past of Tom Riddle (a.k.a. Voldemort) is finally revealed. The actors cast as the different young versions of Riddle (Hero Fiennes-Tiffin and Frank Dillane) do an eerily fantastic job of portraying the villain as a child. While the previous movies' many new characters could be slightly overwhelming, only one new key character is introduced this time: Professor Horace Slughorn (with a spot-on performance by Jim Broadbent). Within his mind he holds a key secret in the battle to defeat the Dark Lord, and Harry is tasked by Dumbledore to uncover a memory about Voldemort's darkest weapon--the Horcrux. Despite the long list of distractions, Harry, Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) still try to focus on being teenagers, and audiences will enjoy the budding awkward romances. All of the actors have developed nicely, giving their most convincing performances to date. More dramatic and significant things go down in this movie than any of its predecessors, and the stakes are higher than ever. The creators have been tasked with a practically impossible challenge, as fans of the beloved J.K. Rowling book series desperately want the movies to capture the magic of the books as closely as possible. Alas, the point at which one accepts that these two mediums are very different is the point at which one can truly enjoy these brilliant adaptations. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is no exception: it may be the best film yet. For those who have not read the book, nail-biting entertainment is guaranteed. For those who have, the movie does it justice. The key dramatic scenes, including the cave and the shocking twist in the final chapter, are executed very well. It does a perfect job of setting up the two-part grand finale that is to follow. --Jordan Thompson
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 dvd details |
| Review Date: November 26, 2009 |
| Reviewer: M. Potter, Detroit |
Since I had to look elsewhere for DVD details (to decide whether to buy the 2-disc or one-disc film), I thought I'd post here:
1-Disc Wide screen and Full Screen DVD
*Includes both a wide screen and full screen version of the film.
*No special features
*RRP $28.98
2-Disc Digital Copy Special Edition DVD
*Widescreen version only
*Additional scenes (6:31)
*Close-Up with the Cast and Crew of Harry Potter special. Matthew Lewis ("Neville Longbottom") and Alfred Enoch ("Dean Thomas") lead us on an entertaining look at the cast of Harry Potter as they explore their interests away from acting and spend a day on set with the production team (28:30)
*J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life: A fascinating and intimate look into the life of J.K. Rowling over the last year of writing "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows." (49:32)
*One Minute Drills: The cast has 60 seconds to describe their character's personality, history, relationships and other traits before time runs out (6:43)
*What's On Your Mind: Hosted by Tom Felton, the cast is put on the spot when asked a series of rapid-fire questions on their likes and dislikes. (6:41)
*Universal's "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" Sneak Peek: Get an "inside look" at the amazing world of magic and excitement being created at Universal Orlando® Resort in Florida (11:38)
*Digital Copy of the theatrical film (2nd disc)
*RRP $34.99
I can't believe the negative reviews. I read the book and thought the filmmakers did a fantastic job with it. Anyone who wants a film to be an exact replica of any book should do themselves a favor and just read the book again. Am looking forward to enjoying it again (and again) on DVD. |
Harry Potter and the Half Blood PrinceI
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| Review Date: December 30, 2009 |
| Reviewer: David M. Schlorman, |
I will admit-the first time I saw this movie--in the theater--I was disappointed. The second time, in IMAX, I liked it much better. Since buying the movie, I have seen it three more times and now I love the movie. It is definitely a "bridge" movie, making the bridge to the final episode. It is also Rowling's way of giving Harry a break before the exciting climax to the series.
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The book is better, so what? They are two different art forms.
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| Review Date: January 13, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Marie Scotts, |
Firstly, I am tired of everyone wanting the movies to be exactly like the books. No movie based on any book is an exact replica. And people should be used to the fact that none of the HP movies have included everything from the book... including the first two shortest books.
I believe the viewer needs to distance themselves from the books before entering the theater or putting any of the HP discs in their home theater. Movies and books are different, and should be treated as such. Now, I am a huge Harry Potter nerd and read at least the book the movie is based on before entering the theater (sometimes I read all the subsequent books) but this is for my own enjoyment. Yes, I compare what is different. But a good movie is a good movie. And Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is that.
Hands down this is the best Harry Potter film, even with the book-slashing changes. The kiddos are growing up not just in the story and real-life, but their acting skills have improved immensely, which makes this film easier for an adult-fan to enjoy. There's a lot of comedy relating to teen romance and crushes. I personally thought Lavender Brown was a great addition and does a great job showing how it feels to be a teen and in love. You delve deeper into the Dark Lord's history through Dumbledoore's memory and experience. And it's action-packed from the beginning. In addition, casting Jim Broadbent as Professor Slughorn was genious--he deserves an oscar nod. Malfoy has a more prominent role, as does Professor Snape.
People who haven't read the books may be confused. I found myself explaining some of the details left out to my younger sisters (after they asked me) who find the books boring. But they would have been fine had I not been there. Honestly, I was shocked by some of the absent book parts, but not anymore shocked than I felt after seeing the other movies.
This is my favorite Harry Potter film (previously the Prisoner of Azkanban had been my favorite). Now, I do wonder how they are going to explain a lot of important stuff in the final installments, but perhaps that is why they finally decided to do two parts--one part for book seven, and the other part to tie all the strings together, but combine them so they work as one? Yes, they should have planned better, but the books were only just finished in the summer 2007.
So go out and enjoy this movie as a movie, not as a movie made from a book. |
Loved it!
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| Review Date: January 28, 2010 |
| Reviewer: Island Dreamer, Lahaina, Maui, Hawaii |
| I am a major Harry Potter fan. And I loved reading the books. I went to see the premiere and I loved it! I give the director kudos for being able to pack as much as he did from the book in the movie. The HP books are HUGE! The movie is great, but it's a little dark. Like I mean the lighting. I had a hard time being able to see everything that was going on. So I suggest reading the books before seeing the movie. Still, I loved, loved, loved the movie. |
KEEP'EM COMIN'...
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| Review Date: December 12, 2009 |
| Reviewer: L Gontzes, Athens, Greece |
The film continues to shed light on (the very well known by now) Harry Potter, as he attends his sixth year at Hogwarts. As a showdown between good and evil is imminent, the new Potions teacher might hold the answer to the Dark Lord's innermost secret, testing Harry's already fragile state of mind in the process...
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is a highly entertaining, fantasy adventure that also provides for some very witty humor.
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Alan Rickman, and the rest of this EXTRAORDINARY cast have truly outdone themselves with their performances, which are exceptional to say the least! All the actors, without exceptions, give it their 100% and it really shows (the chemistry is AMAZING)! Very well written and very well presented, the movie is without a doubt one that can be watched over and over again.
The concept, the plot, the setting, the dialogues, the special effects, and the music, are all EXCELLENT! Though slower than its predecessors action-wise, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince will still provide a great deal of entertainment. In addition, it is one of those movies that gets you and keeps you thinking long after it's over. In short, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince is definitely a film worth watching and the series is one to seriously consider adding to your movie collection (if you haven't done so already)! 4.5 Stars
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