Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I SE (2-Disc) (DVD)

I'm so very happy that I can recommend this one without any hesitation at all!The last couple Harry Potter films disappointed me in a myriad of ways. My disappointment didn't cause me to hate them, but I did feel let down and I have to admit that I found Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince pretty forgettable. But, being a Potter fan, I still found myself rushing out to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I today. And to my great relief and happiness, I loved it - really loved it! Yeah!The chase of the Seven Potters by the Death Eaters and the trip to the Ministry of Magic are tense and exciting, the endless camping trip is just as effective at portraying the helplessness and frustration the characters are experiencing as it was in the book and the scene that gives us Hermione reading Beedle the Bard's "Tale of the Three Brothers" is riveting and wonderfully creative - much, much better than I would have thought it could be. We finally get to meet Bill (and Fleur's briefly-glimpsed wedding dress is gorgeous!) and the whipped cream on top of all this goodness is that the film is much more humorous than I expected. While not everything is included, of course, I didn't come out of this film grumbling things along the lines of "How could they leave out _____?" or "Why did they add ________when it wasn't even in the danged book?" - both comments I have been known to make after viewing some of the other films. Instead, I left the theater feeling like I'd seen a relatively faithful rendering of the "real" story. And there were even one or two things that I thought the film did better than the book, most notably the interruption of Harry & Ginny's kiss. The not-in-the-book added scene of Harry and Hermione dancing was both amusing and incredibly poignant - a true highlight of the film for me.For some reason, the enjoyment this film gave me seemed to lift some sort of weight off me - which seems a very odd thing to say, I know. I think it returned a good deal of the joy I found in the earlier films - when seeing the characters and the places come to life on the screen was so magical. (That first glimpse of Hogwarts!) In a way, I feel like I'm back *in* - that I'm once again immersed in the film version of the story in a way that more closely echoes the effect the books had on me. While the films, IMHO, can never hope to match the books, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Part I, let me feel the magic again. For that I thank everyone involved with it.I thought the acting by Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson was better than it's been in any of the Potter films - they really seem to have come into their own here. Helena Bonham Carter was freakishly perfect as usual, Jason Isaacs very good and Rhys Ifans as Xenophilius Lovegood a welcome newcomer. The film sounds good - the score is a mood-setting addition to the film (especially effective, I thought, were the screeching radio sounds during many of the camping scenes) - and it looks even better. The shots of the English countryside are beautiful but often seem almost overwhelmingly empty and lonely - perfect for the story.When it was announced that Deathly Hallows would be split into two films, I was glad because I hoped that by doing so the filmmakers would be able to do justice to the complexities of Rowling's plot. And now, having seen Part I, I feel that they've succeeded in doing just that. After this, I can look forward to the last film, not with dread, but with pleasure. And I am incredibly thrilled to be able to say that.Very highly recommended!Some info and cautions on the products:PLEASE NOTE: Because there are reports of various versions of the DVD available from different sellers, I strongly suggest buyers check the packaging carefully to ensure the version they are considering contains everything they're looking for.I purchased the 3-Disc Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy Combo Pack offered here on Amazon. The DVD included in this pack contains ONLY the film - no extras at all. This means that, in this pack, NONE of the extras are watchable without a Blu-ray player. For Blu-ray owners, however, the other two discs in this 3-pack contain the following extras:Additional Scenes- The Burrow's Shed: Ron Discusses Radios with Mr. Weasley- The Dursley House: Harry and Aunt Petunia As They Leave House- The Dursley House: Harry and Dudley Shake Hands- The Granger House: Death Eaters Search Deserted Home- Ministry of Magic Lifts: Harry Tells Arthur He's Being Tracked- Tent: Trio Discusses Destroying The Locket- Rabbit Chase in the Forest- Montage: Ron and Hermione Skimming StonesOther Extras:- Exclusive Sneak Peek of an opening scene from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2- Maximum Movie Mode: Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) and other members of the cast and crew take viewers on an interactive journey through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1. Plus, revisit important moments from the previous films to prepare for the final battle that takes place in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2.- Dan, Rupert and Emma's Running Competition - While filming the escape scene from the Snatchers in Swinley Forest, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson engage in a little competition of their own. With commentary by director David Yates.- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1: Behind the Soundtrack- The Seven Harrys - See how Daniel Radcliffe recreated the personalities of the different characters that transform into Harrys during the escape from Privet Drive.- On the Green with Rupert, Tom, Oliver and James - Accompany Rupert Grint, Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), Oliver Phelps (George Weasley) and James Phelps (Fred Weasley) for a round of golf and get a glimpse into their 10-year friendship that developed while making the Harry Potter films.- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Promotional Trailer - Join Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and other cast members from the Harry Potter films on their first visit to the Grand Opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida. (I was fortunate enough to visit the Wizarding World recently and enjoyed it immensely. Those responsible for its creation have done a terrific job in creating an atmosphere true to the books and films. I particularly enjoyed the many small and delightful details they took care to include. Harry's youngest fans, though, may be disappointed that the rides are geared to older fans.)

Given that the concluding novel in the Harry Potter series covers so much in terms of plot and characterization, it is fitting that the movie was divided into two parts. I was quite wary about this latest installment in the HP franchise after some of the liberties taken with HP and the Half-Blood Prince (though I still loved it). I feel that HP and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 is one of the most (if not, the most) faithful adaptation of a HP novel to be brought to the silver screen. There is a perfect synergy of all the elements that made me fall in love with the story of HP as written in the books - great characterization made possible by credible and amazing acting; gorgeous cinematography; a score that perfectly captures the angst, tension, and drama of the unfolding story; and special effects that awe without overwhelming the audience or detract from the story.The only thing I'd like to mention and I feel is important is that this particular installment really does require prior knowledge of the Harry Potter novels. This movie takes it for granted that viewers will be able to fill in the blanks, like why does Hermione have to perform a spell on her parents which erases her existence from their memories? Throughout the movie, little snippets of Potter lore are sprinkled about which will delight any devoted fan but might confound and frustrate any newcomer to the series (which is why I would recommend starting from the first movie and working one's way through the series, in order). To really understand all that is going on, and the significance of certain things unfolding during the movie, I would recommend reading the book (to be able to see a particular scene and think, "That's exactly how I imagined it would happen!" or "Ahh, so that's the significance of the ..." was an enriching and immensely satisfying experience for me).I am not going to rehash the plot in detail - basically, this movie takes off some time after HP and the Half-Blood Prince ended. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) sends the Dursleys off to a safe spot as he prepares to go on his quest for the remaining Horcruxes which hold parts of Voldemort's soul. He is joined by best pals Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint). Part One of Deathly Hallows traces the trio's journey and sense of aimlessness (for they know not where the remaining horcruxes are); tension and strife between Ron and Harry; Hermione's sadnesss at losing Ron briefly; the constant pressure of being on the run; and perhaps most significantly, discovering that each of them truly have a purpose, that it is together and not individually that they are able to gain advantage over the Dark Lord. The actors who play the leads have truly come into their own and it is just amazing to see these young actors mature into and inhabit each of their roles with credibility and assurance, playing their characters with great depth. It is even more amazing given that they have been playing these roles for more than a decade, yet never do they show that they are tiring of their roles or just doing it for the money - there's real passion here.My only grouse is that Snape (Alan Rickman) does not get much screen time, but I'm sure that will be redressed in Part Two where he plays a more significant role. Helena Bonham-Carter was a hoot to watch as usual, playing the maniacal role of Bellatrix Lestrange with a fervor unmatched by any screen villainess in recent time (at least in my opinion). Ralph Fiennes portrays the Dark Lord with a credible sense of evil and malignancy, though his appearances in this installment are mainly via flashbacks and Harry's connection with the Dark Lord's thoughts.Three things that caught my interest (well, many things actually, but these three were unique): The dramatization of the tale of the three brothers, i.e. the Peverell brothers was done via animation, and it is gloriously done, with understatement yet is effective in conveying to the viewer the significance of this tale to Harry's quest. Another was the controversial scene between Harry and Hermione (spoiler ahead!) - Hermione and Harry are shown in an intimate embrace during a confrontation with the Dark Lord's soul and Ron who has been beseeched with doubts regarding their relationship flounders whilst the clock is ticking. This scene was tastefully done, and not explicit at all (except for kissing), so the PG-13 rating is safe! Finally, the scenes of persecution against the Mud-Bloods were so well-done and captured the hysteria that was so reminiscent of another time in the past, i.e. Nazi Germany during WW II.Overall, I feel this is a great set-up to the final installment in the HP series, and will especially please ardent fans of the novels. There is a perfect blend of drama, tension, bleakness, and even humor. Recommended!

My family has all but this 1 so now they have a full and complete set.

There were no digital codes in the Blu-ray case.

Excellent addition to my collection. Delivered in a timely fashion. I will enjoy watching this again and again.

I miss the Harry potters! Kids grow up so fast! I'm speaking about the cast here!

Sadly, this DVD is NOT All Regions, as stated be aware....I was looking so forward to the movie and now it can not even be played :(

"Harry Potter und die Heiligtümer des Todes Teil 1" ist ein Fantasyfilm aus dem Jahr 2010. Er basiert auf den ersten 23 Kapiteln des gleichnamigen Buches von Joanne K. Rowling. Es ist der vorletzte Film der Harry Potter Reihe. Regie führte wie schon bei den beiden Filmen zuvor (HP und der Orden des Phoenix & HP und der Halbblutprinz) David Yates.Die Dursleys verlassen den Ligusterweg. Harry bleibt alleine zurück. Hermine löscht alle Erinnerungen ihrer Eltern von sich und verlässt ihr Elternhaus. Ron hilft seiner Mutter bei den Vorbereitungen für die bevorstehende Hochzeit seines Bruders Bill & Fleur.Im Malfoy Manor findet eine Todesser Treffen statt. Angeführt von Voldemord. Snape, der auch anwesend ist, gibt bei diesem Treffen den Zeitpunkt für Harrys Flucht aus dem Ligusterweg preis. Des weiteren zwingt Voldemord den in Ungnade gefallenen Malfoy ihm seinen Zauberstab zu überlassen. Denn seiner ist anscheinend nicht im Stande Harry Potter zu töten.Im Ligusterweg wartet Harry auf Hilfe, in Form von Mitgliedern des Orden des Phoenix. Diese sollen Harry zu einem sicheren geheimen Ort bringen, da der Ligusterweg ihn nur noch bis zu seinem 17 Geburtstag beschützt. Mit dabei sind auch seine beiden besten Freunde Hermine und Ron. Sie und weitere Mitglieder verwandeln sich mit Hilfe von Viel Saft Trank in Harry um so potentielle Angreifer während des Fluges zu verwirren. Und wie sich herausstellt ist das auch nötig, den kaum in der Luft wird die Gruppe von Todessern angegriffen. Nur mit Mühe schaffen es Harry und Hagrid zum sicheren Versteck, dem Fuchsbau.Doch dort angekommen überwiegt die Trauer. Mad Eye & Hedwig sind tot und George Weasley wurde schwer verletzt. Trotzdem wird die Hochzeit von Bill & Fleur gefeiert. Doch endet diese aprubt als eine Nachricht aus dem Zauberei Ministerium eintrifft. Das Ministerium ist gefallen der Zaubereiminister ist Tod und die Todesser wissen wo Harry ist, ...Zuerst einmal muss man die Entscheidung loben das letzte Buch der Harry Potter Reihe in zwei Teilen zu verfilmen. Man hätte das aber durchaus schon beim vierten & fünften Band machen können.So ist es auch keine Überraschung das kein wichtiges Detail des Buches zu fehlen scheint. Das Drehbuch orientiert sich stark an der Buchvorlage was mir, von der Genauigkeit aus gesehen, bisher nur bei "The Da Vinci Code - Sakrileg" so begegnet ist. Für Fans macht das ansehen so doppelt Spass, da man die Geschichte die bisher jeder für sich selber veranschaulichen musste nun auf der großen Leinwand, oder dem eigenen Fernseher, sehen kann. Zwar bleibt ein aha Effekt oder die große Überraschung aus, aber hat die erstens eh keiner erwartet und zweitens hätte sowas auch garnicht zu HP gepasst. Zu beliebt sind die literarischen Vorlagen. Trotzdem trauere ich einer Sache nach, nämlich das man die Idee der Zweiteilung eines Buch bei der Verfilmung zwar schon vorher mal diskutiert hat aber wieder verworfen hat. Auch der Verfilmung zum vierten Buch wie aber auch zum fünften hätte das gut getan.Die Darsteller Riege ist wie auch bei den vorherigen Filmen unverändert geblieben. Auch wenn gerade beim ersten Teil man nicht viele Hauptdarsteller sehen kann. Das ändert sich aber im zweiten Teil. Die Story lässt das nicht zu. Im ersten Teil sieht man größtenteils nur die drei Hauptdarsteller Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson & Rupert Grint. Die hier allerdings wieder einmal eine großartige darstellerische Leistung abliefern. Neu dabei sind Bill Nighy als Rufus Scrimgeour, Rhys Ifans als Xenophilius Lovegood & Domhnall Gleeson als Bill Weasley, der übrigens der Sohn von Brendan Gleeson ist der Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody darstellt. Und trotzdem perfekt zu dem Weasley Clan passt.Der Aufbau des Films wirkt deutlich erwachsener. Was natürlich keine Überraschung ist und dennoch zu erst einmal ungewohnt ist. Zwar waren auch schon die vorherigen Filme immer erwachsener geworden, eben genauso wie die Bücher, und dennoch fällt es mir beim ersten Teil des letzten Buch besonders auf. Das mag daran liegen das ich es gerade auch bei dieser filmischen Umsetzung erwartet habe. Besonders gut gemacht finde ich den Anfang, der ja nicht auf den Punkt genauso auch im Buch steht. Wenn man als, nennen wir es mal Vorspann, sieht wie die Dursleys überhastet den Ligusterweg verlassen, Harry alleine da bleibt, Hermine alle Erinnerungen an sich selber bei ihren Eltern löscht und ihr Zuhause verlässt und die lange Straße rauf geht & Ron vor der Tür des Fuchsbaus steht währenddessen Mrs. Weasley Vorbereitungen trifft und ihm um Hilfe bittet. Wenn man das so liest klingt es nicht sonderlich spannend oder interessant ändert sich aber beim zuschauen.Das ein mehr älteres Publikum angesprochen wird zeigt der Film dan immer wieder. Ob es um die insgesamt düstere Stimmung der Figuren und somit des gesamten Films geht oder aber z.B. darum das Voldemord beim Treffen der Todesser eine Lehrerin aus Hogwarts zum ende dieser Szene ermordet. Es zieht sich durch den gesamten Film. Wer die Bücher gelesen hat wird trotzdem nicht überrascht.Die Blue Ray DVD kann insgesamt auch überzeugen. Zusätzlich zum Film bekommt man noch Die Sieben Harrys - Erlebe wie Daniel Radcliffe die Persönlichkeiten der verschiedenen Harrys in der Privet Drive-Szene nachahmt, Auf dem Grün mit Rupert, Tom, Oliver und James - Wir begleiten Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley), Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy), James Phelps (Fred Weasley) und Oliver Phelps (George Weasley) bei einer Runde Golf und erhalten spannende Einblicke in ihre zehnjährige Freundschaft, Dans, Ruperts und Emmas Wettlauf, Zusätzliche Szenen & Harry Potter und die Heiligtümer des Todes Teil 1: Hintergrundinformationen zum Soundtrack.Nicht viele Extras dafür aber gute. Man bekommt einen Einblick in die Produktion/ also zum Dreh, sieht die Schauspieler auch mal etwas privat und bekommt einen Einblick in die Nachbearbeitung.Das Bild der Blue Ray DVD kann sich auch sehen lassen. Enthalte mich jetzt aber der genaueren Beschreibung technischer Details das können andere besser.Harry Potter und die Heiligtümer des Todes - Teil 1 ist eine der besseren Harry Potter Verfilmungen. Am positivsten ist dabei die Unterteilung des Buches zu bewerten. Das tut dem Film gut. Denn auch kleinere Details können mit Verfilmt werden und der Zuschauer wird gut unterhalten. Der Film macht Lust auf den zweiten Teil. Vielleicht das beste Argument den Film zu sehen.

Bought as a gift to finish daughters collection with no complaints