Harry Potter Ultimate Editions

[Caesu]

It's anyones guess what the box will be like, I can imagine different boxes, wooden, leather wrapped, metal, faux stone. Who knows though, all guesses are on the table. It's a lot of discs if you look at the entire Ultimate Editions in total.

If I really had to guess, they will take a relative album approach in some way in the small scale, or a larger 'chest' or 'drawer' for the large scale approach. How they organize it inside would be even harder to guess.

Well it will come out eventually, hopefully it will be a stunner.

[Kevin Holly]

Originally Posted by Caesu

Well it will come out eventually, hopefully it will be a stunner.

That sentence is actually a really good summary of what people are thinking.

Like, this is the biggets movie franchise ever, and this edition will be the definitive home video version.

Warner Bros. really owes it to their loyal fans to make something really great and cool, and non-mediocre.

[obriensg1]

Here's my bigger problem. I don't really care about all the special features but it would be cool to have the extended cuts of the first two films. I know that for "Chamber" that means 17 extra minutes. Still, these Ultimate Editions are a CRAZY amount of money. Average $33 a pop right now

I can get the simple 8 film box set from the UK for $48 USD. It won't have extended cuts. That's ok with me if the alternative is waiting until late 2012 and having to pay way over $100 for all the movies with 2, maybe 3 extended cuts.

If that's the case, I can live without the extended cuts. They will still be on my disc as deleted scenes

[Jumpman]

That sentence is actually a really good summary of what people are thinking.

Like, this is the biggets movie franchise ever, and this edition will be the definitive home video version.

Warner Bros. really owes it to their loyal fans to make something really great and cool, and non-mediocre.

They have to milk Potter for a while so it probably won't be until the 20 Anniversary edition hits that we get something truly special.

The box set that comes out next holiday season? Probably just the Ultimate Editions together with maybe an extra disc.

[Steve]

We finally gave up on the UEs and ordered movies 5-8 on regular blu-ray.

[CodyCourtBlack2]

i always wondered why they released 5 and 6 so soon. they should've waited until right about now and there would've been a year between each.

I already have the first six. i doubt i'd buy the definitive edition.

[K i r a]

Originally Posted by Edword

They aren't going back. It's just new shipments won't be sent to retailers. All the copies that are left in stores will still be available for sale.

They said they're "recalling" all copies. Doesn't that mean they're going to be pulled from store shelves rather than no new ones being shipped out? Someone shed some light on the matter, please.

[horizonline]

Originally Posted by veritas

They said they're "recalling" all copies. Doesn't that mean they're going to be pulled from store shelves rather than no new ones being shipped out? Someone shed some light on the matter, please.

Yes, that was supposed to be it.

[cinemaphile]

Originally Posted by veritas

They said they're "recalling" all copies. Doesn't that mean they're going to be pulled from store shelves rather than no new ones being shipped out? Someone shed some light on the matter, please.

It's going to be a voluntary recall. Stores have purchased the product, so they can't be forced to return it. Basically, the syudio is not sending out any more, and they are giving retailers the opportunity to return all the unsold HP product they want, but they won't be forced to. I imagine most retailers will hold onto it through the holidays, but then send most back to make room (physically and financially) for other, better-selling current product. Still, if anyone's looking for them next year during the moratorium, I don't think they'll be hard to find. If nothing else there is tons of used product out there.

[Jumpman]

The fact that we're going to eventually get the final two Ultimate Editions and this "Definitive Collection" some time late next year should calm everyone's nerves.

The think the thing that's causing a tad bit of uneasiness about the series is the contents of the "Definitive Collection".

If Newell and Cuaron declined to do extended cuts for the Ultimate Editions, I don't see that changing in the "Definitive Collection". Yates could be different. He was in the middle of finishing the series when they probably came to him to do extended cuts for the films he directed. With the series done, he could an extended cut for Phoenix. As for Prince, I don't see it. That script was tight and we pretty much saw what was written save for a few extended bits here and there. I just don't see an extended cut for Prince in this "Definitive Collection".

I think we'd be all a bit more relaxed if we knew what was coming down the pipe. But, considering the contents of the Ultimate Editions, I just don't see what else they could add, except for deleted scenes that we haven't see...and maybe a remastering of the first four films...maybe? Is that really worth holding out for?

[horizonline]

Originally Posted by Jumpman

The fact that we're going to eventually get the final two Ultimate Editions and this "Definitive Collection" some time late next year should calm everyone's nerves.

The think the thing that's causing a tad bit of uneasiness about the series is the contents of the "Definitive Collection".

If Newell and Cuaron declined to do extended cuts for the Ultimate Editions, I don't see that changing in the "Definitive Collection". Yates could be different. He was in the middle of finishing the series when they probably came to him to do extended cuts for the films he directed. With the series done, he could an extended cut for Phoenix. As for Prince, I don't see it. That script was tight and we pretty much saw what was written save for a few extended bits here and there. I just don't see an extended cut for Prince in this "Definitive Collection".

I think we'd be all a bit more relaxed if we knew what was coming down the pipe. But, considering the contents of the Ultimate Editions, I just don't see what else they could add, except for deleted scenes that we haven't see...and maybe a remastering of the first four films...maybe? Is that really worth holding out for?

It's close up until Phoenix and most of Half-Blood Prince, when the story writing gets really lazy. The problem is Harry Potter became the leftovers of screenwriting.

[Jumpman]

I don't see how you could call it lazy considering the text they had to deal with in the last three books. It was almost impossible to do everything.

They picked the right through line for Phoenix and Prince to show....

[The Mad Kiwi]

Originally Posted by Jumpman

The fact that we're going to eventually get the final two Ultimate Editions and this "Definitive Collection" some time late next year should calm everyone's nerves.

The think the thing that's causing a tad bit of uneasiness about the series is the contents of the "Definitive Collection".

If Newell and Cuaron declined to do extended cuts for the Ultimate Editions, I don't see that changing in the "Definitive Collection". Yates could be different. He was in the middle of finishing the series when they probably came to him to do extended cuts for the films he directed. With the series done, he could an extended cut for Phoenix. As for Prince, I don't see it. That script was tight and we pretty much saw what was written save for a few extended bits here and there. I just don't see an extended cut for Prince in this "Definitive Collection".

I think we'd be all a bit more relaxed if we knew what was coming down the pipe. But, considering the contents of the Ultimate Editions, I just don't see what else they could add, except for deleted scenes that we haven't see...and maybe a remastering of the first four films...maybe? Is that really worth holding out for?

Well, while I think the Ultimate Editions are excellent, there's still plenty of content they could throw at us if they REALLY wanted the "Definitive Collection" to live up its name:

* Audio commentary on each film with J.K. Rowling, Steve Kloves (Michael Goldeberg for OotP), and that film's respective director

* Audio commentary on each film with the trio (and any other actors they want to throw in)

* Audio commentary on each film with the crew members (production designer Stuart Craig, the costume designers, visual effects supervisors, etc.)

* Music-only tracks

* Screen tests (We got Daniel Radcliffe's and one for the whole trio, but we only got brief glances at Evanna Lynch's and Jessie Cave's. Plus, there are are surely others they can show us.)

* Make-up, hair, and wardrobe tests

* Roundtable script read-throughs

* Visual effects tests

* Bloopers

* Extensive galleries with commentaries

* TV spots from PoA onward

* Red carpet premieres

All of these plus deleted scenes would make the Definitive Collection a force to be reckoned with.

PoA and HBP are perhaps the two that need extended cuts the least since so little was trimmed. However, HBP's scenes are so good that I hope they get re-inserted. Putting back the scene with the trio in the courtyard discussing Malfoy helps put Ron's "The Room of Requriement's unplottable; you told us that last year" line from DH2 into better context. As for PoA, I don't know if the Sirius break-in was ever shot. If it was, I feel that needs to be put back along with the scenes that had ties to it (Sir Cadogan, the sneakoscope, the trio feud). I feel story-wise, PoA feels a little too lean, and putting these back in gives it a bit more meat.

GoF is strong enough as it is, but it seemed to have gotten a lot cut out. The second and third tasks need more room apart from each other, and we need the Priori Incantatum explanation that took place outside Dumbledore's office (not to mention how horrible Daniel's wig is in the last-minute replacement scene they did for that in the common room).

I think everyone unanimously agrees that OotP is the one Potter flick that most benefits from an extension. Hagrid's sacking, McGonagall's attack, the complete Snape's worst memory, Sirius vs. Bellatrix, Harry grieving over Sirius' death are all just a few of the things that would help the film out tremendously. It seems as though David Yates trimmed lines out of virtually every scene, so this would be the most difficult extended cut to pull off. I think just restoring the above-mentioned material would be enough, though I won't say no to more.

Deathly Hallows both parts 1 and 2 are tremendous and, for the most part, work without the deleted scenes. However, the whole Teddy Lupin thing needs to be addressed, and it only takes two scenes (Lupin announcing Tonks' pregnancy at the Weasley wedding and Tonks joining Lupin at the battlefront saying that Teddy's asleep). Having proper closure for the Dursleys would help, too, as well as the Shell Cottage beach scene which addresses two issues (how/when Luna got to Hogwarts and why no one has confronted Harry about the mirror shard). The scene where the trio exmaines the locket also helps clear the matter of how the Death Eaters just happened to find the trio on two separate occasion (the whole Voldemort's name being taboo thing).

I only mentioned scenes that I think are most vital to the extended cuts, but honestly, I think all of the material cut is good enough for restoration. The only one I might be iffy about is the cutesy scene with Ron and Hermione on the stairs with Nagini since we don't need a moment like that when the intensity is swelling up. Even then, I know of a way to make it work. Restore the "Why do you live?" scene, and after Harry says, "Because I have something worth living for," cut to Ginny vs. Bellatrix (which could use a few more shots itself). Once Bellatrix blows up and the audience is on a high with Molly, cut to the cutesy Ron and Hermione scene before going back to Voldemort slapping Harry around.

Will David Yates bother to revisit his half of the series? I don't know. I really want him to. If he does, I can live with theatrical cuts of PoA and GoF. If he doesn't, then I hope WB gives us ALL the deleted scenes as supplements. Then a devoted fan can just edit then back into the features.

[Vashetti]

I didn't want to quote the massive post above, but I agree with everything you said.

Imagine Alan Rickman on a commentary for DH2!

[Lnds500]

David Yates talks 'Harry Potter Definitive Collection' bonus features, including bloopers

[Jumpman]

Thanks for the link.

It's going to be different than the Ultimate Editions. "Everything the Warner back catalogue has in terms of extras and documentaries..." tells me documentaries on each one, photo galleries, more deleted scenes, the mentioned blooper reels, and maybe commentaries.

Hold on to your Ultimate Editions because, with this vague description, this thing is going to be different than the Ultimate Editions.

[Kevin Holly]

Well, I am going to wait for that I think, or pick up all the movies seperately, whether UE or not is up for debate.

But I will not be picking up the current 8-movie set. I think it is a dreadful insult the way all the box sets have been packaged. These are high-budget movies than make an average of about $900M in theatres, plus whatever else in home video, and THEY DONT EVEN MAKE THE COLLECTIONS WITH NORMAL SIZED BOXES. Any collection of movies, but especially a collection of beloved movies that make as much money as HP, when released in a box, should be AS THICK AS THEY WOULD BE SEPERATELY.

I had previously asuumed with this foul box size, that it was just because it was the first 4, or 5, or 6, or 7 movies. I thought that was inane, but didn't care, because I don't know who in the world is in the market for a boxset that doesn't include an entire series. I am quite frankly astonished that the boxsets that include not all 8 movies sold even one copy. Give me them indivually, or give me them all, I say. I guess not everyone agrees, but I honestly can't imagine the thought process of someone who buys one of these.

ANYWAYS, I had assumed that Warner thought along the same lines as me, and figured anyone who would buy an incomplete boxset would not care if it was of appropriate size, so they made them thinner than they ought to have. I assumed and figured they were waiting to realize a PROPER collection of all eight movies in a PROPERLY sized box.

But, no. It's the same, too thin nonsense. Like, honestly. I would considered just buying the vanilla boxet out now (or very soon, I think), and waiting for the Definitive and buying that too (having multiple copies of the same movie is a sign of a real collector, after all), but I will now eitehr just buy them seperately (perhaps even on DVD), and wait for the Definitive.

Presumably the Definitive will be of appopriate size, and if not, I will just back-catelog buy all the Ultimate Edition's (assuming DH1 and DH2 come out seperaetly), whether at the store or off of the eBay depending on if Warner makes more or not.

I am honestly less than happy with the way the home video releases of this series are going. Like, I understand that Warner is a company and wants money. In fact, nobody respects companies wanting money more than me, I actively hope that companies just keep making money, but what I don't like is when they lie to do it. They should just say, "We are a business. We exist to make money, and your job is to give us your money. In return, we will give you plastic shit you don't really need." (in the case of a lot of movie "Ultimate" boxsets). Honestly, I would pay more to company who says this (note: I own quite a bit of unncessary merchanise from such editions, and don't care that it has essentially no value, that is what collecting is about). A company being forefront about enticing people with garbage would not deter me from buying its products, if anything, I would be more willing.

This relates to these HP editions quite clearly. Just tell us if DH1 and DH2 will get seperate UE releases, or not. Tell us if the Definitive will be of proper width, if it will just be all 8 UEs, or what have you. Go ahead and put 'er in the vault for a year, but admit this is a ploy to generate panic and make money. I would respect this, and say, "Now that is a good business tactic. I hope this corporation makes money, because it deserves it." Just be forefront. Many people would double, triple or even quadruple-dip on these movies, because they love them so much.

[Jumpman]

Bread crumbs but something: http://snitchseeker.com/harry-potter...vd-sets-86326/

It sounds as if the documentary "When Harry Left Hogwarts" on the Target Edition is a truncated version of the real documentary that'll show up on the "Definitive Collection"....

[The Mad Kiwi]

Good find, Jumpman. I find it interesting how he says, "We're working on...," indicating that "When Harry Left Hogwarts" wasn't the final edit of the documentary.

I also find his coyness tantalizing when asked how the Definitive Edition will differ from the Ultimate Editions. Something very special is going to go into this set that sets it apart from all previous editions of the films, and it's more than just extra documentary footage (which he had no problem talking about). I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more deleted scenes, whether they be edited back in or left as supplements. Either way, I'm pretty sure at this point that buying the Ultimate Editions of Deathly Hallows will be pointless.

[Jumpman]

Kiwi,

Not going to say buying the Ultimate Editions of Hallows is pointless at this stage.

I do agree that something "special" is in the works but, for me, ultimate editions of Hallows are important for the final pieces of the "Creating the World of Harry Potter" documentary.

I'm hoping that the "definitive collection" has everything that the ultimate editions have plus the new stuff, but if it doesn't it, I'll still get the ulimates of Hallows....