★★★☆☆ After 12 years, eight record-breaking films and a total box office gross of over £5 billion, the Harry Potter franchise finally came to end for UK audiences back in July 2011 with the cinematic release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2. The legacy of the films continues in the careers of its young stars, Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson, The Harry Potter Studio Tour in the UK, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the US and more merchandise than you can shake a wand at. However, fans have yet to be presented with a deluxe limited edition film box set – until now.
The Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection contains a staggering 31 discs, which include all eight films on DVD and Blu-ray, plus a host of making of documentaries. Though obviously focused on the DVD/Blu-ray aspects of the product, the collection also features a number of extras aimed at enriching the experience. Added goodies include a beautiful set of small concept art prints, a blueprint poster map of Hogwarts, a set of sketch prints by production designer Stuart Craig, and a prop replica of Salazar Slytherin’s locket.
It’s clear from the outset that a lot of thought has gone into the making of this collection. From the large outer box through to the drawers and secret compartments, even the casing of the product has been elaborately designed and crafted; with an exciting extra packed into almost every nook and cranny. This level of detail extends to the additional disc content, which offers a series of fascinating behind-the-scenes documentaries which will entertain both the avid fan and casual viewer.
The enormous collection is prohibitive in both size and cost; taking up a lot of space and currently selling for around £180 (RRP). Some of the extras are less impressive than others, with The Label Collection and Catalogue of Artefacts books feeling a little lacklustre, but the discs themselves are all lovingly presented in specially designed flip-books. Though the price and size might result in less take-up from the average viewer, it’s clear that Potter fans will be clamouring to obtain this definitive edition of the phenomenally successful franchise.
Sonia Zadurian