Harry Potter Wizard's Collection (Blu-ray / DVD Combo)

Description

Product Description The magical film franchise is now available in a spectacular limited-edition collectible box set. The most comprehensive Harry Potter movie collection yet features all eight films, exclusive never-before-seen content and must-have memorabilia.This new limited and numbered 31-disc collection contains all eight Harry Potter movies on Blu-ray, DVD and UltraViolet Digital Copy and more than 37 hours of special features including all previously released materials and more than 10 hours of new to disc bonus content, and 5 hours of never-before-seen material.In addition to the theatrical release of every film, the collection also includes the extended versions of Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets; and the 3D versions of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows –- Parts 1 and 2.Films Included in Collection Disc 1: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Theatrical Version + Extended Version + Extra Content (Blu-ray)Disc 2: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Theatrical Version (DVD)Disc 3: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Creating The World: The Magic Begins (Blu-ray)Disc 4: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Disc 2 from the Special Edition (DVD)Disc 5: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Theatrical Version + Extended Version + Extra Content (Blu-ray)Disc 6: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Theatrical Version (DVD)Disc 7: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Creating the World: Characters (Blu-ray)Disc 8: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Disc 2 from the Special Edition (DVD)Disc 9: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Theatrical Version (Blu-ray)Disc 10: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Theatrical Version (DVD)Disc 11: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Creating the World: Creatures (Blu-ray)Disc 12: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Disc 2 from the Special Edition (DVD)Disc 13: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Theatrical Version (Blu-ray)Disc 14: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Theatrical Version (DVD)Disc 15: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Creating the World: Sound & Music (Blu-ray)Disc 16: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Disc 2 from the Special Edition (DVD)Disc 17: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Theatrical Version + Extra Content (Blu-ray)Disc 18: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Theatrical Version (DVD)Disc 19: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Creating the World: Evolution (Blu-ray)Disc 20: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Theatrical Version + Extra Content (Blu-ray)Disc 21: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Theatrical Version (DVD)Disc 22: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Creating the World: Magical Effects + Extra Content (Blu-ray)Disc 23: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 Theatrical Version + Extra Content (Blu-ray)Disc 24: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 Theatrical Version (DVD)Disc 25: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1, Creating the World: Story + Extra Content (Blu-ray)Disc 26: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (Blu-ray 3D)Disc 27: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 Theatrical Version + Extra Content (Blu-ray)Disc 28: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 Theatrical Version (DVD)Disc 29: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, Creating the World: Growing Up + Extra Content (Blu-ray)Disc 30: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 (Blu-ray 3D)Disc 31: Wizard's Collection Exclusive Bonus Disc (Blu-ray)Check back to this product detail page for further details. (c) 2012 Warner Bros Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved. Harry Potter Publishing Rights (c) J.K.R. Harry Potter characters, names and related indicia are trademarks of and (c) Warner Bros Entertainment Inc.Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase. desertcart.com Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's StoneHere's an event movie that holds up to being an event. This filmed version of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, adapted from the wildly popular book by J.K. Rowling, stunningly brings to life Harry Potter's world of Hogwarts, the school for young witches and wizards. The greatest strength of the film comes from its faithfulness to the novel, and this new cinematic world is filled with all the details of Rowling's imagination, thanks to exuberant sets, elaborate costumes, clever makeup and visual effects, and a crème de la crème cast, including Maggie Smith, Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, and more. Especially fine is the interplay between Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his schoolmates Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), as well as his protector, the looming Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane). The second-half adventure--involving the titular sorcerer's stone--doesn't translate perfectly from page to screen, ultimately because of the film's fidelity to the novel; this is a case of making a movie for the book's fans, as opposed to a transcending film. Writer Steve Kloves and director Chris Columbus keep the spooks in check, making this a true family film, and with its resourceful hero wide-eyed and ready, one can't wait for Harry's return. Ages 8 and up. --Doug ThomasHarry Potter and the Chamber of SecretsFirst sequels are the true test of an enduring movie franchise, and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets passes with flying colors. Expanding upon the lavish sets, special effects, and grand adventure of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry's second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry involves a darker, more malevolent tale (parents with younger children beware), beginning with the petrified bodies of several Hogwarts students and magical clues leading Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint), and Hermione (Emma Watson) to a 50-year-old mystery in the monster-laden Chamber of Secrets. House elves, squealing mandrakes, giant spiders, and venomous serpents populate this loyal adaptation (by Sorcerer's Stone director Chris Columbus and screenwriter Steve Kloves), and Kenneth Branagh delightfully tops the supreme supporting cast as the vainglorious charlatan Gilderoy Lockhart (be sure to view past the credits for a visual punchline at Lockhart's expense). At 161 minutes, the film suffers from lack of depth and uneven pacing, and John Williams' score mostly reprises established themes. The young, fast-growing cast offers ample compensation, however, as does the late Richard Harris in his final screen appearance as Professor Albus Dumbledore. Brimming with cleverness, wonderment, and big-budget splendor, Chamber honors the legacy of J.K. Rowling's novels. --Jeff Shannon Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Some movie-loving wizards must have cast a magic spell on Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, because it's another grand slam for the Harry Potter franchise. Demonstrating remarkable versatility after the arthouse success of Y Tu Mamá También, director Alfonso Cuarón proves a perfect choice to guide Harry, Hermione, and Ron into treacherous puberty as the now 13-year-old students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry face a new and daunting challenge: Sirius Black (Gary Oldman) has escaped from Azkaban prison, and for reasons yet unknown (unless, of course, you've read J.K. Rowling's book, considered by many to be the best in the series), he's after Harry in a bid for revenge. This dark and dangerous mystery drives the action while Harry (the fast-growing Daniel Radcliffe) and his third-year Hogwarts classmates discover the flying hippogriff Buckbeak (a marvelous CGI creature), the benevolent but enigmatic Professor Lupin (David Thewlis), horrifying black-robed Dementors, sneaky Peter Pettigrew (Timothy Spall), and the wonderful advantage of having a Time-Turner just when you need one. The familiar Hogwarts staff returns in fine form (including the delightful Michael Gambon, replacing the late Richard Harris as Dumbledore, and Emma Thompson as the goggle-eyed Sybil Trelawney), and even Julie Christie joins this prestigious production for a brief but welcome cameo. Technically dazzling, fast-paced, and chock-full of Rowling's boundless imagination (loyally adapted by ace screenwriter Steve Kloves), The Prisoner of Azkaban is a Potter-movie classic. --Jeff Shannon Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire The latest entry in the Harry Potter saga could be retitled Fast Times at Hogwarts, where finding a date to the winter ball is nearly as terrifying as worrying about Lord Voldemort's return. Thus, the young wizards' entry into puberty (and discovery of the opposite sex) opens up a rich mining field to balance out the dark content in the fourth movie (and the stories are only going to get darker). Mike Newell (Four Weddings and a Funeral) handily takes the directing reins and eases his young cast through awkward growth spurts into true young actors. Harry (Daniel Radcliffe, more sure of himself) has his first girl crush on fellow student Cho Chang (Katie Leung), and has his first big fight with best bud Ron (Rupert Grint). Meanwhile, Ron's underlying romantic tension with Hermione (Emma Watson) comes to a head over the winter ball, and when she makes one of those girl-into-woman Cinderella entrances, the boys' reactions indicate they've all crossed a threshold. But don't worry, there's plenty of wizardry and action in Goblet of Fire. When the deadly Triwizard Tournament is hosted by Hogwarts, Harry finds his name mysteriously submitted (and chosen) to compete against wizards from two neighboring academies, as well as another Hogwarts student. The competition scenes are magnificently shot, with much-improved CGI effects (particularly the underwater challenge). And the climactic confrontation with Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes, in a brilliant bit of casting) is the most thrilling yet. Goblet, the first installment to get a PG-13 rating, contains some violence as well as disturbing images for kids and some barely shrouded references at sexual awakening (Harry's bath scene in particular). The 2 1/2-hour film, lean considering it came from a 734-page book, trims out subplots about house-elves (they're not missed) and gives little screen time to the standard crew of the other Potter films, but adds in more of Britain's finest actors to the cast, such as Brendan Gleeson as Mad-Eye Moody and Miranda Richardson as Rita Skeeter. Michael Gambon, in his second round as Professor Dumbledore, still hasn't brought audiences around to his interpretation of the role he took over after Richard Harris died, but it's a small smudge in an otherwise spotless adaptation. --Ellen A. KimHarry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix Alas! The fifth Harry Potter film has arrived. The time is long past that this can be considered a simple "children's" series--though children and adults alike will enjoy it immensely. Starting off from the dark and tragic ending of the fourth film, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix begins in a somber and angst-filled tone that carries through the entire 138 minutes (the shortest of any HP movie despite being adapted from the longest book). Hopes of winning the Quidditch Cup have been replaced by woes like government corruption, distorted media spin, and the casualties of war. As the themes have matured, so have the primary characters' acting abilities. Ron (Rupert Grint), Hermione (Emma Watson), and especially Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) are more convincing than ever--in roles that are more demanding. Harry is deeply traumatized from having witnessed Cedric Diggory's murder, but he will soon find that this was just another chapter in the continuing loss he will endure. Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has returned and, in an attempt to conceal this catastrophe from the wizarding public, the Ministry of Magic has teamed up with the wizard newspaper The Daily Prophet to smear young Potter and wise Dumbledore (Michael Gambon)--seemingly the only two people in the public eye who believe the Dark Lord has returned. With no one else to stand against the wicked Death Eaters, the Hogwarts headmaster is forced to revive his secret anti-Voldemort society, the Order of the Phoenix. This welcomes back characters like Mad-Eye Moody (Brendan Gleeson), kind Remus Lupin (David Thewlis), fatherly Sirius Black (Gary Oldman), and insidious Severus Snape (Alan Rickman), and introduces a short list of intriguing new faces. In the meantime, a semi-psychotic bureaucrat from the Ministry (brilliantly portrayed by Imelda Staunton) has seized power at Hogwarts, and Harry is forced to form a secret society of his own--lest the other young wizards at his school be left ill-equipped to defend themselves in the looming war between good and evil. In addition, Harry is filled with an inexplicable rage that only his Godfather Sirius seems to be able to understand.This film, though not as frightening as its predecessor, earns its PG-13 rating mostly because of the ever-darkening tone. As always, the loyal fans of J.K. Rowling's books will suffer huge cuts from the original plot and character developments, but make no mistake: this is a good movie. --Jordan ThompsonHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince 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 ThompsonHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part I is a brooding, slower-paced film than its predecessors, the result of being just one half of the final story (the last book in the series was split into two movies, released in theaters eight months apart). Because the penultimate film is all buildup before the final showdown between the teen wizard and the evil Voldemort (which does not occur until The Deathly Hallows, Part II), Part I is a road-trip movie, a heist film, a lot of exposition, and more weight on its three young leads, who up until now were sufficiently supported by a revolving door of British thesps throughout the series. Now that all the action takes place outside Hogwarts--no more Potions classes, Gryffindor scarves, or Quidditch matches--Daniel Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione), and Rupert Grint (Ron) shoulder the film almost entirely on their own. After a near-fatal ambush by Voldemort's Death Eaters, the three embark on a quest to find and destroy the remaining five horcruxes (objects that store pieces of Voldemort's soul). Fortunately, as the story gets more grave--and parents should be warned, there are some scenes too frightening or adult for young children--so does the intensity. David Yates, who directed the Harry Potter films Order of the Phoenix and The Half-Blood Prince, drags the second half a little, but right along with some of the slower moments are some touching surprises (Harry leading Hermione in a dance, the return of Dobby in a totally non-annoying way). Deathly Hallows, Part I will be the most confusing for those not familiar with the Potter lore, particularly in the shorthand way characters and terminology weave in and out. For the rest of us, though, watching these characters over the last decade and saying farewell to a few faces makes it all bittersweet that the end is near (indeed, an early scene in which Hermione casts a spell that makes her Muggle parents forget her existence, in case she doesn't return, is particularly emotional). Despite its challenges, Deathly Hallows, Part I succeeds in what it's most meant to do: whet your appetite for the grand conclusion to the Harry Potter series. --Ellen A. KimHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part IIThe Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is the film all Harry Potter fans have waited 10 years to see, and the good news is that it's worth the hype--visually stunning, action packed, faithful to the book, and mature not just in its themes and emotion but in the acting by its cast, some of whom had spent half their lives making Harry Potter movies. Part 2 cuts right to the chase: Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) has stolen the Elder Wand, one of the three objects required to give someone power over death (a.k.a. the Deathly Hallows), with the intent to hunt and kill Harry. Meanwhile, Harry's quest to destroy the rest of the Horcruxes (each containing a bit of Voldemort's soul) leads him first to a thrilling (and hilarious--love that Polyjuice Potion!) trip to Gringotts Bank, then back to Hogwarts, where a spectacular battle pitting the young students and professors (a showcase of the British thesps who have stolen every scene of the series: Maggie Smith's McGonagall, Jim Broadbent's Slughorn, David Thewlis's Lupin) against a dark army of Dementors, ogres, and Bellatrix Lestrange (Helena Bonham Carter, with far less crazy eyes to make this round). As predicted all throughout the saga, Harry also has his final showdown with Voldemort--neither can live while the other survives--though the physics of that predicament might need a set of crib notes to explain. But while each installment has become progressively grimmer, this finale is the most balanced between light and dark (the dark is quite dark--several familiar characters die, with one significant death particularly grisly); the humor is sprinkled in at the most welcome times, thanks to the deft adaptation by Steve Kloves (who scribed all but one of the films from J.K. Rowling's books) and direction by four-time Potter director David Yates. The climactic kiss between Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), capping off a decade of romantic tension, is perfectly tuned to their idiosyncratic relationship, and Daniel Radcliffe has, over the last decade, certainly proven he was the right kid for the job all along. As Prof. Snape, the most perfect of casting choices in the best-cast franchise of all time, Alan Rickman breaks your heart. Only the epilogue (and the lack of chemistry between Harry and love Ginny Weasley, barely present here) stand a little shaky, but no matter: the most lucrative franchise in movie history to date has just reached its conclusion, and it's done so without losing its soul. --Ellen A. Kim Review: Well worth the money, especially for the HP super fans - **UPDATED 6/17/13** I've been slowly plodding through all 31 discs and finally hit a snag with DH1. It seems like those nasty "damaged movie" rumors are true, at least in part. Although the disc doesn't appear to be wholly damaged (I did check them all for scratches and found nothing out of the ordinary) this movie is unplayable in at least two parts, and it skips over a couple of scenes (it stops right when Ron is about to destroy the horcrux locket....effffff). I did attempt to call desertcart customer service but as the collection is no longer for sale through them, the most they were willing to offer me was a refund, despite it being past the return date. That doesn't work for me as I purchased this on a gold box deal and I'm not guaranteed that by spending more the quality control issue would even be fixed. So alas, it appears I am stuck with at least one damaged movie. I guess it's a good thing I didn't get rid of my old ultimate editions yet, so I still have at least one playable copy of DH. Just be aware that the QC issues haven't necessarily been rectified. Let me preface this review by stating I bought this set during the desertcart lightning deal last week, so I paid $100 less than what it's going for now. I've wanted this since I heard it was being released last year, despite already owning (at that time) the Ultimate Editions of movies 1-6. I wasn't willing to pay $350 for it then, mostly because I just wasn't in a position to spend that kind of money. Despite buying DH 1&2 ultimate edition, I jumped on this lightning deal when I saw it because I wasn't sure I was ever going to see it for less. I am VERY glad I did. This is not going to be a review full of whining about how expensive it is (though it is, quite obviously, expensive), or how it's cheap and Warner Brothers is just a bunch of greedy goblins for thinking any self-respecting Potter fan would dare be expected to pay this much for something that is not worth it. Those reviews were either A) written by Muggles (the worst sort imaginable) or B) written by people who don't even own this set. I can say with full confidence that this set was most definitely worth the $250 price tag. It's actually probably worth the $350 desertcart normally charges, though not the $500 retail price (which I think most people know is a joke). I'm very thankful for having the opportunity to snag this for the lightning deal price, but I probably would have bought it for $350, I just would have waited and saved up a little longer for it. The detail on this set is ridiculous (or riddikulus), and I think Potter fans should be straight-up honored at the attention and care that went in to putting this together. Most complete movie collections out there come in some stupid slipcase, and maybe you'll get a dumb bust or action figure to go with it. Not so here. I'm not much for buying these collector thingies, mostly because they take up lots of room, but this is reminiscent of what I've seen of the super delux Lost set, or maybe even the Alias one that came in the Rambaldi box. The box this thing comes in is MASSIVE, Hagrid-sized almost. It is NOT cheap cardboard, as others have noted, but a nice, thick, solid-feeling cardboard that is embossed with a pebbled-leather texture. There are metal handles and drawer pulls, and overall it has a nice, solid, sturdy feel. It's heavy too. So no cheap pacakaging or slipcases. The artwork is just lovely, and I think any real Potter fan will appreciate it. Each of the 8 movies comes in its own little cardboard book (like some kids books are made of), outfitted with its own coordinating color scheme that plays off the theme/color scheme of each movie. The discs included are the exact same things you'll find in the already released Ultimate Editions. What I will say is that the "extras" that came with the UE's (lenticular cards, collectible books, and character trading cards) are NOT included here, so the only thing that repeats is the actual disc-content. If you're a completist/super HP mega fan like me, you might want to hold on to whatever ultimate editions you have for this reason. I did not appear to receive any scratched discs like some others have, nor did any of my movies come out the cases. I haven't watched anything yet, but by the looks of it it's all perfect so it should be fine. No missing content either, so it appears they've sorted out their manufacturing issues. The new content includes two books of graphic art, the Horcrux locket (metal Noble Collection version), a blue print poster map thing of Hogwarts, an EXTREMELY nice fabric tapestry wall hanging of the Hogwarts grounds, some sketches by Stuart Craig (very nice cardboard, all ready for framing) and some lithographs of art from each movie, also sutiable for framing. You also get a disc of exclusive-to-this-set bonus content; I have yet to watch that so I can't say if it's worth it or not, but it sure looks fun. You also get a little scroll with a code that enables you to download digital copies of all movies. Yes, I said download. You have to download the Flixster app (for your computer/smartphone/tablet), as I believe you do for all WB movies, but yes, you CAN download the movies to your device and watch them without needing to be online. You just need the Flixter app to do it, which IMO is not a huge deal, because it's not like they're going to be any better or worse watching through Windows Media Player or anything. So I call bollocks on anyone saying you can't download these and can only stream them. Lies. And we must not tell lies. I'll wrap this up by saying that this set is marketed very specifically to collectors and mega-fans. If all you want is the movies, then this is not for you. If that's all you wanted, you have no right to go out there and complain that they're charging too much, because nobody's forcing you to buy it. It's a collector's set. You have the opportunity to go out there and buy the Ultimate Editions, thus obtaining almost the same amount of disc content you get here, plus they all have coordinated packaging that looks nice on a shelf together if you like that sort of thing. So what if you can't buy them all in one box? Does that really matter if you just want the movies? Probably not, so shut up if that's all your after. If you don't already own any of the UE's, this set is a wonderful investment, even at the $350 price tag. If you consider you'll be paying around $30-$40 on average for each UE (depending on whether you're getting DVD or bluray, and depending on where you're buying it) you're paying a fair amount of extra money for the EXTREMELY nice presentation and extra collectibles and content. $350 is a fair price for this set. $500 is not, but nobody is going to be paying full price for this. In closing, if you're a big HP fan, you CAN'T pass this up. You just can't. I know it's a lot of money, but the real HP fans out there (books and movies) are going to find so much to appreciate here. If you're scared of the price, it might be a good idea to get an desertcart card when you buy it. You'll get some money off and earn some points on it (not shilling for the card here, just offerring suggestions on taking the price down for those that might be concerned about it). If you just liked the movies and want maybe a handful of extras, you are much better off buying the individual UE's or waiting for a possible mid-priced set (which may never come). If you just want the movies with no frills, get the $50 box set that's out there. If you're one of those weirdos that has some odd sense of entitlement that, as a fan, you should be automatically entitled to the biggest bestest set on the planet, with loads of extras, for a ridiculously low price, then I suggest you either be quiet or stand in front of a mirror and cast a crucio curse on yourself. It's not going to happen. You get a lot of bang for your buck here, and while it might not suit a lot of fans, the people it IS marketed towards are going to LOVE it. It's obvious a lot of thought was put into this set, and it is definitely on the same level as some of the other similar mega collection sets out there. It's not like WB got together with some Death Eaters and purposely conspired to charge a lot just to HP fans. Members of other fandoms have been subjected to the same pricing system as us Potterheads, so we are definitely not alone. I daresay after opening this box that I would be able to cast quite the formidable patronus. It's THAT awesome. Review: A Must-Have for the Harry Potter Collector/Movie Fan - When I first saw how low of a rating this product had, I was dismayed. How could a collection with such potential be so poorly received by fans? This product was designed by MinaLima, the god and goddess of all things graphically wondrous in HP! My heroes! So, I began digging around in the comments to learn where this set had gone wrong. Right away, I discovered the rating was not an accurate representation of the product at all, but rather the unfortunate and annoying result of non-reviews and other things that don't belong here. If you don't own a product or haven't used it, you have no business leaving a review for it. If you want to speculate, complain or otherwise air grievances, use a suitable forum for that - or better yet, write to the offending company and tell them yourself. People who visit this page want to learn about the PRODUCT (good or bad), not wade through a bunch of unrelated noise. Anyway, pet peeve. Moving on. Time for a review! - - - - - IN A NUTSHELL This set is essentially all seven Ultimate Editions repackaged in a limited-edition box, with a new bonus disc of extras (interviews, behind the scenes) that can only be found with this collection. It also comes with a handful of knick-knacks and printed materials, including a replica of the Slytherin locket (a piece from the Noble Collection) and a certificate of numbering and authenticity. DO YOU NEED THIS? If you already own the movies on DVD, Blu-ray or as Ultimate Editions and you're perfectly happy with those, then no, you don't "need" this set. Aside from the one bonus disc of extras, everything else on the rest of the discs is available elsewhere. One thing to note, as I've seen this in several reviews: only movies 1 and 2 have extended editions. This is true no matter what set you buy. The "extended" movies shown on TV are just the films with the deleted scenes included, not some special version somewhere you're missing out on. And while it's inevitable that another box set (or twelve) will make its way into stores in the years to come, possibly with some remastered or additional things, I can't imagine it would be worth waiting for since it's not like there is any new footage to dig up and use at this point. I think what they planned to release has all been released. WHY I BOUGHT THIS As a fan of the books and movies (and the set tours and exhibitions) the one thing that never fails to amaze me is the attention to detail the artisans have put into crafting this world. And as a fan, what more could I want except to be a part of that world; to experience it and live it? That was the reason I wanted to add this set to my permanent collection. This feels exactly like something you'd find in Harry's world -- in some ways, it's very Weasley-ish, with its sneaky hiding places, charming contraptions and unexpected delights. It's a collectible, plain and simple. Sure, the price tag on this doesn't make it a spontaneous purchase for most people, nor will it be accessible to all fans because of it. But that's true of any high-end collectible. At the time I got this, the price was just over $200 -- that's a steal considering all seven Ultimate Editions together average $250, and there I wouldn't get the rest of the objects (or the box itself) that come with this set. So, at the end of the day, it's really about what you value most in HP merchandise that will decide if this is for you or not. THINGS TO NOTE 1. It's HUGE. And heavy! I've never had a reason to pay attention to the dimensions of a box set of DVDs before, because normally they just fit on a regular shelf alongside all the other plastic movie cases. Not this one. The photo doesn't provide any real context, but the actual size is 12" W x 12" D x 14" H. I'm sure that won't help you picture it any better, but suffice to say, it's a beast, and it may cause you to improvise or change where you had planned to store it. 2. It ships in custom packaging. The set itself is wrapped with tissue and packed with styrofoam inside a product box with full-color artwork, and then that's packed snug inside a plain cardboard box for shipping. (I suppose I should disclaim this by saying yours may differ, but this is how mine arrived.) Yet another detail someone thought to consider: getting it to you undisturbed and in pristine condition. An important thing for collectors! 3. The quality overall is very nice and the box is absolutely gorgeous. It has a luscious, suede-like texture and was very cleverly planned and executed. 4. It looks amazing on display. Sometimes I just have to walk by the shelf where I keep it so I can admire how it looks. Trust me, you will do this, too.