Product Description

Voldemort is tightening his grip on both the Muggle and wizarding worlds and Hogwarts is no longer the safe haven it once was. Harry suspects that dangers may even lie within the castle, but Dumbledore is more intent upon preparing him for the final battle that he knows is fast approaching. Together they work to find the key to unlock Voldemort's defenses and, to this end, Dumbledore recruits his old friend and colleague, Professor Horace Slughorn, whom he believes holds crucial information. Even as the decisive showdown looms, romance blossoms for Harry, Ron, Hermione and their classmates. Love is in the air, but danger lies ahead and Hogwarts may never be the same.

The Blu-ray disc of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will feature Warner Bros. Maximum Movie Mode, an interactive viewing experience that examines the entire film with such features as Focus Points, Picture-in-Picture, photo galleries and more. Maximum Movie Mode includes commentary from director David Yates, producers David Heyman and David Barron, and stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson and Tom Felton.

The disc also includes Warner Bros. BD-LiveTM, which allows users with web-enabled Blu-ray players to access exciting additional content and connect and share with other BD-Live users via the My Commentary and Live Community Screening features. Another feature of the BD-Live interactivity is Facebook Connect, which allows users to interact with their friends from Facebook, update their Facebook status while in BD-Live and invite their Facebook friends to a Live Community Screening.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #9 in DVD
• Brand: WARNER HOME VIDEO
• Released on: 2009-12-08
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: Color, Dubbed, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, French, Spanish
• Number of discs: 2
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 135 minutes

Features

• HARRY POTTER & HALF-BLOOD PRINCE BLU-RAY (BLU-RAY DISC)

Amazon.com
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

Customer Reviews

dvd details
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.

3.5* for the movie and the excellent DVDs/features make this a 5* release
Initially I reviewed the movie, and since viewing the glorious DVD, I have updated my review to include the DVD features as well:

DVD review (Combo Pack) - includes Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital Copy

Digital Copy - This includes standard definition of the main feature only, special features are NOT included. Ok, in order to obtain an iTunes or Windows Media digital copy of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, there are certain steps outlined in an insert accompanying the DVD combo pack (it also includes an authorization code) with an expiry date of May 7th, 2010. Btw, the DC is only compatible with iTunes (except in Mexico) and Windows-based PC, so buyer beware.

The special features included on the DVD here are:
Footage from "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"
J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life - a personal look at the journey in creating and launching the final book in the series (49:32).
What's On Your Mind? - Lightning round Q&A with the cast and crew. Tom Felton (who portrays Draco Malfoy in the movies) is the host of this feature where the cast is asked a series of quick questions about their likes and dislikes (6:41)
Additional scenes not shown in the theaters (6:31)
The cast members act as personal guides to aspects of moviemaking that include editing, makeup, stunt, set design, props, costumes, and more - hosted by Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom) and Alfred Enoch (Dean Thomas) (28:30)
Sneak peek at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort in Florida (11:38)

Verdict - these bonus features make this a must-have DVD! The Blu-ray is just amazing in terms of clarity and sound. Video is in 1080p High Def 2.4:1, audio is Dolby TrueHD: English 5.1, Dolby Digital English 5.1, French 5.1 (dubbed in Quebec), and Spanish 5.1. The subtitles available are in English SDH, French, and Spanish. The rating is PG. The bonus material/trailer in Not Rated. Total running time for the main feature is 153 mins.

Movie review:
I loved the book. There are various elements and story arcs running through the book that I could not help but wonder how the director [David Yates] was going to pull it off. Well, the movie is definitely much more subdued than its predecessors, both in the effects, the violence, the use of witchcraft, even the color palette is muted for most of the movie, conveying a sense of menace and possible doom in the confrontation between good and evil.

As an ardent fan of the books, and also the movies, I found this particular installment a tad underwhelming. Firstly, I was vexed that the scriptwriters felt they had to include unnecessary scenes that were not even in the book [the waitress and Harry making a date at the beginning, the burning down of the Burrow, etc]. Instead, they left out bits that were actually in the books. Even crucial story arcs, like the use of the Pensieve is not given enough screen time, and seems almost rushed.

One of the enduring appeal of the movie franchise lies in its sense of wonder, and being able to transport viewers into a magical realm, where the evil forces under the tutelage of the dark lord Voldemort try to vanquish the forces of good as portrayed by Harry Potter, the Chosen One and also the Order of the Phoenix. In this latest movie installment, I felt that the element of wonder was lacking. Much of what is portrayed is presented as it is, and if this was watched by someone new to the world of Harry Potter, the person would be bewildered and lost. At least in the other installments, especially in the first four, a lot of background information is provided [so that even my husband, who has not read any books in the series was able to follow the story]. For example, there is no hint whatsoever as to why Bellatrix Lestrange has such a venomous hatred of Harry, nor why Harry is bent on going after her [and I'm not saying why here either, for the sake of HP virgins].

I guess part of the problem is that HP & the Half-Blood Prince provides the catalyst for the events that are to transpire in the last book, Deathly Hallows, and the movie version is to be played out in two parts. So, understandably, a lot of ground work is laid out here, resulting in a dialogue heavy movie, and less than spectacular special effects [the Quidditch scene was completely underwhelming in my opinion]. The main characters , such as Harry [Daniel Radcliffe], Hermione [Emma Watson], and Ron [Rupert Grint] are also facing some serious hormone issues and relationship problems, hence the rather subdued tone. Gone are the days of easy bantering and camaraderie...the dynamics between the three have shifted to one of awkward uneasiness, as Ron and Hermione try to come to terms with the changes in their friendship, and Harry deals with his strong attraction to Ginny Weasley. In this, I felt the actors did a great job - the three have come a long way from their first year at Hogwarts, and have truly embraced these roles, portraying them with depth and insight.

Draco Malfoy's role as portrayed by Tom Felton, finally gets more visibility. Draco is no longer merely glowering all the time, but deals with some real problems that may cost him his very soul, and Felton did a credible job portraying his inner conflict. Michael Gambon is excellent as Dumbledore, relying more heavily on Harry in this story, as he tries desperately to uncover Potions Professor Slughorn's [Jim Broadbent]one crucial memory concerning Tom Riddle [the Dark Lord] that may help in their fight against the Dark Lord.

The others such as Severus Snape [Alan Rickman], Minerva McGonagall [Maggie Smith],& Hagrid [Robbie Coltrane] have less visibility this time around. It really does focus on a just a few central characters, though Snape does play an important role here [just that he doesn't get as much screen time as I would have liked]. With regards to Snape, I have to say I'm a great fan of Alan Rickman's acting - he brings great depth to the portrayal of the Hogwarts teacher, eliciting reactions that vary from disgust to anger and even sympathy through the course of the six installments. He impresses even in minor scenes. I do look forward to more of Snape in the last two installments as his role is pivotal to the series! As for the stern but kind-hearted Prof McGonagall, I have read some reports as to Dame Maggie Smith's ill health and pray that she is well enough to complete the last two movies, as I simply cannot imagine any other actress in her role.

After watching the movie for the second time (and I plan to watch it again), I found the movie has improved (for me). It is still an engrossing tale though it is the darkest installment in the series thus far - I can understand the depressing tone underlying the movie, yet, I still feel the director could have used better colors and lightened up some aspects of the movie where appropriate. Btw, I found the score completely underwhelming, and I really miss the wonderful score that was in the earlier movies [except Part 5]. Here's hoping Deathly Hallows Part I and II will fare better [also directed by David Yates].

So sad, so... very... sad.
First. please let me say that I adore (nay, worship) the Harry Potter stories. So, being a gen-you-wine "Potter-Head" I was first in line to see Half-Blood Prince.

It was an interesting movie. Nice special effects.
Disjointed enough however that one MUST have seen all the previous movies and/or read the books to follow the plot.

...Most importantly, it bears little resemblance to the Harry Potter books!!!

Really. I can forgive replacing the actions of one character with another character, to save time, I can even forgive eliminating whole chapters for the sake of brevity, but to change scenes, edit whole parts, and invent whole chapters???

Beware, below, there be SPOILERS! Don't read if you haven't watched!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some examples of lost scenes:

-Dumbledore confronting the Dursley's? Gone.
-The invention of a fight at the burrow, including the destruction of the whole house? Really? Where's Bill & Fleur going to get married next movie? (Oh that's right, in the movies, they AREN'T! Heck, they aren't even in -this- movie!)
-The "Meeting of the Ministers" scene? Gone. Heck there's absolutely NO sign of Scrimgeour -anywhere- in the whole movie!
-Tonks rescuing Harry from the train? Nope, now it's Luna, looking for Wrackspurts, and removing Harry's invisibility cloak with her wand. (As A Deathly Hallow, it should be immune to summoning and/or levitation charms.)
-The slow build up leading to the Quiddich victory kiss? Gone. Now just a "close your eyes" peck in the Room of Requirement, and this was done horribly!!
-The two months of Harry & Ginny dating? Gone.
-Harry breaking up with Ginny to protect her? Gone!
-Harry's ownership of Grimmauld Place and Kreacher? (Key for the next movie) Gone.
-The Gaunt house flash-backs? Both gone. And with them any mention of Merope, Voldemort's mother. Gone too the mention of her locket by Caractacus Burke.
-The memories of Hokey the house elf, and of Dumbledore's job interview with Voldemort? (Key for the next movie) Gone. In fact, all references to the valuable heirlooms such as Hufflepuff's cup are gone.
-Crabb & Goyle polyjuiceing into girls to stand watch? (would have been funny, but...) Gone.
-Snapes "Defense Against the Dark Arts" lessons? Gone.
-Apparition lessons and test? Gone.
-Hermione & Ron's Prefect status? (Well, since it wasn't mentioned LAST film, why mention it now?)
-Harry's appointment as Quiddich captain? (Not mentioned, only implied during the tryouts)
-Mundungus stealing Sirius' property? (KEY for the next movie) Gone.
-Snap's betrayal of Trelawney's prophecy to Voldemort? (HUGE!) Gone!!!
-Harry petrified by Dumbledoor to protect him? GONE!
-The Hogwarts battle between Death Eaters and Order members? (and Bill's disfigurement?) GONE!!
-Dumbledore's funeral? GONE!!!!

...oh sure, we'll probably get to see a few of the minor bits I've mentioned in the "deleted scenes" portion of the "Deluxe" version of the DVD, but for this screen version, We get such useless add-on scenes as:
-All the trees around the burrow (HP 2/the flying car shot) have been cut down and replaced by a marsh?
-Harry wandering the underground, and chatting up a waitress??
-The aforementioned Burrow fight and subsequent burning??

Not to mention, Harry NOT petrified, but willingly hiding and watching Dumbledore's assassination? (Does anyone besides me see how that fundamentally would change Harry's view of himself?) Yeash!

And WHAT the heck was up with Jessie Cave/Lavender Brown? Worst acting since Brother Sun/Sister Moon! They tested 7000 girls, and they picked a 2nd rate ham? In fact, they tested using the hospital scene, which was single-handedly the worst scene she did in the film!

Ok, ok, on the positive side, the Quidditch tryouts and match were well done, and Dumbledore and Harry's apperation is depicted quite well.

All in all, I am happy they are making Harry Potter movies, but they are -nothing- compared to the books, and THIS one should be prefaced with "Loosely based on the novel by J. K. Rowling"!!