Rating summary

Movie 4.0 Video 4.0 Audio 4.5 Extras 4.5 Overall 4.0

Harry Potter Wizard's Collection Blu-ray Movie Review

An exhaustive box set. I can't imagine another Harry Potter complete collection topping it...

Reviewed by Kenneth Brown September 7, 2012

One box set to rule them all! Wait... wrong series. The Harry Potter Wizard's Collection is a hefty 31-disc block o' Potter that includes all eight films, more than thirty-seven hours of special features, a bonus disc exclusive to the set, additional extras for The Deathly Hallows, the final two entries in the "Creating the World of Harry Potter" documentary, deluxe packaging and a slew of collectibles. It doesn't come cheap, mind you -- Amazon has opened bidding at $345 -- but it's arguably worth the cost of admission... if, that is, you don't already own the Ultimate Edition Blu-ray releases of the first six films. With Ultimate Edition releases of The Deathly Hallows, Part 1 and Part 2 due later this year (which will no doubt include photo books and other pack-ins like previous UE's), the Wizard's Collection will only really net you special packaging and collectibles, an exclusive 48-page hardcover book (titled "Harry Potter Catalogue of Artefacts"), and the set's thirty-first disc, which offers three hours of exclusive extras.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

Disc 1: Theatrical and Extended versions of the film plus bonus content (BD)

Disc 2: Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 1: The Magic Begins and other bonus content (BD)

Disc 3: Additional bonus content (DVD)

Disc 4: Theatrical version of the film (DVD)



- See our previous review for video, audio and supplemental details







Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Disc 5: Theatrical and Extended versions of the film plus bonus content (BD)

Disc 6: Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 2: Characters and other bonus content (BD)

Disc 7: Additional bonus content (DVD)

Disc 8: Theatrical version of the film (DVD)



- See our previous review for video, audio and supplemental details







Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Disc 9: Theatrical version of the film plus bonus content (BD)

Disc 10: Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 3: Creatures and other bonus content (BD)

Disc 11: Additional bonus content (DVD)

Disc 12: Theatrical version of the film (DVD)



- See our previous review for video, audio and supplemental details







Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Disc 13: Theatrical version of the film plus bonus content (BD)

Disc 14: Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 4: Sound & Music and other bonus content (BD)

Disc 15: Additional bonus content (DVD)

Disc 16: Theatrical version of the film (DVD)



- See our previous review for video, audio and supplemental details







Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Disc 17: Theatrical version of the film plus bonus content (BD)

Disc 18: Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 5: Evolution and other bonus content (BD)

Disc 19: Theatrical version of the film (DVD)



- See our previous review for video, audio and supplemental details







Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

Disc 20: Theatrical version of the film plus bonus content (BD)

Disc 21: Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 6: Magical Effects and other bonus content (BD)

Disc 22: Theatrical version of the film (DVD)



- See our previous review for video, audio and supplemental details







Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1

Disc 23: Theatrical version of the film plus bonus content (BD)

Disc 24: 3D version of the film (BD)

Disc 25: New! Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 7: Story and other bonus content (BD)

Disc 26: Theatrical version of the film (DVD)



- See our previous review for 3D, video and audio details

- Additional bonus content breakdown can be found below

- You can also pre-order the upcoming Ultimate Edition release here







Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2

Disc 27: Theatrical version of the film plus bonus content (BD)

Disc 28: 3D version of the film (BD)

Disc 29: New! Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 8: Growing Up and other bonus content (BD)

Disc 30: Theatrical version of the film (DVD)



- See our previous review for 3D, video and audio details

- Additional bonus content breakdown can be found below

- You can also pre-order the upcoming Ultimate Edition release here







Exclusive Wizard's Collection Bonus Content

Disc 31: New! "Extended & Definitive" extras and other special features (BD)



- Bonus content breakdown can be found below

Harry Potter Wizard's Collection Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras



The box itself (12¾" x 10½" x 11¼"), though surprisingly small, is smartly designed and quite handsome. Built on a series of swing-out and slide-out drawers and cubbies that hold all of the set's discs and collectibles, its contents are securely packaged and neatly contained. Each film's discs are housed snuggly in their own individually themed book-like case (complete with thick, sturdy pages), and only one -- the set's thirty-first disc -- is relegated to a paper sleeve. As for collectibles, you'll find a 48-page hardcover book, a 32-page "Harry Potter Label Collection" booklet, an envelope containing five black-and-white Stuart Craig drawings printed on heavy-stock cards, another series of cards featuring concept art paintings (in color), a large 24" x 36" cloth map of the Hogwarts grounds (pictured below), a Holocrux locket replica, a weathered blueprint poster of the Hogwarts castle, and a numbered certificate of authenticity. The set's thirty-one discs break down as follows:As a gift for afanatic with enough shelf space to display the box, theis ideal. As a complete series box set, it delivers everything a fan could hope for (minus easily shelved, standard-sized cases for each film). As a high-priced, high-quality collectible, it justifies its price point. And while it will certainly be seen by some as an over-priced double-dip, collectors who aren't concerned with the cost will be thoroughly satisfied.

On to the special features! Rather than outline 31-discs worth of supplemental content, though, I've chosen to focus on the three discs that offer content that hasn't been made available to date. Discs 25 and 29 will presumably be a part of the upcoming Deathly Hallows Ultimate Edition releases (due to arrive this fall), while Disc 31 is set to remain a Wizard's Collection exclusive.





Disc 25: The Deathly Hallows, Part 1 Additional Bonus Content





Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 7: Story (HD, 47 minutes): The seventh entry in the sprawling "Creating the World of Harry Potter" documentary, which has been released one part a time via the films' Ultimate Edition Blu-ray releases, isn't a full-fledged production documentary. But that isn't a bad thing by any means. Instead, series author J.K. Rowling and saga screenwriter Steve Kloves sit down for an equally sprawling conversation (recorded in July of 2011) about creating, developing and adapting the story behind the Harry Potter books and adaptations. The two discuss challenges they faced, changes that were made, shortcomings in the films (Kloves points to the CG realization of Dobby in the early films), and everything from abandoned concepts to the revelation (off the page and off screen) of Dumbledore's sexuality. If there's any disappointment -- and there isn't really many to contend with -- it's that Kloves eventually (granted, after thirty long minutes) slips into the role of interviewer, tossing out more questions to Rowling rather than answering questions or offering insight of his own.

(HD, 47 minutes): The seventh entry in the sprawling "Creating the World of Harry Potter" documentary, which has been released one part a time via the films' Ultimate Edition Blu-ray releases, isn't a full-fledged production documentary. But that isn't a bad thing by any means. Instead, series author J.K. Rowling and saga screenwriter Steve Kloves sit down for an equally sprawling conversation (recorded in July of 2011) about creating, developing and adapting the story behind the books and adaptations. The two discuss challenges they faced, changes that were made, shortcomings in the films (Kloves points to the CG realization of Dobby in the early films), and everything from abandoned concepts to the revelation (off the page and off screen) of Dumbledore's sexuality. If there's any disappointment -- and there isn't really many to contend with -- it's that Kloves eventually (granted, after thirty long minutes) slips into the role of interviewer, tossing out more questions to Rowling rather than answering questions or offering insight of his own. The Deathly Hallows, Part 1 : Behind the Magic (HD, 44 minutes): This television special (previously available on the 4-disc Best Buy exclusive version of Part 1 ) gushes over the seventh entry in the Potter franchise to somewhat distracting, somewhat vague ends, but it's a pre-release television special, so what are you gonna do? It also covers a lot of ground covered in other Part 1 supplements and goes through portions of the movie plot point by plot point, making it more of a sprightly, entry-level doc designed for the whole family. There are plenty of interviews, though, which is certainly a plus, as well as a lot of behind-the-scenes footage; enough to give completists reason to pore through its 44-minutes for anecdotes and tidbits that aren't featured elsewhere.

(HD, 44 minutes): This television special (previously available on the 4-disc Best Buy exclusive version of ) gushes over the seventh entry in the franchise to somewhat distracting, somewhat vague ends, but it's a pre-release television special, so what are you gonna do? It also covers a lot of ground covered in other supplements and goes through portions of the movie plot point by plot point, making it more of a sprightly, entry-level doc designed for the whole family. There are plenty of interviews, though, which is certainly a plus, as well as a lot of behind-the-scenes footage; enough to give completists reason to pore through its 44-minutes for anecdotes and tidbits that aren't featured elsewhere. Harry Potter on the Road (HD, 20 minutes): In this featurette (also previously available on the 4-disc Best Buy exclusive version), follow the production crew all over the UK to location shoots that took the series, and more specifically the seventh film, out of Hogwarts and into the cities, small towns, countryside and wild, wintry forests of England. Visit The Burrows for a wedding, Piccadilly Circus for a flight and a fight, Burnham Beeches for Holocrux tinkering, Glen Entive for a day in Scotland, Godrick's Hollow in and around Pinewood Studios for an emotional scene, the Lovegood's House and beyond.

(HD, 20 minutes): In this featurette (also previously available on the 4-disc Best Buy exclusive version), follow the production crew all over the UK to location shoots that took the series, and more specifically the seventh film, out of Hogwarts and into the cities, small towns, countryside and wild, wintry forests of England. Visit The Burrows for a wedding, Piccadilly Circus for a flight and a fight, Burnham Beeches for Holocrux tinkering, Glen Entive for a day in Scotland, Godrick's Hollow in and around Pinewood Studios for an emotional scene, the Lovegood's House and beyond. The Deathly Hallows, Part 1 : Behind the Story Featurettes (HD, 82 minutes): Fourteen production featurettes are included as well. Nine that are new to the film -- "The Return of the Order," "Scabior and Greyback," "Dobby's Farewell," "The Look of Bill Weasley," "The Weasleys," "The State of Evil," "The New Guys," "One Book, Two Movies" and "The Wizarding Prop Shop" -- and five from the November 2011 Blu-ray release of the film -- "The Seven Harrys," "On the Green with Rupert, Tom, Oliver and James," "Dan, Rupert and Emma's Running Competition," "Godric's Hollow and the Harry & Nagini Battle" and "The Frozen Lake."

(HD, 82 minutes): Fourteen production featurettes are included as well. Nine that are new to the film -- "The Return of the Order," "Scabior and Greyback," "Dobby's Farewell," "The Look of Bill Weasley," "The Weasleys," "The State of Evil," "The New Guys," "One Book, Two Movies" and "The Wizarding Prop Shop" -- and five from the November 2011 Blu-ray release of the film -- "The Seven Harrys," "On the Green with Rupert, Tom, Oliver and James," "Dan, Rupert and Emma's Running Competition," "Godric's Hollow and the Harry & Nagini Battle" and "The Frozen Lake." Deleted Scenes (HD, 11 minutes): Eight Deathly Hallows, Part 1 deleted scenes in all, each one -- "The Burrows Shed," "The Dursley House," "Dudley and Harry," "The Granger House," "Ministry of Magic Lifts," "Tent," "Rabbit Chase in the Forest" and "Ron and Hermione Skimming Stones" -- well worth watching. While some would have certainly proved detrimental to pacing and tone, others would have been a tremendous asset to the narrative. "The Burrows" offers a quiet, bittersweet exchange, "The Dursley House" provides a rare glimpse into the Dursley matriarch's soul, "Rabbit Chase" indulges in visual and thematic parallels that would have made later scenes in the film resonate even more, and "Skimming Stones" centers around a simple but touching beat in Ron and Hermione's relationship.

(HD, 11 minutes): Eight deleted scenes in all, each one -- "The Burrows Shed," "The Dursley House," "Dudley and Harry," "The Granger House," "Ministry of Magic Lifts," "Tent," "Rabbit Chase in the Forest" and "Ron and Hermione Skimming Stones" -- well worth watching. While some would have certainly proved detrimental to pacing and tone, others would have been a tremendous asset to the narrative. "The Burrows" offers a quiet, bittersweet exchange, "The Dursley House" provides a rare glimpse into the Dursley matriarch's soul, "Rabbit Chase" indulges in visual and thematic parallels that would have made later scenes in the film resonate even more, and "Skimming Stones" centers around a simple but touching beat in Ron and Hermione's relationship. The Deathly Hallows, Part 2 Sneak Peek (HD, 4 minutes): In the interest of throwing everything into the blender comes this sequel sneak peek, which once upon a time gave audiences a glimpse at the eighth and final Potter film.

(HD, 4 minutes): In the interest of throwing everything into the blender comes this sequel sneak peek, which once upon a time gave audiences a glimpse at the eighth and final film. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Promotional Tour (HD, 6 minutes): Radcliffe and his castmates, J.K. Rowling and other VIPs visit the new, admittedly amazing "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort and get up close and personal with its magical attractions.

(HD, 6 minutes): Radcliffe and his castmates, J.K. Rowling and other VIPs visit the new, admittedly amazing "Wizarding World of Harry Potter" theme park at the Universal Orlando Resort and get up close and personal with its magical attractions. Behind the Soundtrack (HD, 4 minutes): This all-too-brief short turns its attention to Alexandre Desplat's haunting score and explores the ways in which it enhances the film as a whole.

(HD, 4 minutes): This all-too-brief short turns its attention to Alexandre Desplat's haunting score and explores the ways in which it enhances the film as a whole. Trailers (HD, 5 minutes): A teaser and a theatrical trailer for The Deathly Hallows, Part 1.

Disc 29: The Deathly Hallows, Part 2 Additional Bonus Content

Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 8: Growing Up (HD, 50 minutes): The eight-part "Creating the World of Harry Potter" mega-documentary at long last reaches its conclusion, and ends exactly where it started: with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson as they and their fellow cast and crew look back on the extraordinary ten-year journey that was the Harry Potter film saga.

(HD, 50 minutes): The eight-part "Creating the World of Harry Potter" mega-documentary at long last reaches its conclusion, and ends exactly where it started: with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson as they and their fellow cast and crew look back on the extraordinary ten-year journey that was the film saga. The Deathly Hallows, Part 2 : Behind the Magic (HD/SD, 47 minutes): Yet another pre-theatrical release television special, this time focused on the series' long-awaited eighth and final film. There are interviews, behind-the-scenes bits and pieces, set visits and other goodies that aren't available as part of the other special features, but there aren't many undiscovered corners of the Potter filmverse. Only the most diehard completists and supplemental junkies need apply.

(HD/SD, 47 minutes): Yet another pre-theatrical release television special, this time focused on the series' long-awaited eighth and final film. There are interviews, behind-the-scenes bits and pieces, set visits and other goodies that aren't available as part of the other special features, but there aren't many undiscovered corners of the filmverse. Only the most diehard completists and supplemental junkies need apply. A Conversation with Rowling and Radcliffe: Extended Version (HD, 63 minutes): Extended from 53 to 63-minutes, this conversation is a must-see extra that first appeared (in its shorter form) on the November 2011 Part 2 Blu-ray release. Rowling and Radcliffe have a wonderful rapport and lovely senses of humor, and this insightful, all-too-engaging hour-long chat is easily one of the best features on the disc, if not one of the best special features to appear on any Potter release to date. Over the course of their winningly candid, rapidfire conversation, they delve into Radcliffe's casting, the character of Harry, Rowling's role in the films' production, the story and its themes, the details about future books Rowling shared with different members of the cast and crew, favorite characters and moments, and much, much more.

(HD, 63 minutes): Extended from 53 to 63-minutes, this conversation is a must-see extra that first appeared (in its shorter form) on the November 2011 Blu-ray release. Rowling and Radcliffe have a wonderful rapport and lovely senses of humor, and this insightful, all-too-engaging hour-long chat is easily one of the best features on the disc, if not one of the best special features to appear on any Potter release to date. Over the course of their winningly candid, rapidfire conversation, they delve into Radcliffe's casting, the character of Harry, Rowling's role in the films' production, the story and its themes, the details about future books Rowling shared with different members of the cast and crew, favorite characters and moments, and much, much more. The Deathly Hallows, Part 2 : Behind the Story Featurettes (HD, 43 minutes): Seven featurettes are available. One carryover from the 2011 release -- "The Goblins of Gringotts" -- and six new to the Wizard's Collection : "The Great Hall of Hogwarts," "Ron and Hermione's Kiss," "That's a Wrap, Harry Potter," "Neville's Battle Makeup," "The Gringotts Disguises" and "The Courtyard Confrontation."

(HD, 43 minutes): Seven featurettes are available. One carryover from the 2011 release -- "The Goblins of Gringotts" -- and six new to the : "The Great Hall of Hogwarts," "Ron and Hermione's Kiss," "That's a Wrap, Harry Potter," "Neville's Battle Makeup," "The Gringotts Disguises" and "The Courtyard Confrontation." The Deathly Hallows, Part 2 : The Quest Featurettes (HD, 52 minutes): As if all that weren't enough, sixteen shorter featurettes are tacked on: "Emma Watson Gets a Red Card," "Daniel Radcliffe Discusses His Mentors," "The Secrets of Flight," "Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort," "A Look Back at Serverus Snape," " Part 2 London Premiere," "The Love Life of Ron Weasley," "A Look Back at Harry's Favorite Family," "Dumbledore and Harry: A Look Back," "Favorite Lines with the Cast," "Favorite Props and Costumes," "Riding Along Memory Lane," "Finding Luna: A Dream Come True," "A Tribute to Dobby," "A Special Message to the Fans" and "The Cast Says Goodbye."

(HD, 52 minutes): As if all that weren't enough, sixteen shorter featurettes are tacked on: "Emma Watson Gets a Red Card," "Daniel Radcliffe Discusses His Mentors," "The Secrets of Flight," "Ralph Fiennes as Voldemort," "A Look Back at Serverus Snape," " London Premiere," "The Love Life of Ron Weasley," "A Look Back at Harry's Favorite Family," "Dumbledore and Harry: A Look Back," "Favorite Lines with the Cast," "Favorite Props and Costumes," "Riding Along Memory Lane," "Finding Luna: A Dream Come True," "A Tribute to Dobby," "A Special Message to the Fans" and "The Cast Says Goodbye." Deleted Scenes (HD, 7 minutes): While you won't find anything extraordinary or extraordinarily revealing in Part 2 's eight deleted scenes, fans will enjoy seeing the little moments Yates left on the cutting room floor, even those that are unfinished. Scenes include "Shell Cottage," "Grave on the Beach," "Hog's Head," "Marble Staircase: Harry & Ginny," "Wooden Bridge," "Hogwart's Battlements," "Slytherin Dungeons" and "Marble Staircase: Ron & Hermione."

(HD, 7 minutes): While you won't find anything extraordinary or extraordinarily revealing in 's eight deleted scenes, fans will enjoy seeing the little moments Yates left on the cutting room floor, even those that are unfinished. Scenes include "Shell Cottage," "Grave on the Beach," "Hog's Head," "Marble Staircase: Harry & Ginny," "Wooden Bridge," "Hogwart's Battlements," "Slytherin Dungeons" and "Marble Staircase: Ron & Hermione." Hogwart's Last Stand: Extended Version (HD, 30 minutes): A dissection of the themes, characters and battles that comprise the films' final showdown; a climactic conflict that takes place over the majority of The Deathly Hallows, Part 2 .

(HD, 30 minutes): A dissection of the themes, characters and battles that comprise the films' final showdown; a climactic conflict that takes place over the majority of . The Women of Harry Potter (HD, 23 minutes): A lengthy, in-depth look at the strong, atypical heroines and women that populate Rowling's books and the world of the films.

(HD, 23 minutes): A lengthy, in-depth look at the strong, atypical heroines and women that populate Rowling's books and the world of the films. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London (HD, 2 minutes): Go behind-the-scenes of the UK attraction.

(HD, 2 minutes): Go behind-the-scenes of the UK attraction. Pottermore Preview (HD, 1 minute): Rowling introduces her new website, Pottermore.

(HD, 1 minute): Rowling introduces her new website, Pottermore. Trailers (HD, 5 minutes): Part 2's teaser and theatrical trailers.

Disc 31: Exclusive Wizard's Collection Bonus Disc

When Harry Left Hogwarts - Extended Version (HD, 87 minutes): Previously available in a 45-minute version on the 4-disc Target exclusive release of The Deathly Hallows, Part 2 , this is a must-see. Hear candid and emotional stories about the final days on set in this particularly touching (and extended!) look at the final scenes, the final fights, the final takes, the final hurrahs and, of course, the final farewells of the Harry Potter cast and crew. This is, hands down, one of the best Potter documentaries and extras in the entirety of the set, and it's almost fitting that it would be exclusive to such an expensive, perhaps ultimate collection of the film series.

(HD, 87 minutes): Previously available in a 45-minute version on the 4-disc Target exclusive release of , this is a must-see. Hear candid and emotional stories about the final days on set in this particularly touching (and extended!) look at the final scenes, the final fights, the final takes, the final hurrahs and, of course, the final farewells of the cast and crew. This is, hands down, one of the best documentaries and extras in the entirety of the set, and it's almost fitting that it would be exclusive to such an expensive, perhaps ultimate collection of the film series. The 50 Greatest Harry Potter Moments - Definitive Version (HD, 64 minutes): From The Sorcerer's Stone to The Deathly Hallows, Part 2 , take a look at the eight-film screen adaptation's finest fifty moments. More than a countdown, though, this special serves up more than an hour of interviews with the casts and crews, behind-the-scenes footage and, naturally, a rundown of the series' most exciting, game-changing, intense and emotional moments.

(HD, 64 minutes): From to , take a look at the eight-film screen adaptation's finest fifty moments. More than a countdown, though, this special serves up more than an hour of interviews with the casts and crews, behind-the-scenes footage and, naturally, a rundown of the series' most exciting, game-changing, intense and emotional moments. Designing the World of Harry Potter (HD, 23 minutes): But wait, there's more! Join production designer Stuart Craig and his creative team as they examine the magic, sleight of hand, and tricks of the trade they used to bring the world of Harry Potter to life and how their designs evolved and changed over the course of eight films.

(HD, 23 minutes): But wait, there's more! Join production designer Stuart Craig and his creative team as they examine the magic, sleight of hand, and tricks of the trade they used to bring the world of Harry Potter to life and how their designs evolved and changed over the course of eight films. Secrets Revealed! Quidditch (HD, 11 minutes): So wait... they didn't have real magic brooms? Go into the FX studio and learn how the crew married practical and visual effects to deliver on the promise and potential of Rowling's flying sport.

(HD, 11 minutes): So wait... they didn't have real magic brooms? Go into the FX studio and learn how the crew married practical and visual effects to deliver on the promise and potential of Rowling's flying sport. Secrets Revealed! Hagrid (HD, 11 minutes): Scale doubles and forced perspective, not potions, helped turn Robbie Coltrane into a broad, towering giant (well, half-giant/half-troll) of a man. Uncover the particulars of that transformation here.

(HD, 11 minutes): Scale doubles and forced perspective, not potions, helped turn Robbie Coltrane into a broad, towering giant (well, half-giant/half-troll) of a man. Uncover the particulars of that transformation here. The Harry Potters You Never Met (HD, 11 minutes): The films' stunt doubles finally step into the spotlight.

Harry Potter Wizard's Collection Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation



The beautifully boxed 31-discis the stuff Christmas gifts are made of, and the sort of expensive, seemingly unobtainable collector's set a rabid fan might find himself drooling over in a store, wondering which of his credit cards could accommodate his sudden urge to splurge. The set, though, could have just as easily been called, as it collects the series' six previous UE Blu-ray releases as well as its upcomingUE releases. That leaves little in terms of actual exclusive content -- a bonus disc with more than three hours of exclusive extras, a hardcover book and a pile of collectibles -- meaning those who already own the first six Ultimate Editions may want to wait and spend $60 rather than $350 to round out their UE set. But if you can't live without everyspecial feature and collectible or haven't made the full plunge into thefilmverse, thewon't disappoint.