Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix HD-DVD
What?
This latest instalment sees a much darker, moodier Harry take on the role as makeshift teacher as he helps train fellow Hogwarts pupils in the art of defending themselves against the threat of the mighty Voldermort. The latest in the series of hit movies based on the phenomenally successful books by author J. K. Rolling, is the darkest yet. The mood has certainly changed from the fun, innocence of the first film, to a much more serious affair in every respect. The younger characters have all grown up a little more while the older characters, perhaps realising what lies ahead, have all become focused on their individual tasks and less on the pupils. The villains, well, they’re just badder and scarier than ever.
A darker Harry Potter is what most wanted to see, but some how, this latest chapter of the series is the weakest of the series so far. Certain elements hit the mark, certainly for someone who has no interest or knowledge of the books whatsoever. The opening sequence for example gets the film off to a great start as Harry is attacked by two Dementors in the real world. Unfortunately, the start doesn’t represent the majority of the film however. Too many moments drag, far too much of the film is, dare I say it, boring, and although one or two trademark set-pieces lift the film above dreaded mediocrity, they were not enough to stop me clock watching. Of course Rolling’s wonderful world has been brought to the screen with the usual amount of style, and many moments capture the imagination like many films try and fail to do. The cast is as strong as ever with many quality additions such as Helena Bonham Carter, while the original cast have all grown into their roles nicely. As a fan of the Harry Potter films I am of course disappointed with this installment. ‘Phoenix is some way away from the magic of previous films but enough quality is on show to tied any fan over until ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ in December 2008.
Optics:
This is what high definition is all about. If you are new to the format and you want to see just how good a transfer can look, then you need look no further. Harry Potter V looks stunning on HD-DVD in every respect.
Colours are bright, bold and striking, every shade and hue pops off the screen. Detail levels are very high whether talking about facial close ups or the rugged textures of Hogwart’s stone walls. The transfer as a whole is absolutely pin sharp throughout. It’s one of those transfers that, if you leave the room for a second, and then come back in, you are shocked at how good it looks when you return every time. I simply couldn’t fault this transfer no matter how hard I tried.
Sonics:
The first thing I noticed when listening via the TrueHD option was how much higher I had to turn the volume up on my amp than usual. I am used to having to do this every now and again with these next gen formats, but this was the highest I had to go in order to reach my preferred level. That aside, once adjusted to the correct level, the TrueHD track raised the roof. The clarity impressed me most with smooth, punchy low frequencies and subtle, delicate moments. Sound placement and separation also impressed, with individual effects coming from all speakers. The film’s finale is a great example of how good the track sounded and could be something of a demo sequence for anyone wishing to showcase the format. The TrueHD track really kicks into high gear as various wizards battle each other in an impressive set-piece. The track is so dynamic, with powerful lows, ear splitting highs and good use of the surrounds.
Extras:
The main extra here is Warner’s impressive In Movie Experience (IME) which plays out as a picture in picture feature as you watch the film. Here you get to see interviews with the cast, a large selection of making of featurettes and a trivia track. Also included on the first disc are three web enables features which unfortunately I could not access because my player is not connected to the internet. On disc two you will fine more making of featurettes plus a selection of deleted scenes.
Well?
For me this film is the weakest of the series so far and felt very much like a filler between ‘Azkaban and the forthcoming ‘Half Bllod Prince. I guess it was asking a little too much for every Harry Potter film to be a strong as each other. Thankfully Warner Brothers have put together a cracking HD-DVD that at least makes up for some of the film’s shortcomings.
Tom Day
This latest instalment sees a much darker, moodier Harry take on the role as makeshift teacher as he helps train fellow Hogwarts pupils in the art of defending themselves against the threat of the mighty Voldermort. The latest in the series of hit movies based on the phenomenally successful books by author J. K. Rolling, is the darkest yet. The mood has certainly changed from the fun, innocence of the first film, to a much more serious affair in every respect. The younger characters have all grown up a little more while the older characters, perhaps realising what lies ahead, have all become focused on their individual tasks and less on the pupils. The villains, well, they’re just badder and scarier than ever.
A darker Harry Potter is what most wanted to see, but some how, this latest chapter of the series is the weakest of the series so far. Certain elements hit the mark, certainly for someone who has no interest or knowledge of the books whatsoever. The opening sequence for example gets the film off to a great start as Harry is attacked by two Dementors in the real world. Unfortunately, the start doesn’t represent the majority of the film however. Too many moments drag, far too much of the film is, dare I say it, boring, and although one or two trademark set-pieces lift the film above dreaded mediocrity, they were not enough to stop me clock watching. Of course Rolling’s wonderful world has been brought to the screen with the usual amount of style, and many moments capture the imagination like many films try and fail to do. The cast is as strong as ever with many quality additions such as Helena Bonham Carter, while the original cast have all grown into their roles nicely. As a fan of the Harry Potter films I am of course disappointed with this installment. ‘Phoenix is some way away from the magic of previous films but enough quality is on show to tied any fan over until ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ in December 2008.
Optics:
This is what high definition is all about. If you are new to the format and you want to see just how good a transfer can look, then you need look no further. Harry Potter V looks stunning on HD-DVD in every respect.
Colours are bright, bold and striking, every shade and hue pops off the screen. Detail levels are very high whether talking about facial close ups or the rugged textures of Hogwart’s stone walls. The transfer as a whole is absolutely pin sharp throughout. It’s one of those transfers that, if you leave the room for a second, and then come back in, you are shocked at how good it looks when you return every time. I simply couldn’t fault this transfer no matter how hard I tried.
Sonics:
The first thing I noticed when listening via the TrueHD option was how much higher I had to turn the volume up on my amp than usual. I am used to having to do this every now and again with these next gen formats, but this was the highest I had to go in order to reach my preferred level. That aside, once adjusted to the correct level, the TrueHD track raised the roof. The clarity impressed me most with smooth, punchy low frequencies and subtle, delicate moments. Sound placement and separation also impressed, with individual effects coming from all speakers. The film’s finale is a great example of how good the track sounded and could be something of a demo sequence for anyone wishing to showcase the format. The TrueHD track really kicks into high gear as various wizards battle each other in an impressive set-piece. The track is so dynamic, with powerful lows, ear splitting highs and good use of the surrounds.
Extras:
The main extra here is Warner’s impressive In Movie Experience (IME) which plays out as a picture in picture feature as you watch the film. Here you get to see interviews with the cast, a large selection of making of featurettes and a trivia track. Also included on the first disc are three web enables features which unfortunately I could not access because my player is not connected to the internet. On disc two you will fine more making of featurettes plus a selection of deleted scenes.
Well?
For me this film is the weakest of the series so far and felt very much like a filler between ‘Azkaban and the forthcoming ‘Half Bllod Prince. I guess it was asking a little too much for every Harry Potter film to be a strong as each other. Thankfully Warner Brothers have put together a cracking HD-DVD that at least makes up for some of the film’s shortcomings.
Tom Day
Director:
David Yates
Starring:
Daniel Radcliffe
Emma Watson
Rupert Grint
Ralph Fiennes
Brendan Gleeson
Gary Oldman
Michael Gambon
Helena Bonham Carter
Best line:
Tagline:
"The Rebellion Begins."
Description:
Warner Bros
UK
2Hrs 12 Mins
2.40:1
(Anamorphic)
Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Dolby Digital Plus 5.1
In Movie Experience (IME)
Web enabled features
Deleted scenes
'The Hidden Secrets of Harry Potter'
'Trailing Tonks'
'Harry Potter: TheMagic of Editing'
Ratings: (Out of 5)
Film 6.0
Optics 10.0
Sonics 9.0
Extras 7.0
Overall 8.0
