While all eight films are out on Blu-ray, the last four come to 4K Blu-ray this week and promise to be worth the asking price. The content hasn't changed but the quality is just a little higher standard and any Potterhead or technology junkie would be remiss to not add the latest version of these films to their collection. Eventually, 4K will be the standard in most homes, and these are certainly worth owning, so you might as well get them now before you can't.
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is the most maturity we have seen from the cast to date. We have watched our three main characters grow up and finally become adults. We see a less goofy Ron (Rupert Grint; Snatch), the as-always logical Hermione Granger (Emma Watson; Beauty and the Beast), and the boy-like innocence finally fully leave Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe: The Woman in Black). These talented actors are fully the stars of this film and they carry their newfound responsibility beautifully.
The Deathly Hallows: Part 1 finds the groups still reeling from the death of Dumbledore (Michael Gambon; Sleepy Hollow), yet tasked with the responsibility to find and destroy the horcruxes. Harry feels the burden to take this journey alone in order to protect those he loves but Hermione and Ron both prove to be valuable allies and are necessary to Harry's success. However, as they get closer to their destination, the film takes a darker turn as is reflected in the direction of David Yates (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them) and the somber tone of the script.
The 2160p high definition video has a 2.41:1 aspect ratio which makes it as high quality as the transfer will allow. The picture is a little grainy but that may be intentional as well. The color palette of this film is decidedly darker and while the blacks are brilliant the overall feel is more gray and dreary than the previous films. The DTS:X audio is spectacular and the dialogue and sound effects are clear and sharp with no loss of tone.
The 4k does not offer any new extras but the regular Blu-ray has a great number of previously released segments that total over 5 hours. These extras include: Creating the World of Harry Potter Part 7: Story, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1: Behind the Magic, Harry Potter: On the Road, 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, The Wizarding Prop Shop, The Seven Harrys, On the Green with Rupert, Tom, Oliver, and James, Dan, Rupert and Emma's Running Competition, Godric's Hollow/The Harry and NiginiBattle, The Frozen Lake, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 Sneak Peek, Deleted Scenes, The WizardingWorld of Harry Potter Promo, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1: Behind the Soundtrack, Teaser Trailer, and Theatrical Release. Even though we've seen them before, they are enjoyable to watch more than once.
Just when you thought they couldn't improve upon the fantastic world of Harry Potter they manage to do it once again. Any true fan would be remiss if they didn't get the 4K versions of these films, as they will remain relevant and iconic for the next several decades. These discs are well worth the purchase price.
Grade: A
