Warner Brothers / 2010 / 146 Minutes / Rated PG-13
Street Date: April 15, 2011
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson
Director: David Yates
Plot Synopsis: 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.
Disc Features:
Disc 1
- The Last Days of Privet Drive (HD, 2 min.)
- Hagrid's Motorbike (HD, 4 min.)
- Magical Tents! (HD, 2 min.)
- Creating Dobby and Kreacher (HD, 4 min.)
- The Return of Griphook (HD, 4 min.)
- The Seven Harrys (HD, 5 min.) — The special effects for the Polyjuice Potion scene at the beginning are explained..
- On the Green with Rupert, Tom, Oliver, and James (HD, 13 min.)
- Dan, Rupert, and Emma's Running Competition (HD, 3 min.)
- Godric's Hollow/The Harry and Nagini Battle (HD, 6 min.) — Shooting Godric's Hollow and the battle between Harry and Voldemort's snake is discussed here with the cast and crew.
- The Frozen Lake (HD, 4 min.) — The lake scene where Harry finds himself being strangled by the locket is discussed here. You're able to see exactly how they filmed it and what it took.
- Additional Scenes (HD, 11 min.) — Eight scenes are included here. As a person who hasn't read the books I enjoyed the simple scene used to explain the radio that Ron carries around with him. I also really liked the scene between Harry and Mrs. Drusley who has a rare special moment with Harry. There's a funny scene that involves Ron and Harry disguised as Ministry workers who take an elevator ride with Mr. Weasley. Most of the scenes here would have been nice to have in the movie for Harry Potter dummies like me. They're good filler scenes that help explain more about certain objects and help explain character's motives.
- 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1: Behind the Soundtrack (HD, 4 min.) —
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Promotional Trailer (HD, 6 min.) — The Universal
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