Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 1 [DVD]

The storylines of Harry Potter are very imaginative and entertaining, but this viewer's enjoyment took a bit of a nose dive by the very low lighting levels of this installment which made large parts of the DVD virtually too dark to see clearly what was happening. Atmospheric for sure, but I prefer to see the characters & what they're up to not left to guess.

This one is for lovers of the books - not "non fans" or smug critics who do not appreciate the genius of JK Rowling or the original target audience she was aiming to reach with her books i.e 11 to 18 year olds. Or for those who harp on about how it is impossible to recreate the books as the media of film is so different - duhhh. With the money Warner's are making - anything is possible and thankfully this has come to pass.....

I think I have been to the cinema about 3 times in the last 10 years, but had to see this one. I was prepared to be a bit dissapointed, as I have been from Prisoner onwards. However this film is very close to the book, even going so far as to mop up plotlines missed or skirted around in the other films.
The tone of the movie is set from the outset, with poignant scenes of Hermione and Harry leaving their family homes never to return. Didn't even mind that they missed out Dudley's epiphany with regard to Harry.
The escape scene was comedic then epic in equal measure.
The wedding at the Burrow was rushed but all the important parts were there.
Criticism has been levelled at the long shots of the British countryside during the camping phase. I think that people who poo-poo these are missing the point - they set the tone of the character's isolation and separation from the rest of their world. Plus, what an advert for British tourism!
The finding of the Sword of Gryffindor and the visit to Godric's Hollow were spot on. The capture by the snatchers and the scenes at the Malfoy's manor were brilliant, thanks in no small part, to Helena Bonham-Carters joyously spiteful portrayal of Bellatrix. I'm also so glad they included Dobby this time as he has been a key character that was badly missed from previous efforts.

This film takes us as far as the arrival at Shell Cottage and of the theft of Dumbledore's wand by Voldermort. Assumedly, the next film will kick off with the break in of the Lestrange vault and the escape from Gringotts by dragon.

If the makers have given the same care and attention to the final film - I absolutely cannot wait!

The Deathly Hallows Part I is by far the best adaptation of the Harry Potter series so far. Whereas the Half Blood Prince took liberties with the plot by including new scenes and skmimming over those which perhaps ought to have been longer, this movie not only is unprecedentedly devoted to the book, but captures the feel of the book exactly, without being overly miserable. This is no mean feat, as the Deathly Hallows is the most difficult and harrowing of the books, particularly with much of it focusing on the trio camping in wildnerness, it could have become tired and repetetive but the movie was very well paced and these scenes were particularly well-handled by the director and actors.

I was literally on the edge of my seat for the dramatic, sinister and action-packed parts of the movie and the tensions was brilliantly dispersed throughout, making me jump when I least expected it. More than this, the film managed to be incredibly moving and poignant, while still lightening the mood occasionally with some much needed humour. Of course, there is much less humour in this movie than in its predecessors, but that is to be expected. One of my favourite scenes was in the beginning where Hermione, knowing the danger before her, wiped her parents' memories in order to protect them. Then she walks out of her home and down the street, alone and apparently empty handed, never to return. I would go as far as to say that in this scene the movie surpassed the book, and its poignancy was enhanced by Emma Watson's beatiful portrayal of Hermione, and this movie showcases her incredible talent. There was another particularly beautiful scene, also not actually in the book, where after Hermione and Harry have been left alone by Ron for some weeks, Harry and Hermione, both coming very close to despair, have a dance to a song on the radio in the tent, in an effort to regain some normality, be silly and carefree and cheer themselves up. It could have been crass but it was really touching and exemplified so much- the burden that these teenagers shoulder, who ought to be leading normal lives and enjoying themselves.

The cinematography was amazing, and most satisfyingly for me, places like the Malfoy mansion, Godric's Hollow, the Lovegoods' House and the wilderness locations were exactly as I had imagined them! Another reviewer has said that Daniel Radcliffe was the weakest link of the trio, and I can see why, but perhaps this is simply because Watson and Grint have grown so much and surpassed themselves, whereas Radcliffe has always been consistently good. Bill Nighy as Rufus Scrimgeour was also very good, as was a surprising Rhys Iffans as Luna Lovegood's father. There was also a nominal appearance of Dave from Gavin and Stacey!

This movie was absolutely stupendous, and as near faultless as I think the Harry Potter series can get. The only criticism I can make is not of the movie itself, but of how many young children I saw in my local cinema. This film is a PG 13- scary in parts (and there was one slightly raunchy scene), and I did feel that it wasn't suitable for young children. Otherwise excellent in every way!