Remember when the Harry Potter films went from being kind of just okay to freaking amazing? That was the work of director Alfonso Cuarón on the third film, The Prisoner of Azkaban, providing the franchise more style and character than the previous two films combined. After a wait of what seems like an eternity to me, Azkaban, along with its follow-up, The Goblet of Fire will be arriving in the Ultimate Edition format this October. If you read my reviews of the first two boxed sets, released last year, you’ll recall that I was extremely enthusiastic about what Warner is doing here. Sadly, this time around, we won’t be getting extended cuts of the films along with the theatrical. I’m fairly certain, however that the multitude of special features and extras in the boxes will more than make up for the absence.
HARRY POTTER AND THE PRISONER OF AZKABAN: ULTIMATE EDITION
(October 19, 2010 – MSRP $49.99)
Video: 2.40:1 VC-1 1080p
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Special Features:
Disc 1:
- The Movie
Disc 2:
- ALL NEW Special Features: Creating the World of Harry Potter Part 3: Creatures and featurette – Tour Nick Dudman’s Creature Shop
- An Interview in Spanish with Alfonso Cuarón
- 3 Vintage TV Specials: The Magic Touch of Harry Potter, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Something Wicked This Way Comes, The Making of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
- Theatrical Trailers
Disc 3:
- Additional Special Features: Featurettes – Creating the Vision: an interview with J.K. Rowling and the filmmakers, Conjuring a Scene: Creating Buckbeak and the Dementors for the screen; Additional Scenes and more
- 48-Page Creatures Photo Book with Rare Images from Years 1-7
- Two Collectible Character Cards: Hermione Granger, Sirius Black
- Year 3 Lenticular Card
- Bonus Digital Copy of the Theatrical Film
- Blu-ray Ultimate Edition Includes BD-Live Interactivity
HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF FIRE: ULTIMATE EDITION
(October 19, 2010 – MSRP $49.99)
Video: 2.40:1 VC-1 1080p
Audio: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1
Special Features:
Disc 1:
- The Movie
- BD Only: In-Movie Experience: Join Members of the Cast As They Share Memorable Moments, Personal Perspectives and Fun Facts While Watching the Movie!
Disc 2:
- ALL NEW Special Feature: Creating the World of Harry Potter Part 4: Sound & Music
- 5 Vintage TV Specials: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Behind the Magic; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Dark Matters, New Masters; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Some Animal Magic; Inside Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Disc 3:
- Additional Special Features: Featurettes – Preparing for the Yule Ball; conversations with the Cast; Reflections on the Fourth Film; and more
- 44-Page Sound & Music Photo Book with Rare Images from Years 1-7
- Two Collectible Character Cards: Ronald Weasley, Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moody
- Year 4 Lenticular Card
- Bonus Digital Copy of the Theatrical Film
- Blu-ray Ultimate Edition Includes BD-Live Interactivity