On March 7, 2006, the Academy-Award-nominated film “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” arrived in stores. Based on the fourth book of J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series, the film came to theaters in November 2005, drawing over $102.3 million the first weekend (Veritaserum.net). The DVD itself was a big success as well, selling five million copies the first day of release, and making it the “top selling DVD for this year” (breathoffreshink.com).”Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire,” directed by Mike Newell and starring Dan Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione), and Rupert Grint (Ron), tells the story of Harry Potter’s fourth year at Hogwart’s School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. A surprise awaits the students when they arrive-the holding of the Triwizard Tournament. Three students, generally, are selected to compete and are expected to take on three intense tasks to prove themselves worthy of eternal glory. Unfortunately, Harry’s name unexpectedly comes out of the Goblet, throwing him unwillingly into danger once again.
Two versions of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire” DVD were released, including a single disk edition and a dual-disk collectors’ edition. Of course, there is also the wide screen and full screen option. If that is not enough, a HD DVD will be released in addition to the regular DVD (veritaeserum.net). The dual disk edition includes many interesting features, including behind the scenes footage, deleted scenes, interactive games, and also, a Hogwarts timeline and a video game demo. It also includes commentary with director Mike Newell, which, according to veritaeserum.net, has not been done before on other Harry Potter DVDs.
Some of the behind the scenes features include preparation for the Yule Ball scene, conversations with the cast (Dan, Emma and Rupert, specifically), as well as describing the process of transforming Ralph Fiennes into the villain, Lord Voldemort. Deleted scenes include the singing of the Hogwarts’ theme song for the foreign guests, an extended version of the “Do the Hippogriff,” which, according to Mike Newell, includes the first “Hogwarts Mosh pit.” Other deleted scenes include more confrontation with Harry and Cho Chang, and interactions between Hogwarts students and their guests.
For Harry Potter fans, this is certainly not something to miss! “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”, though it was not nominated for an Academy Award, is by far the best of the four movies. Pick up your copy today.