Saturday, July 22, 2023

DVD Review: Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts
(DVD 791.437 Har)

Absolutely charming and nostalgia-filled visit with many of the actors from the Harry Potter films, as they gathered in 2021 for interviews and private conversations to discuss the experience of being part of the Harry Potter film universe on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone‘s 2001 release.

 

To make things even more special, the interviews/conversations were filmed on the standing sets from the films, which have been available for tourists to visit since around 2013. In addition to the interviews/conversations, this documentary features a ton of behind-the-scenes footage from the filming of all 8 movies, as well as “home movie” footage and media-sourced coverage. Most of the primary cast are here — of course Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, who share what it was like growing up relying on each other’s friendship, but also under the eyes of the worldwide media. Directors Chris Columbus (#1 and #2), Alfonso Cuaron (#3), Mike Newell (#4), and David Yates (#5-8) offer their fascinating takes on the making of the movies. And a huge cast of other significant Harry Potter actor also offer their memories as well — Gary Oldman, Jason Isaacs, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Bonnie Wright, Tom Felton, Evanna Lynch, Matthew Lewis, Toby Jones, James and Oliver Phelps, and Robbie Coltrane, in his last on-screen appearance before his passing in 2022. The producers also pay tribute to the many Harry Potter actors who’ve passed away in the intervening years — including Richard Harris, Alan Rickman, John Hurt, Richard Griffiths and Helen McCrory.

 

For anyone who isn’t a Harry Potter fan or who hasn’t seen all the films in the series, this is not for you. But if you grew up on the Potter films and novels, and feel close to the actors and characters, this 102-minute documentary reassures you that these performers all still love each other and realize how important this series of films is to so many people all around the world.

 

I loved this program, and only subtract 1 point from a perfect “10” rating for the unfortunate absence of several of the film actors who weren’t able to participate in the making of the documentary, like Maggie Smith.

 

(If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try all of the Harry Potter films in the 8-film series)

 

( Internet Movie Database entry for this documentary )

 

Recommended by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service

 

Have you watched this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?


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