Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 (4K Ultra HD + Blu-Ray)

Official Synopsis:

“Harry, Ron and Hermoine set out to track down and destroy the secret to Voldemort’s power –the Horcruxes. The three must rely on one another more than ever…but Dark Forces threaten to tear them apart.”

The Deathly Hallows, split into two films and perhaps one of the darkest of the collection, follows Harry and crew as the world they knew has quickly changed and they must deal with dark forces all around them.  As Harry watches his relatives move out, Hermoine wipes the memory of her existence from her parents, this really is a point of no return for the young wizards. Harry’s friends and protectors comes to him in a panic, telling him that Voldemort is coming for him, and they all offer to act as decoys to get Harry to safety. What follows is one of the most thrilling chases in the movie collection. Not everyone in the group makes it to the safety of the Weasley household unfortunately, which is the location of a wedding between Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour, during which Harry, Ron and Hermoine receive a visit from the new Minister of Magic who gives them items left to them by Dumbledore in his will. As the wedding commences, Voldemort’s forces attack, causing Harry, Ron and Hermoine to apparate away and go into hiding, while continuing their search for the Horcruxes in which Voldemort has placed pieces of his soul.

This first act has a lot of information, and the film does its best to explain it to those who have not read the books. There are, however, quite a few pieces missing as several new characters appear with a single line to introduce them into a world in which they were established with more time and care. Not much explanation is given as to why they are holding a wedding on this date, much of any information about Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour either. Bits of development are offered, as Tonks begins to tell Harry some news about her and Remus, which is dismissed as Moody bursts in, interrupting the announcement for good. Although it is understandable that a 607 page book needs to cut down a few things here and there, it does cause a bit of confusion for the average movie-goer who has not read the book to know what is happening.

The second act is like an entirely new film, as Harry, Ron and Hermoine track down one of the Horcruxes and perform kind of a heist as they infiltrate the Ministry of Magic to retrieve it. Once they do, the three wander the wilds of the countryside, staying hidden from Snatchers and trying to solve the puzzle of how to destroy the Horcrux they have. Frustrations rise, and the negative, dark energy from the Horcrux splits the group, causing Ron to leave. Months pass, and as Harry and Hermoine discover the secret to destroying the Horcruxes, Ron returns just in time to save Harry and destroy the amulet. The trio, now searching for clues for the next Horcrux, learn about the Deathly Hallows, the source of which Voldemort is searching for.

This second act brings a new type of beauty to the film, with gorgeous outdoor locations which add a bit of light to an already very dark film. Pacing isn’t nearly as fast, giving the viewer time to understand what’s going on, and also contribute some development to the characters. Although it may seem to stand still at times, these are the moments where the film truly shines, as the relationship between the three main characters are explored during the darkest of times and the effect that it is having on each of them.

The third act continues as the three wizards are on the run from Voldemort’s forces that attack them without warning. As soon as they escape they are discovered by Snatchers and give chase through the forest. Before being caught, Hermoine casts a spell to disfigure Harry’s face not to be recognized. The three are then taken to the Malfoy home to be identified and turned over to the Dark Lord.

The third act wraps up Part 1 nicely, with some beautiful and tragic scenes. It ends at a nice point in the story which is easily picked up in Part 2.

Video

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 is presented in 4k in 2160p Ultra High Definition 2.4:1. The 4K release, as the others in the collection, is simply astonishing. Colors are vivid, deep and absolutely brilliant, as Deathly Hallows Part 1 has some very unique and gorgeous locations in which the 4k is truly noticeable.

The Blu-ray disc is also included, which is presented in 1080p High Definition 2.4:1.

Audio

The audio is presented in DTS:X and sounds astonishing. This is one of the more action-packed films, which high energy chases and fights, really utilizing the full capability of the surrounds. Levels are consistent throughout, never overpowering the center channel. Complete with an impressive score that really adds to the film, the audio is something quite spectacular.

Special Features

As with the other releases, there is no new material added for this set. All of the special features are included on a bonus disc, as well as the Blu-ray disc itself.

On the Blu-ray disc you’re going to see:

• Maximum Movie Mode – Prepare for the final battle as you watch the film with host Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) and other cast and crew while they interact with the movie to unravel the mysteries of the Dark Lord’s past. Includes book-passage readings, in-depth video segments and horcrux revelations.

Normally, I don’t like the special features that interrupt the film as I’m watching it. For this, however, it was incredibly informative, especially to someone who has not read the book as it answered many of the questions I had during my initial viewing. It flawlessly blends interviews, book readings, and deleted scenes to give you a fascinating insight to the film.

• Focus Points
  • The Last Days of Privet Drive
  • Hagrid’s Motorbike
  • Magical Tents!
  • Death Eaters Attack Café
  • Creating Dobby and Kreacher
  • The Return of Griphook

On the Bonus Disc, you’re going to see:

• Behind the Story
  • Creating the World of Harry Potter Part 7: Story (47:28)
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1: Behind the Magic (44:09)
  • Harry Potter: On the Road (19:37)
  • The Return of the Order (05:35)
  • Scabior and Greyback (04:10)
  • Dobby’s Farewell (04:28)
  • The Look of Bill Weasley (03:41)
  • The Weasleys (03:33)
  • The State of Evil (09:58)
  • The New Guys (07:06)
  • One Book, Two Movies (04:38)
  • The Wizarding Prop Shop (05:28)
  • The Seven Harrys (05:29)
  • On the Green with Rupert, Tom, Oliver and James (13:38)
  • Dan, Rupert and Emma’s Running Competition (02:45)
  • Godric’s Hollow / The Harry and Nagini Battle (06:00)
  • The Frozen Lake (04:10)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 Sneak Peek
• Deleted Scenes
• Trailers

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 is one of the darker films of the franchise, and also one of the most exciting. This 4k release demonstrates the difference in quality of the new medium, and is gorgeous on every level. Fans of the franchise that have the ability to see and hear these differences with their home theatre set-up will want to add these films to their collection.