Earlier this week it was announced that the Harry Potter films will be deleted on DVD and Blu Ray at the end of the year. It was clear they would be rereleased at some point in the foreseeable future, Warner Bros aren’t likely to retire their most profitable franchise so quickly.
It’s a move that clearly has the future earnings for the multi billion dollar franchise at heart. Unless they do a product recall of remaining copies in retailers, it’s difficult to imagine they will run out over night. That said, nothing excites the fans more than a special edition rerelease.
What does look likely is that when they do come back they will be extended versions of the film. We have seen from the DVD releases before that there was always a wealth of cut material, so maybe a Lord of The Rings style deluxe extended edition is the way Warner will go. No details have been announced this is mere speculation at the moment.
George Lucas is giving Star Wars a cinema re-re-re-re-re-re release only this time with the added insult of 3D. So it’s entirely possible that the Harry Potter films may find its extended way back to cinemas, in 3D.
If this is what transpires I hope 3D technology can be further developed and advanced by then, I really enjoyed Deathly Hallows Part 2 it was a fitting end to the series but I had to go see it again in 2D to work out who died.
One thing we do know is that on November 21st Ultimate Editions are released on Blu Ray. Sadly no extended editions this time round, but there’s a wealth of new special features. There’s a feature length documentary split over 6 parts, unseen screen tests, a collectable book, character cards and deluxe packaging.