Australian version of ‘Wizard’s Collection’ missing key features – A fan review
If you are like many of the devoted Harry Potter fans that have been collecting the enormous amount of merchandise that Warner Brothers has been putting out over the years, then you are probably also going to be getting the new Wizard’s Collection Blu-ray/DVD set that is being released tomorrow here in the US.
One of the main reasons fans are anxious for this collection is to complete one of the most spectacular special features that WB has produced: The 8-part Creating the World of Harry Potter that was only available on the Ultimate Editions collection. The first six parts were wonderfully designed and thoroughly enjoyable and it has made the fans hungry to see the last two parts: “Part 7: The Story” and “Part 8: Growing Up.”
In a bold move, Warner Brothers advertised that the full 8-part story would be made available on the Wizard’s Collection, but they never announced the release dates of the final two Ultimate Editions. Many fans speculated that the only way to get these final two parts would be to get the Wizard’s Collection set. This caused fans reactions to be extremely unpleasant as seen in our comments on MuggleNet as well as social media. Only recently, have we at MuggleNet discovered that the final two Ultimate Editions would indeed be released this coming October 16, but this was well after a majority of the pre-orders for the Wizard’s Collection were already made by fans. (For a complete list of the Wizard’s Collection contents, head on over to our DVDs & Special Editions page right here and click on the “Wizard’s Collection” tab.)
Wouldn’t it be catastrophic, if the final two-parts of the Creating the World of Harry Potter documentary were actually NOT included in the Wizard’s Collection as promised? One fan of MuggleNet in Australia received her Wizard’s Collection set and this is exactly what she videotaped and placed in her review right here:
It was exciting to bring home the Harry Potter Wizards Collection. Having watched the videos of the cast unwrapping it, and the promise of the final parts of the 8-part documentary, I was looking forward to having a copy that would render all others needless. In Australia the price tag has been hefty, costing well over $400-$500 in some places, and in the modern age of regional digital download, buying Aussie was the only answer. But this was going to be worth it.So with camera in hand I unwrapped the set, excitedly exploring the nooks and crannies. The packaging is amazing, and extremely well thought out. The disks are well presented in thick board books, and everything seemed to be living up to the price tag.
As I already own each released Ultimate Editions, I decided to skip ahead and watch Part 7 of Creating the World of Harry Potter Documentary Story. Putting in the disk that promised both the special features and documentary, I was surprised when I found the menu, identical to the one on the Blu-ray copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1. Identical right down to the detail of no documentary.
Wishing it was a bad dream I tried Part 2, putting in the disk promising Part 8 of the Documentary, Growing Up. Once again, an identical menu to the one on my already owned copy of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, with no documentary.
I have spoken to friends with the same Collection, and it seems that, at least a percentage of releases are missing the crucial element of the unreleased parts of Creating the World of Harry Potter. For me, they were what caused me to ultimately buy the set, so I am disappointed to say the least.
I will be contacting WB for an answer in the morning!
This might be an Australian issue only, as we are still waiting for details to come from the UK and US fans.
MuggleNet will be doing a separate review of the Wizard’s Collection and will be making that available to fans shortly, so stay tuned.
Special thanks to Amanda for the review.
