The Pottermore Insider Blog have given an update about the beta testing, open registration, and the Pottermore Shop.

They’ve decided to continue the beta testing through most of October.  From the end of October the site will be open to everyone.  They are going to allow users to enter the site in phases.

Also, the Pottermore Shop, which will sell the eBooks and audio books, will open in the first half of 2012.

They plan to make the site more smoother once the site is open to the public, so those who are beta testers will see these changes once this phase begins.

They also included more Q&As.

Read the entire post here.

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Crmhpfan, who is one of the beta tester’s for JK Rowling’s new website Pottermore, used some of the graphics from the site to make the October 2011 Calendar.  And I have to tell you, HPP fans, once you see this you’re going to be very impressed.  This month’s calendar is very, very good!

After clicking on the size that you want, right click on the calendar, and click ’set as background’ for IE, or ’set as desktop desktop background’ for Firefox.  For those who use Chrome, you’ll have to save the file, right click on your desktop, personalize, go to your background settings and browse to where you saved the image.

• 800×600
• 1024×768

Quite exceptional, Crmhpfan!

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According to an online report, J.K. Rowling received a benefactor’s award for her “remarkable act of philanthropy” at a ceremony held at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.  The award was presented to the Harry Potter author by Princess Anne.  The occasion was due to the £10 million donation Ms. Rowling made to the university last year to establish a new multiple sclerosis (MS) research clinic as well as to formally install Her Royal Highness Princess Anne as the university’s new chancellor:

Professor Sir John Savill, head of the college of medicine and veterinary medicine, said the money will have a “major impact” on the university and has already given hope to thousands of people with incurable diseases.

Addressing the open air ceremony in the Old College on South Bridge, Sir John said: “In 2010, Jo Rowling made a donation of £10 million to the University of Edinburgh to establish the Anne Rowling Regenerative Neurology Clinic.

“The clinic is named after Jo’s mother, Anne, who died after complications related to multiple sclerosis at the age of 45 – the age at which Jo made this most significant gift to Edinburgh.

“While multiple sclerosis will be at the heart of the research initiative, people with the many other diseases caused by neurodegeneration, such as motor neurone disease, are likely to benefit from discoveries made here.”

Click here to read the complete article.

Source:  Mugglenet

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Warner Bros Insider Rewards program has started a sweepstakes that offers a lucky fan to win a chance to go to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, to help celebrate the release of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 on DVD and Blu-ray.

The contest started today and will end on October 13, 2011.

The lucky winner will get a 3-day vacation package for 4 to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and also get a chance to meet the cast and filmmakers in attendance.  It includes 3-night hotel accommodations, 3-day admission to both Universal Orlando theme parks, airfare, complete Harry Potter Blu-ray collection, one reservation per person to one in-park cast member Q&A and one in-park cast member autograph session.  Plus, admission to the nighttime gala event on Saturday and Sunday night, November 12 and 13!

The sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the 50 US states and DC who are 13 years and older.  You can see all the rules here.

So, don’t wait!  Go enter here!

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Warner Bros have let us know that those in the UK who go to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 between September 30 – October 2, 2011, at participating theatres will have a chance to get a special edition Deathly Hallows 2 lenticular (3D) poster.  It shows Harry facing one direction and then fades to Voldemort facing the other direction.

Go to this link to see it (make sure to click on the photo to see the image in action!).

Posters are given to those who purchase their tickets and are available on a first come first served basis.

You can see the terms and a list of participating theatres here!

Thanks to WB!

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Tom Felton, who portrays Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter films, celebrates his 24th birthday today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TOM!!

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A video, from Yahoo!, showing part of the conversation with JK Rowling and Dan Radcliffe that’s included as part of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 DVD and Blu-ray, is now online.

The DVD and Blu-ray will be released on November 11, 2011, in the US and December 2, 2011, in the UK.  You can see all of the special features on our previous post.

You can see the DVD and Blu-ray covers in our gallery starting here.

In this clip, Dan talks about the lives of the characters and how they exist in the imagination of fans which makes it as if the characters actually exist.  He also says how amazing it is how the books have created a generation that has an appetite for literature and reading.  JK Rowling agrees with him and says how wonderful it has been.

Here’s the video:

You can pre-order the UK version from Amazon at the following links:

• Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 (Blu-ray 3D + Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy)[Region Free]
• Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 – Triple Play (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy) [Region Free]
• Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2 DVD

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 will be released on DVD and Blu-ray in the UK on December 2nd, 2011, just in time for the holidays.

UPDATE: Warner Bros have confirmed that the US release date is November 11th.

The film will be released on Blu-ray 3D Pack; featuring the film on a Blu-ray 3D and Blu-ray in hi-definition and on DVD in standard definition as well as a standard definition digital copy of the 2D main feature. It will also be available on Blu-ray Triple Play; featuring a hi-definition, a standard definition, and a digital copy of the film and on 2 Disc Special Edition DVD in widescreen format.  The Blu-ray will also be available in 3D.

On the same date, all eight films will also be released on Blu-ray and DVD as a Limited Edition, individually numbered, and will feature a 48-page collectible photo album.

Fans can also purchase the film for permanent download through iTunes, Zune Marketplace on Xbox 360, Blinkbox and Acetrax.  A hi-definition version is available for download at the PlayStation Store on PS3 game consoles, and PSP.

For an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley) and Emma Watson’s (Hermione Granger) kiss, go to Yahoo UK to retweet and get a peek!

Also, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will be celebrating the release of the film from November 11 – 13.  Get more information here!

Here are the extra features:

Blu-ray and DVD:

The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Blu-ray 3D Pack and Blu-ray Triple Play contain the following special features:

Blu-ray Exclusives:

• Maximum Movie Mode hosted by Matthew Long (Neville Longbottom) and other cast members (80 minutes) - As the epic showdown between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort approaches, don’t miss a single detail as the forces of Good and Evil clash one final time throughout the grounds of Hogwarts.
• A Conversation with JK Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe - Join J.K. Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe for an exclusive conversation about bringing the character of Harry Potter to life, the last decade of films and how their lives have changed by the fame that they’ve both experienced.
• The Goblins of Gringotts - Hosted by Warwick Davis, you’ll see the entire process of becoming a goblin” in a Harry Potter film, from auditions and casting to makeup and prosthetic tests as well as filming the final scenes.
• The Women of Harry Potter – A look at the remarkable women in Harry Potter’s life and the critical role they play in the films.
• When Harry Left Hogwarts - BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Morgan Matthews has been given unprecedented access to the creative decision-making processes that have been kept as a closely guarded secret – until now.  Hear the personal stories of the faces we know, and those we don’t, as we come to the end of one of the most successful eras in cinema history.
• WB Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
• Deleted Scenes

PS3 Users:

• Game demo of “LEGO® Harry Potter™: Years 5-7 for PS3®

Standard DVD:

The “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:

• The Goblins of Gringotts - Hosted by Warwick Davis, you’ll see the entire process of becoming a goblin” on a Harry Potter film, from auditions and casting to makeup and prosthetic tests as well as filming the final scenes.
• The Women of Harry Potter – A look at the remarkable women in Harry Potter’s life and the critical role they play in the films.
• When Harry Left Hogwarts - BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Morgan Matthews has been given unprecedented access to the creative decision-making processes that have been kept as a closely guarded secret – until now.  Hear the personal stories of the faces we know, and those we don’t, as we come to the end of one of the most successful eras in cinema history.
• WB Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
• Deleted Scenes

Here’s Warner Bros. press release that gives you all of the details:

HARRY POTTER

AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWSÔ – PART 2

ARRIVES ONTO BLU-RAY 3D^TM PACK

BLU-RAY^TM TRIPLE PLAY, DVD and

DIGITAL DOWNLOAD ON 2ND DECEMBER

A Harry Potter Home Entertainment Celebration at

Universal Orlando Resort, Home to

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,

will commemorate the entire film franchise with special events

Burbank, CA, September 20, 2011 – The “Boy Who Lived” comes face to face with the enemy of the wizarding world for a final, epic battle in “Harry Potter and the Deathly HallowsÔ - Part 2” when it arrives on Blu-ray 3D Pack, Blu-ray Triple Play, DVD and Digital Download on 2nd December from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group. Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson return for the closing installment of the most successful film franchise of all time. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” has earned more than $1.3 billion at the worldwide box office.

 

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is directed by David Yates who also helmed the magical blockbusters “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince” and “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.” Returning from previous “Harry Potter” films is an all-star supporting cast, including Helena Bonham Carter, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, John Hurt, Jason Isaacs, Matthew Lewis, Gary Oldman, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, David Thewlis, Julie Walters and Bonnie Wright.

 

The collective Harry Potter films are the highest-grossing franchise of all time, a global record it has held since the success of the sixth film, 2009’s “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.”

 

The release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” will also be marked by a special celebration at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, where the Harry Potter stories live on.  The Harry Potter Home Entertainment Celebration will consist of a series of special events to be attended by cast and filmmakers from the Harry Potter films.  The three-day celebration will take place from Friday, November 11 to Sunday, November 13.

 

 

SYNOPSIS

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” is the final adventure in the Harry Potter film series. The much-anticipated motion picture event is the second of two full-length parts.

In the epic finale, the battle between the good and evil forces of the wizarding world escalates into an all-out war. The stakes have never been higher and no one is safe. But it is Harry Potter who may be called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice as he draws closer to the climactic showdown with Lord Voldemort. It all ends here.

PRODUCT DETAILS

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” will be available on Blu-ray 3D Pack; featuring the film on a Blu-ray 3D and Blu-ray in hi-definition and on DVD in standard definition as well as a standard definition digital copy of the 2D main feature. It will also be available on Blu-ray Triple Play; featuring a hi-definition, a standard definition, and a digital copy of the film and on 2 Disc Special Edition DVD in widescreen format.

 

Also available on 2^nd December is “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1” on Blu-ray 3D. Additionally, for the first time “Harry Potter: The Complete 8-Film Collection” featuring the complete Harry Potter film series will be available on Blu-ray and DVD and also as a Limited Edition, individually numbered, featuring a 48-page collectable photo album.

 

“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” can also be purchased for permanent download through iTunes, Zune Marketplace on Xbox 360, Blinkbox and Acetrax.  A hi-definition version is available for download at the PlayStation Store on PS3 game consoles, and PSP.

 

BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS

The “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” Blu-ray 3D Pack and Blu-ray Triple Play contain the following special features:

·         Blu-ray Exclusives:

o Maximum Movie Mode hosted by Matthew Long (Neville Longbottom) and other cast members (80 minutes) - As the epic showdown between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort approaches, don’t miss a single detail as the forces of Good and Evil clash one final time throughout the grounds of Hogwarts.

o A Conversation with JK Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe - Join J.K. Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe for an exclusive conversation about bringing the character of Harry Potter to life, the last decade of films and how their lives have changed by the fame that they’ve both experienced.

·         The Goblins of Gringotts - Hosted by Warwick Davis, you’ll see the entire process of becoming a goblin” in a Harry Potter film, from auditions and casting to makeup and prosthetic tests as well as filming the final scenes.

·         The Women of Harry Potter – A look at the remarkable women in Harry Potter’s life and the critical role they play in the films.

·         When Harry Left Hogwarts - BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Morgan Matthews has been given unprecedented access to the creative decision-making processes that have been kept as a closely guarded secret – until now.  Hear the personal stories of the faces we know, and those we don’t, as we come to the end of one of the most successful eras in cinema history.

·         WB Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

·         Deleted Scenes

 

For PS3® Users:

·         Game demo of “LEGO® Harry Potter™: Years 5-7 for PS3®

 

 

The “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2” Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:

·         The Goblins of Gringotts - Hosted by Warwick Davis, you’ll see the entire process of becoming a goblin” on a Harry Potter film, from auditions and casting to makeup and prosthetic tests as well as filming the final scenes.

·         The Women of Harry Potter – A look at the remarkable women in Harry Potter’s life and the critical role they play in the films.

·         When Harry Left Hogwarts - BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Morgan Matthews has been given unprecedented access to the creative decision-making processes that have been kept as a closely guarded secret – until now.  Hear the personal stories of the faces we know, and those we don’t, as we come to the end of one of the most successful eras in cinema history.

·         WB Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

·         Deleted Scenes

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 We previously reported that Helena Bonham Carter, who portrayed “Bellatrix Lestrange” in the Harry Potter films, was being considered for the role of “Madame Thenardier” in the film adaptation of the successful musical Les Miserables, based on the novel by Victor Hugo.  According to MSN News, it is confirmed that she definitely will be playing Hugo’s female conniving character in the film which will also star Hugh Jackman as “Jean Valjean” and Russell Crowe as “Inspector Javert”.  Fans, who saw her in another film adaptation of a musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street as “Mrs. Lovett” with Johnny Depp as the barber himself, know that Helena will be an asset to Les Miserables.  The film is scheduled to be released in movie theaters on December 7, 2012.

Also in our previous report, we mentioned the rumor that Emma Watson, who portrayed “Hermione Granger”, was being considered for the role of either “Cosette” or “Eponine”.  According to broadwayworld.com, the Harry Potter star is still a possibility.  We will keep you posted.

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Glamour UK interviewed Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley) when she appeared at Fashion Week in London, sitting in the front row of a few of the shows.  The Harry Potter star mentioned what she has been doing now that all eight film adaptations of the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling are completed.

“I just shot a film a month ago that should be coming out next summer, The Philosophers, it’s an American independent film. 

“And then I’m directing a film and also acting in another one in January. It’s a period piece set in the 1800s so that will be fun. That one’s called Want Of A Wife, it’s a British film.”

Click here to read the complete article.

Source:  The Leaky Cauldron

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