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31 May 2002

New COS Pictures!!

Thank you so much to GreanBean for sending me pictures.  They are from the Entertainment Weekly!  I have placed the pics here!  Here's an excerpt from the article:

''Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'' may be the least of the first four books in J.K. Rowling's ongoing saga. Lacking the new-world wonder of the first (''The Sorcerer's Stone''), the dark twists of the third (''The Prisoner of Azkaban''), and the epic grandeur of the fourth (''The Goblet of Fire''), the second ''Potter'' novel is, alas, just a jolly good yarn. Which is exactly why Chris Columbus finds it so magical. ''The first one was about introduction and discovery,'' says the director, whose film version of ''Sorcerer's Stone'' has grossed $966 million at box offices worldwide. ''This time, we jump right into the story. 'Chamber of Secrets' has a lot more humor and 10 times as much action.''  Read and see more!

John Williams Birthday Concert to Air on TV from TheForce.net

A note that was sent into TheForce.net has the following information:

Just wanted to let you all know that I contacted the Boston Pops and they will be broadcasting John William's Birthday concert on PBS on July 28th. You should check your local listings for details.

Potter and Star Wars Figures Done Up In Wax from Roscommon Herald, thanks to iHP

Since it’s relaunch earlier this year, the National Wax Museum has re-affirmed it’s status as one of Ireland’s premier tourist attractions. Now busier than ever since the 30ft giant Finn McCool turned up (& over 100,000 visitors expected before the end of 2002), the National Wax Museum offers visitors an informative and enjoyable afternoon of entertainment. First opened in 1983, The National Wax Museum on Granby Row houses a veritable trove of figures and displays from the fields of history, politics, religion, sport, entertainment and music.

Harry Potter exhibit

The boy with the big Box Office pulling power and friends (and foes).

A four-figure exhibit featuring Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, Darth Maul and Qui-Gon Jinn (as played by Liam Neeson)

Read more here!

Big DVD Sales in Japan from Tokyo Variety

Harry Potter (news - web sites) and the Sorcerer's Stone" became the first DVD to pass the magic 1 million mark in Japan, just 14 days after its May 15 release, Warner Home Video Japan announced Wednesday.  Read more!

Directions to DVD Puzzle Here! from Eeggs.com, thanks to The Leaky Cauldron

Here is an article that has the directions to the DVD puzzle.  Please note that, though the writer does not think so, from what I know, there are only seven deleted scenes.  But, those scenes are great, so make sure you see them!

1. On the Opening screen on Disc two, select Diagon Alley (Hedwig)

2. Put the selector thingy on Gringotts, then press down selecting the key, click to get to the gringotts area then select the Galleon, Sickle, and Knut and click

3. Now you should be back at the main page for diagon alley, go to ollivander's and have fun selecting your wand (not sure if its the same for every DVD)

4. Go back to the main screen and select the wand and click, getting to the classrooms

5. Select Transfiguration (the cat), then hit down to select the owls on the torch, then hit up to select the H on a Shield. Click

6. At Fluffy, select the Flute and click

7. At the Keys, select the Silver one in the middle with a bent wing (its the only one that is completely over the door in the background)

8. At the Bottles (which was not in the Movie) select the round one with the yellow liquid

9. Select the Red stone in the mirror to get to the cut scenes(only seven, but i bet theres more)

Scene 1 - Smeltings uniform
Scene 2 - Letters in Eggs
Scene 3 - Hagrid and Harry on the Underground
Scene 4 - Harry and Ron befriend Hermione
Scene 5 - More Christmas
Scene 6 - Dumbledore's Card and Neville's
legbinding
Scene 7 - Extended Potions Class


I bet there's more because this is only about 15 minutes of extra footage, the original cut was 4 hours, and the Movie was 2 1/2 hours. So get hunting (when you all finally get the DVD next month!

Keep It Simple, Stupid from the Houston Chronicle

For a film that made magic in theaters, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone has laid a rotten egg on video -- at least in terms of extra features.

Not everyone will feel that way. Kids may enjoy the maze of puzzles and tests on the two-disc DVD ($26.99).

The trouble is, that's the only way to access an important attraction: seven new scenes.

On a normal DVD, you can call up a menu, click on "Special Features," choose an option and get it instantly.

Not with Harry Potter, where nothing on its menu indicates deleted scenes. Rather, you're offered options such as "Diagon Alley," "Classrooms" and "Extra Credit," whose names tell nothing about the features they hide.

Our advice: Keep it simple, stupid. Far too many menus are needlessly intricate, obtuse and time-consuming.  Read more!

Okay, Okay, I have to admit, I had problems accessing the seven scenes, too.  Finally, my 14-year-old took the remote from me and finished in two minutes!  Errr.  Anyhow, the deleted scenes were definitely worth it!!!

Problems With DVD Compatibility?

The Leaky Cauldron points us to a place where you can contact WB if you are having compatibility problems with your DVD.  It seems that some older models of DVD players are unable to handle the large amount of memory from the bonus DVD.  If you are having problems with compatibility you can contact WB at harrypotterdvd@warnerbros.com.

Alan Rickman on Broadway from the NYT, thanks to The Leaky Cauldron 

On a misty, decidedly English Sunday morning, Alan Rickman and Lindsay Duncan are sitting at a Manhattan theater district restaurant, looking anything but the high-toned sophisticates they play in the Broadway revival of Noël Coward's "Private Lives."

Mr. Rickman, he of the heavy-lidded eyes and sinisterly soft voice, is moving even more slowly than usual, looking to a continuous flow of coffee to lift his morning fog. The usually luminous Ms. Duncan, meanwhile, looks only slightly more bright-eyed than her co-star. She also confesses that she must soon go to the theater for two hours of prep work on her wild mane before the 3 o'clock matinee.  Read more here (you may have to join up, but it is free).

Go On A Diagon Alley Scavenger Hunt and Win $$

I just received the Official Harry Potter Website newsletter, and one of the links they provided is for all of you Harry Potter Card Players!!  You can go to this link and try to win the $250 wizards.com gift certificates!

Jack Ryder as Cedric Diggory?  from Counting Down

Counting Down has the following information:

News of the World reports that Jack Ryder, who plays Jamie Mitchell on the BBC schow EastEnders, is in talks for the part of Cedric Diggory in the fourth Harry Potter film. Check out his BBC actor profile here.  News of the World.

Guillermo del Toro Turned Down Directing Potter 3 from IGN

Additionally, IGN FilmForce has learned that director Guillermo del Toro (Blade II, Mimic) was offered the third Potter gig a couple of months ago, but passed on the project.  Read more!

HP Video Game Peripherals from Gamepower, thanks to The Leaky Cauldron

Thrustmaster have recently announced the imminent release of a slew of Harry Potter-related peripherals for Xbox, PC, PlayStation 2, PSone, GameCube and Game Boy Advance to coincide with the release of the second movie, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

No mention was made of a broomstick peripheral, but Thrustmaster did announce that it would be releasing ‘magic lights’ for the consoles, collector edition memory cards, carry cases, Harry Potter game controllers and link cables, to name a few.

"The gaming experience allows fans to enter Harry’s world in a unique way and we are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to extend the experience of Harry Potter through our creative video game console accessories," said Jean-Michel Detoc, Thrustmaster’s General Manager.

Kenneth Branagh to Direct Potter 3? from Ananova

Kenneth Branagh has emerged as a possible director of the third Harry Potter film.

Chris Columbus, who made the first two films, has said he doesn't want to direct the third.

He feels he has spent too much time in England.

Branagh, who plays Professor Gilderoy Lockhart in Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets, has now been suggested as a possible replacement, reports www.variety.com.

The magazine also says Callie Khouri, who wrote the screenplay to Thelma And Louise, is a possible contender to direct Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban.

Fans Queue for Harry Potter from BBC

The blockbusting tale of a young wizard sent off to Hogwarts School to learn his craft as a magician is the second-biggest box office hit of all time in the US.

And just six months after it hit cinemas around the world it has had its home entertainment release.

Children dressed in wizarding costumes lined up outside shops to be among the first to buy the video or DVD.  Read more!

New Zealanders Receive Blank Tapes from Ananova

Hundreds of Harry Potter fans in New Zealand have found their video copies of the first film were blank.

All of the videos of Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone were sold by the same shop.

Whitcoulls store in Rotorua on the North Island sent its 290 copies of the video back to Warner Brothers.

According to www.nzherald.co.nz, it's not known how many videos were in the bad batch.

A spokeswoman for Whitcoulls said Warner Brothers indicated 500 videos failed quality control and came out blank.

All the blank videos have now been replaced.

Thousands of DVDs Sold Across Canada from the Calgary Herald, thanks to Counting Down

Canadian video retailers reported selling "tens of thousands" of copies of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on Tuesday, its first day of release, with strong signs the special DVD edition of last year's film hit is outpacing the VHS version.

"We've already sold thousands of copies across the country," said Katie Bennison, spokeswoman for the 265-store Rogers Video chain, conceding precise numbers aren't yet available and likely won't be for competitive reasons.  Read more!

Chris Rankin Cornered By The Monkey from Waterbaby, thanks to Counting Down

This is an interview with Chris Rankin that's pretty hilarious.  It is fill with some adult innuendos and content, so please be aware that younger readers shouldn't be reading it.  You can see it here!

Kids Lining Up For DVD/Video Release from LA Reuters

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," last year's smash hit with a $960 million global box office that made it No. 2 of all time, saw the U.S. debut of its home video and DVD on Tuesday. Kids around the country lined up at retailers just after midnight to buy the digital video version of the tale of the British boy wizard and his companions at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Children in wizard costumes lined up at Wal-Marts, Borders book stores, Blockbuster video outlets and other retailers around the country. The DVD was on sale for a suggested price of $26.99, while the video carried a $24.99 price tag.  Read more!

National Library to Get Piece of Rowling's Manuscript from The Scotsman

IT DOESN’T look much - just a scruffy bundle of typed and hand-written sheets of A4 paper. But J K Rowling’s original manuscript for part of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone will almost certainly be a key attraction at the National Library of Scotland’s new show, This Book Belongs to Me.

Stained with what looks very like Edinburgh coffee-shop coffee, the manuscript shows Rowling’s first attempt at writing the famous "Quidditch" chapter, in which her hero is nearly killed when an unseen enemy places a curse on his flying broomstick. The pages are thick with amendments and additions, and there are plenty of details that don’t tally with the final novel.  Read more!

Visitors to Alnwick Castle Have Tripled from icNewcastle

Harry Potter's spell seems to be working its magic for one of the North-East's top tourist attractions, which has pulled in almost half its annual number of visitors after being open only two months.

Visitors to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland have almost trebled since it re-opened for the 2002 season in April, with over 30,000 passing through its doors since then.

The historic fortress, which is home to the Duke of Northumberland, doubled as Hogwart's School of Wizardry in the first Harry Potter films, with production on the second - due out at the end of this year - winding up just days before the gates re-opened to the public.  Read more!

Julie Walters (Mrs. Weasley) Satisfied With Part in HP from icNewcastle

The adult population already knows the quality of Walters' work and a younger generation of movie-goers is about to discover her as she plays Mrs Weasley in the new Harry Potter movie - she did make a fleeting appearance in the first film.

"Harry Potter," she laughs. "Maisie was pleased I was in it. She started telling all her friends and I only had one line in the first film.

"I'm enjoying doing the second film. Mrs Weasley becomes a surrogate mother to Harry as the story progresses. There is no stress in doing the film.

"A small part in a big film - that suits me fine."  Read more!

Potter Game in Top Ten! from The Times

2 (down 1) 2002 Fifa World Cup

3 (new entry) Super Smash Bros: Melee

4 (non-mover) Grand Theft Auto 3

5 (up 5) Harry Potter — Philosopher’s Stone

6 (down 4) Star Wars: Rogue Leader

7 (down 2) Halo: Combat Evolved

8 (down 1) The Sims: on holiday

9 (down 3) International Superstar Soccer 2

10 (down 2) Gran Turismo 3

Interview With Paul Hemstreet, WB Director of DVD Programming from DVDFile, thanks to Counting Down

Perhaps the most complex disc ever created, the Sorcerer's Stone DVD expands the concepts of interactivity into new dimensions by keeping the viewer fully immersed in Harry's world. It also makes full use of the web-enabled capabilities of the DVD format, allowing Potter enthusiasts to interact via the Internet and access content far beyond that of a traditional set-top player.

We recently chatted with Warner's director of DVD programming Paul Hemstreet about developing this most unique approach to a DVD, working with the filmmakers, and bring Harry fully into the world of web-connectivity.  Read it here!

Okay, Okay, I Got The DVD!!

I went today and purchased the DVD.  The store I went to had been open for approximately two hours, and already at least half of the DVDs were gone.  I found it amusing that there were three senior citizens in line behind me that had their own DVDs of Harry Potter.  They kind of sheepishly laughed at each other.  None of them said they were buying it for their grandchildren!

I did get a chance to watch the movie, and, with my son's help, figure out the puzzle.  It was a long process, but worth it for the funny and interesting deleted scenes!  I felt the over all quality of the DVD was great.  I noticed things while watching that I hadn't noticed on the screen.  The interviews were good, but none of the starts were interviewed.  During the interviews, however, they do mention some information on "Chamber of Secrets" but nothing that we weren't already aware of.  I will be testing out the CD part of the disc on my  computer as soon as I have a chance (hopefully tomorrow) and let you all know what I think!  ~~Dijares

Here's What The Fans Have to Say

Here I'm posting some of the reviews I received from the people who count - the fans!!!

My favorites were deleted scenes 4-7, those were great!!! I'm already watching them over and over, so happy it's out. - Jackie

It's been so long since I've had a harry potter fix & this was great! I thought it wouldn't be very good compared to the theatre, but I was pleasantly surprised! - Ally

Ain't It Cool News DVD Review

Alexandra Dupont over at Ain't It Cool News has a great review of the DVD for you.  It includes *spoilers* so beware!  You can check it out here!

Another Possible Harry? from Ananova

About A Boy's Nicholas Hoult has revealed he auditioned for the role of Harry Potter.

Hoult says he tried out for the lead role in Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, but he didn't get it.

He plays Marcus opposite Hugh Grant in About A Boy.

"I think the boy they chose was actually quite good," he tells www.suntimes.com.

"But I prefer Lord Of The Rings to Harry. I saw Rings three times."

Win Your Own Harry Potter DVD from Canoe

Here's your opportunity to win one of five 'Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone' DVD.

All you have to do is answer a skill-testing question on the contest entry page.  Go here if you want to go for it!

Tearing Down and Rebuilding Again from the Sunday Mail, thanks to Counting Down

HARRY Potter filmmakers knocked down three buildings, then rebuilt them - to film a scene lasting seconds.

Warner Bros ordered the disappearing act while making their latest movie, The Chamber of Secrets, on the shores of Loch Shiel.

A spectacular train chase was filmed at the Glenfinnan Viaduct using a helicopter.

But the crew discovered the buildings blocked all the best camera angles. So they knocked them down, then rebuilt them two weeks later, at a cost of £20,000.  Read more!

Filming Good For Tourism from This is North Scotland, thanks to The Leaky Cauldron

A train chase scene which was shot in the Highlands for the new Harry Potter movie should cast a positive spell for tourism, an estate manager said yesterday.

Alistair Gibson, manager of the famous Glenfinnan Estate where the filming took place, said the four-minute scene was sure to attract Harry Potter fans to Lochaber.

And the shooting of the scene itself also involved an act of wizardry, which saw three sheds vanish and then re- appear after filming had finished.  Read more!

Next Potter Delayed, But Spell Hasn't Worn Off  from the Boston Globe, thanks to The Leaky Cauldron

That noise you've been hearing in the last 10 days is the sound of millions of crests falling all over the world. The reason: Volume 5 of British author J.K. Rowling's fantastically popular Harry Potter children's books will not be published this summer, as expected. But if readers are disappointed, the word from booksellers and librarians seems to be that kids still love the Potter books and are willing to wait.  Read more!

Harry Potter DVD/VHS Release Today in North America!!

Make sure to run out and get your copy today!!!  Let me know what you think of it!  I can't wait!  Yoohoo!!!!!!!  :)  :)  :)

Couple Denied Harry Potter Themed Wedding from The Scotsman

PAGAN ceremonies are nothing knew if you are familiar with Broxburn in Wild West Lothian. (Indeed the Diary is proud to boast familial connections).

But we were surprised the council refused permission to the couple of witches wanting to hold a pagan marriage ceremony.

It said No because it had to consider the implication for the local community ... unlike Christian activities such as the rather lively annual Orange Walk.

However, our man in Broxburn notes that 15 June, the wedding day, is Broxburn’s gala day and the theme is ... Harry Potter and wizards.

"Don’t tell council leader Graeme Morrice I told you , from Broxburn. He would likely burn me at the cross."

Owl Prowl Game Winners Announced!

The winners of the Owl Prowl game on Owl Sightings have been announced.  If you played the game, make sure to go to the site to see if you are one of the winners!

Are You Excited??

The North American release of the Sorcerer's Stone is out tomorrow!!!  I know I can't wait!!!  I am sooo excited!!!  Are you?  Make sure to let me know what you think once you get it!  I'll enter in my own critique as soon as I see it!

Alfonso Cuaron Serious Contender for Directing PoA from Empire Online

Needless to say, it will require a special kind of director to shoulder the heavy burden that is one of the world's most lucrative franchises and critically acclaimed Mexican filmmaker Cuaron may just be the man for the job. After wowing critics and cinemagoers alike with Spanish language road movie Y tu mamá también - which more than made up for the decidedly ill-conceived 1998 'updating' of Great Expectations - Cuaron is in negotiations to take the reigns and is currently running his eye over a draft of Steve Kloves' script for Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban.

Whether he'll be able to survive the trial by ordeal laid out by Warner Bros, and indeed Rowling herself, to ascertain his worthiness, only time will tell. The Triwizard tournament will likely seem like a friendly game of hopscotch in comparison.  Read more!

N. American Release of DVD Looking Rosy from the National Post Online, thanks it iHP

In Britain, where VHS and DVD versions were released on May 11, Potter set a new single-day sales record with 1.25 million tapes and discs snapped up in a matter of hours.

The North American forecast looks even rosier. With tomorrow's VHS/DVD release, advance orders have already secured Potter's position as the new home video champ.  Read more!

Happy Memorial Day!!

I would like to take this opportunity to say Happy Memorial Day to all my fellow Americans both here and abroad.  This is a time of remembrance of all those who have fallen before us, whether that be in the line of duty, saving someone's life, or in our everlasting fight for freedom!  You are in our thoughts and our prayers!

Harry Helps Hamleys Be Born Again from This is London

With tourist spending still down, British shoppers are fuelling the recovery at Burke's revitalised Hamleys. Pre-school toys, dolls and radio-controlled vehicles were the best-performing departments, with Harry Potter merchandising winning the battle for the Christmas pound.  Read more.

Lord Voldemort Scarriest Monster for Children from the Times Online

But today these ideas are represented in vivid and tangible forms through television, films and computer games. That is why the focus of children’s fear of the dark has changed from the imaginary monster under the bed towards ready-made images. According to the Powergen study, the most frightening monsters cited by children included Lord Voldermort from the Harry Potter film, Saruman from The Fellowship of the Ring and Powell from the computer game Tomb Raider.  Read more!

Fans Get Inpatient Waiting For Book 5 from the Washington Post

Could writer's block be the reason J.K. Rowling still has not produced Book 5, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix"?

If so, Rowling isn't getting much sympathy from some young fans of the kid-wizard books, even those who admit they've had writer's block themselves.

"She's had two years!" said Emma Smith, 12, of Ellicott City. "I mean, when I have to do my homework, I procrastinate, but I still get it done in time."

Emma and her friend Tamika Jacobs were in a bookstore looking at the Judy Blume books. "I'll be really happy when she finally writes it," said Tamika, 13, "but it won't feel the same. Maybe it's just 'cause I'm older. When I read the first book, I felt like the world really was magical." 

"When I was reading Harry Potter books, I couldn't stand to finish them. I was so sad they were over. I would hide in the bathroom and read them when I was supposed to be sleeping," she said.

"So, oh yeah, I'll be buying Book 5," she said, "even if it comes when I'm in college."  Read more!

Why Chancellor's Wife and JKR Want To Help Single Parents from The Sunday Herald, thanks to Muggle Net

Sarah Brown, wife of the Chancellor of the Exchequer and a successful public relations consultant, and JK Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books, have collaborated to compile Magic, a collection of short stories by some of Britain's best authors, to raise £1 million for the National Council for One-Parent Families. In their foreword and introduction, given exclusively to the Sunday Herald, they share the tragedies and struggles they faced as young mothers.  Read more!

"The Magic of Harry Potter" Performed by Nashua Symphony Orchestra from the Boston Globe, thanks to Muggle Net

Next Sunday, ''Harry Potter''-philes will be able to enjoy a special family concert combining music, art, and dance designed to tickle the creativity of young and old alike.

''The Magic Harry Potter,'' will feature the Nashua Symphony Orchestra performing music from the film as well as selections from ''Beauty and the Beast'' and, with the dancers from North Ballet Theatre Youth Ensemble, ''The Sorcerer's Apprentice'' from the movie ''Fantasia.''  Read more!

Columbus Not Directing Potter 3  from Coming Soon

The following article is from Coming Soon, confirming what I had initially reported from my great friend and source on 6 May!

Book five in J.K. Rowling's mega-selling series is way behind schedule, much to the agitation of publishers and booksellers. And the studio is eyeing some wild cards to take over directing chores on the "Potter" pics' third installment.

One name that can safely be crossed from the list: Chris Columbus, who directed both "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" as well as next year's sequel, " Chamber of Secrets." He's told the studio he wants to bring his family home after living in Blighty for more than a year.  Read more!

Harry Potter Camp in Newport Beach!  from the LA Times

If you want to avoid hearing your children utter the quintessential summer phrase, "I'm bored," there are a slew of innovative summer camps and workshops that will satiate the most restless, inquisitive child.

In Newport Beach, children can live out their Harry Potter fantasies at the Harry Potter Camp. The camp, which is offered by the city of Newport Beach, will offer the opportunity to participate in experiments with "astonishing demonstrations" and a chance to learn the game of Quidditch, a version of lacrosse played in the air.

The two-week sessions, which run from June 24 to July 5 and July 15 to July 26, will also help to build a sense of fitness and self-confidence in kids.  Read more!

Blockbuster Will Match Any Potter Price from Video Business, thanks to Muggle Net

In a move to compete more aggressively with sell-through specialists, Blockbuster has said it will match any advertised price for the VHS or DVD of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

If customers find a local retail advertisement listing the video at a lower price than Blockbuster is offering, the rentailer will match it. Blockbuster stores are pricing it at $16.99 on VHS and $19.99 on DVD. The promotion marks a first for the company.  Read more!

Retailers Go All Out for Harry from Hive4Media, thanks to MPZ

Retail outlets across the country planned to stay open late or open early to ring in the first minutes of Harry Potter's Tuesday debut.

Borders Books outlets across the country planned activities, including afterschool activities on street date and trivia contests, said Lita Weissman, Los Angeles area marketing manager for the chain.

Select Blockbuster sites nationwide planned to open at 12:01 Tuesday morning with guaranteed rentals on the title and offered its "Rent It! Like It! Buy It!" deal. Anyone who rents Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone can bring in the rental receipt and get a previously viewed copy for $9.99. And, if customers find the title advertised for less than they can get it at Blockbuster, the chain promises to match the price.  Read more!

Harry Losing His Magic??  from the Las Vegas Sun (hey, that's my home town!!  ;)  )  Thanks to the Leaky Cauldron

Buying the two-disc DVD set of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" (Warner Home Video, $26.99) for your children is more or less a no-brainer, but if you happen to be one of those not-so-rare adults who read and enjoyed J.K. Rowling's books and want some perspective on Chris Columbus' filmed version, you're more or less out of luck.  Read more!

It's Harry On the Set from the Toronto Sun

Near the town of Watford, at isolated Leavesden Studios two weeks ago, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) was getting dressed down by Prof. McGonigall (Maggie Smith) for performing an unsanctioned act of petrification.

Next stop: The office of Hogwart's School Headmaster Albus Dumbledore for punishment.

Except that Dumbledore (Richard Harris) was with me at London's King's Cross station, during a starry launch party for the DVD of Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, ebulliently announcing "I want food!... And champagne!" before he'd consent to talk to the press.  Read more!

More Information on Chamber of Secrets Games from Games Asylum, thanks to The Leaky Cauldron

Much like the first Harry Potter movie tie-ins, each version of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets been tailor-made for its host format.

PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube and PC owners can look forward to a 3D mini-game packed affair where "players become Harry Potter and delve not only into Harry's world, but also into his personality, via an internal voice", while the PSone version sees Harry on a quest to win the House Cup while completing coursework for his potions, transfiguration and herbology lessons.

Nicely, the Game Boy Advance incarnation will be able to link-up to the GameCube version, so players can transfer maps, magical items and secret spells back and fourth. Last, but not least, the Game Boy Color game will be an RPG featuring mini-games, duels and multi-player modes.

All seven versions are due out this November, just in time for the new movie. Now there's a surprise.

Sorcerer's Stone Being Sold Early in U.S. from Page Six

"Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" won't hit store shelves until next Tuesday - but thanks to a foul-up at a retail outlet, many fans got their hands on it a few days early.

Stew Leonard's, a supermarket chain with locations in Yonkers and Connecticut, jumped the gun and sold off a host of tapes and DVDs Thursday and yesterday.  Read more!

I also received an e-mail from a fan who stated she ordered her DVD from AOL, and she got it yesterday.  Lucky girl!~~Dijares

Harry Potter Concert in Pasadena!  from LA Times

The festival begins with pre-concert fun and a food court then concludes with marching bands and a concert by the Pasadena POPS orchestra. The orchestra will play the 1812 Overture, selections from the Harry Potter Suite and music by Richard Rodgers and others.

Jun. 15: 5:30 p.m.

Tickets: Box office: 626-792-7677.

House of Commons 'Hogwarts-on-Thames'?  from The Scotsman

ROBIN COOK has promised to dismantle the "Hogwarts-on-Thames" image of a Westminster full of strange and arcane practices from the distant past.

He used Edinburgh author JK Rowling’s famous Harry Potter school of wizardry to highlight how he wanted to modernise the Houses of Parliament in London.

In a speech, the leader of the Commons and Livingston MP said that if voters were to reconnect with the political process, the House of Commons and the House of Lords must be relevant and join the modern age.

In a speech to the Hansard Society of political experts in London, Mr Cook said: "The House of Commons has been unkindly described by one commentator as ‘Hogwarts-on-Thames’.  Read more!

A New Harry Potter??  

Well, no, not really.  But, according to Entertainment Weekly, Lemony Snicket has broken Harry's spell.  You can read more here!

Four-Year-Old Wins Potter Prop from This is Gloucestershire

A VERY special letter has arrived at the Tuffley home of little Charlotte Norridge - straight from the set of the Harry Potter film.

Charlotte, who is four, won a competition to win an authentic prop from the magical film - the letter posted to Harry to tell him he had been accepted into Hogwarts School.

And Charlotte's delight was evident as she was presented with the framed letter by Cathedral verger Simon Fitter, on the very spot where Daniel Radcliffe, who plays Harry in the film, and chums filmed their latest scenes.  Read more!

HP On Top of Sales for Amazon from Stockhouse, thanks to the HPZ

The widescreen edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone has spent a remarkable 14 weeks at No. 1 on Amazon.com's DVD bestseller list since becoming available for pre-order on Feb. 5. It moved out of the No. 1 spot only for a short time when Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring became available for pre-order on April 12.  Read more!

U.S. DVD Sales Will Begin At The Witching Hour:  Midnight AP

If you want to be among the first to own "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," you need to get to the store at an appropriate hour: midnight.

Wal-Mart, Borders, Blockbuster, Kmart and other retailers plan to have select stores open late. Die-hard fans also turned out at midnight at bookstores for the release of the most recent book in J.K. Rowling's fantasy series, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire," and for midnight screenings of the film when it opened last fall.

Some stores plan activities based on the tales of the boy sorcerer and his adventures at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, including costume parties and Harry Potter look-alike contests.  Read more!

Warner Bros With 17 Art Nominations from Hollywood Reporter 

Warner Bros. Pictures leads the pack in nominations for The Hollywood Reporter's 31st annual Key Art Awards for movie marketing with 17. The Walt Disney Co. is close behind with 16 nominations for the awards to be presented June 28 at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. On the agency/vendor side, Indika Entertainment Advertising ties with Walt Disney's in-house group for first in total nominations with six each. Bemis Balkind and BLT & Associates tie for second with five nominations apiece. Intralink Film Graphic Design is the audio/visual vendor with the most nominations at four, followed by Aspect Ratio, the Cimarron Group and Trailer Park with three nods each. The movies with the most nominations are Disney's "Monsters, Inc." and "Pearl Harbor," which each got six nods. Five each went to DreamWorks' "Shrek" and Warners' "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," while Warners' "Ocean's Eleven" and Paramount's "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider" followed with four nominations each.  Link.

Hogwarts/Alnwick Castle Visit for Fund Raiser from icNewcastle

Harry Potter fans can have a go at abseiling down the building made famous as Hogwarts School in the film.

The sponsored abseil is at Alnwick Castle, which has recently been visited by the film crew making the second Potter movie.

Money raised at the abseil, on July 14th, will go towards the Royal National Institute for the Blind.

RNIB area fund raising manager, Sarah Bramley, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people to test their nerve while raising money for the RNIB at the same time."

To book a place, call Glynis Whitehead on (0191) 371 9783. Participants must raise a minimum of £75 sponsorship.

New WB Show Likened to Quidditch/Jedi Battles from CNN

The "Ender's Game" series begins as two alien attacks have nearly wiped out the human race and a frantic world government trains children for war by teaching them a competitive game that's a cross between "Harry Potter's" quidditch matches and "Star Wars" Jedi light saber battles. The best players become rivals vying to lead the world against the aliens.  Read more!

Wizard Week at Edinburgh Zoo from This is London

Join in a special 'Harry Potter' trail around the Zoo meeting some of the animals which feature in these marvellous stories - plus crafts, puzzles and storytelling.  19-27 Oct 2002.

Harry Potter Week at London Zoo from This is London

Senior officials at the ministry of magic have received reports that a second congregation of witches and wizards is expected in the London Zoo area shortly. Word on the enchanted street is that London Zoo is preparing for another week of magical activities inspired by Harry Potter and his young friends.  1-9 Jun 2002.

International Box Office Results from Box Office Mojo, thanks to The Leaky Cauldron

Okay, Okay, we all know about the rivalry between Lord of the Rings, Spider-man, Star Wars and Harry Potter.  Box Office Mojo has some international gross results of these four movies.  The stats don't include the U.S., but many other countries.  So far, Harry has beat the Rings, and Star Wars has beat Spidey!  Go here and check out the numbers!

HP Teaser To Be With Scooby Doo! 

Dark Horizons had the good news:

Trailer Placings: A teaser for the next "Harry Potter" film is tipped to be attached to "Scooby Doo."

"Scooby Doo" will be out 14 June!!!  Mark your calendars!

Chamber of Secrets Game Shots!  from Team X Box, thanks to the Dark Mark!

You can see some really great shots from the new game for Chamber of Secrets!  You can see them here!

Blockbuster to Have Events for DVD Release from PRNewswire, thanks to The Leaky Cauldron

Attention Harry Potter fans! Grab your invisibility cloaks and wands and head to your local Blockbuster store! One of the most highly anticipated video and DVD releases of the year, "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" hits Blockbuster stores on Tuesday, May 28, 2002. To celebrate the magic, select Blockbuster stores across the U.S. will be hosting midnight or morning events on May 28 so that avid Harry Potter fans can pick up their copy on video or DVD as soon as it is available at 12:01 a.m. To build excitement among late-night and early-morning crowds, select Blockbuster stores across the country will feature special activities for adults and kids.  Go here to read what will be happening and where!

Dark Mark Interview James and Oliver Phelps

The Dark Mark was able to acquire an interview with James and Oliver Phelps!!  Here's an excerpt:

DM: Are you two in any way like Fred and George?

JOP: Aren’t we all? Some things we are, others we're not.

DM: Being that you are both considered celebrities now and tend to get noticed a lot more, what has been the craziest fan encounter yet? Or has there not been any?

JOP: Not really. On holiday last year, we were swimming in a pool & someone remarked about our read hair. Jockingly saying we could be Fred & George not realising we do in fact play their characters.

DM: Do you think becoming famous has changed you in any way?

JOP: No, perhaps we’ve matured quicker than we may otherwise have done. However we don’t regard ourselves as famous. We could probably walk past you in the street & you may not recognise us.

DM: Do you think it's weird having people coming up to you asking for autographs and pictures?

JOP: Yes but very good fun. But as we’ve just said it doesn’t happen all the time.

Read the rest here!

Devon Murray (Seamus Finnigan) With Many Offers from News of the World, thanks to Counting Down

Harry Potter's wizard screen pal-Irish lad Devon Murray-has film bosses under his spell.

For the Co Kildare schoolboy, who plays Harry's accident-prone pal Seamus Finnigan, is set for stardom with at least SIX movie offers currently on the table.

The 13-year-old Celbridge boy is in England until July, filming the second Harry Potter movie, Chamber of Secrets. His agent is waiting to see if Devon lands a starring role in the third instalment.

"The Harry Potter people have asked that we hold off on all other film offers until they get back to us about the third one," confirms agent Neil Brooks.

"At the moment Devon has at least six other film offers, including a part in the Peter Pan movie Never Never Land, which will be shot in Australia.

Massive
"We should know in the next couple of weeks whether he will be doing another Harry Potter."

In the first movie, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Devon was a big hit as one of the schoolboy wizards at author JKRowling's fictional Hogwart's School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Devon, who lives with mum Fidelma and dad Michael, began acting when he was five.

But he's now so busy that he has had to turn down roles, including one in the Martin Scorsese film, The Gangs Of New York.

JK Rowling Gives Well Wishes to Heart Transplant Girl from icNewcastle

A nine-year-old girl who had a transplant after her heart was attacked by a virus is making good progress, her parents say

Abbey Cape, from Ashby de la Zouch, Leicestershire, suffered severe cardiomyopathy which ate away at her heart, leaving just 8% able to function.

She was given a fortnight to live and her parents Marianne Cape and Darren Jackson issued a desperate appeal for a donor. Abbey had a transplant at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children last month.

Her parents issued a statement saying: "Everything seems to be going very well."

They thanked all those who had sent good wishes to their daughter and said her favourite was an owl and hand-written letter from Harry Potter author JK Rowling.

"The owl hasn't left her side since she got it," they said.  Read more!

JK Rowling to Attend Royal Academy of Arts from The Times

The guest list includes Mick Jagger, Dame Maggie Smith, David Hockney, Helena Bonham Carter and Sir Simon Rattle. The Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes, the Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling, the ballerina Darcey Bussell, the fashion designer Stella McCartney and the veteran actor Sir John Mills have also confirmed that they will be attending.

The lavish party is being thrown to celebrate the arts in Britain and to encourage fresh talent. “We think this is the biggest gathering of the arts world ever,” a spokeswoman for the Jubilee Arts Party said.More than 600 guests are expected.  Read more!

Funny HP Story from Mediaweek, Thanks to The Leaky Cauldron

Media Week has a funny story about Harry Potter.  If you go to the link, please realize that there is adult content being used, so therefore it's for adult audiences.  Here's an excerpt:

A recent AP story out of London shocked and saddened the world -- and even Media Person -- when it revealed that the new Harry Potter won't be hitting bookstores this summer as expected. The world counts on plucky Harry and his magical eyeglasses to take its mind off its interminable woes for at least a week or two. Or, in the case of readers in Florida, a month or two.

Spider-Man and Star Wars are just not going to be enough, no matter what Time magazine says.

The sadness turned to panic around the third paragraph of the AP story, when a spokeswoman for J.K. Rowling named Rebecca Salt was quoted as having "rejected any suggestion Rowling was suffering from writer's block."

Immediately, everyone knew Rowling is suffering from writer's block.  Read more!

Harry Potter Not Quite There Yet from ABC News

Last November, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone earned $90 million on its opening weekend, destroying the old record of $72 million.

With records being set so fast, this must be the golden age of Hollywood blockbusters, right?

Or maybe it's just the golden age of box office grosses — which always go up, unlike the actual number of moviegoers.

Though annual movie attendance has been rising after two flat decades, far more customers went to the movies in the 1940s, according to the Motion Picture Association of America.

In fact, of the 20 biggest box-office draws of all time, only four have debuted since 1983's Return of the Jedi, and seven came out prior to 1962, according to Exhibitor Relations Co., an Encino, Calif., box-office tracking firm that produced an unscientific, inflation-adjusted list.

"It puts things into perspective," says Paul Dergarabedian, Exhibitor Relations' president. "Essentially, it levels the playing field and shows you no matter how popular a movie may be today, [it] has to raise an awful lot of money to match the tickets sold by some of these older blockbusters."

ALL TIME U.S. BOX OFFICE - CONSTANT DOLLARS (ESTIMATED)

Behind The Scenes Shots From DVD 

The site, de Lekke Ketel has some great shots of behind the scenes footage from the DVD.  You can see them here

Rumors of 2003 Release Date are Wrong from CBBC Newsround

Some reports over the last few days claimed Bloomsbury said the long awaited fifth book definitely wouldn't be out till 2003.

But on Monday night the publishers dismissed those reports, again repeating the statement on their website saying:

"JK Rowling is happily writing Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and we anticipate that we will be publishing later this year."

There's no definite release date - JK Rowling will simply announce when she's finished writing.

And Bloomsbury thinks that it's still likely to be this year, in 2002.

Well, at least now they're in agreement with Scholastic!  ;)  The following article was released prior to the one above.  So, I do believe, that the one above was published in order to re-emphasize that the book will be released this year.  At least, I hope.  hehe.  ~~Dijares

Book Five Not Until 2003???  from Ananova

Harry Potter fans will have to wait until next year for the new book, it has been confirmed.

Publisher Bloomsbury had hoped the fifth instalment of the children's series would be out this autumn.

But it has confirmed JK Rowling will not complete Harry Potter And The Order Of Phoenix until 2003.

Bloomsbury has denied reports the author is suffering from writer's block.

The Harry Potter series is estimated to account for around half Bloomsbury's sales and profits for the past three years, reports the London Evening Standard.

JK Rowling Says Being Poor Humiliating from Ananova

JK Rowling says she found it humiliating being poor.

She says her image as a struggling writer before her Harry Potter success has been wrongly romanticised.

Rowling is backing a new collection of short stories aimed at raising money for single parent families.

"Some articles written about me have come close to romanticising the time I spent on Income Support," she told the Daily Mirror.

"The well-worn cliche of the writer starving in the garret is so much more picturesque than the bitter reality of living in poverty with a child."

She has written the foreword to a collection of short stories called Magic

HP Co-Producer To Answer Fan's Questions from Bloomsbury, thanks to the Leaky Cauldron

Harry Potter fans may be interested to learn of an event on 4 June, at which Tanya Seghatchian, the co-producer of the Harry film, will be talking about the transfer of Harry Potter and the Philisopher's Stone to the big screen. Questions for Tanya can be emailed to harrypotter@hayfestival.co.uk and the best ten will be published and answered on the Hay Festival website.

Justin De Villeneuve To Star In CoS from The Daily Telegraph, thanks to Counting Down

For a man once at the cutting edge of popular culture after discovering Sixties model Twiggy, Justin de Villeneuve's knowledge of today's stars appears alarmingly limited. Discussing his forthcoming role in the Harry Potter sequel, he's at a loss to recall his prestigious co-star's name.

"He's that chap who did lots of Shakespeare and had that rather famous wife," he vaguely explains. "God, what's his name? I really can't remember." It's only after Peterborough politely suggests Kenneth Branagh that the confusion finally clears. "I don't doubt that he has the same problems remembering me," he shrugs.

Clones Beats Harry for Online Ticket Sales  from PRNewswire, thanks to iHP

According to the article, Star Wars Episode II:  Attack of the Clones now has the number one ranking for online ticket sales at Movietickets.com.  Here's the rankings:

COS Trailer on Owl Sightings??  from The Dark Mark

Agathon, over at the Dark Mark, has the following information from a fan named Oracle who is speculating on the trailer for Chamber of Secrets:

If you remember when the Owl Sightings website was first launched, there was great speculation that the first trailer for CoS would be available to download from the site. We were all somewhat disappointed when we realised that it was "just a competition" (although quite an enticing one, I must say).

Through my sources I have acquired information that the final "digital reward" will apparently be a portion of, if not the entire, trailer. My source wasn't too clear as to whether you have to collect all of the owls to view the trailer (ie all 90). Time will only tell, I suppose.

WB Speaks on DVD Problems from Total DVD, thanks to Muggle Pride Zone

Warner Brother has issued an official response to the problems that have been occurring with the new Philospher'ss Stone DVD.  Here's the information:

The unprecedented demand for Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone on DVD has, unfortunately, led to a manufacturing fault on certain editions of the Special Features bonus disc.

Following customer reports, Warner Home Video has learned that a number of bonus discs do not play properly when used on certain machines. We have conducted a thorough investigation, and we have learned that the problem is confined to a limited number of unbranded DVD players or DVD players that also operate as video games consoles.

We apologise to any customers who have been inconvenienced by this problem, and we are committed to rectifying the situation for them.

In order to ensure customer satisfaction, we are encouraging any customers experiencing problems with the Special Features disc to contact our dedicated customer hotline on 020 8948 5345 to arrange for shipment of a replacement disc. The line will be open from 08:00 am on Friday 17 May.

Once again, we apologise for any inconvenience caused. We are committed to providing quality products for our customers.

Goblet of Fire Number One on NYT Children's Best Seller List

Harris Confirmed  for POA and Beyond from The Daily Telegraph, thanks to Counting Down

Lynnith, over at Counting Down, had this information from Daily Telegraph:

Richard Harris, known to children across the world as Professor Albus Dumbledore, following his appearance in the Harry Potter film, has agreed to resurrect the character in no fewer than three further movies. The 71-year-old wryly predicts: "I'll be in a wheelchair by the time we're finished."

This information correlates with what Richard Harris said during his interview last year on the Rosie O'Donnel show.  You can read that transcript here!

Brawn Minus Brain Doesn't Compute from Guardian Unlimited

Every time I've been to the cinema lately, I've seen a trailer for The Time Machine. I love that trailer. A bespectacled Guy Pearce hunches over pages of numbers, engrossed in highbrow calculation. Cut to Guy Pearce, shirt off, chest glistening, slicing through the jungle with a scythe and shouting something macho.

Obviously that's not what mathematicians usually do. If you were plunged suddenly into a unknown future peopled with shadowy villains, or transported back into a past stalked by dinosaurs, you wouldn't necessarily hope to be accompanied by a fellow with a PhD in maths. Cinema history has not trained us to believe that trigonometry is the way out of these sticky situations.

It shouldn't take too long for the trickle-down effect to reach the school playground. The kids are warmed up, after all, by Harry Potter. A hero in glasses! A heroine who comes top in exams! There is a revolution going on, and the very logic of school bullying is under threat.  Read more!

Kids Upset When Can't See Screening Clearly from The Scotsman

SAD to report that the first Harry Potter film has been conclusively proven to cause a violent reaction in youngsters.

Staff at the giant Asda store in Livingston nearly had to break out the firehoses last week when faced with a horde of angry ankle-biters who’d turned up to watch the Philosopher’s Stone on an outdoor screen as part of a night of entertainment to tie in with the movie’s release on video.

Thanks to an error, well, more gross stupidity, the show was scheduled for 7.30pm and the screen was placed in the optimum position - for the still-present evening sun to obscure the film almost completely.

We understand a four-foot wave of rampaging minors swept through the store, leaving a trail of helpless parents and staff in their wake and rendering the confectionery aisle emptier than Voldemort’s joke book.

Other Reads While Waiting For Book 5 from The Times

The Potter Spell Wares Off  from The Age, thanks to iHP

In Britain, they're already calling Harry Potter an illusion. The boy wizard who won the minds of millions of young - and not so young - readers worldwide is not, it turns out, the saviour of children's books.

In Australia, Harry's magic as the great literary hope has been overstated, too. A crisis in children's book publishing is emerging here, with retail sales down, publishers taking fewer risks, and editorial quality declining. Harry's sales, it seems, were just a freak flash in the pan.  Read more!

Star Wars Beats Weekday Records from AP

"Star Wars: Episode II -- Attack of the Clones'' took in more money than any weekday release in movie history but failed to beat the best single-day box office take of all time, set this month by high-flying ``Spider-Man.''

``Star Wars'' grossed $30.1 million in ticket sales Thursday at 3,161 screens nationwide on its first day, according to estimates by 20th Century Fox.

In comparison, ``Spider-Man'' pulled in a record $39.3 million on its first day. That movie opened on a Friday, considered a weekend day at the box office.

``Spider-Man'' also collected $43.7 million during its second day, playing at 3,615 theaters.

Nevertheless, the film managed to post the sixth largest single-day gross ever, behind leaders ``Spider-Man'' and ``Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone,'' which account for the first five.  Read more!

I've seen this film, and, though I am a HUGE Harry Potter fan, I'm also a HUGE Star Wars fan.  Believe it or not, I'm old enough to have seen Episodes 4, 5, and 6 in the theatres when they first came out.  Stood in line for hours and hours and hours.  Anyhow, it's an awesome movie, and, in my opinion, the best of all the SW series thus far.  Remember, though, that Spiderman and HP were in many more theatres than SW, so it could have very well beat those records.  It's my prediction that this is the movie to watch this year, as far as overall numbers.  I still love HP, though.  He's the best.  I just want book 5!!!!  ;) ~~~ Dijares

Harry Has Competition from Empire Online

British playwright Tom Stoppard is currently the writer of choice for Hollywood, where he's being chased for two big projects. A week or so ago, Empire Online reported that Stoppard was being courted as scriptwriter for the fourth outing in the Indiana Jones series. Then came the news that he was going to be too busy to take up the Indiana position. This morning, the reason for that became clear as New Line Cinema revealed it was in negotiations with Stoppard to take the 'His Dark Materials' trilogy by Philip Pullman to the big screen.

Bible belters who've been protesting against the rise of Harry Potter and his ungodly study of magic will have their work cut out when the Pullman series hits the big screen. The trilogy features a universe in which multiple versions of Earth exist, daemons are the embodiment of the human spirit and in which angels aren't always on the side of all that is good and right.  Read more!

John Williams Received Four BMI Nods from The Hollywood Reporter, thanks to iHP

Williams received the most awards with four for "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," "Jurassic Park III," "A.I. Artificial Intelligence" and the 2002 Winter Olympic Games.  Read more!

Fans Flock To Prowl With The Owls from Newsbytes, thanks to Muggle Pride Zone

Still Time to Play the Game at www.owlsightings.com for a Chance to Be in "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets"(TM); "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone"(TM) DVD and VHS Available in the U.S. on May 28
 
Warner Home Video (WHV) announced yesterday that more than 500,000 people around the world are already playing the "Owl Prowl" game that began on May 8 at www.owlsightings.com, delivering more than five million page views per day and awarding more than 8,000 instant win prizes to date.  Read more!

Disney Challenged by Harry Potter from the Orlando Sentinel, thanks to The Wizard World

Walt Disney Co. is developing three movies based on classic theme-park attractions, adding a new twist to an idea the company exploited a half century ago.

The movies -- The Country Bears, Pirates of the Caribbean and Haunted Mansion -- are inspired by the iconic Disney attractions and will be released this year and next.

The movies mark a new chapter in the history of film and a new strategy for Disney, which until now has modeled its theme-park rides and shows mainly on its own movies, from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs to Lion King.

His experiment comes as Disney is testing new waters to improve its box-office performance with more family-oriented fare tied to the company's roots. Disney, challenged by rival hits such as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and The Lord of the Rings, is seeking to reclaim its reputation as a leader in family movies.  Read more!

Train Ride Includes Some HP Cars from icNewcastle

A scenic train ride taking in some of the region's most stunning scenery is planned for next month.

A Bank Holiday heritage train will leave Newcastle on Monday, June 3, bound for a journey across the Tyne Valley, Settle and Carlisle.

Going coast to coast, passengers will travel from the Tyne to the Solway taking in superb views and dramatic mountain scenery.

A diesel loco will pull 12 heritage coaches from the 1950s and 60s with some that were featured in the hit film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Anyone wanting more information about the trip should contact (01484) 422 920.

New Set Stills for COS!!  from Harry Potter O Filme, thanks to The Snitch!

Harry Potter O Filme has some set pics today from Chamber of Secrets!  They are of Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and Ron (Rupert Grint) in the doorway of Hagrid's hut!

Harry's Growing Pains from SMH, thanks to iHP

A coalition of dedicated children, husbands and aspiring Jedis has combined to finally oust Harry Potter from the top 10 of the bestsellers list in Australia.

Since Harry Potter hit Australia in 1997, 1.3 million copies have been sold, making it Allen & Unwin's best-selling title.

A staggering 4.4 million titles have sold worldwide.  Read the rest!

Chamber of Secrets Game Information from Stockhouse, thanks to The Leaky Cauldron

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets(TM) -- Take the wheel of a flying car and don't be late for a second term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry(TM) in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets(TM). Based on J.K. Rowling's second book in the worldwide best-selling series, players face a slew of new challenges and mysteries as the famous "Boy Who Lived." EA will be publishing games based on Chamber of Secrets this fall under the EA GAMES brand for the PlayStation 2 console, Nintendo GameCube, Xbox, PC, Game Boy Advance, PlayStation and Game Boy(R) Color. Each game will take advantage of the individual platform's hardware capabilities to deliver the ultimate Harry Potter experience, transporting gamers away from the non-magical world into an interactive adventure of wizards and wonder!

Sneak a Peek at the DVD from EW

''Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets'' isn't due in theaters until Nov. 15, but in the meantime Hogwarts-hungry fans can pick up the double-disc DVD of the bespectacled kid wizard's first film, ''Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone'' (in stores May 28). Using magic powers (and a DVD player), EW.com took an early look at the disc's games, tours, and interactive features. Muggles, be warned: You might find yourselves spellbound.  Make sure to see more, as they have a lot of great information!

Directions to Deleted Scenes from Digital Bits

Having problems figuring out how to get to the deleted scenes on the DVD?  Bill, over at Digital Bits, has a guided tour.  **Spoilers Ahead - so readers beware.**  Here is what he has to say:

So you're braving it, eh? Okay then. With Disc Two in your player, from the main menu, select "Diagon Alley". You'll be faced with a brick wall from which you'll be asked to select the right bricks to let you inside. Just click on a few - the third time you fail to get the right combination, the disc will let you in anyway. Inside Diagon Alley, select the key on the Gringots sign. Inside Gringots, select the coins to get the money you'll need to buy a wand. Next go to Olivanders and select a wand. Once you've finally found one that works, leave Diagon Alley and go back out to the main menu. Select "classrooms". When you get to that page, select "down" on your remote to highlight the creatures on the statue and hit enter twice. You'll be taken into the third floor corridor, where you'll see a three-headed dog. Select the flute and hit enter. Next you'll be taken to a room with flying keys. Select the one farthest back in the center with the broken wing and hit enter. Next you'll see a number of potion bottles. Select the large round one just right of center in the top row and hit enter. At last, you'll see the mirror with the stone in the center. Select the stone and hit enter. FINALLY, you have access to a series of seven deleted scenes in anamorphic widescreen with Dolby Digital 2.0 audio. Enjoy... if you still care at this point.

One note - the deleted scenes are Titles 27-33 on Disc Two... if you can find a way to get at them with that information. Good luck, because I couldn't.

Make sure you visit his lengthy run down of the new DVD here!

Focus on Scottish Actors from The Scotsman

Scots in Film, a collection of 30 portraits of Scottish movie stars, will be unveiled later this month at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, covering several decades of talent, from Billy Connolly and Robbie Coltrane, through Ewan McGregor and Tilda Swinton, to Dougray Scott and Kelly Macdonald. It was prompted by the simple observation that there are a lot of Scots in Hollywood these days, and they are doing very well.  Read more!

DVD Review from Daily Reviews, thanks to Dark Horizons

Daily Reviews did a great review of the new DVD.  Here's an excerpt:

Truly a modern day classic, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (as well as the inevitable sequels) is destined to become as fondly remembered as the magical films that our parents grew up on. With its richly drawn story and instantly likable characters, it contains all the elements that make such fantastical tales so enjoyable and enduring. If you are one of the few people who missed this flick during its theatrical run, I highly suggest getting out there and picking this disc up so that you, too, can become fully immersed in the detailed world of Harry Potter.  Make sure to read the rest!

Harry Potter Help England Win World Cup? from The Guardian

Oasis, Harry Potter and even Chris Woodhead could help England to a successful World Cup thanks to an entertainment package of CDs, DVDs and books designed to help players relax so their minds can be focused.

The Football Association and sports psychologists have drawn up a list of 400 songs, films, books and video games which have been sent to Japan ahead of the England team's arrival in two weeks time.  Read the rest!

Exhibit to Honor British Children's Authors from London Reuters

From Beatrix to Harry, Pottermania has gripped kids around the world for a century.

Hollywood, too, has fallen for the charms of Britain's strong cast of storybook characters -- Peter Pan and Mary Poppins not least among them.

And when it comes to bears, nobody does it better than the British. Who could forget Winnie the Pooh and Paddington Bear?

So London's National Portrait Gallery has now decided to celebrate the unique contribution of British authors to children's literature in a new exhibition.  Read more!

More Info on Owl Sightings

Extra TV has a small article, and some video clippings, about the new Owl Sightings website.  You can see the article here, and check out the video here.

Also, according to iHP, Extra TV is supposed to have some extra out takes from the movie on tonight!  So, make sure to check your local listings, or go to TVGuide.com to find out when it will be on in your area!

Tom Felton No Longer Draco Malfoy?  from the Daily Express

According to Counting Down, the Daily Express has stated that Tom Felton no longer wishes to act.  Here's the info:

Tom, 14, who plays Draco Malfoy, the meanest schoolboy at Hogwarts, said yesterday: "Harry Potter is fantastic but when this is over I don't think I'll carry on.

"I want to go to college to do fisheries studies.

I haven't accepted any other films outside of this because acting isn't the be-all-and-end-all for me. I think you have to keep your feet on the ground with this sort of stuff."

He added: "In spite of what Draco is like I really like school and I miss it a lot when I'm filming. I've a fair idea what I want to do for my GCSEs - I will definitely be doing music."

Harris States His Arrangements are "Marvelous" from The Express

Another one from Counting Down and The Express:

The Express caught up with Richard Harris at the recent Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, where he talked about his costume and filming schedules:

Richard Harris, who plays Professor Dumbledore in the films, has spoken about the pain he endures daily on set from wearing the Hogwarts headmaster's 2ft-long beard. "It takes two hours for the girls in make-up to put on and it's actually pretty heavy, " he explained.

"After a few hours my face hurts because of the weight. And it's pretty sore to take off because of all that glue."

Harris, 72, has just finished filming the next Potter movie Chamber Of Secrets and is now taking some well-earned time off.

"It's a marvellous arrangement for me doing Harry Potter because I just do 20 days' filming every six months, and the rest of the time I just get to do whatever I want."

In spite of the massive worldwide fame he now has, the Limerick-born actor says he has no other plans for taking on any other film or television projects.

"I'm in my seventies and there's just no need to do anything else. I've worked all my life and I think I deserve the rest."

Win a Free DVD!  from CBBC, thanks to Muggle Net

CBBC is giving out two DVDs with Lizo's autograph on them.  The deadline is 3 June at noon (that's London time).  You can give it a try right here!

Happy Mother's Day!!

To all the mums, moms, grandmums and grammies (including my own), Happy Mother's Day!!!  I hope you are all spoiled rotten this day, as you deserve it!  :)

DVD Sales Makes History! from Ananova

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone has become the most successful UK video and DVD release of all time.

Warner Home Video say more than 1.25 million copies were sold yesterday on the first day of its release.

The previous record was held by the film Titanic, which achieved 1.1 million sales in 1997.  Read the rest!

JK Rowling vs Anne Robinson for Rector from Ananova

Anne Robinson and JK Rowling may go head-to-head in a popularity contest with students at St Andrews University in Scotland.

The Weakest Link presenter and the Harry Potter author have both been nominated as rectors for the University.

If JK Rowling decides to stand, the pair will be put to the vote by students in September. It is not yet known whether Rowling has decided to stand for the position.  Read the rest!

Current Poll Results

Harry Potter's Page poll is asking which movie you think will be the number one movie for 2002.  The results as of today are:

Please note that I also have Matrix: Reloaded.  The release date has been changed to 2003, so their votes can not be included.  Sorry.

If you would like to place your vote, please do so now.  The poll is located in the top of the right border.

Adults and Children Queued for Hours for DVD from BBC

Retailers are predicting Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone will notch up sales of more than one million on its first day, smashing the previous record held by Titanic.

Adults and children alike queued for hours to get their hands on the new release.  Read more!

Philosopher's Stone DVD May Set Records from London Reuters

Young Harry Potter fans, or more probably their parents, queued overnight to buy the video or DVD of film hit "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" -- sales of which look set to break records, industry sources said.

From midnight on Friday May 10, 700 stores across Britain opened their doors to cope with the expected demand.

"It is looking like Harry Potter will break the previous record for the number of videos and DVDs sold in 24 hours," a spokeswoman for Warner Home Video said on Saturday.  Read more!

DVD Sales Expected to Reach One Million from icNewcastle

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone videos and DVDs hit the shops today, with countrywide sales of more than one million expected on the first day alone.

Retailers predict the magical movie will be the biggest seller of all time, smashing the previous record held by Titanic.

HMV's flagship store in Oxford Street opened at midnight to sell the first copy, with the shop transformed for the event by special effects, wizards and witches, and even an owl.

DVD Review 

Amy, from the Muggle Pride Zone, has seen the new DVD, and here is what she has to say:

Harry Potter DVD Review I've just gotten the DVD, and has had the chance of going through most of the features on disc 2 and disc 1, and I must say that it looks just fabulous :D

Disc two starts out with a intro movie, and you're swept up to the teachers table in the great hall where you begin your magical journey. There are many options to choose from, including the sorting hat, Diagon Alley and classrooms.

Before doing anything, it is advised that you go to Diagon Alley to "open" up your bank account and buy your wand. Before getting in though, you must tap the bricks in the correct order ;)

Instead of going to Diagon Alley, you can choose to take a 3D virtual tour of Hogwarts. I personally found the tour quite boring, as it was slow and the graphics aren't very clear. There's a lot of dialogue, and you seem to move through Hogwarts at a snails pace.

Scattered around the DVD, there are short clips highlighting various characters, such as Dumbledore, Oliver Wood, Harry Potter etc. Each clip lasts aroun 30 seconds. The Sorting Hat as extremely disappointing, as all it did was tell me about each of the houses. Major disappointment there. In the library, there are more character videos, as well as one of my favorite features, conceptual drawings and artwork used in the movie. These drawings include detailed description of quidditch equipment, sets and etc.

You can also visit the Hogwarts grounds, which includes a virtual tour of Hagrid's hut and a "catch the snitch" game which is also hopelessly boring.

Probably one of the most informative parts of the DVD is the interview with the producer, director, screenplay writer and more. It really gives you a better look into Harry's world.

I managed to find 7 of the deleted scenes, and those were really worth watching. Most of them were short, except for the leg-locker scene and an extended version of potions class.

I haven't been able to watch the movie yet (no time), but the special features are looking pretty good on the DVD. I do not own a DVD drive on my computer, so I'm not sure how good the DVD ROM features are. All in all, this is another great thing to have for the ultimate Potter fan to add to their collection. Though some parts aren't as great as others, the sheer size and extra features make it a great set to have ;)

Rating: 9/10

Amy, who was the webmaster for Muggle Pride, has now joined up with The Zone, and created a new site called Muggle Pride Zone.  Go check it out!  Congrats, Amy!

Owl Expert's Harry Potter Warning from BBC

Sheila Stewart's plea comes after the youngster bought the chick after watching the Harry Potter and the Philosophers' Stone film.  Read more!

New CoS Set Photos! from Rexfeatures

Rexfeatures has some new pictures from the Chamber of Secrets set.  You can go see them here!  Don't forget to click the "Next" button to see more of them!

Harry Potter Frenzy Expected from This is London

Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone videos and DVDs are expected to spark off a buying frenzy when they hit the shops.

More than a million are set to fly off the shelves on the first day alone and retailers predict the magical movie will be the biggest seller of all time, smashing the previous record held by Titanic.

HMV's flagship store in Oxford Street opened at midnight to sell the first copy, with the shop transformed for the event by special effects, wizards and witches, and even an owl.  Read more!

Toy Stores Open Early in GB for DVD Release  from Ananova

Select branches of Toys R Us are opening at midnight tonight to sell the new Harry Potter video and DVD.

The first 50 customers at each store will get a free audio cassette of Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone read by Stephen Fry.

Stores opening at midnight include Brent Cross, Croydon, Medway, Southampton, Bristol, Oldbury, Warrington, Metro Centre, Leeds and Edinburgh.  Read the rest!

New Quidditch Features in CoS from Dark Horizons

On the upcoming "Harry Potter" DVD, Producer David Hayter talked about the sequel and revealed the Quidditch game will undergo some changes: "What we've got in the second film is, we've honed it a little bit, it'll be, i think the movement will be a little faster. We're also incorporating a trench around the outside of the field which will be where a great portion of the action will take place, where Harry gets chased by a bludger throughout the field". Cast for the film have confirmed that filming has just successfully finished.

Warner Bros Hopes To Make Records from Jam! Showbiz

Sometimes, timing is unavoidable. On the week when Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone had its opening-weekend box-office record smashed by a spider, its studio launched the Prince of Hogwarts on DVD, aiming at a whole new record.

It might not be the king of the box office anymore -- Spider-Man took that title this week with a $114.8-million opening weekend, eclipsing Harry's $90.3 million -- but Warner Bros. has in mind a new title: that of biggest-selling video ever. It goes on sale tomorrow here, and May 28 in North America.  Read more!

Insights Into the COS Movie from Aint It Cool News

Harry , over at Aint It Cool, received some information about the COS.  It was given to him by someone who has seen the new DVD.  Here's an excerpt:

"What we've got in the second film is, we've honed it a little bit, it'll be, i think the movement will be a little faster. We're also incorporating a trench around the outside of the field which will be where a great portion of the action will take place, where Harry gets chased by a bludger throughout the field".

He goes on to add, " In the Chamber of Secrets we have many new characters, amongst them Gilderoy Lockhart, wonderfull narcissistic and self promoting proffessor of the dark arts being played by Kenneth Branagh."

Chris Columbus and Heyman then add "we meet Ron's father, Arthur weasley, Lucius Malfoy, who is malfoy's father. who is wonderfully evil. We get to meet a new student, called Colin Creevy who's an obsessive fan of Harry Potter constantly taking photographs. Another new character is Ginny Weasly, Ron's Sister....We get to meet Madam Pomfrey who runs the hospital, Madam Sprout who runs the greenhouse."  Read more!

Pop Quiz - How Much Did Daniel Make on SS and Other Questions from EW

Entertainment Weekly has a quiz on how much Daniel Radcliffe was paid for the role of Harry Potter in The Sorcerer's Stone and other questions.  After you guess, it will show you how much he's getting paid for Chamber of Secrets.  

Go here to guess Daniel's wages!

Go here to guess the English translation of Hogwart's motto!

Go here to guess what Daniel Radcliffe wish he had done!

Go here to guess what was JK Rowling's first book!

Go here to guess what degree John Cleese holds!

Electronic Arts Has Records Sales Thanks to HP from CNET

Leading video and computer games publisher Electronic Arts reported record sales for its fiscal 2002, buoyed by new game machines and franchises such as "Harry Potter" and "The Sims."  Read the rest!

Words From Robbie Coltrane on COS from IGN

With around 45 days of shooting left on the second film, the cast and crew of Potter took a break and gathered at Kings Cross train station in London to celebrate the upcoming DVD release (the disc arrives in U.S. outlets on May 28th).  True to form, Sir Richard Harris' (Dumbledore) first words upon arriving at the party were, "'Where's the food? Where's the champagne?"  Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), dished to reporters that shooting on Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets was running smoothly and that director Chris Columbus is having more fun on the set this time around – hopefully that'll be evident in the finished film.  Coltrane tells the paper, "He's wildly energetic, as he was before, but he's enjoying it more.  The special effects were so new and the technology so innovative last time. Now he is a bit more relaxed."  Read the rest!

DVD Sales Breaking Records from The Scotsman

ADVANCE orders for videos of the Harry Potter movie have smashed all previous records.

The movie, based on the book by Edinburgh author JK Rowling, is being released next week.

But leading online retailer Amazon claims that 36,000 orders have already been placed for videos and DVDs of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

CBBC Newsround has a picture gallery from the DVD launch at King's Cross Station.  You can go see it here

When Is Book 5 Being Released? 

This is very confusing for those of us eagerly anticipating the next Harry Potter book, "Order of the Phoenix."  It was, according to the following article and as many had assumed, due to be released between the DVD release and the "Chamber of Secrets" movie.  The following article from E! Online states that Scholastic has said the book may not be out until next year, yet Bloomsbury is stating it may still be released this year.  Well, no wonder we're all confused.  *Head spinning from the confusion of it all* ;-)

Elaborate plans to coordinate the marketing of the next Harry Potter book to fit neatly between this month's release of the DVD and video of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and the November premiere of the second movie, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, have apparently gone up in smoke.

J.K. Rowling is seemingly under some sort of spell--the British author hasn't been able to finish her fifth installment, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, in time to be published this summer, as fans of the kid wizard had hoped.

Instead, Rebecca Salt, the London-based spokeswoman for the reclusive Rowling, said the eagerly anticipated book might not be ready until 2003.

"It could be this year and it could be next year," said Salt, while rejecting the notion that the now very rich and married Rowling was suffering for writer's block.

Salt also insisted there had never been a specific deadline, although Rowling had produced a book a year between 1997 and 2000 and was believed to have promised to keep doing so, in step with the seven years Harry and his chums are enrolled at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Meanwhile, Rowling's British publishers said they weren't expecting to have to wait until 2003.

"J.K. Rowling is happily writing a new book, and we anticipate publishing later this year," said Bloomsbury spokeswoman Rosamund Delahey.

But Scholastic, which publishes the multimillion-dollar chart-topping franchise in the U.S., has told its shareholders it is not expecting to have the fifth book ready until June 2003 because of the whole editing, cover design and printing process.

"I understand her fans are eager, as we are, but J.K. Rowling writes substantial books, and they are not turned out as small novellas. Her last book was over 740 pages," said Judy Corman spokeswoman for the New York-based publishing house, which has sold more than 67 million copies of the first four books which have surpassed the 100 million sales mark worldwide.

But the Muggles are restless. There's unease among all concerned--from kids hooked on Rowling's fantasy, who feel lost and ignored, to marketing moguls, who have capitalized on her creation and fear a long delay may cause those fickle kids to lose interest in the Hogwarts' heroes and villains.  Read more!

Date For Book 5 Still a Mystery from Ananova

Harry Potter fans may have to wait until next year to read the fifth instalment in the boy wizard's saga.

Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix had been widely expected to be in the shops this summer.

But author JK Rowling is still working on the novel, and her spokeswoman admits it may not be published until 2003.

"There has been an anticipated date of this year and that may still be the case. But it might not be finished until next year," she said. "There is no deadline and there never was. She doesn't have writer's block and she is busy writing the book at the moment."

A spokeswoman for publishers Bloomsbury said: "She is happily writing Harry Potter And The Order of the Phoenix and as soon as we have the completed manuscript we will announce a publication date. We are looking forward to it as much as Harry Potter fans.  Read the rest!

It'll Be A While For The Trailer from CBBC Newsround

He was speaking at an enormous party at Kings Cross station to celebrate the launch of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on DVD and video.

Columbus said he wasn't quite happy with the trailer for Secrets just yet and wants to make sure he gets it perfect before releasing it.  Read the rest!

Chamber of Secrets Has 'Thrills-A-Many' from USA Today, thanks to Muggle Net

More action. More special effects. That's what to expect in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the second feature film installment of the tale about a famed boy wizard, say Rupert Grint (Ronald Weasley) and Emma Watson (Hermione Granger). The pair were part of a coven of Potter cast and crew on hand at Kings Cross train station — where the fabled Hogwarts Express leaves London — to celebrate the upcoming worldwide DVD release of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

Empty Summer Without Book 5 from The Telegraph

YOUNG readers are facing a second barren summer without a new Harry Potter instalment because J K Rowling has still not completed the fifth book in the seven-volume series.

There had been strong expectations that Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix would be in the shops last summer.

It is unlikely, however, to be published until this autumn at the earliest and may be delayed until next summer, almost three years after the fourth volume, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

When Miss Rowling, 36, embarked on the series which has earned her a fortune estimated at £220 million, she had talked about bringing out a volume a year and said she had "mapped out" the plots for almost all the books.

Yesterday, associates said Miss Rowling was not revealing how she was progressing or when she expected to deliver the manuscript to her publishers, Bloomsbury Children's Books.  Read the rest!

Owl Prowl Game Has Begun!

I just received an announcement from WB regarding the new Owl Prowl game!  By playing this game, you can win a walk on role in  Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets!!!  You can see the announcement here!

Click here to visit the site and for your chance to win!!

Potter Stars Help Launch DVD from Ananova

Stars of the blockbuster film Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone turned out to launch the movie on video and DVD.

Emma Watson and Rupert Grint were among the actors who posed in front of the Hogwart's Express at London's Kings Cross station.

Also there were Warwick Davies - Professor of Charms Filius Flitwick and the Goblin Teller at Gringots Bank.  Read more!

Store Ready To Meet Pottermania from Lancashire Evening Telegraph, thanks to Muggle Net

IF HAGRID, the Dursleys, Malfoy and Fluffy are not already household names tripping off East Lancashire tongues, they soon will be.

For pre-sale figures in WH Smith of the illustrious Harry Potter video are highest in Blackburn than anywhere else in the North West.

More than 600 copies have already been reserved in preparation for the magical Hogwarts tale being released on May 11.

And the store is expecting such a delirious rush to buy the Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone video that all staff have been called in to work and the store is opening an hour and a half earlier than usual - at 7.30am.  Read the rest!

Choose Your Own Wand on the DVD from Zap 2 It

"The wand chooses its wizard, Mr. Harry Potter," says the owner of Olivanders to Harry Potter. In the DVD version of "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," one of the many surprises (or Easter Eggs as they're called in the DVD world) is that on the second DVD, you get to choose a wand of your own.  Read the rest!

Book 5 Not Released Until After CoS Movie from People

The only word about the book, to be called "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix," says The Times, is that its American publisher, Scholastic, has told its stockholders (as well as hungry young readers) that it expects to publish it some time before June 2003. This means it will come well after this fall's movie premiere of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets," the sequel to the last year's "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone."  Read more!

Well, at least it says BEFORE June 2003, and not after.  I'd really melt into a buttery mess then.  hehe.

Book 5 Out in Autumn?  from CBBC Newsround, thank to The Leaky Cauldron

So can you bear to wait that long for your next Potter instalment?

Had you hoped it would be out over the summer? Or do you think it's exciting waiting for the book?  Go tell them what you think here!

Okay, can anyone make up their mind?  Well, autumn is before June, 2003, right?  So, we're narrowing it down to a window here. . .

WB asks DVD Reviews To Wait from Digital Bits

One last note on Harry Potter. We received a copy of the disc at a studio demonstration on Friday and we've completed our review. But Warner contacted us this evening and asked that we hold off on posting it until next Monday, which is the press embargo date. Of course, they neglected to tell those of us who attended the event about the embargo (including Pete Bracke and me), so I almost posted my review anyway and DVD File did have theirs up for a while. Sorry to tease you guys with it in the meantime. Watch for it in a week.

Owl Sightings Site Secrets Revealed! Thanks to Muggle Net

Muggle Net has stated that the new game on the site Owl Sightings is called Owl Prowl.

The Leaky Cauldron also has the following information about the new site, Owl Sightings:

• A seven (7) day/six (6) night trip to the set of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™
• Including a walk-on role for the Bonus Trip winner in the movie
• Roundtrip air transportation to the location of the movie set
• Hotel accommodations
• $1,000 spending money

• A (7) seven day/six (6) night trip for four to London to be among the first to see the movie, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™
• Roundtrip air transportation to London, England
• Hotel accommodations
• $1,000 spending money

Caroline Kennedy Loves HP Books from CNN

From an interview with Caroline Kennedy, John Kennedy's daughter:

ARE YOU A HARRY POTTER FAN?

Yes, I love those books.

Columbus Not Doing Prisoner of Azkaban

A source of mine, who works closely with the filming, and has some inside information, passed along that Chris Columbus will not be directing the third Harry Potter movie.  From what I understand, he wishes to spend more time with his daughter and her schooling.

She also mentioned that the next book may be out in September.  I can only hope so, as we're all going crazy without our next Harry Potter fix!  But, just remember, she is not finished with it yet, and, once she is, it takes a few months to get the covers done and get the book published.

Thanks to my great friend for the information!  You're a doll!  ;)

Dan and Rupert are Growing Up from The Daily Record, thanks to The Wizarding World

Rupert Grint has revealed how both he and co-star Daniel Radcliffe are growing up - their voices have broken.

He admitted: "My voice is a lot lower than it was in the last film."

Rupert, 13, who plays Ron Weasley in the film series, says that his own voice started changing at the start of shooting the latest movie, Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets.

He said: "It's strange. Dan's has broken completely. But they had decided that they were going to break it in the film anyway, so it hasn't been a problem with the producers."

Rupert will be joining all the other main cast members, including Daniel and Robbie Coltrane, tomorrow for the launch of The Philosopher's Stone on video and DVD.

The cast will appear on the Hogwarts train at Kings Cross Station, platform one, for the launch of the video and DVD on Saturday.  Read the rest!

DVD Review of HPSS from DVD File, thanks to Dark Horizons

DVD File has done a very good good review of the new DVD to be released on 11 May in the UK, and 28 May in the U.S.  Here's an excerpt:

Let's start with disc one, er, rather, let's not. Aside from the main feature, there is not a single extra on the first platter, which is a good thing. The movie gets the maximum bitrate allowable for the best quality presentation, and all the goodies can be easily found on disc two. Pop that disc into your player and be greeted by what may be the most complex and extensive animated menus yet created for a DVD, complete with an omnipresent narrator who guides you along,. Yes, these look just swell, but this is one big puzzle box so have that remote handy!  Read the rest here!

Oh, for those of you wanting the DVD at midnight, I was at WalMart the other day, and they said they'll have it out by midnight.  So, go for it.  I know I will.  ;)

Alan Rickman (Prof Snape) Up For Tony thanks to IHP

Alan Rickman, who's a superb actor, has been nominated for a Tony in the category of Best Performance In a Leading Actor for his performance in the play Private Lives.  You can see the listing of nominations here.

An Analysis of the Spider-man Record from Box Office Prophets, thanks to The Leaky Cauldron

This article gives a very good briefing on how Spider-Man was able to break all previous box-office records, including Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.  You can read it here.

I only wonder if it will make as much overall as HP did last year.  If so, they only have until 16 May, as this is when Episode II is out.  Expect more records to break then.  Oh, and by the way, I did go see Spider-man, and it was pretty good, I'll have to admit.  The special effects were outstanding!  But, the overall story line wasn't as magical as HP, if my own humble opinion. ~~~Dijares

Chamber of Secrets Thought To Be No 1 in Britain This Year from Guardian Unlimited

In Britain, Harry Potter should emerge triumphant. The first film - Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - grossed £64m and is Britain's second most successful film ever, just £5m behind the all time leader, Titanic. While it would be highly unusual - though not impossible - for the second film to do quite as well, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets does have many advantages over its competitors. The Philosopher's Stone is due out on video soon and a new book is coming this summer, so the Potter name will be in the news all year. As a result, the Chamber of Secrets (release date November 15) should gross over £55m in the UK and make at least $250m in America. If it doesn't, I'll eat my sorting hat.  Read the rest here!

Spider-man Beats Harry Potter Opening Record from E! Online

Spider-Man was truly amazing over the weekend, netting a Marvel-ous, box-office-busting $114 million.

The FX-laden PG-13-rated movie, starring Tobey Maguire as the nerd-turned-arachnid swinger, broke the opening-weekend record, easily surpassing the $90.2 million pulled in last November by the kiddie-wizard saga Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.  Read the rest.

No New Harry Potter Book This Year from AP

From the Annual Booksellers Convention . . .

No new "Harry Potter" is coming this year, but look for lots of famous names on the spines of other children's books, including Jerry Seinfeld, Elizabeth Taylor, Spike Lee, Toni Morrison, Michael Chabon, Carl Hiassen and John Lithgow.  Read more.

I'm really confused.  Either it's coming out this summer or not until next year.  I don't think anyone knows.  Errr.  Frustration is driving me mad!!!  ;)

Commercial for DVD!

A WB site has a commercial for the new DVD!!  You can go see it here!

Thanks to The Leaky Cauldron.

When Will Book 5 Be Finished? from NY Times

No one knows, not even J. K. Rowling, the British author who invented Harry Potter and the famous Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. After turning out four Harry Potter books at a rate of one a year through July 2000, Ms. Rowling is already months late in completing the fifth book in time for its planned publication in July. She has explained to her agent and publishers that writing this next book is proving to be more involved than she initially expected. Scholastic, the United States publisher for Ms. Rowling's previous books, has told its watchful shareholders only that the company expects to publish Ms. Rowling's next Harry Potter book some time before June 2003.

Bored, perhaps, with rereading the first four books, many of Ms. Rowling's youngest fans now congregate online. In the last year, thousands of Web sites have sprung up where swelling ranks of visitors eagerly swap their own theories and "facts" about the progress and contents of the forthcoming book.

"There are, like, millions of Web sites," said Ms. Ruskin, the 11-year-old fan. "One person told me that J. K. Rowling got mad at people for pushing her so she decided to start over."

Not so, said Judy Corman, a spokeswoman for Scholastic. Ms. Rowling is hard at work and her publishers are patient, she said. "Clearly we understand that her readers are eagerly waiting for it but you can't hurry the creative juices and we understand that," Ms. Corman said. "She is writing. She is working hard on the book. We will be happy when we get it." Scholastic never announced a date, she said. Once the manuscript is completed, releasing it will take four or five months.

You can read the rest of this article (there's much more!) here, but please be aware you will have to join to NY Times.

Book Sales Hurt Due To No Harry Potter Release from AP

The latest numbers from the publishing world: More books are being released, but fewer will likely be bought.

Greco said the economy is not the only culprit for the industry's recent troubles; the children's market has been hurt by the absence of a new Harry Potter work, with sales projected to drop from 403 million books last year to 360 million in 2003.  Read more.

Spiderman May Beat HP Opening Record from NY Post

That means it may run roughshod over "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" - which holds the current three-day record of $90.3 million.  Read more!

I went and saw Spiderman last night.  It was, I have to admit, pretty good.  But, like the Sorcerer's Stone, it was an introduction, so many open spaces.  The FX were absolutely awesome, though!

JK Confirms Seven Books from Wall Street city, thanks to the Dark Mark

Author JK Rowling has confirmed that beloved kids' character Harry Potter will end after the seventh book.

She says, "It is possible that I will finish Harry and go over to the filing cabinet where the notes are and think they're rubbish."  Read the rest!

DVD Promotions in Australia from MuggleNet

Amy, at MuggleNet, had the following information:

I just recieved an email from Helene in Australia with the following information about DVD promotions:

It's kind of a note for all Sydneysiders: Like in the US and Canada, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is coming out on DVD and video in Australia on the 28th May, so the Sunday Telegraph is having a promo for the release. It will be issuing a free HP poster every Sunday in the paper for four weeks starting on the 5th May. They're also giving away 25 free Harry Potter DVD's.

Seven Deleted Scenes on DVD from Eeggs, thanks to MuggleNet

Eeggs has stated that there are seven deleted scenes in the new DVD!!

Scene 1 - Smeltings uniform
Scene 2 - Letters in Eggs
Scene 3 - Hagrid and Harry on the Underground
Scene 4 - Harry and Ron befriend Hermione
Scene 5 - More Christmas
Scene 6 - Dumbledore's Card and Neville's legbinding
Scene 7 - Extended Potions Class

 Go here to read it all!

New WB Harry Potter Website? from the Leaky Cauldron

There is a new site titled "Owl Sightings."  This site, apparently, will eventually contain some movie trailer, film clips, and behind the scenes shots of Hogwarts.  When entering the site, it will ask you for your email address to update you on information coming up on May 8th.  This may be the date of the release of the Chamber of Secrets trailer. (finally!)  Go see the site here! 

HP DVD Weaves its Magic from BBC

Lord Of The Rings might have captured all the critical acclaim and awards glory, but it is still not nearly as much fun as the first screen outing for the now infamous boy wizard.

Thanks to some near perfect casting, assured direction from Chris Columbus and awesome visuals that allow JK Rowling's original text to truly leap off the page, Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone remains a spectacular accomplishment.

The object of the DVD is to find the Philosopher's Stone and claim your reward - all of which involves taking part in a series of complicated interactive games.  Read more!

Spidey Not Thought To Break HP Record from Reuters Variety

So high are expectations for Sony's weekend bow of "Spider-Man," it's considered a foregone conclusion the comic-inspired actioner will easily break the $68.1 million frame record set by Universal's "The Mummy Returns" last year.

Warner Bros.' "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" -- which bowed with a record 3,672 theaters and 8,100 screens in November -- set an all-time record for a three-day opening at $90.3 million. Few believe that mark's in any peril of falling, but almost anything up to that number is conceivable for "Spidey."  Read the rest!

Harry Potter Canceled in Vietnam from Hoover's Online, thanks to The Leaky Cauldron

The State-run Hanoi Movie Company had to postpone the Vietnam premiere of Harry Potter planned for the Lunar New Year period, as filmmaker Warner Bros in the United States refused to sell the rights for fear of breach of copyright.

"We have been forced to cancel our plans, as Warner Bros have refused the deal with us on the advice of its lawyers," company director Nguyen Thi Lien said.

The lawyers had discovered illegally made videotapes of US-made films imported from China and Cambodia for sale in Vietnam, including Harry Potter.  Read more!

Trying To Handle All The DVD Features from The Times

The voice coming out of the DVD is Jim Dale’s, comfortably familiar, though the tones arrive dipped in more menace than usual. “So,” he says, “you have decided to visit the third-floor category. What will you use to get past Fluffy?” Frankly, Jim, I haven’t a clue. It’s a wonder I’ve got this far into the disc’s special features. I think I reached the third floor by mistake.

To some degree your journey through these special features mirrors Harry Potter’s adventures in the book and the movie. You don’t need granny glasses and a floppy fringe, but you do need to get supplies from Diagon Alley — entered only by clicking the handset at a combination of wall bricks. Later, after virtual reality tours of Hogwarts school, cute information about owls and many other diversions, you can play Quidditch — but only after clicking one of those Golden Snitches darting over the screen.

Is this fun? Of course, especially for the film’s young target audience, who are at home among high-tech gizmos and the pressing of small buttons. But the fun probably has a limited duration, and it raises questions about the entire special-edition phenomenon. Even the most elaborate interactive bag of tricks is no substitute for the pleasure of watching the actual movie (which is there complete on the DVD, as well as on the video version). And some greybeards, fumbling with buttons, might well think there are better uses of human ingenuity than trying to click a handset and navigate past a three-headed dog called Fluffy.

There's much more to this article here!

Hasbro Accused of Price Fixing from AP

The prices of some of Britain's favorite toys may have been fixed by the manufacturer Hasbro Inc., and 12 of its distributors, the Office of Fair Trading said Wednesday.

Hasbro, the U.S.-based manufacturer, is one of Britain's largest toys and games suppliers, selling famous brand names such as Cindy, My Little Pony, the classic table soccer game Subbuteo, and "Harry Potter" trademark cards.  Read the rest!

Christian Coulson Starring In . . . from The Leaky Cauldron

The Leaky Cauldron had the following information about Christian Coulson, who is portraying Tom Riddle:

Christian Coulson (Tom Riddle) is appearing in "The Forsyte Saga" on ITV1 on Sunday. It's a period drama. Coulson plays Jolly Forsyte, who in Sunday's episode is considering joining the army. He's also currently on British TV in "Weirdsister College" as a muggle waiter unknowingly dating a student witch.

I was unable to find these listings on TV Guide's site, so they are probably not playing in the U.S.

DVD Release Party Set for 8 May from Sean Biggerstaff's site, thanks to Dark Mark

This information was posted on Sean Biggerstaff's (Oliver Wood) official site:

Sean has informed us that he has been asked to the DVD Launch for "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" on May 8, 2002 being held at King's Cross Station in London. The DVD/VHS will be for sale in the UK on Saturday May 11, 2002 and Sunday May 28, 2002 in North America.

The CG Wizard of Harry Potter from the Apple site, thanks to TLC

No one bats a bat’s eyelash at children flying around on broomsticks in “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," the blockbuster movie based on J.K. Rowling’s book. At the prestigious Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Harvard of sorcery, everyone flies.

Besides, you have to know how to fly a broomstick if you’re going to play Quidditch, the magical, mid-air sport that involves a Golden Snitch, a Quaffle and—with the right training—the Wronski Defensive Feint.

Yet the real wizardry isn’t in the flying. It’s making the flying look real.  Read the rest of this great article!

Zoe Says She Would Have Loved to be in CoS from Ananova

Zoe Wanamaker has denied reports saying she didn't want to be in the new Harry Potter film.

Wanamaker played Madam Hooch in Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone, but will not be in the new film.

She spoke out against the amount of money some of the actors were paid.

Now Wanamaker says she would happily have reprised her role in Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets.

"I would have loved to do it again," she tells the Daily Express. "But they didn't ask me."

Another Set Update from Coming Soon

Coming Soon has the following update from their friend, Dave:

'Dave' shared another update from the "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" sets being build at Leavesden...

The hangar down the bottom with the huge open doors has had some work done to it over the last week or so. They covered the top half of the doorway with black plastic sheeting, and have built a wooden "box" outside it, presumably to extend whatever set they will be using in there. A few pics of them doing this and the building as it stands now attached.

The other scaffolding is just on the ground facing the hangar.

Finally, I saw a crane in use. Thought it might have been a camera or lighting rig, but it's just lifting equipment. Only one (bad) pic i'm afraid - camera batteries died on me.

-Dave

To check out his pictures of the sets, click here.