MOVIE REVIEWS

Extra Features Make Goblet of Fire DVD Magical

by Courtney Bowerman

The time-span between a movie’s theatrical release and its DVD release must be getting shorter, because it seems like only yesterday that Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire first came out. However, Harry Potter fans will be pleased with its special edition DVD. Not only is the movie the best one in the series (so far), but the DVD’s bonus features are a major improvement over the ones in the past three DVDs.

Normally, the best feature on a Harry Potter DVD is the actual movie. The other features usually consist of a few cast interviews, virtual tours of Hogwarts, and games that are pathetically easy. Thankfully, since the characters and themes of the movie have matured, it’s only natural that there are things older people can enjoy.

This time, there are more behind-the-scenes featurettes, in which the cast and crew reflect on the experience of making the movie. Clips are shown cast members learning how to dance for the Yule Ball or hanging out off the set. Unfortunately, there is no blooper reel, but you do get to see cast members goof off. A hilarious example is a clip of the making of the Yule Ball, where Emma Watson (Hermione) announces she’s going to the Dark Side while dancing with Tom Felton (Draco Malfoy). Certain fans (or “shippers”) will be delighted with that part.

Other features will take a look at the special effects of the film. The best one is, “He Who Must Not Be Named,” which is obviously about the role of Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes). The crew reveals that hardly any makeup was used on Fiennes; aside from the bald head, pasty skin, and gross fingernails, all they did was edit out his nose to make it look like a snake’s! Nevertheless, the effect is chilling. Fiennes’ Voldemort is so scary he almost makes Darth Vader look like a schoolyard bully.

It’s strange seeing how much Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson have grown from the first movie. Pictures are shown of them when they had first gotten the roles—look how neat Radcliffe’s and Grint’s hair is compared to their shaggy dos in the movie. Their acting has improved as well; Radcliffe gives a believable performance as Harry struggles with his destiny and the usual teen angst, while Grint and Watson have more chemistry than any of the characters in certain romantic comedies.

There are also additional scenes, including a scene with the Hogwart’s school song (fans have been waiting to hear it since the first movie) and extended versions of Harry and Ron trying to get dates. And yes, there are a few games, but compared to the other stuff, they can easy be ignored.

Overall this is the best Harry Potter DVD yet. Hopefully, the next three films and DVDs will be just as good as this one, if not better.