Brendan Gleeson Completes Filming as Mad-Eye for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

The mighty Auror has fallen and his journey in the magical world is now complete. This word comes as actor Brendan Gleeson has announced he has finished his role as legendary Auror Mad-Eye Moody in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Noting that he completed filming less than two weeks ago, the Hollywood Reporter cites "Gleeson noted he just wrapped filming "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" and bid farewell to his Mad-Eye Moody. "I waved goodbye to him a week and a half ago. It was great fun, playing Mad-Eye was a hoot."

Actor Brendan Gleeson made these remarks in the press room last night as he was celebrating his win at the Emmys as "Best Actor in a Mini-series" for his role as Winston Churchill in the HBO special "Into the Storm." You can see photos of the actor at the Emmy Awards here from Getty. Congratulations Brendan Gleeson!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Confirmed! Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince DVD Due December 8

For months (starting in June, again in July) we've been reporting the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince DVD would be out this December, despite reports that official dates would not be released until the last possible moment. Today, Warner Bros has announced that yes indeed the DVD will be released here in the US on December 8th. Thanks to DVDTimes, we can see more looks at the officially confirmed artwork at this link. Update: Artwork nowhere and here and high res back cover in our galleries. As noted several times before, the DVD will be released on Blu-Ray, 2-Disc, a special combo set and standard one disc editions.

A reminder too that as first reported here, the DVD will contain the special J.K.Rowling, A Year in the Life documentary, several deleted scenes (list here) as well as cast interviews, a feature on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park attraction, and behind the scenes look at the making of HBP. Update: Again as TLC first reported, these items are now confirmed to be on the Half-Blood Prince DVD as Video Business reports:

Half-Blood Prince will street as a single DVD ($28.98), a two-DVD special edition ($34.99) and a Blu-ray Combo Pack ($35.99).The Blu-ray version will include the WB Maximum Movie Mode with the stars, director and producers, and BD Live with Facebook Connect, with which fans can invite their Facebook friends to a BD Live Community Screening. Both the Blu-ray and two-DVD editions will include digital copy, as well as featurettes on the cast and crew, the life of books series author J.K. Rowling, additional scenes and a sneak peek at the Universal Orlando Resort's The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park.

DVD Town also gives new details on a few of the bonus features:

Close-Up with the Cast and Crew of Harry Potter: Hosts Matthew Lewis ("Neville Longbottom") and Alfred Enoch ("Dean Thomas") lead us on an entertaining look at the cast of Harry Potter as they explore their interests away from acting and spend a day on set with the production team (28:30)

• One Minute Drills: The cast has 60 seconds to describe their character's personality, history, relationships and other traits before time runs out (6:43)

• What's On Your Mind: Hosted by Tom Felton, the cast is put on the spot when asked a series of rapid-fire questions on their likes and dislikes. (6:41)

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

High Res Artwork, New Chris Columbus In Movie Experience on Ultimate Collections Editions

Thanks to WB we now have some gorgeous high res artwork of the Ultimate Collector's Editions:
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone cover, backcover, complete collection large, super highres
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets cover, backcover, complete collection large, super hr

In addition there are a slew of specific details for each of the disc, notable that the Blu-Ray editions of the two will include (finally) an in-movie experience with director Chris Columbus which is described in the formal release as "An interactive viewer experience where the entire film is examined; includes PiP, Storyboard Comparisons, Still Galleries." Also notable on the Blu-ray are "cast walk-ons, focus points, graphics and more"

The release, here and here, contains the following (and very lengthy) details as follows for Sorcerer's Stone, and then for Chamber of Secret. Again, these will be available here in US on DECEMBER 8TH.

ULTIMATE COLLECTION, SORCERER'S STONE

• 
  
• Introduction by Daniel Radcliffe - An introduction to the many special features for the Harry Potter films (new)
• 
  
• Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 1: The Magic Begins: discover the story of how one vision for the Harry Potter films came together out of limitless possibilities to create the visual world we have come to know and love (new)
• 
  
• In-Movie Experience with Director Chris Columbus: an interactive viewer experience where the entire film is examined; includes PiP, storyboard comparisons, still galleries (BD exclusive)
• 
  
• WB Maximum Movie Mode picture-in-picture programming, cast walk-ons, focus points, graphics and more (BD exclusive)
• 
  
• Diagon Alley
• 
  
• Tour the Gryffindor Common Room, Harry's Room and the Great Hall - Welcome to the self-guided tour of Hogwarts, home of witches and wizards in training, and take in the sights.
• 
  
• Classrooms:
  • Defense against the Dark Arts
  • Spells and Charms
  • Potions
  • Transfiguration
  • Third Floor Corridor
  • 
    
  • Deleted Scenes
• 
  
• Sorting Hat
• 
  
• Library
  • 
    
  • Gallery of Art & Architecture
  • 
    
  • Hogwarts Yearbook
  • 
    
  • Guide to Ghosts - Discover the many marvelous and mysterious ghosts of Hogwarts.
• Hogwarts Grounds
  • 
    
  • Quaffle and Bludger: get a lesson from Oliver Wood on how to play Quidditch
  • 
    
  • Tour Hagrid's Hut: welcome to the self-guided tour of Hagrid's Hut, home of Rubeus Hagrid, the Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts, and his faithful companion, Fang.
• 
  
• Extra Credit
• 
  
• Interview - Capturing the Stone: A Conversation with the Filmmakers: director Chris Columbus, producer David Heyman, screenwriter Steve Kloves and production designer Stuart Craig talk about casting and bringing the novel to life.
• 
  
• A Glimpse Into the World of Harry Potter: 2001 International TV Special
• 
  
• Deleted scenes
• 
  
• Trailers and TV Spots
• 
  
• BD-Live with access to worldwide events, special guest participants, community features and more

CHAMBER OF SECRETS

• 
  
• In-Movie Experience with director Chris Columbus: an interactive viewer experience where the entire film is examined; includes PiP, storyboard comparisons, still galleries (BD exclusive)
• 
  
• WB Maximum Movie Mode picture-in-picture programming, cast walk-ons, focus points, graphics and more (BD exclusive)
• 
  
• Creating the World of Harry Potter, Part 2: Characters: explore how the cast and creative team of directors and designers take the characters' descriptions on the page to the actors' performances on film (new)
• 
  
• Screen tests of Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson (new)
• 
  
• Deleted scenes
• 
  
• Lockhart's Classroom
  • 
    
  • Photo Gallery
  • 
    
  • Certificates: have a look at Gilderoy Lockhart's many achievements.
  • 
    
  • Required Reading: find out what text books you'll need for Lockhart's Defense Against the Dark Arts class
• 
  
• Extra Credit
• 
  
• Behind Hogwarts
  • 
    
  • A Conversation with J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves: the author and screenwriter detail how the books are brought to life, and the changes that happen in the process.
  • 
    
  • Dumbledore's Office
  • 
    
  • Build a Scene: building a scene as magnificent as Professor Dumbledore's office takes more than wood, plaster, nails and paint; it takes imagination
  • 
    
  • Tour Dumbledore's Office: welcome to the self-guided tour of Professor Dumbledore's office, one of the most fascinating rooms at Hogwarts
  • 
    
  • Interviews with students, professors and more
    • 
      
    • Students - What would you ask the cast, if you could? Put yourself in the interview chair as the stars answer questions about making the film.
    • 
      
    • Professors and More: enjoy personal moments with the professors and others as they discuss their characters: Prof. Gilderoy Lockhart, Lucius Malfoy, Prof. Pomona Sprout, Molly Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Prof. Albus Dumbledore, Rubeus Hagrid, Prof. Severus Snape, Uncle Vernon Dursley, Aunt Petunia Dursley, Argus Filch, Prof. Minerva McGonagall.
  • 
    
  • Gallery of Production Sketches
  • 
    
  • Activities
    • 
      
    • The Chamber Challenge [Game]
    • 
      
    • Tour the Chamber of Secrets: what are you doing here? This place isn't safe. Begin your journey down the dark corridor for the self-guided tour of the Chamber of Secrets.
    • 
      
    • The Forbidden Forest Challenge [Game]
    • 
      
    • Colin's Darkroom
    • 
      
    • Tour Diagon Alley: welcome to the self-guided tour of Diagon Alley, where you can find all your supplies for the school year. Explore the many shops, such as Flourish & Blotts and the Magical Menagerie.
  • 
    
  • Spellcaster Knowledge Challenge [Game]
  • 
    
  • EA Game Preview
• 
  
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets Revealed: 2002 HBO First Look special
• 
  
• Trailers and TV Spots
• 
  
• BD-Live with access to worldwide events, special guest participants, community features and more (BD exclusive)
• 
  

Thanks to WB, and to Matt and Edwin for the links, appreciated!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

New Trailer for Ultimate Edition DVD Features New Cast Footage, Years 3 Through 7 Now Confirmed

Check it out! Thanks to the Yahoo movies Twitter we know there is a brand new trailer for the upcoming Ultimate Editions of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets DVDs that features many new clips and footage. In the trailer (also here in our galleries for download) you can see new clips of the trio audition (so cute so young!) as well as a glimpse of the Evanna Lynch (Luna) audition with Dan Radcliffe, Jessie Cave (Lavender) with Rupert Grint (Ron) and much more. Important: Ultimate editions of years 3-7 including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows are now confirmed by WB in the trailer to be coming soon!

For more information on the two Ultimate Editions DVDs please see this post. Pre-orders for the DVDs are available here in our Cauldron Shop:
Sorcerer's Stone Blu-ray
Chamber of Secrets Blu-ray

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Wizarding World Announcement and Video on Leaky Cauldron

Hello my fellow Witches and Wizards!

The Leaky Cauldron has the Universal Studios press video for the Harry Potter and the Wizarding World theme park announcements from yesterday. The video features interviews with the cast from HP and Tom Felton (our own lovable Draco Malfoy) is hosting the video.

The video also includes a virtual flyover of the park. The video can be seen here in the Leaky Cauldron video galleries.

Enjoy!

Hogwarts Forever! :-)
You-Know-Who Never!! :-P
Denice :-D

Universal Reveals Details of New Harry Potter Park

It sounds like a new book in the Harry Potter series, but "Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey" will be a high-tech ride and the marquee attraction at the "Wizarding World of Harry Potter," a new theme park area opening in spring 2010 at Universal Orlando Resort.

The "Forbidden Journey" ride was named by author J.K. Rowling and described Tuesday by Universal officials in a Web cast revealing details of what the Potter park will look like.
The ride will take guests through scenes and rooms from the blockbuster movies inside a richly detailed remake of Hogwarts Castle made to look 700 feet tall. Hogwarts is where Harry attends a boarding school for witches and wizards.

Guests will enter the "Wizarding World" through a station archway named for Hogsmeade, the magical village near Hogwarts. A plume of steam and a train whistle will sound the arrival of the Hogwarts Express. The goal is to make the experience immersive, so nothing outside is visible after guests pass the Hogsmeade station archway.

Rowling, known for carefully guarding the Potter franchise, hasn't yet journeyed to Orlando, but the design team has made several trips to London to consult with her.

Other rides include the "Dragon Challenge," a twin high-speed roller coaster themed after the "Triwizard Tournament" and the family roller coaster "Flight of the Hippogriff," named for a creature with an eagle's head and a horse's body.

"Along those journeys they're going to be swept up into the greatest parts of the movies and the books. We've pushed every technology available to us to give guests a theme park experience unlike any they've had before," said Paul Daurio, producer of the Potter area.

The Harry Potter park will be part of Universal's Islands of Adventure.

(SOURCE: YAHOO! NEWS)

Official Wizarding World of Harry Potter Website

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter has an official website. Click here to check it out.The site has a gallery of pictures, the entire webcast from earlier today, and a map of the park. Check out the site and see all the goodies for yourself.

(SOURCE: VERITASERUM)

WB Deliberately Waiting to Announce Release Date of Half-Blood Prince DVD, News on Australian DVD

Over the past few weeks, we've seen several varying reports on release dates for the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince DVD. Home Media Magazine is reporting this confusion and uncertainty is because WB is deliberately withholding the formal release date. The article says that WB apparently feels by withholding the exact date and their releases until late in the year, it will help increase sales as they believe holiday shoppers will wait until last minute to make their purchases. Quotage:

Warner Home Video has decided to release its tentpole titles later than usual, anticipating consumers will delay holiday purchases until the last minute, said a Time Warner senior executive...Packaged media and digital release dates for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince ($298 million domestic box office) and The Hangover ($272 million) are still pending.

Speaking at an investor confab in Marina del Ray, Calif., Time Warner CFO John Martin said the No. 1 home entertainment studio (in market share) continued to scrutinize the entire business, which he said included Blu-ray Disc, electronic sellthrough, video-on-demand (VOD), rental kiosks and Netflix, in an effort to extract the maximum margins in the various distribution channels. “We are purposely putting our titles into the retail channel later in the fourth quarter to try and take advantage of what we believe will be the optimal foot traffic trends in retail,” Martin said.

Related: While WB is holding back formal announcements on the release date of the DVD, several readers let us know about pre-orders and release dates in Australia. First TLC reader Luke let us know that the Half-Blood Prince DVD in Australia can be pre-ordered at this link, with a November 30th date. Also, as first reported here, WB is releasing two "Ultimate Collectors" edition DVDs this fall, with TLC reader Jack letting us know that Sorcerer's Stone, and Chamber of Secrets special editions are due out on November 18th in Australia. More when we get it, stay tuned!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Tom Felton Starts Filming on Deathly Hallows Tomorrow

Overheard this week on Twitter from Tom Felton, who plays Draco Malfoy in all the Harry Potter movies:

"Getting my hair dyed! 1st official day back! The pain of bleaching is about to start...Am now back to looking like Malfoy! Bring on the fortnightly root touch up sessions! Joy!"

"Filming this week, Cant wait! So they had to dye it 4 times until it was white enough! My patience was wearing thin! all done now and ready to shoot tomorrow."

"First days filming tomorrow on HP7! Very excited, can't sleep! The Last film I get to portray young Draco :( I'll miss him, evil little sod."

"Finished My 2nd days filming! So much fun! Amazing sets, love being Draco, he's such a git! Damn I love my job x"

(SOURCE: WIZARD NEWS)

Clémence Poésy Will Return for Deathly Hallows

Elle magazine confirmed yestarday that Clémence Poésy will return for the final movie Harry Potter and the Deathyl Hallows. It seems that the actrice is already in England and during August, for ten days, will be involved in filming the scenes from Shell Cottage.

(SOURCE: VERITASERUM)

New Ron & Lavender Half-Blood Prince Promo

SnitchSeeker published today a new image of Ron Weasley and Lavender Brown in the Hogwarts corridor from Half-Blood Prince. The promo was initially published in the Baltimore Sun along with Jessie's Cave's LA Times interview.

(SOURCE: VERITASERUM)

New Photo and Interview with Actress Bonnie Wright

Thanks to our Order partner BonnieWrightOnline.com we know of a new interview with Bonnie Wright that is available here, as well as some gorgeous new photos, here. In the article, Bonnie discusses her role as Ginny Weasley, even speaking to filming of the epilogue for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, saying "they've been discussing how they're going to do that,' We might be aged with latex wrinkles…" She also discusses snogging Harry (Dan Radcliffe) for Half-Blood Prince:

The Half-Blood Prince is the first film in which their lips actually meet, although they've been gazing wistfully at each other for ages. It was slightly embarrassing because on set everyone knew that it was The Day when we'd kiss,' she admits. It was definitely a case of “pass the mints”. But at the moment of the scene, everything just worked.

Ginny kind of initiates what happens between her and Harry. He doesn't really know what to do because she's his best friend's sister, so she takes the lead. It was very calm and romantic.'

It was a restrained clinch, she confirms:

'It would have been more embarrassing to do a full-on number. The relationship seems to have taken even Bonnie by surprise. As I was reading the sixth book, when their relationship starts, I was quite shocked,' she confesses.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

New Video: Full Weasleys Wheezes Scene

Here's a short video of the Weasleys Wheezes scene from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Enjoy!

(SOURCE:YOU TUBE)

Parade Magazine Feature on Dan Radcliffe

The new issue of Parade magazine, carried in many weekend editions of US newspapers, will feature actor Dan Radcliffe. There is a new interview with the actor now online, as well as these new photos seen via this link. In the piece, Dan discusses taking on the role in the stage production of Equus, dating, fame and fortune, as well as aging while doing the Harry Potter films.

It will shock nobody that Radcliffe is a spectacularly sensible and articulate young man. Just like Harry. Over the years, he admits, it’s been hard to tell where Harry leaves off and he begins. “When I started out at the age of 10 or 11,” he says, “I was essentially saying the lines as I myself would say them. When I became aware that that’s what I was doing, at 13 or 14, it didn’t make sense to change, because it would suddenly be a dramatic shift in the character.” He smiles. When his mother read the sixth Harry Potter book, he remembers, she noticed that “Harry argues in the kind of irritating, pedantic way that I argue. She thought Harry and I were getting closer and closer together at that point.”

And what about the prospect of—gulp—turning 20 next month? “I’ve noticed I make noises when I get up and sit down now,” Radcliffe says in all seriousness. “I mean, my knees are rotten bad—I refused to wear knee pads too many times when I was doing stunts, and I just clobbered them up a bit. I am an old man in a young man’s body.”

Finally, be sure to take what they are calling "The Ultimate Harry Potter Quiz." This issue of Parade will be in newspapers this weekend.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

How Do You Dress Prof. Slughorn?

To add to their numerous reports leading up to the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince the LA Times has a brief discussionwith costume designer Jany Temime, who has been working on thePotter franchise for some time.

Ms. Temine dishes on dressing Prof. Slughorn:

In the book, Slughorn’s ever-so precious,” Temime said. “But once we had Jim in the part, I thought instead of precious, we’d make him grand.”

“Jim is not a small, fat man. He is tall and strong,” she said. “So we had to change and adapt.” To do that, Temime used all of J.K. Rowling’s atmospheric detail to tell the story of Slughorn through his clothes rather than his size.

She explains: “Everything we did for his costumes was very rich, but also very used, because he’s not a rich man anymore. He hasn’t worked for a long time. He is a bit of a has-been. But his clothes, even if they were from 20 years ago, were once upon a time, very rich and very glamorous. So we went for 'Old Glamour' when designing."

You can read the full report online here.

(SOURCE: HPANA)

Dan, Rupert to Appear on Live with Regis and Kelly

With the New York City premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince just two weeks away, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint are scheduled to appear on Live with Regis and Kelly on Thursday, July 9 and Friday, July 10, respectively. We will of course make video of these two interviews available once they occur.

(SOURCE: MUGGLENET)

MTV: Quidditch is Bringer of Glory, Destroyer of Friendships

As we witches and wizards know, Quidditch is a tough sport and is not for, errr, wimps or mere Muggles. Check out this very cool and fun video from MTV on how we Harry Potter fans take Quidditch to heart to help celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. Enjoy!

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Location Filming Underway in Swinley Forest for Snatcher Scene in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Headmistress' Note: SPOILERS! SPOILERS!! SPOILERS!!! If you have not read Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, you might want to skip this story. Read on at your own risk!

A new report and new photos are online tonight for location filming in Swinley Forest area of the UK for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. As noted via this report from a rather excited fan, Rupert Grint (Ron) and Emma Watson (Hermione) were among those filming the Snatcher scene, as the report says:

The scenes being shot here will be featured in both parts 1 & 2 of The Deathly Hallows. Night scenes and day action were shot by both film units; these include the capture of Harry, Ron and Hermione by the Snatchers (who then deliver them to Malfoy Manor), several scenes involving the Death Eaters and a scene in which Ron chases a rabbit through the forest!...Regulars on location were Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson and in addition there were around 20 Death Eaters, including the very scary Fenrir Greyback!! Plus the Snatchers, (two of which are played by Chase Armitage and Adam Brashaw) whom are well known already in the UK as ‘urban acrobatics’ (or experts in ‘free running’), and also trained in various forms of Martial Arts....From one of my own contacts, I'm told the footage and scenes these guys filmed with the trio in the forest are out of this world and use very few effects if any! We’re awaiting confirmation if ‘Hagrid’ or Robbie Coltrane filmed a scene but definately there was a screen double, possibly ex-England Rugby star Martin Bayfield (as featured in previous films) shooting one or more of the scenes.

UPDATE: There is an earlier and unconfirmed report from the site regarding more location filming for Deathly Hallows, which TLC believes to be fairly accurate.

Headmistress' note: To read the rest of the article, click the Leaky Cauldron link below, but be fore warned there are SPOILERS GALORE in this article if you have not read the book!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Play the Demo of the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Video Game

Check it out! EA has now released the demo of the new Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game. As seen on the UK site (others to follow soon) via this link you can download and enjoy a sample of the new game from the sixth Harry Potter film. Enjoy!

The Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince video game from EA will be released June 30, 2009. Related: IGN has now posted a review of the WII platform of the game, here.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Trio Confirmed to Attend New York Premiere of Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince July 9

Warner Bros. has issued a press release today confirming Dan Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Tom Felton and Bonnie Wright will be among those attending the US premiere ofHarry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The premiere will take place at Ziegfeld Theater, 141 West 54th Street in New York City, Thursday July 9th, with the stars due to arrive at 6:00 pm (EASTERN) While TLC will be covering this event, if you are going, please send in your photos and reports to staff@the-leaky-cauldron.org.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Mark Williams Discusses End of 'Potter' Series & More

In a new interview via the LA Times Mark Williams, who portrays Arthur Weasley in the Harry Potter movies, discusses the new movie, Half-Blood Prince, the end of the series, his character and when all is done what he, if he could, take from the set.

So, how much freedom did you get to shape Arthur Weasley to your liking?

Well, in the book he's kind of balding and said to Chris [Columbus] 'Well, do you want me to shave my head or something' and he said 'No! No, don't do that!' He looked at me and said 'Don't take it so literally.' J.K. Rowling has been very good about that. She's allowed the films to develop sort of in parallel to the books, but she hasn't changed the sort of characterization of the books either ... And withDeathly Hallows, I think for the first time, as the books got bigger, Steve Kloves' job got harder and harder. But having two parts to the last book is good. I'm a big champion of it, and not just because I'm in them. She [J.K. Rowling] has such a mathematical brain, or better put, a musical brain and all the themes and the melodies were resolved in the last book.

If you could, once all of the films are done, take something from the set, what would it be?

In the Weasley household, there is a clock that shows where everybody is. It's the most beautiful piece of prop-making. Lots of that is unappreciated and you just go on the set and you're like 'Oh my God!' You just want to give it a close-up ... The hands are the ends of scissors, and it says things like 'school,' 'work' ... and one of the sections says 'in mortal peril.' I'd love that. And it doesn't work, by the way, cause I've been in mortal peril and it didn't say anything. I've come back and it just said 'at work.'

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince opens nationwide on July 15, 2009.

(SOURCE: HPANA)

'Half-Blood Prince' Soundtrack to Include Bonus Exclusive Content

Warner Bros. has just sent HPANA a press release announcing that the soundtrack for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will include an enhanced CD giving fans a free digital download of the entire soundtrack in 5.1 Surround Sound audio, along with bonus exclusive content. The soundtrack by Nicholas Hooper, who scored Order of the Phoenix, will be released on July 14th.

You can pre-order the soundtrack from Amazon.

(SOURCE: HPANA)

Watch the Premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince LIVE from London July 7

Calling all Harry Potter fans! We've just gotten a bit of exciting news as plans are underway to let fans watch the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince LIVE in Leicester Square, London, England on July 7th starting at 1pm (6pm GMT). The premiere which is always an exciting event, will be broadcast via this link to UK Press Association; you can see an example of a recent broadcast of the Transformer premiere currently on the site made possible by the Livestream technology. While no official announcement has yet been made, the premiere is likely to include the appearance of many of the cast and crew from HBP, stay tuned!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

New Interview with Jessie Cave on Love, Lavender and Snogging Ron Weasley

The HeroComplex Blog in the LA Times featuring new daily reports on Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has been updated today with a new interview of actress Jessie Cave. The young actress discusses her role as Lavender Brown, and the relationship her character has with Ron Weasley, as played by actor Rupert Grint. In the interview we learn she read the books before landing a part in the series ("I read ‘Half-Blood Prince’ before I knew anything about the auditions. So to have already read the character was so great.") working with Rupert ("He was very easygoing and very laid-back. He didn’t at all have any kind of ego, he was just a nice guy and very normal.") and the relationship between Ron and Lavender which involves a bit of...snogging.

Do you remember what your first day on set was like?
It’s funny, I was filming for six months, but I remember my third day was the big kissing scene. I remember thinking, ‘Why are they doing this so early?’ It helped actually because the nerves kind of added to the scene. There were so many extras, like 70 other people in the room, it could have gone so wrong. The first day was kind of building up to the kissing scene, so it was immediately going into the deep end.

If I remember correctly, Lavender’s the aggressor in the relationship, right?
Ha! Yes, she is incredibly dominating of Ron. She just wants to be around him all the time and she’s the one who initiates everything. She’s one of those girls that’s very pretty and very obvious, she’s just not really aware of how she’s being perceived by anyone else. And I think that’s really sweet in a way because she doesn’t perceive barriers very well [laughs]. She treads all over them. It’s why she ruffles Hermione’s feathers so much.

She does put up a good fight.
She’s almost the catalyst in setting up Hermione and Ron in the final chapter of the saga really. Without Lavender, they wouldn’t have been forced together, to acknowledge their feelings so abruptly because she definitely caused that.

How did it feel playing someone who everyone will know doesn’t stand a chance?
Well, she does really! She does quite well. She does go out with him and does get her claws into him for awhile. Not claws -- she’s lovely. She does get her way for a tiny bit, but unfortunately, it doesn’t end up her way.

How is Lavender introduced?
She’s in the Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes shop and she’s kind of ogling Ron. She’s been going to school with them for years, but it’s not that she’s making her interests known.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

New Video: The Making of Quidditch for the Half-Blood Prince Video Game

OK this is cool: New video is now online from IGN of the making of Quidditch for the Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Video Game. The piece features new interviews with cast members including one Weasley who is our King... aka Rupert Grint (Ron), Bonnie Wright (Ginny), Dan Radcliffe (Harry) as well as Tom Felton (Draco) and Emma Watson (Hermione). New footage shown includes an exhilarating flight around the Burrow. Enjoy!

You can also see 4 new still from the game here. The video game for Half-Blood Prince from EA will be available on June 30th.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)