Preview New Score to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Via Revamped Official Site

Lend an ear and you shall hear... lovely new excerpts from the score to the upcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The official HBP website has received a makeover this morning, and fans can now hear a slightly revised Hedwig's theme, plus see the recently released posters, with a large image of Harry greeting you, along with the trailer from last November. Finally, note the gallery has been updated with all the officially released images over the past months, plus the cast and crew names have been added to the bottom of the page as seen on the posters as well. Enjoy!

Thanks to all who owled!


*For those who asked, indeed composer Nicholas Hooper has returned again to score Half-Blood Prince, building upon the lovely original Hedwig's Theme by John Williams.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

High Definition Links to Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince First Look Feature

Behold, now in glorious High Definition: the recent Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince "First Look" feature. As we first told you the other day, the video is available via the Official Harry Potter Widget, and is now available for download at home via the following links. Enjoy!

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(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Harry Potter Books at Auction: First Edition Philosopher's Stone Selling at Record Prices

Several pieces of news today regarding Harry Potter books up for auction. First thanks to Heritage Auction for letting us know about a first edition Bloomsbury copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Sorcerer's Stone) they have for auction. Heritage let us know this book is "a rare true first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – one of the original 200 copies in the publisher’s illustrated stiff wrappers from the initial 500 copy print run." The Los Angeles Chronicle is reporting the book, due to go live online for the auction March 6 in Texas, is already "going for $15,000; nearly $18,000 with the buyer's premium included.The previous auction record was $10,750," said James Gannon, Director of Rare Books at Heritage Auction Galleries in Dallas." The paper continues:

The anonymous consignor, described by Gannon as "an avid book collector from England," said he's frankly surprised -- and delighted -- at the early bidding: "It takes a lot to shock me, but this is probably as shocked as I have ever been regarding auction bidding. Has the world gone mad? We are in the deepest recession for 80 years and a Harry Potter children's paperback book is setting a record price."

In a release to TLC, Heritage said: Not only is this the first edition, first issue of the greatest fantasy saga of our time,” said James Gannon, Director of Rare Books at Heritage, “but it comes with an added bonus – an illustrated card duplicating the front cover art and signed by J. K. Rowling. Last October, we sold a first edition in the original wrappers almost exactly like this one for $10,755, but it was not accompanied by Rowling’s signature, making this copy even more desirable.” You can see this book, as well as another Harry Potter book that will be included in the online auction March 6 via this link.

On a related note, a JKR signed copy of the UK edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is up for auction, with proceeds to help the fight against pediatric HIV and AIDs in children. This auction is ongoing and runs until March 3rd.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

WB Releases Harry Potter and Half-Blood Prince "First Look" Feature Via Widget

Check it out: Warners Bros has now released that new Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince "First Look" feature via the Video section of their Official Harry Potter Widget. As reported previously, this footage contains new looks at the Inferi, the attack on the Burrow, Hermione setting the birds on Ronald, plus features new interviews with the Trio and the film producers. Enjoy!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

WB Launches Contest for US Residents to Win Trip to Harry Potter Exhibition

WB has now opened a new contest to win a trip to the opening of Harry Potter: The Exhibition in Chicago, Illinois. Open to US residents ages 13 years and older, you can win a trip for four at the end of April to the new traveling exhibition of props and sets seen in the Harry Potter films. The contest is open now until March 23, with the entry form available via this link. For more on the rules, click here.

As announced previously, Harry Potter: The Exhibition will open on April 29 at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, running until September 7, 2009, with advance tickets now available for purchase. Be sure to check out our galleries for concept art from the Exhibition.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

$15,000 For A Harry Potter Paperback?

You might want to check your bookshelves for old Harry Potter books. Heritage Auctions has an auction of a a softcover copy of the first Harry Potter book that has already hit $15,000 and the auction isn't over until March 6.

The 1997 first edition of Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone with the original publisher's illustrated softcover wrapper and an illustrated card signed by the author, J. K. Rowling is one of 200 such copies issued by the London publisher, Bloomsbury. The previous auction record for one of these boo was $10,750 according to James Gannon, Director of Rare Books at Heritage Auction Galleries in Dallas.

The seller, a book collector in England is quoted in a press release as saying: "It takes a lot to shock me, but this is probably as shocked as I have ever been regarding auction bidding. Has the world gone mad? We are in the deepest recession for 80 years and a Harry Potter children's paperback book is setting a record price."

(Thanks to our Hogwarts mate Sylvia for the heads up on this story!)

(SOURCE: LUXIST.COM)

New Poll, New Concept Art of Dervish and Banges at Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The great news keeps on coming as Universal Orlando has now released new concept art for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park attraction: this of Dervish and Banges. Due to be located in the Hogsmeade village portion of the park, Universal says that the store "supplys the Wizarding community with school supplies, Quidditch gear and magical, wizarding equipment." At this store, park visitors will be able to purchase "authentic and unique items from the World of Harry Potter." Also new is a poll regarding which dragon you might like to ride (Chinese Fireball, or Hungarian Horntail).

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park is currently under construction in Orlando, Florida and is due to open sometime next year.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Harry Potter, The Exhibition: Extends Run in US until September 27, 2009, New Photos Now Available

Harry Potter: The Exhibition is proving to be very popular with fans, even before the event in Chicago opens on April 30th. Originally scheduled to close on September 7th, TLC can now report the event has been extended an additional three weeks, and will now close on September 27, 2009. Tickets for the event at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois do remain available via this link.

We can also show you brand new images of some of the items from the Harry Potter films fans will see at the Exhibit, including the beloved Marauders Map, a model of Buckbeak from Prisoner of Azkaban, and the infamous TriWizard Cup as seen in Goblet of Fire. Warner Bros also gave new insight on some of the things fans can see and do while at the exhibit including:

Harry’s original wand and eyeglasses, Gryffindor school uniforms, as well as some of the elaborate costumes worn at the Yule Ball. They will also be able take a tour through Hagrid’s hut and enter a Quidditch area to toss a “Quaffle."

Be sure to keep an eye on the Harry Potter widget and Wishlist for updates on the Exhibit, videos, games, and coupons good at the WB shop.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Confirmed! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two Due July 15, 2011

UPDATE: TLC now has official confirmation from Warner Brothers that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part Two will be released in theaters July 15, 2011.

As readers will recall, it was officially announced that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part One will be in theaters November 19, 2010.

Both parts of Deathly Hallows are currently being filmed in London, England.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Rumor Alert: Possible Location Shoots for Deathly Hallows Near Leavesden

With production now underway on the final installments in the Harry Potter film series, there is a curious casting rumor making the rounds today. This is Grimsby is reporting that UK actor Nick Moran apparently told people at a recent London fashion show party that he was cast in the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows films. While no mention of a specific role was stated, the paper reads "Nick was overheard saying he is set to become the baddie in the next two blockbuster Harry Potter films, but complaining filming takes place on location in Watford." You can see a photo of Nick Moran here.


Please note: While we are uncertain which "baddie" he supposedly will be playing, we should point out as well the mailing address of the main studio where the films are recorded, Leavesden Studios, is also that of Watford, England. Thus, we are also uncertain what location shoots the article might be referring to, and will update with more on that when we can. TLC is attempting to obtain confirmation on all of this; until then please keep this all very much in the rumor category for now.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

New Half-Blood Prince Video of Inferi, Death Eater Attack on Burrow, Hermione Setting Birds on Ron and More

UPDATE: The new HBP footage is available for viewing and download here via our video galleries. Enjoy!

Hang on everyone, as new video from Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is online via this link. MSN Australia has what seems to be the HBP "First Look" footage and interviews that were being shown as a preview in movie theaters including: Dramatic shots of the inferi in the cave surrounded by fire, the Death Eaters attacking the Burrow with more of Bellatrix, Ron and Lavender snogging, Hermione setting the birds on Ron, Hermione talking to Slughorn about the Felix Felicis and more. There are also new interviews with Dan Radcliffe (Harry), Emma Watson (Hermione), Ron (Rupert Grint), as well as from Potter producers David Heyman, David Barron and director David Yates. We hope to get this into our galleries asap, and will update when we can. Enjoy!

Update: Footage is also available via Youtube.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

JK Rowling is Up to No Good... for a Good Reason

Today, we are happy to report that J.K. Rowling has been up to no good....for a good reason. The Harry Potter author paid a visit to a hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she brought cheer in the form of unique graffiti on the walls of the unit. The Scotsman writes:

"Ms Rowling, 43, daubed graffiti on the walls of the Young People's Unit at the Royal Edinburgh Hospital in Morningside, which cares for teenagers with complex psychiatric conditions.

Consultant psychologist Dr Jane Morris said: "She really does spread magic. She's a natural and knows how to talk to young people. And she's extremely cool. She does graffiti on the walls which is probably worth a fortune. 

"She's drawn all of us and wrote 'JK Rowling was here'.

And her way with the capital's troubled teens impressed staff.

Dr Morris said: "I'd offer her a job any time as she's already a great therapist." 

We at TLC think that Peeves certainly would approve!

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

First Look: Set for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Under Construction at Pinewood Studios

Hang on everyone, as we have a bit of a treat for you today! With filming now underway onHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, today we have word of a set being built for using in HP7. TLC reader John was on a tour of Pinewood Studios in London, England, and was shown a set under construction to be used for the final Harry Potter film. As seen here in our image galleries, this special set is a row of houses, being built in a thick grove of trees and there is a pond nearby in the garden area of Pinewood studios. Readers will recall of course, that the bulk of filming for the Harry Potter films is normally done at Leavesden Studios, and as stated here on this paper, this is a set being built special over at Pinewood special for HP7. We do not know what scene this set is for (The Forest Scene, Godric's Hollow etc) as no details were provided to those on the tour.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

MTV Reveals Two New Pics from Half-Blood Prince Sneak Peek

MTV has posted  this article about their upcoming visit to the set of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince that includes two new photos of actress Emma Watson as Hermione, and Rupert Grint as Ron Weasley. The first photo shows Emma receiving last minute costume fixes, as Emma sports a winter hat and coat for the scene. The second photo features Ron standing in a crowd of people, also wearing outdoor gear, with possibly a green screen behind him. The article also confirms we will be hearing new interviews from Emma, Rupert, Dan Radcliffe on his role as Harry Potter, as well as comments from director David Yates. Quotage of interest:

"Newcomer Jessie Cave — known better as Lavender Brown — regaled us about her unrehearsed kiss with budding stud Rupert Grint . And of course, there’s the important scene at the end on top of the Hogwarts castle ramparts."

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Filming Begins Tomorrow on Deathly Hallows for Emma Watson

Thanks to her official website, we now know that actress Emma Watson will begin filming her role as Hermione Granger for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows tomorrow, Thursday, February 19, 2009.

The final novel in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be released as a two part film: Part One is due November 19, 2010, and part two in May, 2011.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Hagrid's Hut at Harry Potter Theme Park to be "Unoccupied Prop Structure"

As we have been reporting, construction is continuing on the Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park attraction at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida. Today, the Orlando Sentinel has a short update on the progress, confirming Hagrid's Hut is currently being built, with the paper citing building permits as the source. The article states:

The setting, according to the permits, is being built for Universal by the Nassal Co. of Orlando, which specializes in themed construction projects.

While the permits offer few details, it appears Hagrid's Hut will be mostly for display purposes. The documents suggest the interior of the building will be used for prop storage.

"Hagrid's Hut is an unoccupied themed prop structure," according to one permit description.

You can see recent construction photos of the hut here, and here in our image galleries.

To follow what TLC first reported last year, Screamscape is also reporting that "As far as the “world” itself, I’ve been told that they are planning lots of street atmosphere entertainment, such as building in a system of special effects to allow for ‘wizard duels’ to take place in the streets. Universal is also working with their chefs to come up with lots of new and unique foot items inspired from the books, which will apparently include “butterbeer”. According to a report from someone who claims to have actually tasted a test version of it, the final version may taste a little bit like root beer."  The Screamscape article also has more on the supposed closing of the Dueling Dragons, as they note: "We’ve heard an early rumor claiming that Dueling Dragons will close entirely for it’s final transformation to become part of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter sometime between September and December 2009."

Finally, a last tidbit on the giant Hogwarts Castle, as the Sceamscape author writes: While I know everyone is dying to know more about the major ride inside Hogwarts (which will include an extensively themed and long indoor queue like Spiderman and Dueling Dragons), I’ve been told that Universal is planning on holding back on that information until late 2009.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

"Defiance" DoP Eduardo Serra to Shoot "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows"

Cinematographer Eduardo Serra will serve as Director of Photography on the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, as announced by film lighting company Panalux. Update: You can see the Panalux announcement here in our image galleries. Mr. Serra recently shot the acclaimed films "Defiance" with Daniel Craig and Jamie Bell, "Blood Diamond" with Leonardo DiCaprio, and was nominated for an Oscar Award for his cinematography on the film "Girl with a Pearl Earring." Please note: While this does seem official, we are trying to obtain confirmation from Warner Brothers, and will update with that when we can.

Principal photography is set to begin next week on the two part production of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in London, England.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Scholastic to Release New Box Set of Harry Potter Paperbacks

Scholastic, the US publishers of the Harry Potter novels, will be releasing a new box set of the series this summer. This new collection, which you can see here in our galleries, is available for pre-order via Barnes and Noble, as well as Walmart.  Included in the collection are the set of US paperback editions of books one through seven, with the box to feature the Deluxe cover from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

As a reminder, the paperback edition of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling will be released July 7, 2009.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Character of Reg Cattermole Cast for "Deathly Hallows"

With filming set to begin in the next several days on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, there is news today on a minor character casting for the final Harry Potter film. The Chester Chronicle reports that the role of Reg Cattermole will be played by actor Steffan Rhodri. As fans will recall, Reg is the Ministry worker Ron, Harry and Hermione encounter at the Ministry of Magic. On his filming schedule for the movie, Steffan Rhodri noted  “I’ll be filming in London during the autumn,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to it, it’s the biggest film I’ve been involved with.”  You can see a photo of the actor here.

Formal production on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will begin this month, with part one due for release in theaters November, 2010, and part May, 2011.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

Emma Watson, Rupert Grint Talk Snogging for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

While at the BAFTAs over the weekend in London, England, actress Emma Watson made some new remarks on the upcoming Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The Telegraph reports that Emma is a bit anxious about her first screen kiss as Hermione Granger, especially when it involves her long time co-star, actor Rupert Grint (Ron Weasley). Quotage:

"Well I've never had to do it before so I can't say I have any techniques," she says. "I've never had to kiss anyone on screen so it is all new to me.

"Of course I am nervous about it. But, apparently it gets quite boring after a couple of takes, that's what Dan said to me anyway."

The same article also contains older comments from Rupert on the upcoming kiss, where he said 

"As I've known Emma for so long, I reckon it will be 10 times worse,'' he said.

"I really love the seventh book, but there is no way it will be tame with the Hermione stuff.''

The actor claimed he fills in crosswords to ease the awkwardness between takes and will bring "a stack of crosswords" to the Harry Potter set.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows formally goes into production later this month, with part one due to be released in November, 2010, followed by part two in May, 2011.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)

High Res Editions of Half-Blood Prince Teaser Posters

In case you missed it when they were released last week, WB has now sent us lovely high resolution editions of the new teaser posters for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. These are the US edition, as they show the url for the US Harry Potter site and also contain the "PG" film rating for the movie.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will be released on July 17, 2009.

(SOURCE: THE LEAKY CAULDRON)