Blu-ray Movie Reviews

Warner Movie •••½ Picture/Sound •••• Extras •••½

One of the many extras on this two-disc set provides a valuable look back at the cast members during the production of the first three movies, allowing them to talk about their experiences in the ongoing project. It's a good reminder of how consistently entertaining this film series is. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is the darkest of the entries - and that goes for the visuals as well. Many scenes are nearly pitch-black, while others have a blue, shadowy cast. The excellent DVD transfer has no problem handling this, delivering sharp-focused and detailed images. The Dolby Digital 5.1 sound is at its best during the three trials that Harry and his friends must endure - most notably the one in the maze, where creaks and groans travel the entire 360° sound field, contributing greatly to the terror on the screen. Included in the extras are several deleted scenes that prove to be real losses, especially the rock band sequence for the Yule Ball. [PG-13] English and Spanish, Dolby Digital 5.1; letterboxed (2.35:1) and anamorphic widescreen; two dual-layer discs.