Now in his sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, 16-year-old Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his two best friends, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), struggle through romantic entanglements while Harry is prepared by their Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore (Michael Gambon), to seek out the only way to destroy Voldemort once and for all before Voldemort fully consolidates the power he is building after his return to the wizarding world.

CRITIQUE

Despite the current craze for all things Twilight, the revitalization of the young adult novel still rests firmly on the shoulders of J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter franchise. Moreover, the film adaptations of the adventures of the boy wizard continue to perfect an intoxicating cinematic mixture that the vampires just can’t come close to. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is a film with technical scope of such quality that it can only be matched by the deeply emotional, funny, and thrilling story and performances.

In print, the Harry Potter series is still placed under the category of children’s lit, though the books actually lost that moniker just three books in when the characters became teenagers. The combination of the coming of age story with a detailed, created world has always been what I think is the reason behind the books’ popularity, and the films have consistently honed that combination. This is especially true of the entries helmed by David Yates.

Yet while angst dominated the last installment, Order of the Phoenix, the romances finally get a huge chunk of screen time in this entry. Harry’s love interest for the future is revealed to be Ron’s little sister Ginny, played by Bonnie Wright. More importantly, though, the bickering and hints between Ron and Hermione at last cohere into a romantic storyline as she is pained by Ron’s kissing the annoying Lavender Brown (Jessie Cave), and Ron ends the story very close to being ready to admit his feelings.

The joy of the romances throws into sharp relief the sorrow and danger of the rest of the plot. The past of Voldemort that Harry and Dumbledore explore here is a masterful way of keeping the villain a strong and sinister presence. Also, I won’t give it away, but there is another death at the end of this year at Hogwarts and the power of the narrative has never been more effective. Yates’ talent is a central reason for this, as his staging and use of visuals deepens it all dramatically. The stunning final novel is being made into two films with Yates at the helm, and based on the evidence here, he will satisfy immensely.

Half-Blood Prince is an outstanding part of the Harry Potter series because of the excellent story, the wonderful cast, and the thrilling direction.

THE VIDEO

Half-Blood Prince is presented in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen.

THE AUDIO

Half-Blood Prince is presented in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. Additionally, English and Spanish language 5.1 tracks are available as well. Optional subtitles are featured in English, Spanish, and French.

THE EXTRAS

Footage from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: This extra is less than two minutes long, but it is the one fans are guaranteed to view first, as it is the first glimpse they’ve gotten of the sure-to-be-spellbinding finale of the franchise, due to be released in two parts in November of 2010 and July of 2011. I won’t give away too much because the footage is (for fans like me) a thrill that needs to be freshly experienced. A brief intro from producer David Heyman and director Yates (which includes bits of on-set footage to excite) is followed by the roughly minute-long peek at Hallows. The quote used as the only dialogue from the footage is perfectly chosen and it builds to a crescendo that virtually demands viewing the film when it’s released.

Additional Scenes: Eight scenes in all are included here, and they are pretty much on par with the high quality of the film itself. There’s a lead up to the climactic confrontation on the Astronomy Tower that shows various characters as clouds gather over Hogwarts which would have been an atmospheric little addition to the final film. But the best of these is probably the scene that is supposed to precede Harry leaving with Dumbledore on that fateful final night in the story, as it features one of the things the series does best-- the Trio bonded together in unraveling a mystery.

J.K. Rowling: A Year in the Life: Easily the best extra amid a bunch of great ones, this documentary focuses on the author of the Harry Potter series as she finishes and prepares for the release of the final book in the series. This special would have been an hour long when aired on television, and it is literally FULL of amazing insight into the life of the woman who is probably the most famous author alive right now. Rowling’s sad past prior to writing the series, and the seemingly incongruous aspects of her life now, provide interest without becoming sensationalistic at all. It’s hard not to tear up with Rowling when she enters the small apartment she lived in while beginning the books and, seeing it for the first time in years, notices that the current tenants have the Harry Potter books on their bookshelf.

One-Minute Drills: All the major young cast members have one minute to recap the adventures of their character over the first six years at Hogwarts. Clips from the film illustrate their narration. It can be quite fun to watch a few of them try to talk fast to cover it all!

Close-Up with the Cast of Harry Potter: Hosted by actors Matthew Lewis, who plays Neville, and Alfie Enoch, who plays Dean, this eight-section extra follows cast members around as they discuss other aspects of filmmaking with the artisans who make it happen in the Harry Potter films. Radcliffe talks to editor Mark Day, Rupert tackles stunt training, Evanna Lynch (who plays Luna Lovegood) speaks with costume designer Jany Temime, etc. These are quite interesting and Lewis and Enoch provide laughs, particularly in the bloopers at the end. One of the best moments is when we see just how much of Luna’s jewelry Evanna made herself. Plus, when you see James Phelps (also known as Fred Weasley) toiling away as a production assistant when he’s not acting is heartening.

What’s On Your Mind?: Tom Felton takes hosting duties for this brief but very fun question and answer extra in which the cast members reveal things like their favorite food, musical act, and historical figure. It’s interesting to note who has answers that are the same and Felton aquits himself well with hosting, bringing in a bit of humor. Enjoyable to watch.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter Sneak Peek: Fans had to be eager for this bonus feature, too. The theme park extension of the Harry Potter franchise that is being built now at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida is previewed in detail. Lots of interviews, concept art, and explanations of the environments and rides of the park make up the content and also spurs the urge for even the most jaded moviegoer to indulge in a visit to Honeydukes or The Three Broomsticks.

FINAL THOUGHTS
In every aspect, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will enthrall all audiences, from the kids who love the books to the general film fan who wants to see a blockbuster, thanks to the story, direction, and performances. This two-disc set will make the home viewing experience complete with its wonderful extras. One example of what a lot of money can accomplish when talented people and a strong story are involved, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the perfect percursor to the final part of this phenomenal saga.