spizzer

Yeah, I don't think POA comes close to the last three, they were on an entirely different level visually, and I think that really enhanced them as films overall in my eyes. Somewhat OT, but Half Blood Prince had some fantastic non-book scenes. I loved where Yates tried to go with this film and I think he just fell short

You've literally taken the words out of my mouth on these three, at least visually. There's really nothing more for me to say, so I'll just go on to list some of my favorite scenes visually, from HBP and DH1 (still need to give DH2 a few more viewings).HBP:Opening Title sequenceStaircase sceneHarry comforts Hermione, followed by zooming away from the tower and seeing Ron/Lavender, then shifting to Draco in the Astronomy TowerEach Memory SceneSlughorn's Confession (Harry's hand reaching into the shot to steady Slughorn's)Inferi in the FirestormIn Noctem scene (favorite scene in the film as well, sad that they cut it)Harry/Snape's duelDH1:Opening Title SequenceSnape flying in to Malfoy ManorGodric's Hollow GraveyardForest of Dean, particularly the opening shotLovegood SceneDobby's Fairwell on the beach by Shell CottageTale of the Three Brothers

Yeah, I think they're all excellent, though NPH does stand above the rest. What's appealing about this show as a sitcom is the excellent chemistry between each of the characters, as well as the group as a whole. On top of that, the show displays a little more emotional depth than the current average sitcom, and the character development is quite extensive. It's like you've really gotten to know all of them personally. At this point, for me, the comedy is just gravy, its following the stories of each of the characters that really keeps me engaged.

DH1's title sequence comes after Obliviate though, it's accompanied by Snape to Malfoy Manor which introduces the Death Eater's theme. However, I agree that the Obliviate sequence is arguably the best opening scene.

Lots taken out from DH1, Krum, extended Scrimgeour scene, Harry finding Lily's Letter (!!), Ron's growing tension, and I'm sure there's more*None of these videos are mine, credit sportsman893 on YouTube for finding all of this

So, what I've found is that there are a whole bunch of scenes that were recorded, possibly scored, and were never released. Not on the Special Edition additional features, not on the Ultimate Edition DVDs. They just haven't been seen. I've found a couple videos that show evidence of the existence of these scenes, as well as a comprehensive list, compiled on COS, of what is known to have been shot, but excluded. My hope is that we one day get LOTR style full director's cuts or extended editions. I read that Yates stated that there was roughly 45 minutes cut from the fifth film, yet the included deleted scenes only amount up to about 7 extra minutes of footage. I'm guessing that there's a lot more cut from the first four as well as 6-8 as well, and I really hope that WB releases these scenes. Barring the final film, which without credits fell under 2 hours, I'm assuming that 1-7 all would theoretically have near 3 hour runtimes, which the later films really need considering how much was cut out. Some of the scenes are not that relevant, and really I'd just like to see them for the sake of seeing how they were done and how they would fit into the movies. However, some of them, I believe, could certainly have enhanced the films, specifically OOTP, as there was just so much crucial information taken out. Here's the list from COS: http-~~-//www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9mUJTmFuZg This is what I'm talking about. The first few aren't as significant, but there are some interesting scenes here. From GOF, there's quite a few smaller details that would be fun to see added in, but there's also Dumbledore's explanation of Priori Incantantem, as well as Harry pondering Voldemort's return in front of a waterfall. OOTP just has too many too mention. http-~~-//www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-AL1SL8KHs&feature=channel_video_title Here's some more from HBP. Some of these are featured in the deleted scenes from the DVD, but some are not.

Agreed, Skeeter and Umbridge's characters agitate me the most. Umbridge makes me want to punch something

Hmm, how would you all rank the Title Sequences for each film?

It was a bit dark. I think I need to see the film again, but perhaps there's some narrative structure to his color schemes? Though if there's a drastic change in a single scene then I can't see why that would be the reason

Half Blood Prince is filled with some money scenes and looked the best overall

PIB

Yeah, it was terrible DH2 (Excellent narrative structure) POA (Really wish some of the themes introduced here were used in later films, namely Window to the Past) DH1/GOF (GOF as a stand alone might rank higher for me than POA, but lower within the series) SS (Nostalgia) HBP (So much potential here...) COS (Somewhat recycled SS) OOTP (A couple of tracks are enjoyable, but overall this was a fail)

I've heard a lot of complaints about how the show no longer stays true to its premise of Ted telling the story of meeting the mother. A response I posted on another board:

The overall Battle of Hogwarts was a bit lackluster IMO. They definitely couldn't capture the full might of Harry's army, especially in the second wave when the House Elves, Centaurs and other Magical beasts join in, as well as the villagers of Hogsmeade, and from what I remember, each and every family member of the Hogwarts students. They certainly could have gone for a more grand effect. Like Noctis, I didn't get the excessive praise for Fiennes performance upon the first viewing, but after seeing it several times, his act resonates on me more.

Books:Half Blood PrinceDeathly HallowsOrder of the PhoenixGoblet of FireChamber of SecretsPrisoner of AzkabanSorcerer's StoneFilms:Deathly Hallows Part 1/2Half Blood PrincePrisoner of AzkabanOrder of the PhoenixChamber of SecretsGoblet of FireSorcerer's StoneThe films are a bit confusing for me. There are scenes in HBP that make me think its my favorite, and I'm completely undecided between DH1 and 2, so as of now I'm ranking them as one film. Also, I feel like watching the full extended cuts one day will affect my views on each one. If OOTP is what I hear it is, it could shoot up past POA, and some of what was taken out of GOF makes me feel like it could as well.