Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix DVD Review

View our special Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix feature!

"Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix" reviews

DVD

Harry Potter And The Order Of The Phoenix

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2007-11-09 15:50:23

Provider

DVD Review

Despite the concerns voiced by some at the prospect of a little-known British director taking on the world's biggest film franchise, David Yates applied his magic touch to what is, arguably, the most grown up instalment in the series.

Order of the Phoenix is darker than 2005's The Goblet of Fire, and allows the main stars to take time out from the action to develop their characters. Which turns out to be a clever move as this is the best acted of the series so far. And while Maggie Smith, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman and, particularly, Imelda Staunton are all predictably great, it's Daniel Radcliffe who really delivers.

Displaying a new-found maturity, he gets to grips with not only the acting on the page but the inner turmoil of carrying the burden of responsibility in one so young. Mix that with the sweet subplot of Harry's first kiss and you have an excellent performance. No wonder he subsequently found the confidence to take to the stage in controversial play Equus.

But the emotion is not the only aspect of the film worth recommending - there are plenty of thrilling action set-pieces on show, with the climactic battle in London the highlight.

Despite lacking a commentary on the DVD this two-disc set does come with 15 minutes of additional scenes, a Hidden Secrets of Harry Potter featurette and a glimpse at the next instalment, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

A must for parents to keep their kids entertained this Christmas.