HARRY POTTER Waves 3D Magic Wand On Back Catalog! HALF-BLOOD PRINCE Being Converted Now

Yes! I thought that word might get out that the fate of the unfinished DEATHLY HALLOWS 3D conversion is simply that it will be used for the 3D Blu-ray once it is released to homes. And while THAT is still not announced, David Cohen reports for Variety that Warner Bros is reaching back into the POTTER catalog and converting the last two iterations: THE ORDER OF THE PHOENIX (2007) and HALF-BLOOD PRINCE (2009).

While that news is not entirely unexpected (3D will most likely be used for most major sci-fi / fantasy franchise catalogs I am sure), what IS surprising is that Warner Bros has enlisted the conversion talents of Prime Focus, the same company that did the conversion of the critically panned CLASH OF THE TITANS. Prime Focus must have really impressed the studio brass with something to have overcome that massive conversion outcry. So how is it Warner Bros is sticking with them?

The studio must be banking on time. Time to complete an entire movie with abundant quality control measures in place. David Yates has a lot to do with it too as he will play the pivotal role in watching over the conversion which reportedly will include all his POTTER movies. Further, earlier directors will also have to be called back for their input for their respective films. AND last but not least, Prime Focus must start hitting home runs.

Prime Focus has been refocusing on quality of late. 3D evangelist Jeffery Katzenberg of Dreamworks Animation has backed them publicly for recent work on their catalog and Prime Focus has placed a project's 'completion window' as being a top consideration in bidding opportunities.

Hey, the more 3D conversion companies in the ballgame, the better! I am fully in Prime Focus' court if they can prove themselves with their next offering. They do have respect from their peers and that holds plenty of water with me. Let's see what they can do!

HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE: International IMAX 3D Distribution Details

Jim here. Here are the details on the international IMAX distribution of HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE. I am surprised they mentioned their new digital projector rollout in the release as the reviews are not good. The resolution is terrible when sitting closer to the screen. Perhaps they have solved this issue? We will soon find out. If you see HPHBP in IMAX digital, please let us know your thoughts and where you sat in the theater.

Here is the press release:

IMAX Corporation (NASDAQ: IMAX; TSX: IMX) and Warner Bros. Pictures today announced that Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: The IMAX 3D Experience is the widest IMAX international release ever, opening in conjunction with the film's general release commencing on July 15th in 62 IMAX theatres internationally. Domestically, the picture will launch Wednesday, July 15th in select IMAX theatres in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago and expand shortly thereafter.

In IMAX(R) 3D theatres, the film will feature approximately 12 minutes of the movie's explosive opening sequence exclusively in live-action IMAX 3D, a special element fans last enjoyed in the final fight scene in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in 2007.

"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is the widest IMAX release ever internationally, a true testament to the continued appeal of this tremendous franchise and the growing interest in this format," said Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures. "We are excited to partner with IMAX once again on this next installment of our incredibly successful series."

"As the Harry Potter series has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon, our partnership with IMAX has become invaluable in terms of delivering something extra to the fans around the globe," said Dan Fellman, President of Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

"We're pleased to be able to share this film with our expanded audience, which has grown significantly since the previous installment in the Harry Potter series, thanks to the rollout of our digital projection system," said IMAX CEORichard L. Gelfond. "Special features in IMAX continue to attract fans and repeat viewings, and we are looking forward to sharing the special 3D opening with consumers around the world."

"The level of anticipation for this film has been building since last fall," added Greg Foster, Chairman and President of IMAX Filmed Entertainment. "Moviegoers and Potter fans will have the opportunity to experience the film in a very unique way this summer, and we're excited to extend this opportunity to a much broader audience this year."

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: An IMAX 3D Experience is scheduled to play beginning July 15th (day-and-date) at the following IMAX(R) theatres:

INTERNATIONAL

Australia
Melbourne - Highpoint Hoyts IMAX
Melbourne - Melbourne IMAX
Perth - Carousel Hoyts IMAX
Sydney - Entertainment Quarter Hoyts Sydney
Sydney - LG IMAX Theatre Sydney

Austria
Graz - Cineplexx 8055 Graz
Vienna - Cineplexx Apollo Das Kino

Brazil
Sao Paolo - Bourbon Shopping Center IMAX Theater

China
Beijing - IMAX Theatre at the China National Film Museum
Beijing - IMAX Theatre UME Beijing International
Beijing - Shijingcheng Wanda Cinema
Changchun - Wanda International Cinema Changchun
Changsha - Changsha Wanda International Cinema
Shanghai - IMAX Theatre at Peace Cinema
Suzhou - Suzhou Science and Cultural Arts Centre

Czech Republic
Prague - Oskar IMAX Theatre - Palace Flora

Ecuador
Guayaquil - Nescafe IMAX Malecon 2000

France
Paris - Gaumont Disney Village IMAX

Germany
Berlin - CineStar IMAX 3D, Sony Center Berlin

Hong Kong
Kowloon - BEA IMAX Theatre

India
Hyderabad - PRASAD IMAX Theatre
Mumbai - IMAX Adlabs Theatre
Kolkatta - Aeren R. IMAX Theatre at Mani Square Pvt. Ltd.

Japan
Kanagawa - 109 Cinemas Kawasaki
Minoh - 109 Cinemas Minoh
Saitama - 109 Cinemas Shobu

Korea
Gwangju - CGV Gwangju
Ilsan - CGV Ilsan
Seoul - CGV Wangsipni
Seoul - CGV Yongsan

Mexico
Cuernavaca - Cinemex Diana IMAX Theatre
Guadalajara - Cinepolis Galerias Guadalajara IMAX Theatre
Juarez - Cinepolis Las Misiones Cd. Juarez IMAX Theatre
Mexico City - Cinepolis Perisur IMAX Theatre
Mexico City - Cinepolis Universidad IMAX Theatre
Monterrey - Cinepolis Galerias Valle Oriente IMAX Theatre
Toluca - Cinepolis Galerias Metepec IMAX Theatre
Torreon - Cinemas Martinez
Veracruz - Cinepolis Las Americas IMAX Acuario de Veracruz

Netherlands
Amsterdam - Pathe Arena

New Zealand
Auckland - SKYCITY IMAX Theatre Queen Street

Philippines
Edsa - SM City North Edsa Mall
Manila - San Miguel Coca-Cola IMAX Theatre

Russia
Moscow - KinoStar City @ Mega Belaya Dacha
Moscow - Nescafe IMAX Theatre
St. Petersburg - Coca-Cola IMAX Kinostar City

Spain
Barakaldo - Yelmo Cines Megapark
Malaga - Yelmo Cines Plaza Mayor
Oviedo - Yelmo Cines Los Prados

Taiwan
Taipei - Samsung IMAX Miramar Cinemas

Thailand
Bangkok - KrungSri IMAX Siam Paragon

Turkey
Ankara - Ankara AFM IMAX
Istinye - AFM Istinye Park IMAX

UAE
Dubai - Grand Megaplex 21 IMAX

UK
Birmingham - IMAX Cinema Millennium Point
Bradford - National Media Museum IMAX Bradford
Glasgow - Glasgow Science Centre IMAX Cinema
Greenwich - ODEON Greenwich
London - BFI London IMAX Cinema
Manchester - ODEON Manchester IMAX Cinema at The Printworks
Wimbledon - ODEON Wimbledon

UKRAINE
Kiev - IMAX Theatre

IMAX(R), IMAX(R) 3D, IMAX(R) DMR, The IMAX 3D Experience(R) and The IMAX Experience(R) are trademarks of IMAX Corporation. More information about the Company can be found at www.imax.com. You may also connect with IMAX on Facebook (www.facebook.com/imax), Twitter (www.twitter.com/imaxnews) and YouTube (www.youtube.com/imaxmovies).

New Harry Potter 6 Poster

Jim here. Warner just released a new poster for HARRY POTTER AND THE HALF-BLOOD PRINCE and it certainly looks exciting with the tagline being: "Once again I must ask too much of you Harry".

I have not read the book yet so I think I am going to wait for the movie to see all the surprises.

Don't forget that part of this movie will be in stereoscopic 3D at your local IMAX. It doesn't look like the movie will be shown in RealD locations however which is a definite let down to me.

I hope the delay in the release of HPHBP doesn't mess with it's box office - to me, a summer release should be all the more appealing to kids.

Look for Harry Potter 6 on July 17th!

Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince WIll Have 3D Coming And Going!

**SAME DAY UPDATE: IMAX is doing the 2D to 3D conversions say one of MarketSaw's readers - Dan, aka 3DFool who also has a 3D related website here. 

Hey all - Jim here. It looks like "Harry Potter And The Half Blood Prince" (HPHBP) will have about a total of 25 minutes of 3D content that will be taking place in the opening scenes as well as the ending of the movie.

The HPHBP 3D scenes will be converted from 2D to 3D and I am not sure who is doing this work actually. I will try and dig this up - if you happen to know, drop me a note.

HPHBP is slated for a July 17th, 2009 release.

Via ComingSoon

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Luna Lovegood Embraces 3D!

In case you have forgotten that Warner released "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" with 3D scenes for the ending - it only makes sense that they should do it again!

And they are of course as we found out in March. Too bad the whole movie is not in 3D - but we will take it. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince will be digitally converted into IMAX with select scenes in 3D and will be released concurrently with the 2D counterpart on November 21, 2008.

A new photo showing that Luna Lovegood obviously has embraced 3D as should we all!! UNITE!! With the 3D scenes in mind - take a look at the brand spankin' new trailer for the movie here:



Anyone care to lay odds for "Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows" being shot ENTIRELY in 3D? I think the handwriting is on the wall...