Customer Reviews

J.K. Rowling and The Birth of Harry Potter

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

This documentary doesn't have any interviews with J.K.Rowling, or with anyone for that matter. J.K.Rowling's life and the birth of Harry Potter are explained entirely by the narrator of this hour-long program, while we see images and footage of different places in Britain. It is nicely put together and quite informative, although I think for the knowledgeable fan, there isn't anything new.

There were no interviews with anyone, just a picture slideshow with narrative. The images that were shown that were "related" to Harry Potter were not even correct images. The music seemed to be a bit off from the overall mood of the DVD. Although you did learn some things about J.K. Rowling's life, you have to wonder if some of it wasn't just speculation. The best thing about the DVD were the beautiful Scotland scenes. Overall, watch it, but don't believe everything you see and don't expect too much.

This seems to have been sponsored by some kind of United Kingdom tourism bureau, as it mainly depicts still photographs of places for Harry Potter fans to visit. They mention MANY times what a "private person" J.K. Rowling is, which is, of course, the excuse for why there is NO SUBSTANCE whatsoever to this DVD. I'm hesitant to even call it a movie, since it plays much more like a slide show with a narrative (plagued with lots of speculative "filler" to kill time). Save your money, or if you must see it, get it from your library or request it by interlibrary loan. If you don't have to PAY to watch it, you might feel somewhat less pain for having wasted an hour of your time on it.

This is a total waste of time and money. Not only is the info on JK a repeat of the readily available known facts, the presentation is long, drawn out, repetitive, and just awful. They only use one stock photo of JK over and over. This is not worth your time or effort at all.

It came in good condition. It was not what I expected but it was very interesting the same. I learned a lot from it and wish that she would keep Harry Potter going.

This DVD was a waste of money and time. It is not an authorized version. I feel ripped off. I think it is very poorly done. I should have read the information about it more closely.

This documentary is probably the worst I've ever seen in my life. (And I'm being kind). The script was abominable, the music AWFUl and the narrator's voice put my kids to sleep-- literally. Moreover, in this hour long movie, there was only about five minutes of interesting and relevant information. BUT you did see lovely footage of Portugal where Rowling lived for a brief time (go figure!) If you enjoy staring -- over and over again -- at a table that has a coffee cup, a notebook and a crumpled up piece of paper on it, you will love this documentary!

Good material for the avid writer or the devoted Harry Potter fan who can't get enough background research on J.K. Rowling.

(I don't have this DVD yet, and I'm hoping Amazon comes through!) Entertainment Weekly, 11/26/04, p.97 says: "Backstory of the Week 'J.K. Rowling and the Birth of Harry Potter' Musing in an Edinburgh cafe results in a cult of muggles worshipping a gawkish wiz kid! Find out how Rowling went from the dole to the zeitgeist in this biodoc." Well, people? I'm looking forward to seeing Ms. Rowling! And, P.S. Let's get Harry VI on the printer!!!

I received my DVD in a timely manner and as indicated. I would use this seller again.