Product Details

• Actors: Hugh Laurie
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Questar
• DVD Release Date: May 28, 2002
• Run Time: 72 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0000633SA
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #40,804 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The bestselling stories of a boy wizard have left millions spellbound. Discovering the truth behind the fiction, British actor Hugh Laurie narrates this public television documentary (not authorized by J.K. Rowling) to provide historical and scientific context to the Harry Potter tales. Divided into six chapters, the 74-minute program offers footage of Rowling's childhood home and platform nine and three-quarters at King's Cross Station in London; notable discussions with authors Lindsey Fraser (Conversations with J.K. Rowling) and David Colbert (The Magical Worlds of Harry Potter); and clips of television interviews with Rowling. One chapter unearths some probable legends that may have stirred Rowling's imagination. Another guesses on a Scottish school that may have provided the inspiration for Hogwarts. Especially fun for Potter fans is a description of the now-famous Hogwarts' sport, Quidditch. In true documentary form, style outperforms sizzle, which more likely will appeal to older Potter fans, ages 12 and up. Beautifully filmed and scripted, here is an intriguing complement to the Harry Potter books and motion pictures. --Lynn Gibson

Product Description

Discovering the Real World of Harry Potter picks up where the blockbuster film and bestselling books leave off. This critically-acclaimed documentary explores the myths and legends that inhabit the real world of Harry Potter. Follow award-winning documentary filmmakers as they offer insights to witches, wizards, Greek Gods, Ancient Celts, ghosts, magical creatures, alchemy, and ancient spells. Extra Features: The Ghostly Visitors of Harry Potter; Harry Potter's Alchemical and Herbal World; In the Footsteps of Harry Potter; Harry Potter and the Holy Grail.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

97 of 111 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Discovering The Real World Of Harry Potter, December 5, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Discovering the Real World of Harry Potter [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Saw it on PBS. Great program! Lots of information on what was the inspiration of the author. Visits "real world" locations in England that inspired author. Especially liked the real-life boarding school like Hogwart's.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Disappointing, November 27, 2004

By	JMHPTRCN "Harry Potter Fan" (Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

This is, as advertized, a PBS special about the possible origins of some of the "Harry Potter" mythology. The production values are on a par with that kind of show - a bit interesting.
What I found so very disappointing was the fact that ALL of the "Special Features" were nothing more than the original show cut differently with an extra 30+ seconds of new material thrown in here and there (perhaps a whole 10 minutes more in total?) The extra material looked like deleted scenes from the original.
I would not have purchased this DVD had I known that.

48 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice Informative DVD on Harry Potter Background, March 24, 2003

By	Robert D. Emerson "remerson1953" (Springfield, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This DVD contained a lot of interesting information on real background events contained in the Harry Potter series. The author's childhood home with the cupboard under the stairs. A childhood playmate named Potter. The real N. Flamel. Also includes fun extras.