As an avid Potter fan, it is difficult to hide a natural joy at the chance to watch all 5 films back to back in a complete box set. The lengthy process of filming has meant that the earlier releases of Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone I have purchased are actually on the old school format of VHS! The box set experience not only provides extended quality by means of the DVD format but allows the viewer to watch the character grow up from film to film without delay. The oustanding performance of Professor Snape, played by Alan Rickman, never fails to grip and terrify, particularly as the later films begin to introduce a dark and sinister edge that is suggestive of what awaits in those still to come. Harry, Ron and Hermione remain a likable trio throughout, yet their obvious progression towards maturity results in momentrary dischord, when even friends can turn on one another. The increasingly spectacular use of CGI makes Harry's fifth year at Hogwarts (Harry Potter and The Order of the Phoenix) the most compelling; with the Dark Lord's return to strength will Hogwarts ever be the same? In my opinion, the box set is an ideal gift (whether your treating yourself or another) for HP fans alike or even for first time viewers and as a fairly priced product, it will have you hopping on your broomsticks to catch the latest release!
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Great characters, great actors, love the visual effects and music score Disadvantages: Some of the DVDs are more action packed and exciting than others in the collection
Advantages: Good chemistry between actors, nice cinematography, well cast Disadvantages: Child acting poor at times, directing unsatisfactory for first two films
![Harry Potter Collection - Years 1-5 [UMD Mini for PSP] [2001]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/88238900.jpg "Harry Potter Collection - Years 1-5 [UMD Mini for PSP] [2001]")
somewhat helpful by (100%):
![Harry Potter Years 1-5 [DVD] [2008] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/79822710.jpg)
![Harry Potter Years 1-5 [DVD] [2008] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/116064123.jpg)
