Last month The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced 15 films had been selected for consideration for Achievement in Visual Effects for the 84th Academy Awards. Today those 15 movies were narrowed down to 10.

Here are the movies still in the race:

“Captain America: The First Avenger”
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2″
“Hugo”
“Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”
“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”
“Real Steel”
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”
“The Tree of Life”
“X-Men: First Class”

For those wondering, the 5 movies no longer in the race are Thor, Sucker Punch, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Cowboys & Aliens, and Super 8.

On January 19th the 5 official nominations will be selected after members of the Academy’s Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee view 10-minute excerpts from each film. The 84th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. Billy Crystal will host the actual ceremony on Sunday, February 26, 2012.

Which movies do you think should get a VFX nod?

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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences today announced the 15 films that have been selected for consideration for Achievement in Visual Effects for the 84th Academy Awards.

In early January members of the Academy’s Visual Effects Branch Executive Committee will narrow the list down to 10, and then on January 19th the 5 official nominations will be selected after members view 10-minute excerpts from each film.

Here’s the list of films in alphabetical order:

“Captain America: The First Avenger”
“Cowboys & Aliens”
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2″
“Hugo”
“Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol”
“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”
“Real Steel”
“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”
“Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows”
“Sucker Punch”
“Super 8″
“Thor”
“Transformers: Dark of the Moon”
“The Tree of Life”
“X-Men: First Class”

The 84th Academy Awards nominations will be announced live on Tuesday, January 24, 2012. Billy Crystal will host the actual ceremony on Sunday, February 26, 2012.

Which movies do you think should get a VFX nod?

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Warner Bros. continues to push Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 for some awards recognition with the release of a new ‘For Your Consideration’ trailer.

The studio released a short trailer earlier this month which featured voice-overs from Dumbledore and Lily Potter and focused on the love elements in the final film. This second trailer still aims to pack an emotional punch, but focuses more on the battles and spectacle.

Watch below (via SnitchSeeker):

For those wondering, the music is called ‘Evey Reborn‘ and comes from the V for Vendetta soundtrack by Dario Marianelli.

You can check out the ‘For Your Consideration’ site for Deathly Hallows: Part 2 here.

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Filmonic reviewer/reporter Joe Belcastro covers the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 release event live at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

On the weekend of the home video release (11/11/11) of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, an assortment of the cast and crew from the Harry Potter realm all gathered at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, Florida, to yap with the worldwide press and mingle with fans in attendance throughout the three-day event.

Friday was the press conference as everyone from actor Rupert Grint to director David Yates – who helmed the last four Potter flicks – all descended upon the theme park that was inspired by J. K. Rowling’s literary gems in conjunction with the vision of the respective filmmakers, which was brought to life these last eleven years.

Saturday saw a massive red-carpet spectacle that ran through the entire re-created world, with the cast all going up on stage at the base of Hogwarts, while a firework display went off celebrating all they have accomplished.

So without any further ado, yours truly chatted with just about everyone at the presser and the red carpet.  Read some quotes and take a listen to a portion of the press conference below:

On whether the cast is sad that it is all officially wrapping up…

“I don’t whether sad is quite the right word,” says Warwick Davis (Professor Flitwick & Griphook).

“I mean, it’s sad the paychecks aren’t coming through anymore,” he says with a grin.  “I suppose the thing that might be sad is not seeing everybody so often.  We are all used to going to work and hanging out; certainly with members of the cast together, and also the fantastic crew we had at the studios.  Going to that place every day felt secure.”

The animated Mark Williams (Mr. Weasley) added, “People ask us that question and we hesitate to reply and I think the reason is that this has never been done before.  And we are kind of struggling to understand what’s being achieved.  But I think celebration is a good word, I’d go with that one.”

Also reflecting on the moment was director David Yates; who in his gentle voice chimed in with this…

“It was always a very family atmosphere when we made these movies.  A real sense of community.  And I think that what we all will carry that forward with us, as well as the pride in the work.  It’s hard to get an angle on it; we’re so close to it.  It was such an extraordinary amount of work that we did together.  It’s hard to really contextualize it at the moment.  I think Rupert used the word surreal; it feels a little surreal at this point because we are that close to it.  But I think we’ll see each other whenever we pass and we’ll always be grateful for the experience and they will be relationships that will continue.”

The family theme came up a lot in all of their response.  Mainly because they all realized that this was going to be special.  As Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) succinctly put it…

“We all felt like we were privileged to work there.”

Isaacs also had an interesting response when people come up to him and say they are the biggest Harry Potter fans…

“The biggest fans of Harry Potter that I have ever met are at this table and the table before,” (referencing all the cast & crew that took part in the press conference).

A prime example of that is Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood); who admittedly came from the fan world and she is still in awe of being a part of something she loved so much.

Stanislav Ianevski (Viktor Krum), also a fan, gave a deep response to what’s going on in his mind…

“To be honest, it’s very difficult for me to take in the moment that it’s come to an end.  I’d rather believe that it’s never going to come to an end, because Harry Potter and everything that’s done – for over eleven years now – you know, I think is going to live on forever in people’s hearts.  I’d rather think that, we are going to live in their hearts forever.”

That thoughtful answer put Domhnall Gleeson (Bill Weasley) in an interesting spot (for he was next to answer), as in: how do I follow that?

“Yeah, what he said (smiling).  It’s amazing.  So good to see everyone again, he says laughing.”

Focus shifted to David Yates and he revealed what his personal goals were when taking over the franchise…

“I think we had to absolutely get the last film right in its totality; because there was so much pressure riding on that story,” says Yates.  ”People had followed that story for ten years and there was a huge expectation about the finale.  So we carried that pressure with us for some time.  It was tricky of getting that balance of comedy, adventure, action sort of coordinated in the right way.”

And his most memorable directing achievements while working on the films…

“One of the scenes I’m proudest of, which I adore, is the kiss between Ron and Hermione in Hallows Part 2, just because of its charm.”

“I still remember the scene very fondly with Rupert and Emma; it was a delicate scene to get right because Rupert and Emma know each other really, really well.  And it’s quite a challenging thing to snog someone you know really well.”

The overall tone of the press conference was celebratory and that stemmed from the questions being asked.  They all talked about the little souvenirs they “took” from the set while filming.  Producer David Barron gave a funny story how passionate (or rabid) the fans are, when one approached him for an autograph.  Rupert Grint briefly told one that happened at one of the premieres…

“Yeah, I had kind of an encounter with an interesting character,” says Grint.  ”It was actually at one of the premieres, the fourth film maybe, in New York, and we were just about to be put away in the limo, and this man in a wheelchair grabbed onto the back bumper.  And we towed him along for a few yards.”

Grint also elaborated on how he and his now infamous “Ron” persona coexist…

“I kind of feel we merged into the same person in a weird way.  I always could relate to Ron, and not just cause we’re both ginger.”

With the home video release (DVD, Blu-ray, Download & Ultra Violet Digital Copy) producers David Barron and David Heyman said those expecting extended or a bunch of deleted scenes will be surprised that there are not that many on the disc.  Just about all the the footage that they shot was used in the film (Good!)

The inevitable chance of another movie had to be asked.  Artistically, there is no need to ever try to add on to this amazing achievement in filmmaking.  Well, unless J.K. Rowlings decides to conjure up another phonebook sized novel.  But with the business of Hollywood and how nothing is sacred, David Yates and David Barron answered with this…

“You could only do something additional to the eight films we have if it originated from Jo herself (Rowlings),” says Barron.  ”We would have to have the integrity she would give it.  And I can’t see what it would be, because she told a singular story over seven volumes that we took eight films to tell that same story.  And we reached the end of that story.  I can’t really imagine what it would be.  We know what happens to Harry – he got married, he had kids, he rebuilt the school, it’s no big mystery.  I think she did that on purpose really, so it was not left open”

“And there’s a sort of a time and a place for a story such as this,” added Yates.  And it seems wonderful to leave it where it is somehow.  I think that will gain value in time.  And I think it would be a real shame to continue.”

“But we’d like a part,” says the quick-witted Mark Williams.  And David Barron appropriately followed that up with, “And we would like to work on it, too.”

Finally, we come to the A-Ha moments.  The moment when they all personally realized that this Harry Potter phenomenon was bigger than they thought.  And they were a part of it.  A few of them – including Rupert Grint, James and Oliver Phelps (Weasley Twins), producer David Heyman, Jason Isaacs, Evanna Lynch, George Harris (Kingsley Shacklebolt), Nick Moran (Scabior), David Bradley (Argus Filch) and Devon Murray (Seamus Finnigan) – specifically recalled what they were doing and/or where they were when it more-or-less “hit” them that they played a role in the biggest movie franchise of all-time…

Below are a few audio interviews containing their ‘A-Ha’ moments:

In order: Nick Moran (Scabior), David Bradley (Filch), David Heyman (producer), George Harris (Kingsley), Phelps Twins (Weasley Twins), Jason Isaacs (Lucius Malfoy) and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood)

Rupert Grint

Devon Murray

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The Harry Potter films have picked up 9 Oscar nominations over the past ten years, for categories such as cinematography, art direction, visual effects and score, but none walked away with a statue and no film has been considered for Best Picture.

Following the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 earlier this year to great critical acclaim (96% on Rotten Tomatoes) Warner Bros. declared their intentions make a final push for some awards recognition, and they’ve now released a ‘For Your Consideration’ trailer.

Watch below:

One hurdle Warner Bros. will have to overcome is the recent rule changes regarding nominations for Best Picture. Back in June the Academy announced that instead of nominating 10 movies for Best Picture as they have done since 2009, they will now only nominate the movies they think deserve it (a number between 5 and 10).

This was a welcomed move as if there are only 8 movies that truly deserve recognition in a given year, they shouldn’t feel an obligation to round out the number just because the rules say they should. However, this may create a problem for Deathly Hallows: Part 2 as voters tend to prefer low budget dramas, where as Potter is a $200+ million action fantasy. It should get a bunch of technical nominations, but will the Academy consider it for Best Picture?

You can check out the ‘For Your Consideration’ site for Deathly Hallows: Part 2 here.

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In what might seem like a very very strange business decision, Warner Bros will stop shipping all Harry Potter theatrical film titles starting December 29th. This is usually not something you do with the most successful film franchise of all time.

Here’s the press release:

Burbank, CA – October 24, 2011 – Harry Potter, the #1 motion picture franchise of all time, will soon disappear from shelves, as Warner Bros. stops shipping all Harry Potter theatrical film titles (including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows™ – Part 2, and Harry Potter: The Complete 8-Film Collection) as of December 29, 2011 (moratorium does not include digital – Electronic Sell-Through & VOD – or games). The Harry Potter franchise has grossed more than $12.1 billion for Warner Bros. Entertainment – with $7 billion at the worldwide box office for Warner Bros. Pictures and $5.1 billion for Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment.

As you can see, Warner Bros. have given no explanation for this but I might be able to help with that. You see, such a move just before Christmas boosts demand for the movies considerably. This means people have to buy the DVDs and Blu-rays before the 29th of December otherwise there ain’t gonna be no Harry Potter left for them. That’s short-term, in the long-term Warner could re-release the movies as events (and this is probably what they are planning). In the past Disney pulled similar stunts and it worked well for them so Warner Bros. are following suit.

Bottom line is this, if you want an original copy of any of the Harry Potter movies (or the entire collection) on DVD or Blury, you have to buy it this year, otherwise you’ll be left with bootleg copies found on the corner of the street. Warner Bros. want your money now.

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Warner Bros. has released a new Blu-ray trailer for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in preparation for the US DVD/Blu-ray release on November 11.

The trailer gives fans a glimpse at the special features, which include behind the scenes set footage and interviews, a look at Maximum Movie Mode hosted by Matthew Lewis (Neville Longbottom), and a preview of the conversation with JK Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe about bringing the character of Harry Potter to life,

Watch below (via Snitch Seeker):

US residents can now pre-order Deathly Hallows: Part 2 from Amazon on: DVD | Blu-ray

Countries such as the UK will have to wait until December 2nd for the DVD/Blu-ray release.

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 will be hitting DVD and Blu-ray in a few weeks (November 11 in the U.S., December 2 in the UK) and a preview of the behind-the-scenes documentary ‘When Harry Left Hogwarts’ has been released online.

British filmmaker Morgan Matthews was on-set during the filming of the final two films, and the full documentary will be on the Blu-ray Triple Play Pack via Target in the US (no word yet about international releases).

The 4 minute preview (via SnitchSeeker) features interviews and on-set action with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Emma Thompson, Helena Bonham Carter, Gary Oldman and Robbie Coltrane, among others.

Watch below:

BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Morgan Matthews has been given unprecedented access to the creative decision making processes that have been kept as a closely guarded secret – until now. Hear the personal stories of the faces we know, and those we don’t, as we come to the end of one of the most successful eras in cinema history.

Amazon has made Deathly Hallows: Part 2 available to pre-order on: DVD | Blu-ray

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Amazon has now made Deathly Hallows: Part 2 available to pre-order on: DVD | Blu-ray

It was announced today that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 will be available on DVD and Blu-ray November 11, 2011 in the US, while UK muggles will have to wait until December 2nd.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 recently sailed passed $1.3 billion worldwide, making it the most successful movie of the franchise. 96% on Rotten Tomatoes also makes it the most critically acclaimed, so there’s no wonder Warner Bros. plans to mount an awards campaign over the upcoming months.

Bonus features for the Deathly Hallows Part 2 Blu-ray include:

- Maximum Movie Mode hosted by Matthew Long (Neville Longbottom) and other cast members (80 minutes) – As the epic showdown between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort approaches, don’t miss a single detail as the forces of good and evil clash one final time throughout the grounds of Hogwarts.
- A Conversation with JK Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe – Join J.K. Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe for an exclusive conversation about bringing the character of Harry Potter to life, the last decade of films and how their lives have changed by the fame that they’ve both experienced.
- The Goblins of Gringotts – Hosted by Warwick Davis, you’ll see the entire process of becoming a goblin in a Harry Potter film, from auditions and casting to makeup and prosthetic tests as well as filming the final scenes.
- The Women of Harry Potter – A look at the remarkable women in Harry Potter’s life and the critical role they play in the films.
- WB Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter
- Deleted Scenes
- Ultraviolet Digital Copy

The DVD will contain all the features above except the ‘Maximum Movie Mode’ and the ‘Conversation with JK Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe’. We got a list of the deleted scenes earlier this month which you can check out here.

Amazon has now made Deathly Hallows: Part 2 available to pre-order on: DVD | Blu-ray

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Amazon has now made Deathly Hallows: Part 2 available to pre-order on: DVD | Blu-ray

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 just crossed $1.3 billion worldwide, and fans will be looking ahead to the DVD and Blu-ray release sometime in November.

Following the release of the film director David Yates said “we saved all the bits that we cut out, and we’re going to put that on the DVD extras”, and now those extras/deleted scenes have been revealed.

From The British Board of Film Classification (via Hypable):

00:01:09:10 (SC 184 – SHELL COTTAGE) (DELETED SCENE)
00:01:43:09 (SC 185 – HARRY & LUNA AT DOBBY’S GRAVE ON THE BEACH) (DELETED SCENE)
00:00:47:17 (SC 215 – HOG’S HEAD) (DELETED SCENE)
00:00:26:00 (SC 229E – MARBLE STAIRCASE – HARRY AND GINNY) (DELETED SCENE)
00:00:26:07 (SC 242 – WOODEN BRIDGE) (DELETED SCENE)
00:00:18:03 (SC 245 – HOGWARTS BATTLEMENTS) (DELETED SCENE)
00:00:37:02 (SC 274 – SLYTHERIN DUNGEONS) (DELETED SCENE)
00:00:18:20 (SC 346G – MARBLE STAIRCASE – RON & HERMIONE) (DELETED SCENE)

From those titles we can work out what we’ll be seeing. Previously Yates said “there’s an extended scene on the beach with Ron disguised (before he gets to the bank, there’s a lovely little interchange with him and Bellatrix Lestrange) which will be the ‘Shell Cottage’ scene. ‘Hogs Head’ will likely be a longer version of Aberforth and Harry talking before they enter Hogwarts. ‘Wooden Bridge’ may be Neville and Seamus working together to destroy the bridge as instructed by Professor McGonagall (Boom? BOOM!)

‘Hogwarts Battlements’ could be the scene pictured above where Voldemort asks Harry “why do you live?”, as seen in the first trailer. Yates said Voldemort wouldn’t stand around talking when he’s finally got Harry in his grasp, so they deleted it. ‘Slytherin Dungeons’ is an obvious one, with Argus Filch locking the Slytherin’s up (followed by an explosion as seen in another trailer).

The cast have also spoken about scenes they shot but weren’t included in the film, such as Hagrid fighting Death Eaters, Flitwick duelling Nagini, an extended battle scene in the Great Hall and an extended ‘victory’ speech by Voldemort. These may be on the Blu-ray, or possibly saved for future Ultimate Editions.

Amazon has now made Deathly Hallows: Part 2 available to pre-order on: DVD | Blu-ray

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