Review: The Seekers Guide to Harry Potter
| | Reality Films has produced a new DVD entitled The Seekers Guide to Harry Potter, and UK distributor Wienerworld kindly sent us some free copies to review and give away to you visitors as competition prizes.
Here is the official synopsis of the film:
The Seekers Guide to Harry Potter takes you on a journey and exploration into the underlying themes of J.K Rowling’s fantastically successful Harry Potter series. Drawing from her unique background and personal experiences, the author provides original insights into the mysticism, magic and symbolism within the world of Harry Potter. Dr. Geo Trevarthen is an academic who has painstakingly researched the Harry Potter craze. She goes far beyond the normal criteria and steps into a world of real magic and its shamanic past. In doing so she reveals the origins of many of the elements found within the novels and films. |
HPSupporters ReviewA Seeker's Guide to Harry Potter is an interesting exploration of the underlying symbolism, themes and messages in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. A small scale, intimate production, it is shot in the appropriate location of Edinburgh (where JK penned much of the series) and is presented to us by Dr Geo Trevarthen who comes from a background of Shamanism. The film, therefore, may not sit comfortably with everybody. Its author's ideas and beliefs as well as the style, imagery and music used throughout strongly convey this spritual Celtic discipline.Nevertheless, there were some fascinating elements examined in depth by this avid reader of our favourite story. She probes some real world magical and alchemic history and how they inspired JK's writing. For example I learnt about the ancient origins of characters' names, the symbolic nature and history of the golden snitch, the influences behind the four school houses, and the layers of meaning beneath these. Dr Trevarthen also makes intriguing parallels between different parts of the novels and gives her thoughts on how some of Rowling's messages can connect with our own real world lives. One of the interesting issues she raised is that of love, a key feature in Harry's life, and something that she says is hugely important in the early stages of real-life childhood, bringing her in line with today's psychological and socialogical theories. Further themes she explores include the moral neutrality of magic, following true will over whim, and Death and the triangle of the three Hallows.With future re-reads of the HP books I'm sure I shall now view many components of the canon in much more depth than I previously have. The film reinforces for me what a triumph of storytelling J.K. Rowling has created and the incredible expanse of meaning behind her stories. For those Harry Potter fans with spiritual inclinations like those of this film's author and want to look at the novels from that perspective, or for those merely with an interest in getting beneath the surface of the books, this is a film you'll very much appreciate. For me, the DVD shall fit nicely in my collection of all things Harry Potter.If you like the sound of this DVD then tomorrow evening on
Twitter we will be giving away a copy to a lucky follower. Unfortunately, for postal reasons, the competition will only be open to people from the UK.
Mar
30
This weekend the WB Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter officially opens to the public! There will be a grand red carpet event tomorrow to mark the occasion, and over the last couple of days several members of the Harry Potter cast and crew have been doing the publicity rounds promoting this great new attraction.
Yesterday, a press event took place in front of the Great Hall doors with Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Evanna Lynch, Warwick Davis, David Heyman, David Barron, David Yates as well as the two main bosses of the studio. They answered several questions about: the sets, their memories from them, the impact Leavesden Studios has on the British film industry, other franchises trying to emulate the success of Harry Potter, and more.
Mar
25
Courtesy of Hypable.com, the Harry Potter: Wizard’s Collection has finally received a release date! The official release date is set for September 7, 2012. The official press release reveals new never-before-seen footage that will be included in the collection.
Harry Potter Wizard’s Collection Bonus Disc: four hours of features, including: “The Harry Potters You Never Met” – watch how thrilling stunts from the films were performed, and learn about the tricks behind the major stunts in the series.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 Bonus Disc: two hours of features, including: “Creating the World of Harry Potter, Pt.7: Story”
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 Bonus Disc: four hours of features, including: “Creating the World of Harry Potter, Pt. 8: Growing Up”, extended “A Conversation with JK Rowling and Daniel Radcliffe” with 15 minutes of new footage
Exclusive Premiums: exclusive memorabilia including a Map of Hogwarts, concept art prints, catalogues of props and posters, all designed by the graphic designers from the films
Get the whole story »
Mar
25
Can you believe its been 15 years since Harry Potter and the Sorceror’s Stone was bought to the page? Neither can I. To commemorate this monumental anniversary, Bloomsbury, the publishing company of the Harry Potter books in the UK, has launched a contest to find the biggest Harry Potter fans. Bloomsbury is using the help of booksellers and librarians to help them find the fans.
Here’s what you can do to enter:
Much of Harry Potter’s early success was due to the support from brilliant booksellers and librarians, and Bloomsbury would love to call on that fantastic support once more. Bloomsbury is inviting fans to write a letter explaining why they love Harry Potter. The only way to enter the competition is to post these letters in specially provided Harry Potter post boxes in their local bookshop or library. The competition will run from Tuesday 26th June until Tuesday 31st July 2012, after which we will select the winning entry and name the UK and Ireland’s biggest Harry Potter fan.
Unfortunately, this contest is only open to residents of the UK and Ireland, so if you live there you can visit Bloomsbury’s website to find the participating libraries and bookstores. One of the prizes will include a trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando! Believe me when I say it is well worth it to enter. Good luck to all who enter and if it’s someone who visits this site let us know!
