While we have new photos from “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince,” and news about “Deathly Hallows” (see below) to occupy our time, reaction to the news that HBP has been pushed back until next July continues to dominate the press. Today, the LA Times has a new article online that notes the furious reaction by Harry Potter fans (“among the most intense devotees in contemporary pop culture”), and points out that “petitions were circulating, rumors were flying and angry screeds were being posted on Internet sites within minutes of the Thursday announcement.” The fact that fans were upset with the announcement of the new release date was not lost on Warner Bros president Alan Horn. The LA Times included this gem that reads as follows. “Horn acknowledged that the studio would have to pacify fans in the months to come: “We would never do anything to hurt one of the movies or the series. We love our fans.”
On a related note, the rescheduling of the film has impacted other events tied in to the previously scheduled release this fall. The BBC reports that indeed the Royal Performance and UK premiere of the film had been canceled.But he was hopeful a Royal premiere would still go ahead this year.
In the same article, WB’s Alan Horn is also cited as saying “I’ve seen the movie. It is fabulous. We would have been perfectly able to have it out in November.”
Among all the disappointment, there is a bit of bright news for IMAX who announced that “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince would be screening on the day of release, July 17, 2009. Reps for the company also said that “when “Harry Potter” does open next summer, it will appear in close to 100 of its new digital theaters, as opposed to about 40 estimated to be in operation by November. “It’s a better revenue opportunity for us at that point.” IMAX says that, as announced previously, they will also release HBP which will contain parts of the film in 3-D.
Does Warner Brothers think if they do not respond to HP fans that we will go away?? So Wrong!! Change the release date back to Nov. or don’t expect any HP fans to fill your theaters untill you do. We are NOT going away! This is plain extortion!!
Honestly, i could care less if they start playing the movie on IMAX!
I really dont think a larger screen [and maybe PARTS OF THE MOVIE IN 3-D???] is worth waiting another 8 months for HBP!
The Revenue comes from us, the fans. And i think i speak for all of us when i say, i’d watch the movie on a 10” screen if i had to! I JUST WANT TO SEE IT
Moving the release date really angers everyone as it is, and i wouldnt mind a month or two extra, but honestly, is 8 months necessary?
now i’m not about to protest by not seeing HBP the second it releases, but something must be done.
Being a devoted HP fan the news of the “push” was very upsetting. I will boycott all the movies now, not that one fan will make the least bit of differenct to WB~oh, wait there are millions of us right!!. We can all just reread the books, use our imagination and experience the joy while saving money. In the true spirit of the “DA” we ill fight this Warner Brothers Death Eater-money!!! BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT,BOYCOTT!!!
If you go to this website, www.theregister.co.uk and search for “Warner Bros. bullying” you will discover that as far back as 2000 WB was trying to scoop up all websites affliated with Harry Potter. What is interesting is that soon after articles were published about WB’s strong arm tactics the legal eagles at WB relented. So here’s my question, still think a boycott can’t work? On another note, apparently HBP was suppose to be the Royal Premier Movie, as in the Queen, Prince Charles, etc. Is it really wise to anger not only millions of devoted fans, but the Royal family as well? What about businesses that were counting on merchandise before the holiday season? What about all the fans that have planned around this release date and now are left with nothing. Perhaps the fans will forgive and end up seeing this movie. But I am willing to bet they won’t forget. At least this fan and her six children won’t. I was furious after OoTP, imho that movie was horrible. The biggest book and the shortest movie. Aaaargh!! I swore I wouldn’t see another Potter film, and now… I can honestly say I won’t!
Alan and WB love their money more…
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Please sign this pledge to boycott the opening weekend and send a message to WB that they will actually listen to. Forward this on to everyone you can. That way we can still see the movie when it does come out, but on our terms, sending WB a strong message, and hurting their big opening weekend:
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http://www.youchoose.net/campaign/boycott_opening_weekend_of_new_harry_potter_hbp
I have been getting my children and neighbor children so reved up for this movie ! The children are in tears and it makes it so much easier to tell them it’s so that people can make even more obscene amounts of money. WB made a commitment by setting a release date and should stand by the original posting. A one month delay I can understand for a film ing problem but a year is unthinkable and without conscience. Our family will be boycotting as well. The kids have completely lost interest…what a shame. They’ll just read the books again…at least they’re dependable.
They are IDIOTS if they think this will make them more money, I bet you dollars to donuts that HBP will be available on the web by the end of Nov, if not sooner. True the big screen is best, but I will watch what I can get my hands on first.
Just an update: IMDB still has the original release date for November but they have finally acknowledged backlash from Potter fans. I also noticed more movie stills were released, was that to placate the fans? In any event, I notice that small details were, once again, changed and I find that I no longer care what WB does. With each and every change and rewrite they took some of the magic away. This time, all the magic is gone. I certainly hope everyone’s plan about boycotting, or petition drives forces WB to pay attention. I wonder why no one has heard anything from J K Rowling?
Do not see another WB movie between now and the time HBP comes out.
If WE Boycot WB be sure to involve the following!
Warner Bros. Television,
Warner Bros. Animation,
Warner Home Video,
DC Comics
New Line Cinema.
Warner owns half of The CW Television Network
I am like can’t not wait til the new HP movie comes out!Me and all of my friends love him!But I still like Ron And tell twilight i said they are a jackss ok cause they r MESSING UP THE BEST MOVIES IN THE WORLD!I am gonna get a shirt made of the HP charters ! Peace i love ron lol
"A Muggle," said Hagrid, "it's what we call nonmagic folk like them. An' it's your bad luck you grew up in a family o' the biggest Muggles I ever laid eyes on."
Does Warner Brothers think if they do not respond to HP fans that we will go away?? So Wrong!! Change the release date back to Nov. or don’t expect any HP fans to fill your theaters untill you do. We are NOT going away! This is plain extortion!!