Attention, J.K. Rowling: Your fans are waiting. And waiting. After quickly turning out four Harry Potter books — one per year since July 2000 — the usually prolific author is months late in wrapping up her fifth entry into the sensational series, reports The New York Times. How late? It apparently will not be ready …read more!

Website DVDFile has a very detailed review of the upcoming Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone DVD. And, as such, it contains many spoilers, so proceed at your own risk! (Thanks to Dark Horizons for the link.) Alan Rickman has been nominated for a Tony award in the category “Best Performance by a Leading Actor …read more!

Website Box Office Prophets has an interesting analysis on just how Spider-Man was able to beat Harry Potter‘s previously-established record opening. Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar has been lined up to co-host the MTV Movie Awards. … Daniel Radcliffe’s performance in the Harry Potter film was nominated for best male breakthrough performance.

Well, HP had the record for a good 6 months. Spider-man has shattered HP’s $90.3 million three-day record by snaring $114 million this weekend. It also broke HP’s record for single-day receipts. And Sunday’s not over yet. Thanks Christina for the tip.

The tribeca film festival –tribecafilmfestival.org– is having a screening of SS with “new footage and audience prizes” this coming week.

Thanks to reader Lauren for sending us this link to what appears to be a commercial for the Harry Potter DVD. The Harry Potter magic was just an illusion. In spite of the success of J.K. Rowling’s best-selling books, children are reading less, according to a new survey.

An article in the Sunday New York Times (registration required, but worth it) discusses the long wait for Book 5, with quotes from various bookstore owners, kids, Steve Van Der Ark of the Lexicon, discussing the inconsistancies in Book 4, and, in a discussion of fanfic, the reporter um, quotes me.

There appears to be a new website in town: OwlSightings, said to eventually contain “movie trailers, film clips, behind the scenes at Hogwarts …” Upon entering the site, a pop-up box prompts for one’s email address, with the promise of more information coming on May 8th. It’s speculation on my part as to the significance …read more!

“Hit Sensations” magazine ‘presents’ a special Harry Potter Collector’s Edition. Inside it includes: games, puzzles, quizzes, prizes, a preview of Chamber of Secrets, stuff about the stars, J.K., the books, and the greatest thing… TONS of original movie pictures and pinups!!! It costs $4.95 US, $5.95 CAN. Again, its “Hit Sensations” magazine, featuring a pic …read more!

From the BBC news: Potter DVD weaves more magic. Lord Of The Rings might have captured all the critical acclaim and awards glory, but it is still not nearly as much fun as the first screen outing for the now infamous boy wizard. Thanks to some near perfect casting, assured direction from Chris Columbus and …read more!