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!

There was a mention of Harry Potter in the Washington Post today in an article about comic books and Spiderman quoted Avi Arad, the chairman of Marvel Studios and a principal shareholder in the company about whether the video generation has given up on comic books and that kind of entertainment. He said, “Today you …read more!

From website This is Stroud: “Four Harry Potter look-a-likes are set for a TV appearance after being discovered by the News & Journal. The Foley boys, Oliver,10, twins, James and Sean, nine and Leigh, seven, will appear on CBBC’s Smile programme when JK Rowling’s latest book on the boy wizard is released this summer …” …read more!