Discovering the Real World of Harry Potter

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: This is, as advertized, a PBS special about the possible origins of some of the "Harry Potter" mythology. The production values are on a par with that kind of show - a bit interesting.
What I found so very disappointing was the fact that ALL of the "Special Features" were nothing more than the original show cut differently with an extra 30+ seconds of new material thrown in here and there (perhaps a whole 10 minutes more in total?) The extra material looked like deleted scenes from the original.
I would not have purchased this DVD had I known that.

Rating:
Summary: Discovering the Real World of Harry Potter
Review: Discovering the Real World of Harry Potter DVD ~ Hugh Laurie is an interesting dvd that deals with the world of Potter. The narration is quite good and the production well is up to par.

Rating:
Summary: Maybe not the best
Review: I got this DVD for myself and my 4 obsessed children, hoping to see more of the real places mentioned in the books - like a little travelogue perhaps, as well as more about the author, and some discussion of the myriad references to mythology in the books. There was some of that, but there was also a great deal of a fellow in robes calling himself "The White Witch" talking about wicca and how his wand works, etc., which was not at all what I was looking for. I wound up not letting the children watch it at all, as the good did not balance out the bad.

Rating:
Summary: Maybe not the best
Review: I got this DVD for myself and my 4 obsessed children, hoping to see more of the real places mentioned in the books - like a little travelogue perhaps, as well as more about the author, and some discussion of the myriad references to mythology in the books. There was some of that, but there was also a great deal of a fellow in robes calling himself "The White Witch" talking about wicca and how his wand works, etc., which was not at all what I was looking for. I wound up not letting the children watch it at all, as the good did not balance out the bad.

Rating:
Summary: Interesting Companion Piece to Harry Potter Phenomenia
Review: Most fans of Harry Potter (books or films) will enjoy this documentary. I believe I saw it either on PBS or on a discovery channel type TV channel. While it suggests that it will uncover how Harry Potter exists in the real world, it actually covers related topics quite well for children and family viewing. You learn more about related topics, but always from a springboard of discussing Harry Potter's settings, people, objects or practices.
As mentioned, the narration is very good and the program is quite entertaining. However, one should not be expecting to see any clips from the HP movies here, nor is this a Harry Potter tale. This is an exploration of the subject matter that Harry Potter's world is drawn from.
Still, it's great fun for HP fans and families, and I wouldn't hesitate to order one up. Just realize that it isn't one of the movies. (See other reviews above, as they are all quite accurate!) PS: I watched the whole thing LIVE on tv and tapped it on an old VHS...tried to get my two HP fan kids to watch it, but they didn't get into it as much as I thought they might. "It's OK Dad, but can we go out and play now?" "Why did you make us watch that DAD?" Guess it can't be all bad if they want to go play instead of sit glued to the TV all day, eh?

Rating:
Summary: Discovering The Real World Of Harry Potter
Review: Saw it on PBS. Great program! Lots of information on what was the inspiration of the author. Visits "real world" locations in England that inspired author. Especially liked the real-life boarding school like Hogwart's.

Rating:
Summary: Nice Informative DVD on Harry Potter Background
Review: This DVD contained a lot of interesting information on real background events contained in the Harry Potter series. The author's childhood home with the cupboard under the stairs. A childhood playmate named Potter. The real N. Flamel. Also includes fun extras.

Rating:
Summary: There really was a real "Harry potter"!
Review: Well potter is made up of many diffrent people in history. J.k Rowling did her research. I loved this movie it showed sites from the movies and also showed how harry potter is made up of more realty then myths. I think anyone who is a fan of Harry Potter or even a fan of Mideviel times should buy this!