Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 1 opens with a bleak look at where each of our beloved trio stand at the beginning of the story. We see them isolated in varying degrees, all trying protect their families. This sets the by and large sombre tone right from the off. The film hits all the right notes to hold the plot together and keep the general audience up to speed at the same time. I would say it’s the most faithful film of the franchise – both literally and spiritually.

But it’s also very un-Harry Potter like, in the sense that it’s very grown-up and asks the audience to think about very serious issues such as the notion of racial purity, a kind of fanaticism we would like to think doesn’t exist in our muggle world. There’s also questions concerning loyalty, trust and whether the rules set by government are always in the best interests of the people.

In terms of performance Helena Bonham Carter plays Bellatrix as deliciously desperate to win Voldemort’s affection. Jason Isaacs portrays Lucius Malfoy as if on the precipice of a nervous breakdown – all dishevelled, with a smattering of stubble. Rupert Grint takes us on Ron’s emotional journey towards maturity, beautifully. Emma Watson has some really affecting scenes, most notably with her parents and some fantastic moments of comedy with Rupert.

Overall, in terms of the film as an adaptation, I’d say that the bits that are there, far outweigh what isn’t – the filmmakers struck a good balance between keeping all the key plot points in while also ensuring a smooth and consistent pace.

The 2-disk DVD comes with a special features disk which gives us an insight both into the technical sides of filming (the Seven Potters sequence is disected both in terms of special effects and performance) and the behind-the-scenes bonds that have been created over the years between the cast who have all grown up together. It is this more than anything that helps the DVD to shine; being at the end of a ten year filming schedule, the cast are able to reflect on their time doing Potter with both nostalgia and maturity. Watching Rupert, Tom, James and Oliver talk about their memories, while on a golfing weekend, allows the watcher to look back as well, sharing with them a sense of finality, with happy memories but also an acknowledgement of the sadness of parting. Although my absolute favourite moment has to be the boys sneaking into the Great Hall set at Leavesden Studios during the night.

There are several deleted scenes on the DVD, most of which entail emotional pauses which, while special to fans of the books, would have probably slowed down the pace of the film, making it easy to see why they were cut. The departing scenes with Dudley and Petunia are particularly poignant, even if Harry Melling's fat suit/make-up is a little distracting. My favourite has to be the rabbit chase sequence with Harry and Ron; so much story-telling takes place with absolutely no dialogue - a testament to how far both Dan and Rupert have come since the first film. It very quickly turns from two friends mucking about to something a bit more sinister, underlying the tensions which eventually explode in the film. These are subtle changes in mood that none of the young actors would have been capable of at the beginning of the franchise.

Other special features include a look at the making of the soundtrack, a film about Dan, Rupert and Emma's running competition while on location shooting the Snatcher chase and a trailer for the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

With the movie and extra features combined, Deathly Hallows: Part I delivers just enough to whet your appetite for the final installment, without stuffing you so much that you don't want more.

The Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I Blu-ray and DVD sets can be ordered on the WB Shop or Amazon.

US Deathly Hallows 1-disc DVD | US Deathly Hallows 1-disc Blu-ray | US Deathly Hallows 2-pack collector's set | US Deathly Hallows 2-disc DVD SE | US Deathly Hallows 3-disc Triple Play DVD/Blu-ray

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