Screenwriter Steve Kloves Talks About Deathly Hallows Split

Story Overview:
In a new interview with the Baltimore Sun, screenwriter Steve Kloves talks about the recent announcement to split Deathly Hallows into two films. He notes that there had been serious consideration of splitting Goblet of Fire for some time and the the decision to split the last book in the series into two films was not made lightly. "The idea of two films began to get kicked around as early as late summer of 2007. We didn’t take it lightly," says Kloves. He supports Warner Brothers decision strongly saying that, "I feel we owe it to Jo — in order to preserve the integrity of the work — and the fans — for their loyalty all these years — to give them the best and most complete experience possible."

Source: Baltimore Sun
Via: The Leaky Cauldron
Article: Steve Kloves Says 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' Will Film in Two Parts

Lexicon Suit Date Moved

Story Overview:
In continuance of the Lexicon lawsuit story, new news has come in recently concerning the date of the law suit previously scheduled for March 24, 25, and 26th is now scheduled for April 14. Further information on this, including a letter of refutation by potential Lexicon publisher RDR Books, can be found here.

For those boycotting the Harry Potter Lexicon, other free online sources for Harry Potter information are available for use, the most comprehensive of which is the Harry Potter Wikia.

Source: The Leaky Cauldron
Via: The Leaky Cauldron
Article: JKR/WB vs. RDR Books Trial Rescheduled

Warner Brothers Press Release: Two Parts for Deathly Hallows

Story Overview:
Warner Brothers' Official Press Release.

Source: Business Wire
Via: The Leaky Cauldron
Story Link: Warner Bros. Plans Two-Part Film Adaptation of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” to Be Directed by David Yates

Deathly Hallows Will Be Two Parts, Says Warner Brothers

Story Overview:
Rumours have been flying around the internet for weeks now that Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final part of the epic Harry Potter novel phenomenon will be made into two separate films.

Today, David Heyman spoke in an interview with the Los Angeles Times confirming that the Deathly Hallows will be split into two films simply titled "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I", which will release in November 2010, and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II", which will release in May 2011. Heyman says that he spoke to J. K. Rowling, the series author and that, "she was cool with it" and that "that was quite a relief".

When asked about this decision Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the title character, Harry Potter, in the films, said, "I think it's the only way you can do it without cutting out a huge portion of the book."

Warner Brothers Entertainment President Alan Horn and Jeff Rubinov are expected to talk about the plans for the future of the Harry Potter film series on Thursday.

The two films will be shot simultaneously, directed by Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince director David Yates, with screenplays by screenwriter Steve Kloves.

Source: Los Angeles Times
Via: Google News
Story Link: Final Harry Potter Book Will Spawn Two Movies

Potter "Book" Blu-Ray Releases for 2008

Story Overview:
Warner Brothers has recently announced plans to re-release certain titles to Blu-Ray in special, "book" collectable packaging, including the Harry Potter series. Release dates and specific titles are not yet known.

Source: High-Def Digest
Via: Google News
Story Link: Warner Plans Ten Blu-ray "Book" Releases for 2008

Lexicon Suit to Set Precedent

Story Overview:
Recently, Warner Brothers and J. K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, filed suit against Steve VanderArk of the Harry Potter Lexicon, a fan site devoted to condensed information regarding the series, and RDR books, a small Michigan-based publisher. Because of the sensitivity and relative newness of laws governing intellectual property, the court case set for the 24th of March, as noted earlier today, will set precedent in intellectual property law.

Source: Guardian
Via: Yahoo! News
Story Link: Harry Potter: The Last Battle

"Lexicon" Law Suit Date Set

Story Overview:
The law suit involving the copyright infringement of materials from the Harry Potter series by Steve VanderArk of the Harry Potter Lexicon and RDR books has been set for March 24 through March 26, beginning at 9:30a.m. at the United States Courthouse in Manhattan (500 Pearl Street, NY, NY, courtroom 24A). More information on this story can be seen at the Leaky Cauldron's article on the news, viewable here.

For those boycotting the Harry Potter Lexicon, other free online sources for Harry Potter information are available for use, the most comprehensive of which is the Harry Potter Wikia.

Source: The Leaky Cauldron
Via: The Leaky Cauldron
Story Links: Trial Date Set for JKR/WB vs. RDR Books and the original court filing at Justia entitled Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. et al v. RDR Books et al

Rumours of Death Threats Made Against Radcliffe Are False, Says Warner Brothers

Story Overview:
Several tabloid journals have recently printed articles claiming that Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Potter star, had been taken into SAS security protection after recent death threats. Warner Brothers denies this noting that the entire story is a "complete lie".

Source: The Leaky Cauldron
Via: The Leaky Cauldron
Story Link: Radcliffe "Death Threat" Reports False, says WB

Warner Brothers Sued Again by "The Wyrd Sisters"

Story Preview:
The folk group - essentially singer-songwriter Kim Baryluk and a revolving group of singers and musicians - tried to block the November 2005 Canadian release of "Goblet of Fire" when word got out that the movie, like the novel on which it is based, was to feature a musical group called either The Weird Sisters or The Wyrd Sisters, consisting of members of British rock acts Radiohead and Pulp.

News Source: The Canadian Press
Via: Google News
Story Link Winnipeg Folk Group Continues Battle Over Harry Potter; Wants Games Destroyed

Blu-Ray Wins Format War: Is Harry Potter the Cause?

Story Preview:
Blu-ray supporters however have a different take on its emergence as the dominant format. Vice President of Panasonic's technology and liaison group, Jeffrey Cove, points to Harry Potter and the 'Order of the Phoenix' as the defining moment in the format war.

News Source: HDTV Org
Via: Google News
Story Links: Did Harry Potter Win the HD Format War For Blu-ray? and Toshiba Concedes HD Victory to Sony