Our UK correspondent, Patrick, was able to review the Harry Potter Wizards Collection. Photos of the set may be seen in the gallery.

There has always been one flaw in my claim of being one of the biggest Harry Potter fans; I have the wand and the uniform, I have the read the books at least seven times each, and I even flew from my native Australia to London to stand in Trafalgar Square with friends and fans alike at the final premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two. However there has always been something I was missing, and it was the DVD’s and there was a reason; The Wizards Collection is that reason.

I knew early on that come the end of the Film franchise, as complete box set would be released, a collection of all the films, in one complete package. It was inevitable that as the years would go on the technology would change, like the introduction of Blu Ray, and that the artwork and design would change, such as the Ultimate Editions, and I knew I would want a single collection that was complete in content and complete in design. And the Wizards Collection gives me that.

In the exquisitely designed box, a sort of cross between Lupin’s self-packing trunk, and Wood’s Quidditch chest, full of secret draws, and fold out shelf, you have not only the DVDs, Blu Ray and 3D versions of the movies, you also have beautifully presented artwork, a catalogue of artefacts, maps and blueprints of Hogwarts, a special individual certificate of Authenticity and a replica of Slytherin’s Locket (albeit missing the naked Harry and Hermione apparitions!) Plus a hidden scroll features a UV code for digital downloadable versions of the films.

The copies of Philosopher’s Stone through to Half Blood Prince feature all of the same special features as the previous released DVD’s and Blu Rays, but on the Deathly Hallows One and Two, we have the two concluding Parts of The Creating the World of Harry Potter; The Story and Growing Up. These feature a really frank and honest conversation between J.K. Rowling and Screen writer Steve Kloves dicussng the journey adapting the book into a script. Also there’s the extended conversation between J.K. and Dan, however the ‘Growing Up’ featurette showing the trio growing on the set, was a bit of a tear jerker for me.

The Bonus Feature Disc however will really excite us all, as it has some of the newest features.

Tucked away in the back of the Box set, this single disc contains some lovely featurettes that give us some never before seen perspectives of the world behind Harry Potter. “The Harry Potters You Never Met” is a rather moving behind the scene look at the stunt doubles who have worked alongside the main cast, some since the very beginning. It also tells the story of David Holmes; a Harry Double who was severely injured in a stunt, and who holds a special place in the cast’s heart, especially Dan Radcliffe. This feature really applauds the work of these unsung heroes. Also the secrets behind Quidditch and Hagrid are revealed, giving Martyn Bayfield his moment in the spot light!

There is also a really enjoyable countdown of the 50 greatest Moments, with comments from Cast and Crew alike! I maybe a little biased in like this special, as I feature in it; getting my moleskin signed but J.K. herself at the Hallows Premiere!

But my favourite on this disc had to be ‘When Harry Left Hogwarts’(Extended Version). This beautifully handled documentary by Morgan Mathew, gives you a really touching and emotional at time looking behind the camera, from Dan and Rupert reminiscing on growing up on set, Emma discussing what it’s like being film by not only the directors but by all of the ‘make of’ cameras. However what I enjoyed most was learning from those who aren’t seen on screen, like the Runner Alfie Oldman, Gary Oldman’s son, or Mr Lloyd a plasterer who’s been there from the beginning, and the first assistant director, Jamie Christopher, who remarks that it was sad that he was at one point closer to Dan, Rup and Emma than he was to his own children.

The Wizard Collection is all you could want in a complete box set. It’s got both the films and also exclusive memorabilia. However I must say, and this is now a very common trend, it was a little annoying that all the newest features are only available on the Blu Ray Discs, so to see the never before seen moments you will need a blu ray player. There has also been quite a stir online over the price and it is a little expensive at $US 350, and £178 but if you break it down to how much you would pay for each individual piece it adds up, but it’s just that if you have purchased the films along the way, you’re paying for what you already have.

All in all, the Wizards Collection doesn’t disappoint. I really enjoyed exploring the box itself, finding all its hiding places, and enjoying all the newest behind the scenes footage. But what I love most is that fact that now we can have all of Harry’s filmic journey in one place, making it all that little bit easier to return to Hogwarts again and again, all thanks to our Wizard’s Collection.

The 31 Disc Collection is available in the US now and UK on September 10th.