Warner Bros comments on decision to halt Harry Potter BD/DVD sales in December 2011
 

Warner Bros announced in September that as of December 29, 2011, all shipments and sales of Harry Potter films on DVD and Blu-ray would cease (excluding those already on store shelves; they will not be restocked after the December date), and now have commented on their decision for this moratorium. Jeff Baker, senior VP and general manager of Warner Bros.’ Theatrical Catalog also discussed the expectation of an ultimate edition for the final two films, Deathly Hallows: Parts 1 and 2, as well as an extended collectible set, tentatively set for a 2012 - 2013 release.

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"Even though there could be a sense of urgency from the consumers’ perspective, there will be Potter product come the first of the year,” says Jeff Baker, senior VP and general manager of Warner Bros.’ Theatrical Catalog.

“But over time, they’ll be less and less of that inventory. At some point, whether it’s next April or May or June or July, it’ll probably be very difficult to find Harry Potter product, especially if you’re looking for the third movie or the fifth movie, for example.”

“The idea is not to let Harry Potter dissipate. There are exhibits around the world. There’s the Harry Potter World [i.e. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter] in Orlando,” says Baker. “There are a lot of things that are Harry Potter that are going to be available to consumers well into the future, and we certainly want a home entertainment component to those grand plans.”

“There is discussion internally about aggregating assets from all of these films over the last decade and adding some new things — we’ve never done an Ultimate Edition on the final two films — and doing some grand kind of piece,” says Baker. “It could be the end of 2012 or the beginning of ’13.”

For those worried, the WB Shop announced that the Harry Potter Blu-rays and DVDs are now on sale for over 50% off. DVDs are just $4.25 and Blu-rays are just $9. Shipping is just $2.50 flat rate, or free on orders over $60. For more information and where to order, head right here.

Pre-order the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 DVD and Blu-ray sets, out November 11 in the U.S. and December 2 in the UK, at the Amazon links below, or through the official Warner Bros Shop.

Amazon.com (US) - Deathly Hallows 1-disc DVD | Deathly Hallows 1-disc Blu-ray | Deathly Hallows 3-disc Blu-ray triple play | The Complete 8-Film Collection DVD | The Complete 8-Film Collection Blu-ray

Amazon.co.uk (UK) - Deathly Hallows 1-disc DVD | Deathly Hallows 3-disc 3D Blu-ray | Deathly Hallows 3-disc Blu-ray triple play | Deathly Hallows 2-disc DVD | The Complete 8-Film Collection DVD | The Complete 8-Film Collection Blu-ray | The Complete 8-Film Collection BD limited edition

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They're just trying to sell off their old stock before releasing all the extended super editions. As much as I hate to be a pawn, I may buy them at the reduced price. My old ones are DVD and we have a BluRay now.

I'm so annoyed... Why are they doing this? Don't they realise that basically NO fans are happy about this decision....

I don't understand this. This is insane. :erm: Why!!! >:/

Hm...their logic confuses me. :blink: Oh well, time to buy some DVDs! :D

if they stop selling individual copies of the movies, i understand this to some degree. most people in the future will likely need all 8 so if they just sell box sets i suppose that makes more sense - but if they stop selling those in the future too, that would just be really sad

i am really really stoked to hear even though its almost 2 years away that they will release an 8 disc ultimate edition set!! i really want the ultimate editions but didnt want to start buying them if they would be doing something like this!! very exciting news!!

Yepp, it makes sense to have all eight movies in one case, but why stop selling THIS?

They could do a Blu Ray pack like for Star Wars (which is awsome!) and sell that. I hope they do!

Bizzar!! and a WHOLE YEAR for the U.E unfair:x3:

What a bunch of greedy jerks.
It's just a ploy to get people to rush and buy the dvd/BR now, because they know that with an ultimate edition set coming out people are more likely to just wait until that is released rather than buy the movies now and then have to shell out more money for the ultimate.

The dvds/BR are going to be rare my butt *rolls eyes*. There are millions of copies available of each movie, they will never be "rare" or unobtainable.

Isn't then just happening in America? And when is England getting the ultimate editions? We made Harry Potter after all :(

So they're going the 'Disney Vault' route? Disappointing.

this is insane

This is just pathetic. That is especially the time of year people buy the movies, for presents for the holiday season and all. Though if they are going to be super cheap, I might go to the shops and buy them so I have my own set of them and don't have to use the family set.

Though I still think it's stupid they are getting rid of individual copies. I am not happy :no:

I do think all the fans agree on this.

I'm quite confused as I'm not really sure what they mean.

I just hope the ultimate editions for DH come out soon, and in extended versions. The price for the last four was too steep for only the documentary, since the films were exactly the same we already had.

I think Umbridge and Fudge are making these choices.

I don't mind. I already have the DVDs.

Hahah I don't get this.It's ridiculous.

This is their logic. People panic to go buy or update their DVD's / blu-rays when they wouldn't necessarily have gone to buy them. Then in 2 years time they'll bring out the ultimate editions where the biggest potter fans will fork out again for them. Warner brothers have proved time and time again that when it comes to potter they couldn't give one about the fans just how much they can line their pockets with as much money as possible.
This must be the hundredth time I've put this "shame on you Warner Brothers"

that is silly

Hmmm...just more ways to get us to spend money and they know we will...and when the box sets come out people will be buying them too...me included. Needless to say I will most likely get me some of these dvds...my child loves harry as much as I do and it's always handy on road trips :)

There is no rational reason for them to do this....in the annals of stupid desicions, this one hits the top ten!

MONEY is thw word WB revolves around. They can say that they care about story, but just look at their record. Remember when they tried to destroy the HP fan sites?