Harry Potter : magic beyond everything else

a never-ending spell...

Harry Potter lovers rejoice as Pottermore, the latest website and the official counterpart of the hugely-popular series is set to launch shortly. And what’s more it has the stamp of approval by none other than the reticent author JK Rowling, who has created a fan furor worldwide with her ‘magical’ characters and seven ‘spellbinding’ books.

Pottermore will also be the first place where readers will be able to buy digital versions of the book, new unpublished materials by the author and also have a direct tête-à-tête with Rowling herself. While the fan site has already garnered a host of followers and likes on micro-blogging and networking sites, it is being touted as a marketing wizardry, by many to keep the spirit of the series alive, what with the final part of the last book hitting the big screens in mid-July this year.

City-based author Anita Nair, who recently set-up an Internet group for her book Malabar Maladies on a networking site, says that recreating an online forum for books previously released does help in keeping the written word alive. “An online community helps the author to keep updating fans and readers as and when something comes up,” she says. The author points out that sometimes it becomes impossible to reply individually to fans, who write in on the website. “This can often hurt sentiments of a reader, when an author doesn’t communicate back. However, with an online forum the interaction is quicker and simpler,” she explains.

Though the excitement about Pottermore is catching up quickly, website and brand experts remain cautious with the euphoria over the site. As one of them has pointed out that maintaining an Internet community in the long run could be a challenge after the initial hype of the e-book sales and launch of the site dies down. Potter fan and entrepreneur Somil Mittal, who has keenly followed the books and movies over the years says that though online forums on Harry Potter are common place, it’s the promise of unpublished works of Rowling on the site that would make him sign up. “Reading on small snippets that never got published, or a different line of imagination, when writing the final draft is what I would look for in the site,” he offers.

Harry Potter : the last and final trailer

Finally the final trailer is here

ENJOY IT WHILE YOU CAN..!
ITS REALLY SAD THAT A SERIES SUCH AS THIS IS COMING TO A CLOSURE.
I KNOW THAT I AM IN THE DENIAL MODE, WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Harry Potter Chess Set To Be Sold Online Only

Play Chess Like a Wizard!

When you saw Wizard Chess in the first “Harry Potter” film, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”, did that make you wish you had your own special chess set (a non-moving kind, of course)? Well, now you may be able to own your own “Harry Potter” chess set!

Time Life has created their very own version of an “enchanted” wizard chess set. The set includes pieces that are interactive: queens glow, knights neigh, bishops crash and rooks float on the board. The chess board itself lights up in order to show your progress across the board.

Also in the chess set are 32 easy-to-read manuals that teach how to play this new type of chess. Also included are two magic wands to move the floating rooks across the board. Lastly, a certificate of authenticity is included, proving that the chess set is an authentic replica of the “Sorcerer’s Stone” chess set.

All in all, the set cost $249.95. If you want more details about the set, check out Time Life. The set is not available in stores, so make sure to get your limited edition set from Time Life soon!

Below is a video of the set. What do you think about this news? Do you want to get your chess set in order to complete your “Harry Potter” collection?

Harry Potter - the magic

Harry Potter: Our Generation's Story

Friday, June 03, 2011 By Amy Busch

It began on a train from Manchester to London in 1990. But it was not until September 1997 that the world fell immediately in love with the "boy who lived."

After seven books, released over a span of ten years, and seven movies, the last of which will be released on July 15, Harry Potter has become the story of a generation.

But what is it that has fans flocking to book and movie releases, buying Potter merchandise, listening to "wizard rock," visiting the countless Potter fan websites, and flying from all parts of the world to the Wizarding World theme park?

After a certain age, it is difficult for American children to remember a time when Harry Potter was not a part of their lives. In fact, even for older generations, the bespectacled boy wizard is hard to ignore. Even those that maintain a quiet disinterest have certain amount of respect for author J.K. Rowling’s work.

Senior Dionna Klein, well known for her healthy obsession with Rowling’s world, said, "Harry Potter has transformed a generation and inspired a nation. I honestly cannot remember a time when Harry wasn’t a part of my life. Ever since second grade the series has captured all of our hearts."

Rowling’s novels have grown far more popular than she had ever imagined. In a 2010 interview with talk show host Oprah Winfrey, when asked about the success of it all, Rowling simply said, "I was not prepared for this."

"This" being the fact that the series would be translated into over 60 languages, that eight blockbuster movies closely following the novels would be created, that the word "muggle" would be included in the dictionary, that there would be over 200 quidditch teams in the United States alone, and that her novels would define the childhoods of generation.

Senior Natalie Morton said, "Harry Potter isn’t just a series, but something we grew attached to throughout our childhoods."

This is the last generation that will wait for a Harry Potter release, that will celebrate a midnight release, and that can remember the first release of "The Sorcerer’s Stone." On July 15, when "Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows" hits theaters, it all comes to an end.

Or does it?

This generation has formed a special relationship with Harry, and it would be impossible for such well-respected literature, such imaginative stories, and such beloved characters not to live on in the hearts of those that grew up with the magic of Harry’s world.

Harry Potter Edition sneak-peeks from Empire Magazine

Little something from Empire Magazine

Photographer Sarah Dunn just released several portraits of the Harry Potter cast from the July 2011 issue of Empire magazine.
Inside the issue, the cast opens up about key scenes for their character, what’s really different about the final film and breaking away from the franchise. Check out some of our favorite quotes below:




“I got the role when I was so young. You know, it wasn’t something I was looking for; it found me. So there are times when I question, ‘Am I any good? Is this the thing I should be doing?’” — Emma Watson


“In the final installment, there were not a lot of laughs from Fred and George. I think that’s the first time you see them scared.” — Oliver Phelps


“I got to wield the Sword of Gryffindor, which was ace!” — Matthew Lewis


“Ginny is like me: she was very shy at the beginning. Now I don’t think she’s necessarily fearless but she’s there for Harry I aspire to be courageous like that.” — Bonnie Wright


“These films account for 11 years of my life, so it’s really very strange to finally have finished them.” — Daniel Radcliffe


The July 2011 issue of Empire is out NOW. Go get it, it’s a great read!