Welcome to the Halls of Hogwarts! We have been awaiting your arrival...

Sunday, February 14, 2010

More Legos & WWoHP Excitement

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you didn't run into any Gilderoy Lockhart's during today's adventures...

So it seems like LEGO has plans to not only make a new Harry Potter video game, but to actually create new LEGO sets! This came as a surprise as they have previously said that they would stop making these sets after Movie 4. However it appears that they have not kept that promise, because here are some new sets! I must admit, a burning home is not exactly what I think of when I imagine LEGO, but I guess whatever works!



Also I think that it is imporant to note that today while watching the Olympics I saw two TV spots for the Wizarding World. Of course I had already seen both online, but there is just something special about seeing them on TV! When are they going to have that opening date?!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

Deathly Hallows Filming

Filming for Deathly Hallows is currently taking place in Swinley Forest as reported by the video from London Taxi Tours. I'm guessing from the look of it that these odd tent structures have something to do with the goblins in 'The Goblins Revenge' chapter in which Harry, Ron, and Hermione overhear Dean, Ted, Griphook, Dirk, and Gornuck's (?) conversation in the Forest before Ron leaves. I'm not sure exactly what purpose those tents will have, because I doubt that's where the trio is staying.

It seems strange to think that soon filming for the final film will be over and that there will be no more Harry Potter location filming and leaks from the press. There will be no more videos of the crew filming the Knight Bus in busy London or of them filming at some far off castle. But let's not think about that now, we have two whole movies ahead of us!

Friday, February 5, 2010

New Construction Photos of WWoHP!


Wow! Look at how the Wizarding World is coming together! The details from these aerial shots just blow me away. You can see each different shop with its unique store front. Comparing these images to the concept art, they look pretty alike if you ask me! If you look at the one shot of the back of the castle, you can see what looks like a small bridge connecting the turrets. I'm impressed by it's resemblance to the movie. When I stop and really look at the photos, it just makes me shiver to think about how wonderful the park is going to be! You can see the other photos here.



Wednesday, February 3, 2010

New WWoHP Website!

This morning brings a new sign that the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is just months away in the form of a newly redesigned website that lets fans explore the details of the park with a virtual flythrough and numerous new concept art. I am very impressed by the detail of the shops in Hogsmeade and cannot wait to see them in person!



You can also send a digital owl post message and check on the latest theme park news via the website. I am super excited for the theme park now!

Poof! JK Rowling Turned to Plastic?


Like magic, JK Rowling has been turned into a plastic Barbie doll?! Don't believe me? Check it out! Apparently these one of kind dolls are not for public sale, only for Mattel's use during a trade show. Jo was chosen (among other celebrities) because she is role model for many girls. I'm actually surprised by how much the doll looks like her! I think the facial expression is the most recognizable feature that Rowling has and this doll does a pretty good (scary good?) impression of it. I wonder how Rowling feels about being made into a plastic figure? Personally, I would find it a wee bit creepy seeing a plastic figure of myself, but that's just me! If the dolls were to go on sale, would you buy them? I'm no sure that I would!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

WWoHP Commercial

I knew that I wouldn't have to actually watch the Super Bowl myself to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter commercial with the wonders of the internet. And here's the proof, the commercial is already online!



The flythrough Hogsmeade looks pretty cool and it's nice to see some of the details like the train and some of the shop windows. I am really excited to see how those actually turn out in real life. To me, the feel of the commercial seemed to contradict what Universal and WB have been promoting in the past, but I guess since this commercial is for a larger audience (the non-HP-obsessed public) they had to promote in a more general way. I think that the tagline at the end made me wince a little inside, but hey, it is a theme park isn't it? I liked the idea of the trailer and from what few short seconds I saw, it seemed pretty cool. I wish that they would tell what is inside of Hogwarts, or at least give a hint. I'm starting to think that with all this hype, it might be a letdown. I am still excited and really want to go to the park one day, maybe next year. Until then, enjoy the commercial and pretend that you are flying into the theme park! Who wouldn't want that entrance?

Monday, February 1, 2010

Harry Potter Lego?







I have to admit that when I first heard that they were going to be making another Harry Potter Lego video game, I had my doubts about it. But after seeing some screencaps of it, it does seem a lot different than the previous Lego Harry Potter video game. I still don't think that I am going to be seeking out this game, but maybe if it comes across my path some time in the future, I will check it out and see what it is all about.

Images courtesy of SnitchSeeker.