Harry Potter 3D: The Magic That Changed the World

 The Harry Potter films are based on seven books written by British author J.K. Rowling, which were made into eight films by Warner Bros. The books were an instant smash, doing the unthinkable: bringing both children and adults back to the library. Soon after, the first hit the cinemas. In 2001, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone was released. It presented Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and Ron Weasley, a magnificent trio of young wizards united in their fight against Lord Voldemort. While the first movie and the sequel from 2002, Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets, focused on the magic school and wizards who tried to become the master of magic, the last two movies from 2010 and 2011, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, turned darker, more dangerous and way more exciting.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows 

The book’s first chapter depicted Harry, Hermione, and Ron on their quest to uncover and destroy Horcruxes. Lord Voldemort's soul was encased in the object, which granted him eternal life. The original goal for Warner Bros was to include this film in their impressive collection of 3D movies, but the deadlines were too tight. After all was said and done, the first film was completed and then transformed into a three-dimensional film for DVD release, which meant it was not exhibited in theatres in an immersive manner.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows II was the first Harry Potter film that was a true 3D movie that was shown to the audience in theatres. The Harry Potter 3D movie was chosen by 43 percent of American moviegoers who saw the film on its opening weekend, ensuring Warner Bros a huge financial triumph. Hugh Murray, IMAX's stereographer, and director David Yates both stated that the most difficult scenes to shoot were those with a large number of people, citing the battle between Snape and McGonagall that takes place at Hogwarts, the school of magic, as an example. Another difficult scene for the talented 3D movie designers was the sequence in which Harry, Hermione, and Ron had to leave the vault after discovering a Horcrux on the back of a massive dragon. The actor rode a mock creature in front of a green background, and the rest was added digitally.

Before the final battle, Harry and Lord Voldemort fall from the top of the tower, firmly holding each other around the neck. The wizards teleport and are engulfed in a cloud of grey smoke. It was critical to maintain the scene as clear as possible so that the audience could see what was happening throughout the fast falling scenario while also getting a sense of depth. Fortunately, Warner Bros. had a competent team of filmmakers on hand who were able to pull it off without a hitch.