14 DAY TRIAL // In what is an unexpected move, Warner Bros. has announced that the upcoming “Harry Potter” film, part 1 of “The Deathly Hallows,” will not be released in 3D as previously stated.
Though the franchise has been shot and released in 2D so far, the final two installments of the franchise were meant to arrive on the silver screen with an extra dimension – to make the experience even more memorable.
“Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1” was not shot in 3D, but was supposed to be converted in post-production and have a dual release.
As it turns out, Warners has just now realized that it won’t be able to do the conversion in a satisfactory manner in time for the film’s release next month, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
So, “Part 1” will be released only in 2D, including at IMAX theaters, says a press statement issued a few hours ago.
“Despite everyone’s best efforts, we were unable to convert the film in its entirety and meet the highest standards of quality,” the movie studio says in the press release.
Fans have always come first – and this time it’s no different.
“We do not want to disappoint fans who have long-anticipated the conclusion of this extraordinary journey,” Warners adds.
However, fans shouldn’t despair if they’d already grown accustomed to the idea of seeing Harry and his friends in 3D: Warners promises “Part 2” will be converted in time for the July release.
“This decision, which we completely support, underscores the fact that Warner Bros. has always put quality first,” director David Yates also says of the rather shocking announcement.
“For 10 years, we have worked alongside [Warners president] Alan Horn and the studio, whose priority has always been to preserve the integrity of Jo Rowling’s books as we have adapted them to the screen, and this decision reflects that commitment,” producer David Heyman adds.
The stress on quality instead of a quick profit (thanks to 3D premium tickets) has earned Warners some praises as well with fans, as many of them applaud the decision to go with 2D than come out with a bad “post conversion and ruin the good name of HP,” as one fans says.