Across the world, fans are gearing up to say goodbye to the well-known and loved wizard, Harry Potter. On July 15 at midnight, the final installment of the series, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2,” will open to scores of sold-out theaters.
Audiences were introduced to the boy wizard in 1998 when the first book, “Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone,” was published by author J.K. Rowling. Three years later, the movie was released, and millions throughout the world were consumed by wizardry. After 10 years, seven books and eight movies, fans are forced to say goodbye to the beloved characters.
The series tells the story of a young boy, Harry, whose parents are murdered by a dark wizard, Lord Voldemort. When attempting to kill Harry, the dark lord himself is destroyed. Through the use of magic, the dark wizard is able to bring himself back to life and becomes determined to seek revenge on the boy and become ruler of both the magical and non-magical communities. It is up to Harry and his friends to stop him and save the world.
“This boy will be famous. There won’t be a child in our world who doesn’t know his name,” said Professor McGonagall in the first installment; this is true in both fiction and reality. The books have been published worldwide in 67 languages, and the movies have grossed over $6.3 billion.
Ashley McDaniel, a senior, said she is excited about the movie. Planning to see it at the midnight showing, she already purchased her ticket and said she is going to arrive about two hours early to make sure she gets a good seat.
“I went to the last midnight premieres, and the line was wrapped around the building. I’ll be sure to get there early this time,” said McDaniel.
Cobb Theatre of Tuscaloosa will premiere the movie on all 16 screens, and considering it is the last premiere, it is sure to be a sold out event. The movie will be featured on regular viewing screens as well as in 3D and IMAX 3D. The 3D movies will have special Harry Potter 3D glasses that are replicas of the famed glasses he wears in the movie.
The theatre also features D-Box motion seats. A select number of reserved seats will feature D-Box motion technology, which will allow you to “Live the Movie” by perfectly synchronizing the movement of your seat with the action on the screen.
Matthew Hutchins, a senior, said he is also planning to see the movie. He has purchased the D-Box tickets and is excited to see the show and experience it in this new technology. However, Hutchins is sad to see the series come to an end.
“I grew up with the actors and the series, and though I’m excited to see the movie, seeing it sadly marks the end of my generation’s childhood,” Hutchins said.
The show opens this Friday, July 15 at midnight. The theatre will also be showing a nine o’clock viewing of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.” Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office.
