In a statement released earlier today via THR, Warner Bros. have revealed that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 will be released in 2D, rather than 3D as previously thought.
The statement read:
“We will not have a completed 3D version of the film within our release date window […] Despite everyone’s best efforts, we were unable to convert the film in its entirety and meet the highest standards of quality. We do not want to disappoint fans who have long-anticipated the conclusion of this extraordinary journey.”
Director David Yates went on to say:
“This decision, which we completely support, underscores the fact that Warner Bros. has always put quality first.”
Personally – and I’m sure hordes of Harry Potter fans and 3D skeptics will agree with me – I’m wholeheartedly glad that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 won’t follow the current Hollywood trend of releasing lousy, post-production converted 3D films; instead focuses on maintaining a high level of quality and respect with a conventional 2D release.
Let’s hope Warner Bros. make the same decision when it comes to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 will be released worldwide on November 19.
Here’s the full press release:
Warner Bros. Pictures has made the decision to release “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1” in 2D, in both conventional and IMAX theaters, as we will not have a completed 3D version of the film within our release date window. Despite everyone’s best efforts, we were unable to convert the film in its entirety and meet the highest standards of quality. We do not want to disappoint fans who have long anticipated the conclusion of this extraordinary journey, and to that end, we are releasing our film day-and-date on November 19, 2010, as planned. We, in alignment with our filmmakers, believe this is the best course to take in order to ensure that our audiences enjoy the consummate “Harry Potter” experience.
Producer David Heyman said, “For 10 years, we have worked alongside 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.”
Director David Yates added, “This decision, which we completely support, underscores the fact that Warner Bros. has always put quality first.”
As scheduled, on July 15, 2011, we will deliver to conventional and IMAX theaters our final installment of the film franchise, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2,” in both 2D and 3D formats.
