Wow I can’t believe WB is coming out and saying that the 3D version of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 has been scrapped. There has previously been so many rushed 3D conversions that I’m shocked that a major studio has pulled the plug on what could be a big 3D box office winner. It’s nice to hear that a studio cares about the quality of a product over the amount of money that it could make. What are your thoughts on this?
The full press release is below:
Statement from Warner Bros. regarding “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1:”
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 continued, “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.