Fantastic Beasts: [2 Film Collection] [DVD] [2018]

J.K.Rowling puts pen to paper again to tell of wizardry times some 75 years earlier with its links toHogwarts.The array of special-effects harboured within these two Fantastic Beast movies truly reflect thevalue of the 4k Upgrade....the picture quality throughout is frankly extremely impressive...certainlyworth the investmentFANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEMProduced and written by J.K Rowling - a fantasy adventure, a spin-off from the highly successful and popular 'Harry Potterbooks/movies. (Her first attempt at screen-writing, pretty sure it won't be her last)'Newt Scamander' (Eddie Redmayne) a wizard and majizoologist apparently exiled from 'Hogwarts' arrives by boat inNew York en-route to Arizona.It's 1926, all is not well in New York strange things have been occurring, the blame directed at the local-magical societywho arouse deep suspicion and mistrust by their very presence....the society point the finger toward a dark-magician'Gellert Grindelwald' the identity of whom is not known.'Newt' carries a suitcase that has endless secrets within, magical and humongous creatures, when one accidentally escapesa Niffler who is attracted to shinny objects, 'Newt' chases it into the bank where an unsuspecting factory-worker/ wannabe-baker 'Jacob Kowalski' (Dan Fogler) carrying an identical suit-case is trying to obtain a loan for a new shop venture from themanager.The cases are accidentally switched, 'Newt' has a case full of cakes, 'Jacob' carries a bag full of mysterious creatures.'Newt' is charged for using magic without licence but released when it is found his case only contains cakes.....he is joined inhis search for his case by 'Tina'...after finding it, she takes 'Newt' and 'Jacob' home introducing them to her sister 'Queenie'(Alison Sudoi) who takes an instant shine to the very confused 'Jacob' though romance is not permitted for American Witcheswith No-Maj's such as is 'Jacob'Well, the adventure continues for the unsuspecting 'Jacob' when he is taken into 'Newt's' magical case where he will meetmany of the creatures cared for by the majizoologist...nervously of course, but he does grow into the introduction..........just how much can fit into a case ??'Newt' is arrested along with confused accomplice 'Jacob' and 'Tina' (Katherine Waterston) who is a member of the New Yorkwizard society, who has tried to help catch the creatures that had escaped from the case, by officials believing one of 'Newt's'creatures had killed presidential candidate senator Henry Shaw Jr.'Jacob' is released, but 'Tina' and 'Newt' face a death sentence imposed by Director of Magical Security Percival Graves (ColinFarrell) accused of being in cahoots with the dark-magician...however they are rescued by 'Jacob' and 'Queenie'Because of the destructive power of the Obscurus 'Graves' seeks it's host with intent to harness it's magic, whilst 'Newt' knowshe has to find the real cause of the destruction in New York knowing his creatures not to be responsible, but unlike 'Graves'only wants to help the troubled-soul.Mayhem follows as both men clash in the subway tunnel where the Obscurus host is found........Has this all been a dream for 'Jacob' and indeed the people of New York ?? ......all's well that ends well ?A delightful tale with much humour and indeed superb special-effects throughout....set many years before Harry Potter's days..in truth there are few links between the times, one or two characters that link, and of course the use of the wand.J.K.Rowling's stories will, in my view, always be box-office hits because of the Potter series.....This is certainly great family entertainment though perhaps a little scary for the very young.(Look forward to it's follow-up)FANTASTIC BEASTS - THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALDThe film begins with dark-wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Jude Law) escaping the escort who are taking him back to Europe to face trial.Some while later Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) is summoned by his former teacher at Hogwarts Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) and asked to help prevent Grindelwald from forming an elite pure-bloodline of Wizards to rule over all non-magical beings, at first Newt is reluctant to become involved, however realising the implications he eventually agree's.His old bakery friend Jacob from New York turns up out of the blue with Queenie, Jacob will join Newt in support as his quest in Paris begin's.There will be much danger to encounter along the way but can Newt with the help of others prevent Grindelwald's intent?The film has indeed attracted mixed reviews from both critics and indeed reviewers.....some slate the film, some praise it, think perhaps both sides have equal credibility.I myself certainly, despite the awesome special effects found at least the first 80 minutes (extended version) a little slow, which caused me to find it hard to maintain interest, though of course, it did have its moments, thankfully the latter stages did pick-up some.I had after the promising first in the series looked forward to its Blu-ray release, however, the film in overall terms was perhaps not what I'd hoped for.For myself, (there is, of course, more to come) i

Well, I'm a Harry Potter fan so Rowling can do no wrong in my eyes. Loved it although some of the 'beasts' are a bit 'out there'. Great story line as we explore Dumbledore's past and nemesis. Beautifully shot and scenes and special effects are excellent and loving the 1920's New York vibe. I have to say the costumes are spot on....as a fashion historian I couldn't fault and it made the film extra special for me. Definitely for older children and grown ups as this is likely too scary for youngsters. Worth watching.

This was a Christmas present for my Dad. We are both Harry Potter fans. It's set before the Harry Potter cast appeared in the 1920s. It also shows Hogwarts School before Harry Potter and his friends attended. It was magical.

There have been a few mixed statements about this film, but watching it at home during lockdown and we really enjoyed it as a family. It is quite long, but delves into the back story and takes us into classes at Hogwarts again. The central character of Newt works really well, and he has his sidekick Jacob back; a good thing as he provides the comedy element of the film and is my second favourite character. The reason it doesn't get a five is that it sometimes loses its way, it flashes magic around and you enter scenes with magic happening, but (beyond flashy background) it seems a bit pointless. I think they establish in Grindelwald an agenda, a political position if you like, that Voldemort never really had. Voldermort seemed to act in a vacuum beyond being bad, this villian has more depth.

Good film, maybe I’m bias since I like all films lol!

Excellent quality and good price

I really like Harry Potter and thought I’d give these a go. I was blown away but how good this film is and how good Johnny depp is in the film. Really do recommend for Harry Potter fans!

Wonderfully acted by a terrific cast. A great storyline, well worth watching.