Monday, 22 November 2010

Harry Potter still has the magic touch as Deathly Hallows smashes UK box office records on bewitching opening weekend

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Good job! Cast members Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Tom Felton pose at the New York premiere of Deathly Hallows earlier this month

He's not called The Chosen One for nothing.

Harry Potter has proved that he's lost none of his magic appeal as the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 smashed an incredible five UK box office records in its opening weekend to take in £18.3 million in sales.

It also achieved its best opening day in the history of the franchise in America, conjuring up $61.2 million at the US box office.

The film, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint, broke its own previous record from 2005's The Goblet of Fire, and that of current record holder Quantum of Solace, whose £15.3 million opening weekend was easily eclipsed.

It broke the records for biggest three day opening weekend, biggest single day and biggest Friday, Saturday and Sundays individually.

The series already holds the all time franchise box office record with a collective worldwide gross of more than £5.4 million in sales.

Danger: Harry Potter and the gang will face danger and adventure in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1

'The opening of this film has become an extraordinary worldwide event,' Josh Berger, President and Managing Director of Warner Bros. Entertainment UK, said in a statement.

The achievement comes despite a substantial amount of footage from the film being leaked online last week before its opening day.

An inquiry was launched by Warner Bros, who confirmed that it is investigating how 36 minutes of the film found its way on to the Internet on Tuesday night.

The studio said in a statement that they were working to remove all copies of the footage which was made available via file sharing sites.

Fast paced: The new film, which has taken £18.3 million so far in the UK, is action-packed

Dark: The closing chapter in the series will see Harry go head to head with his nemesis Lord Voldermort

'A portion of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1' was stolen and illegally posted on the internet,' the company said.

'This constitutes a serious breach of copyright violation and theft of Warner Bros. property. We are working actively to restrict and/or remove copies that may be available.

'Also, we are vigorously investigating this matter and will prosecute those involved to the full extent of the law.'

In the new film, Lord Voldemort and his evil henchmen have taken control of the wizarding world and Harry is in constant danger.

Harry, Hermione and Ron leave Hogwarts behind them to go out into the world and find and destroy horcruxes, items in which Voldemort has hidden pieces of his soul.

The film focuses on the close friendship between the three main characters, particularly on the budding romance between Hermione and Ron.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is due out in July.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Behind the Magic - Part 1

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Behind the Magic - Part 2

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Behind the Magic - Part 3

source: dailymail