WORLD EXCLUSIVE: The Making Of Harry Potter Review

Is this massive Studio Tour the Potter attraction England so desperately needed?
There's no question that if Great Britain hadn't gotten a Harry Potter attraction of some kind within the next year or so, fans of this legendary magical franchise of novels and films that originated right here would be justifiably outraged. Indeed, with The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter now having opened in theme parks in both America and Japan, it was beginning to seem as if everywhere was getting something Potter-related except for the place that started it all. Thankfully, Warner Brothers have stepped in and debuted the Warner Bros Studio Tour: The Making Of Harry Potter. I went over to the attraction at Leavesden Studios, and can safely say that having spent a good few hours touring some of the most iconic sets of recent times, this is something that afficianados of the Boy Who Lived must not miss. I'll refrain from spoiling too much, but sufficed to say that after glimpsing incredible props like the Ford Anglia and even the entire Cupboard Under The Stairs in the queue to enter the opening cinema, you'll get to see a retrospective of the entire film series, before entering into the Great Hall itself. Opening the doors just as Daniel Radcliffe did back in Philosopher's Stone is an incredible experience, and you truly will feel the same level of excitement and wonder at this magnificent work of art as the kid actors surely did when they first arrived on set. From there, you'll move onto a wide expanse where sets like Dumbledore's Office, Hagrid's Hut, the potions classroom and countless others are housed, and sufficed to say everything feels both authentic and detailed enough to have you glancing and learning in awe for hours on end just as I did. The majority of the 2/3 hour tour is self-guided, which really does allow you to take it your own pace and allows for time just to simply take it all in. One might wonder if the magic of seeing Hogwarts Castle in the distance in the films is ruined by walking around the breathtaking model which the filmmakers actually self-imposed shots of the kids walking with via green screen to make it seem as if it were real, but to be honest this merely heightened my appreciation for the movie saga, making me want to go back over them again with the knowledge of how the secrets actually work. There's even the chance to have a go at the CGI which created Quidditch in a photo, an awesome opportunity for fans if there ever was one. Digital guides and souveiner brochuers are optional, yet I really would recommend getting them if you can, because they just reek of the sheer dedication Warner Bros have clearly put into every ounce of this incredible experience. Yes, if you have ever wanted an experience which could truly be called the definitive representation of J.K Rowling's work and the work of an infinite number of talented cast and crew, then The Making Of Harry Potter must become your go-to destination in the next few months, because it will enhance the magic of this franchise for you in ways you might never have thought possible! Now, about that Wizarding World theme park, Warner Bros- have you noticed we have one or two available resorts here?...
5/5