DVD gift guide: Classic films and vintage TV boxed

Harry Potter

November 27, 2012

The holiday season is a time of giving, and for those receiving some of the latest home video boxed sets, the giving may never seem to stop. USA TODAY's Steve Jones examines 16 collections, most of which come wrapped in extras that can't be found anywhere else.

'Harry Potter Wizard's Collection 2001-2011,' Warner Bros., PG-13, $500. The most devoted Potter acolytes can spend hours delving into his mystical world in this 31-disc set brimming with exclusive memorabilia and never-before-seen bonus material. It not only includes the eight theatrical films (all on DVD, Blu-ray and ultraviolet), but also extended versions of 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone' and 'Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets;' and the 3D versions of 'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows –- Parts 1 and 2.' There are 37 hours' worth of special features, including an introduction to the stunt doubles for Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson; an exploration of how production designer Stuart Craig's creative team brought the world to life and a behind-the-scenes look at the cast and crew's emotional final days on the set. Memorabilia include frame-worthy, high-quality concept art prints, a map of Hogwarts and a blueprint poster of the castle. There is also a Horcrux locket prop replica and hard-bound Harry Potter Catalogue of Artefacts. It's all packaged in a beautiful gift box and weighs 19 pounds.