Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (4K Ultra HD)

This film Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is an action packed and suspenseful fantasy film that my husband and I fortunately had a chance to initially see in the theaters and fortunately now my husband and I can view this film as often as we like because I purchased the digital version via Amazon. The film features a vast group of actors/actresses who are well-known by many moviegoers:Eddie Raymane (Newt Scamander), Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski), Allison Sudol (Queenie Goldstein), Zoe Kravitz (Leta Lestrange), Johnny Depp (Gellert Grindelwald), Jude Law (Albus Dumbledore), Callum Turner (Theseus Scamander)Katherine Waterston (Tina Goldstein) and more actors/actresses. The way that the character of Grindelwald features significantly in the film relates to the charismatic/persuasive nature that Seraphina Picquery (Carmen Ejogo) gives a heads up to the other characters involved in the beginning of the film. This event foreshadows why Grindelwald is able to build up a team of people around him despite his history. Multiple leaders affiliated with the Ministry of Magic try to convince Newt Scamander to take up the mantle of dealing with Grindelwald. They even go as far in enlisting Theseus Scamander to convince Newt Scamander, however Newt Scamander has understandable reasons why he is initially hesitant. I refrain from saying more to be considerate to those taking the time to look at this review who are completely new to seeing this film. It was an easy choice for my husband and I to see this film in theaters and for I to purchase Fantastic Beasts Crimes of Grindelwald for my husband and I to see this film however much we prefer to for multiple reasons. My husband and I both enjoyed watching the first film and I have even had a Fantastic Beasts poster since later 2016 hanging on the apartment wall of where my husband and I live so naturally I had an inclination towards seeing this film when it was released. However, even if you are a complete novice to seeing this film, Fantastic Beasts Crimes of Grindelwald is worthwhile to see if you enjoy watching fantasy time films with magical and action packed slants.

I missed seeing this film in theaters and so have only now seen the movie on this 2-disc special edition DVD. I pre-ordered this when it was advertised as a DVD set that included the special features. Too many recent film releases don't (e.g., "Solo"). I then kept a close eye on the various versions being released. The extended cut was tempting. But, it's only available on the digital version and I don't know whether the extended cut includes the deleted scenes (included on disc 2 of this set) or the deleted scenes and other footage. So, I stuck with what I pre-ordered and am glad I did. For those, like me, with a working DVD player, no Blu-Ray player, and no means to watch the digital version while sitting in a recliner, this 2-disc special edition DVD set for $17.99 is the best buy. Disc one contains the theatrical release of the film and a short documentary (didn't time! 10-20 minutes?) on the creation of the French Ministry of Magic. The second disc contains the rest of the special features and the deleted scenes. I've enjoyed all the special features. One of these (Wizards on Screen, Fans in Life) is a discussion between Ezra Miller (Credence/Aurelius) and Evanna Lynch (Luna Lovegood) that ended rather abruptly and before I was ready for it too! This 2-disc special edition DVD set is one I completely recommend adding to your Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts collection. In regard to the movie, shortly before writing this review, I read a film review that called the film "underwhelming" and had issues with Johnny Depp as Grindelwald. I completely disagree with both those assessments. "Crimes" has amazing sets, new characters, new and amazing creatures, and many new tentacles of interest to expand on and resolve as the story continues. Grindelwald and Dumbledore are iconic characters and need similarly iconic actors to portray them. Kudos to those involved behind the scenes for their typically wonderful casting of all the actors bringing these characters "to life" on screen, particularly Johnny Depp as Grindelwald and Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the established cast and of those introduced in "Crimes," such as Fiona Glascot (young Minerva McGonagal), Brontis Jodorowsky (Nicolas Flamel), Claudia Kim (Nagini), Callum Turner (Theseus Scamander), and William Nadylam (Yusuf Kama), as the story continues.