Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them [Blu-ray]

Fantastic Beasts is kind of a prequel to the Harry Potter movies, but much, much different. So, going into it, you have to temper your expectations that you are not going to be seeing Harry Potter, even though the events in the Fantastic Beasts franchise are tied, sometimes loosely and sometimes closely, to Harry Potter's stories. In fact, many things in Fantastic Beasts were alluded to in Harry Potter (especially the books), such as the fact that the main character in this movie, Newt Scamander (played by Eddie Redmayne) was the author of one of Harry's schoolbooks, entitled, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.This movie is set in the mid-1920s, with most of the events taking place in New York. Newt, a magizoologist who works for the Ministry of Magic in London, arrives in New York with a case full of magical creatures. His briefcase is accidentally swapped with that of a muggle (called a no-maj in the US) named Jacob Kowalski (played by Dan Fogler) who is trying to get a bank loan to open a bakery. Newt is arrested by an Auror of the Magical Congress of the United States (MACUSA) named Tina Goldstein (played by Katherine Waterston), which is the United States' version of the Ministry of Magic, for breaking magical law by having a case full of magical creatures unprotected. Of course, his case has just cupcakes in it, and when he is released he has to try to track down his case. Jacob inadvertently releases a bunch of magical creatures, and the bulk of the movie involves Newt, Jacob, Tina, and her sister Queenie (played by Alison Sudol) trying to get the creatures back in the case, while also trying to avoid The Director of Magical Security, Percival Graves (played by Collin Farrell) who accuses Newt of conspiring with the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (who is also referenced in the later Harry Potter novels and movies).For those who get the 4K release, there are two discs, a UHD disc with just the movie itself, and then a regular blu-ray disc with the movie and all of the extras. The movie looks and sounds wonderful in UHD, with the special effects looking even better than they did in the last two Harry Potter movies. You can barely tell that the CGI characters are animated at all. The extras include 14 minutes worth of deleted scenes, and 18 different featurettes that are all about 4-5 minutes in length separated into the categories, Characters, Creatures, and Designs. Then there is a 15-minute making-of documentary that features cast and filmmaker interviews.Overall, the movie is good, but you have to have realistic expectations. While it is set in the Harry Potter world, it is set nearly 70 years before the events of the Harry Potter movies. So, aside from the fact that it is set in the US, it has a totally different feel from the other movies and is not trying to be a carbon copy. It also has more mature and darker themes from the outset (especially when compared with the first couple of Harry Potter movies). It does have some humorous elements, especially between the characters of Jacob and Queenie, but on the whole, it definitely falls into the category of an action-drama. The movie most definitely feels like the first in a movie franchise, setting up a lot of what is to come later. It does a good job of balancing a large ensemble cast that along with those already mentioned, include Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton, Jon Voight, Carmen Ejogo, and Ron Perlman. Ultimately, I think if you are expecting another Harry Potter movie, you will be disappointed. If, however, you accept that this is a new story set within the same Universe as Harry Potter, you will probably like it.

good movie

Beautifully made. Fantastic Beasts is great for Harry Potter fans and non-fans alike. Would highly recommend it.

This movie is simply wonderful. It quickly became my favorite Hogwarts-related story yet. It has action, adventure, magic, humor, and romance, all perfectly woven together. Dan Fogler just about steals every scene he's in, and the story would NOT be the same without the inclusion of his 'no-mag' character...his little 'theme song' music is the best in the film too, the 2 or 3 snippets of it we get to hear, fitting perfectly into this setting of the 1920s. The 2 sequels are very good too, but this one is the Best.

Love this movie, anyone who says differently doesn't know what a good movie is, I come to the comments to get a review of the quality of the video, likes and dislikes, whether or not it's worth getting the 4k if you already have the bluray, in this case it wasn't worth it, I don't see a noteworthy difference, 4k's end up being too dark

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review for "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them""Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is an enchanting masterpiece that breathes new life into the wizarding world. J.K. Rowling's foray into 1920s New York is a delightful blend of whimsy, adventure, and magic, perfectly directed by David Yates.**Plot and Storyline**The film introduces us to Newt Scamander, a lovable magizoologist played with endearing charm by Eddie Redmayne. The storyline is fresh and captivating, weaving together the escapades of magical creatures with a darker, underlying narrative that hints at the looming threat of Grindelwald. The pacing is excellent, keeping viewers engaged from start to finish.**Characters and Performances**Eddie Redmayne is outstanding as Newt Scamander, bringing a unique blend of awkwardness and bravery to the character. Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, and Alison Sudol deliver stellar performances as Tina, Jacob, and Queenie, respectively, creating a dynamic and heartfelt ensemble. Colin Farrell’s portrayal of Percival Graves adds a layer of intrigue and intensity to the film.**Visuals and Special Effects**The special effects are nothing short of spectacular. The magical creatures are beautifully designed and seamlessly integrated into the real world, from the mischievous Niffler to the majestic Thunderbird. The film’s depiction of 1920s New York is rich and immersive, creating a visually stunning backdrop for the story.**Themes and Messages**The film explores themes of acceptance, friendship, and the importance of protecting those who are different. It’s a heartwarming reminder of the magic that exists in embracing diversity and standing up for what is right. The narrative also sets the stage for deeper themes to be explored in future installments.**Overall Experience**"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is a magical journey that captures the wonder and excitement of J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, humor, and heart, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers alike. This film is a testament to the enduring magic of Rowling’s storytelling and a promising start to a new chapter in the wizarding saga.In conclusion, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is a five-star cinematic experience that enchants, delights, and leaves you eagerly anticipating the next adventure. Highly recommended!

The movie is phenomenal and I will recommend you see it

We loved the quirky & charming character of Newt Skamander! My son likes all the creatures, especially the little twig guy!