While Mike Newell did in theory retain much of the mood and dread set by Alfonso Cuaron who injected his own individual flavor in to “Prisoner of Azkaban,” the fourth installment of the film series entitled “The Goblet of Fire” is no more entertaining than the aforementioned title. It’s even worse than the third one primarily because this series progresses more and more in to formulaic dribble and less in to adventurous and original fantasy doldrums that could stimulate the audience.
Director Newell’s installment is absolutely gorgeous to watch, but in the realm of story and characterization it brings very little to the table. Even with Ralph Fienne’s magnificent portrayal of the monstrous Lord Voldemort among the finale. The story this time delves in to Harry Potter’s dark side, and his capability to submerge himself to the dark side and become a pawn for Voldemort in the end.
While I did like what Fienne’s brought to the film in the way of selling his startling make up effects, “The Goblet of Fire” isn’t a very exciting film, nor is it all too compelling as it tries to convince us it is with the climax reaching the wizards in their training and confronting the evils of Voldemort in a graveyard where he hopes to trap and kill Harry before he gains the ability to completely fight back. With every passing film we’re given a glimpse at the young cast outgrowing their characters, and here it’s really no different. Among the bells and whistles of this Year 4 set, we’re given a hologram cover with a fantastic hardcover casing molding the DVD’s in to a thick book shelf ornament.
Within a purple envelope there are two collector’s cards with Mad Eye Moody, and Ronald Weasley, and a great hardcover booklet exploring the music and sounds of “The Goblet of Fire” with full colored concept sketches and stills from the film. The DVD’s included are the widescreen presentations of “The Goblet of Fire,” along with a second disc of many features including “Preparing for the Yule Ball,” “Conversations with the Cast,” and additional scenes just to name a few. All bells and whistles amount to over four hours of behind the scenes material for hardcore fans. Disc 3 titled “Sound & Music” garners all the usual extras from the DVD’s, and a new documentary called “Part 4: Sound & Music” about the special preparation that went behind delivering the gorgeous score and striking sound effects for the series that will be appreciated by film buffs. It’s a remarkable gift set.