Movie Release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince Set for July 15th

The release date for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is July 15th, with 3D versions hitting IMAX theaters two weeks later. The movie's official website gives fans the chance to see a trailer, screenshots, and downloadable contact, as well as lays out a synopsis for the script based on the sixth book of J.K. Rowling's best-selling series.

Harry Potter Returns to Theaters

Fans were disappointed last fall when the release date for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was moved to the summer of 2009, but the time has finally arrived. Our favorite teen wizards return to the big screen as the story of Voldemort, Muggles and the magic of Hogwarts prepares to bewitch audiences for the sixth time. In this latest installment, Voldemort's presence can be felt more than ever, and while Hogwarts has been infiltrated by the Ministry in the past, Harry is sure that something darker is taking place within the castle's walls. Meanwhile, headmaster extraordinaire, Albus Dumbledore is busy preparing Harry for what he fears may be the fight of his life.

The story isn't all darkness and depression, however. Love blooms during Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, as does Ron's love (or love-hate) relationship with quidditch. From hilarious matches - both on and off the court- fans will have plenty to laugh about. They'll also relish the return of former Potter screenwriter, Steve Kloves, who adapted all but Order of the Phoenix.

The majority of the Potter cast returns with Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson leading the way. New faces can also be seen, and new characters fans have been waiting to get a glimpse at. Of particular interest is Draco Malfoy's mother, Narcissa, played by award winning actress, Helen McCrory. According to her biography at IMBD, McCrory was originally intended to play Narcissa's sister, and Voldemort supporter, Bellatrix LeStrange, but a surprise pregnancy kept her from the role.

New Harry Potter 3D Release Pushed Back Two Weeks

While Potterfiles will be filling in theaters throughout July, IMAX versions won't be released until the end of the month. Dayton Daily News reports that a conflict with Paramount's Transformers sequel pushed back the 3D version of Half-Blood Prince to July 29. However, unlike the Transformers sequel (or Batman's Dark Knight) sequences filmed with IMAX cameras don't contain extra scenes. Fans will get the full movie on July 15th, if not all of the special effects.

Sources:

Official Movie Site
IMBD
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