Hollywood has been making adaptations of novels as long as they have been making films. Ever since MGM’s failed Greed in 1924 (first cut of the film was sixteen hours), studios have realized that, for the story to work, some things are going to have to be cut. The Harry Potter films are adaptations of a sweeping series of books, covering a story seven years long. The various directors have done a yeoman’s job at translating 4,175 (US) pages into about 20 hours of movie, cutting story arc after story arc (after story arc after story arc). But what happens when they add something instead of cut it?
I’d bet that, when you take the long view at the entire series, there were as many things added to the movies as were ever taken out. I was never one to get up in arms about story arcs that weren’t there (I really didn’t miss S.P.E.W. in particular), but when I first watched The Half Blood Prince, I was incredibly frustrated at the addition of a roughly five minute sequence that seemingly added nothing we didn’t already know.
You know the one I’m talking about … Harry is spending Christmas with the Weasleys, only to have Bellatrix Lestrange and Fenrir Greyback attack just when he was about to engage in some smooching action with Ginny. Once the Death Eaters realized their attack on Harry for naught, they decide instead to lay waste to the Weasley house. When I sat in the theatre watching, I was irritated … with so much material from the book left on the cutting room floor, why was this scene added (and promptly forgotten, especially in Deathly Hallows Part One, where the house seems to be no worse for wear). On second glance, though, this scene has probably become my favorite in the entire series.
If you were to ask Harry Potter fans what they like most about the story, you’re likely to get as many answers as people you asked. My answer is quite simple: I love the unquestioned devotion that all of Harry’s friends show him. Plus, I love he and Ginny’s relationship. Ginny is the perfect mate for Harry Potter, and this added scene shows just why.
The Death Eater’s gambit seems to work, at least at first. Bellatrix’s taunting leads to Harry chasing after her, whilst Lupin and Tonks are blocked by fire. But not everyone let the fire stand in their way. Ginny, clad only in a house robe, bounds after Harry, jumping through the flames to lend her wand to his defense. Eventually, others catch up to the two of them, driving away Greyback and Lestrange, taking shots at the house as they flee. Ginny was by Harry’s side in battle for the first time, prompting me to be disappointed that Ginny didn’t go on the “adventure” in the final book.
Does the scene add to the overall story? I’m not so sure … we know that the Death Eaters are bad, and that Harry and friends are good. And, frankly, the Weasleys could use some new digs. The scene found a place in my heart, but what got cut to make room for it? As far as I’m concerned, if it didn’t have Ginny, it was a worthy trade.
Clacked by Ivey West 
on Jul 12, 2011 @ 10:00 EST5EDT
In my heart, it takes away from the attack on the Bill/Fleur wedding, which also happens at the Weasley’s home. That attack is significant in the books because it’s the first time the Weasley’s home isn’t a complete safehaven for Harry. By having it randomly burned down… kind of… in the 6th movie, the attack at the wedding just isn’t as shocking.
Best addition? No, not to me. It just seems far too just… forced. While I can see Bella doing this “attack,” She is still batshit crazy, It just never felt like it had a reason. I’ll rewatch it again before seeing part 2, so I’ll rethink the scene a little, but it so far hasn’t sat well to me.
My favorite is the Lilly story added in for Professor Slughorn and read wonderfully from Jim Broadbent. It gives such a humanity to Lilly who is a character we learn so little about.