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Review: Harry Potter Film Wizardry

Title: Harry Potter: Film Wizardry
Author: Brian Sibley
Genre: Non-fiction
Pages: 160
Rating: 5 out of 5
FTC Disclosure: I bought this book
Summary (from Amazon): Immerse yourself in the world of the spectacular Harry Potter film series. Learn why Yule Ball ice sculptures never melt, where Galleons, Sickles, and Knuts are really "minted", how to get a Hippogriff to work with actors, the inspiration behind Hogwarts castle, and why Dementors move the way they do. Written and designed in collaboration with the cast and crew that brought J.K. Rowling's celebrated novels to the silver screen, Harry Potter: Film Wizardry delivers an enchanting interactive experience, transporting readers to the wizarding world by sharing filmmaking secrets, unpublished photography and artwork, and exclusive stories from the stars. Full of removable facsimile reproductions of props and paper ephemera from the movies, this collective volume offers a privileged look at the Harry Potter films and the talented group of Muggles that has made true movie magic.

Review: I adore the Harry Potter books so I was nervous to see the first movie, fearing that it couldn't possibly live up to the books. But I think I did a good thing: I read the books years before I saw the movies. That way I didn't have all the details fresh in my brain and I really like the movies. I own them all. The best way to show what I liked about this book is just to list some of my favorite facts and parts of  the book. I know that Amanda at The Zen Leaf also just reviewed this book so I was really careful not to read her details (in other words, please excuse me if there is overlap):
  • The integration of artwork, photos from the set and "props" is really awesome
  • I liked the short interviews with the actors and actresses telling what their auditions were like, stories from the set, and how they relate to their characters
  • Pictures and explanations of special effects and "character creation" (like how aunt Marge floated up in the air)
  • I enjoyed reading about how they got Private Drive (they had to totally recreate a new neighborhood when the real neighbors asked for too much money...silly neighbors)
  • I have been to Platform 9 and 3/4 at King's Cross Station in London so that was a fun page to read about
  • My favorite part was finding out how they make Hagrid seem so big (2 people and lots of building of 2 sets: one regular size and one smaller)
  • Stories from the set
  • How the actors and actresses interact in real life
In other words, it's full of fascinating, funny, interesting, and beautifully produced stuff. If you're a Harry Potter fan, I say go out and get this book!

5 comments

Amanda said...

So glad you reviewed this today too! I'm going to add a link to your review. :)

Helen's Book Blog said...

Amanda--and I added a link to your review, which I meant to do before I published. Now I can go back and see which details you liked best

Brigid Daull Brockway said...

Sounds like a blast to read!

Athira said...

I read a few pages off this one at the B&N store. It's so engrossing! I really loved it!

Helen's Book Blog said...

Brigid--I am enjoying it so far even though it's now on hold since I am on vacation

Aths--Definitely engrossing. There are a lot of characters who are all intertwined