Dark Shadows: The Visual Companion

by Mark Salisbury

Produced in close co-operation with Tim Burton and the production team, this lavish hardcover official companion volume to the film includes a Foreword by Tim Burton, scores of photos, concept drawings and production designs, and interviews with the cast and crew.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have an admission to make here - I have never seen the film - so why on earth get the book. Well I guess party as I find Johnny Depp an entertaining actor - but really I have to say its because of Tim Bruton. Ever since I saw his rendition of Batman, I have been hooked on his style of story telling and his visual approach to scene setting. I have been fascinated in the way he views the world (I think his Melancholy Death Of Oyster Boy - is brilliant as it is disturbed) and this book is yet another glimpse in this world.
The book is really part "making of", part guide - and having not seen the film the guide is I guess a little lost on me but the marking of, along with the images from the film as well as concept art and details of the effects more than makes up for it. So for me this book is a fascinating book which I guess encourages me to see the film - but to be honest I am here just to watch a little more of Tim Burtons showmanship along with his slightly skewed view of the world.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not overly fond of this movie nor the original TV show of Dark Shadows, but Tim Burton is a design mastermind and he works with the best. This book really gives a sense of the outrageous scale of big budget filmmaking: building an entire harbor on a production company backlot, recreating a mansion in 1/3 scale just to burn it down, the immaculate construction of all the horror kitsch set pieces (that chandelier!), and most importantly, I would like to import all of Colleen Atwood’s mod 1970s costume creations directly into my closet. If only a book like this existed to showcase the artistry of all my favorite films.

[Kim Heimbuch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do vampires, the oddities of Tim Burton and the ever adaptable Johnny Depp all have in common? No, not another claymation or pirate movie, but in fact, one of the most mind numbing, unusual, melodramatic Gothic romance soap operas to hit the television set ever: Dark Shadows. Read full review HERE

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Johnny Depp and Tim Burton so when I saw this beast of a book in the sale I just had to have it. I had no idea this even existed. I'm glad I saw it. I enjoyed seeing the process they make together to bring the film to the screen. It is a beautiful book with stunning art work and pictures. I'm happy to add it to my collection.