What do you think?
Rate this book
Case of Beasts: Explore the Film Wizardry of Fantastic Beast
The Case of Beasts: Explore the Film Wizardry of Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them
160 pages, Hardcover
First published November 18, 2016
70 people are currently reading
7351 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
December 3, 2016
This book is as fantastic as the title suggests!
It says "160 pages" but honestly, there is so much to look at and discover beside the actual text that it feels as if the book was at least twice that size.
Shaped as a hardcover book with a magnetic clasp, the exterior looks like Newt's case (complete with a Niffler trying to get out
).
Inside, there are countless little trinkets and maps, wanted posters and leaflets, ...
Now, fair warning for anyone who has not seen the movie yet, there are spoilers ahead (from the names of the chapters as much as from the pictures I will include)!
The chapters are as follows:
1) Newt Scamander - Introducing Newt, Eddie Redmayne, Costume
2) Introducing Jacob Kowalski, Jacob's Apartment, Introducing Porpentina Goldstein, Introducing Queenie Goldstein, Goldstein's Apartment
3) New York City - Welcome to New York, Steen National Bank, The Brownstones, The Tenements, Introducing Senator Henry Shaw, Henry Shaw Senior, Langdon Shaw, Shaw's Newsroom, New York Clarion, City Hall, Diamond District, Central Park Zoo, Times Square, Costume Design
4) MACUSA - Introducing Percival Graves, Graves' Office, Introducing Seraphina Picquery, MACUSA, Exterior MACUSA, Major Investigations Department, Typing Pool, Wand Permit Office, Death Cells, Pentragram Office, Wizard Newspapers, Graphic Art
5) New Salem Philantropic Society, Introducing Mary Lou Barebone, Credence, Modesty & Chestity
6) The Blind Pig - Gnarlak, Visual Effects, The Blind Pig, Wanted Posters
7) The Finale - Ginzberg Delaunay, Storeroom, New York Subway, Kowalski's Bakery
8) Newt's Case - Inside Newt's Case, Newt's Shed, Designing the Beasts, Niffler, Erumpent, Demiguise, Occamy, Bowtruckle, Murtlap, Mooncalf, Doxy, Billywig, Swooping Evil, Runespoor, Graphorn, Fwooper, Nundu, Diricrawl, Thunderbird
The chapters showing the characters focus not only on them but also on the actors portraying them (visually as well as emotionally). It is noteworthy that each text is encased in numerous photographs and sketches to show early stages of planning, development and final outcome in creating the characters and places in the movie. We get small interviews with the creators as much as with the cast and Rowling herself that are part of the description of every process.
Since it's better to SHOW rather than tell, here are some pictures I've taken of my edition (sometimes with captions for a better understanding):
The two pictures above show the process of creating New York of 1926. They took old ads, photographs and posters and mostly copied from there.
These two show the story board versions of events that were used for planning certain scenes beforehand (and for letting the art department know just how much had to be built).
This is a very cool detail from inside MACUSA which is unfortunately not shown in the movie (the scene was cut). It shows a memorial for those who have died in the Salem Witch Trials which was of course a very important part of history for all wizardom, but especially the American witches and wizards.
This is the building that will become the bank. Again, as with the Harry Potter films, it's breathtaking what gigantic sets were built (and in many cases that that is actually cheaper than paying certain owners to be allowed to film on site)!
These, as the text already tells, are how MACUSA sends notes and memos inside their building - so cute!
We also get to know and see a little about stunt work
but mostly it's about the process from what the set really looked like to what we see in the final movie through CGI, puppets and stuff;
Sometimes, which I find very funny, actors were "aided" (for example in order to know how far up they have to stare) by crew members holding up faces *lol* or half-versions of creatures being built (the parts the actors had to interact with, mostly):
And just look at the awesomeness of what the art department created! So many posters, ads, leaflets, bottles and cans (like Elbow Grease and Pumpkin Juice which we already know from the HP movies so as to invoke a familiar feeling in the audience), but also all sorts of furniture and decoration - often it is so much that the atmosphere is created but you cannot take all of it in (a shame, considering the effort and time spent to make these):
And yes, an actual Niffler was created (here you see it getting its fur sprayed on) and I want one!!!
Finally, here come the creatures (some of which are seen in the movie, if only briefly, and some of which unfortunately never made it in):
(This last one, the Nundu, is my personal favourite - just in case anyone here was looking for a birthday gift for me. ;P)
These are only a few pictures from the book. However, there is so much more and I didn't even find a way to show you all the wonderful things one can pull out or turn or fill out (like maps, a wand permit that unfortunately doesn't list spruce - my wand's wood -, flyers and posters or Tina's ID card complete with moving pictures of her)!
I've always been very interested in how films are being made; the pyrotechniques, costume designs, stunt work and choreographies, art design, CGI and the lot. Thus, this book was a must-have for me. Mina Lima, the designer (who also designed most for the movie), is known for her wonderful details and for letting the viewers/readers feel the love she puts into her work, but with this book she has outdone herself. I'm completely in love with my own little version of Newts case and spent some wonderful hours submerged in it (even if I couldn't go down a staircase, sadly)!
It says "160 pages" but honestly, there is so much to look at and discover beside the actual text that it feels as if the book was at least twice that size.
Shaped as a hardcover book with a magnetic clasp, the exterior looks like Newt's case (complete with a Niffler trying to get out
). Inside, there are countless little trinkets and maps, wanted posters and leaflets, ...
Now, fair warning for anyone who has not seen the movie yet, there are spoilers ahead (from the names of the chapters as much as from the pictures I will include)!
The chapters are as follows:
1) Newt Scamander - Introducing Newt, Eddie Redmayne, Costume
2) Introducing Jacob Kowalski, Jacob's Apartment, Introducing Porpentina Goldstein, Introducing Queenie Goldstein, Goldstein's Apartment
3) New York City - Welcome to New York, Steen National Bank, The Brownstones, The Tenements, Introducing Senator Henry Shaw, Henry Shaw Senior, Langdon Shaw, Shaw's Newsroom, New York Clarion, City Hall, Diamond District, Central Park Zoo, Times Square, Costume Design
4) MACUSA - Introducing Percival Graves, Graves' Office, Introducing Seraphina Picquery, MACUSA, Exterior MACUSA, Major Investigations Department, Typing Pool, Wand Permit Office, Death Cells, Pentragram Office, Wizard Newspapers, Graphic Art
5) New Salem Philantropic Society, Introducing Mary Lou Barebone, Credence, Modesty & Chestity
6) The Blind Pig - Gnarlak, Visual Effects, The Blind Pig, Wanted Posters
7) The Finale - Ginzberg Delaunay, Storeroom, New York Subway, Kowalski's Bakery
8) Newt's Case - Inside Newt's Case, Newt's Shed, Designing the Beasts, Niffler, Erumpent, Demiguise, Occamy, Bowtruckle, Murtlap, Mooncalf, Doxy, Billywig, Swooping Evil, Runespoor, Graphorn, Fwooper, Nundu, Diricrawl, Thunderbird
The chapters showing the characters focus not only on them but also on the actors portraying them (visually as well as emotionally). It is noteworthy that each text is encased in numerous photographs and sketches to show early stages of planning, development and final outcome in creating the characters and places in the movie. We get small interviews with the creators as much as with the cast and Rowling herself that are part of the description of every process.
Since it's better to SHOW rather than tell, here are some pictures I've taken of my edition (sometimes with captions for a better understanding):
The two pictures above show the process of creating New York of 1926. They took old ads, photographs and posters and mostly copied from there.
These two show the story board versions of events that were used for planning certain scenes beforehand (and for letting the art department know just how much had to be built).
This is a very cool detail from inside MACUSA which is unfortunately not shown in the movie (the scene was cut). It shows a memorial for those who have died in the Salem Witch Trials which was of course a very important part of history for all wizardom, but especially the American witches and wizards.
This is the building that will become the bank. Again, as with the Harry Potter films, it's breathtaking what gigantic sets were built (and in many cases that that is actually cheaper than paying certain owners to be allowed to film on site)!
These, as the text already tells, are how MACUSA sends notes and memos inside their building - so cute!
⬇️
We also get to know and see a little about stunt work
but mostly it's about the process from what the set really looked like to what we see in the final movie through CGI, puppets and stuff;
Sometimes, which I find very funny, actors were "aided" (for example in order to know how far up they have to stare) by crew members holding up faces *lol* or half-versions of creatures being built (the parts the actors had to interact with, mostly):
And just look at the awesomeness of what the art department created! So many posters, ads, leaflets, bottles and cans (like Elbow Grease and Pumpkin Juice which we already know from the HP movies so as to invoke a familiar feeling in the audience), but also all sorts of furniture and decoration - often it is so much that the atmosphere is created but you cannot take all of it in (a shame, considering the effort and time spent to make these):
And yes, an actual Niffler was created (here you see it getting its fur sprayed on) and I want one!!!
Finally, here come the creatures (some of which are seen in the movie, if only briefly, and some of which unfortunately never made it in):
(This last one, the Nundu, is my personal favourite - just in case anyone here was looking for a birthday gift for me. ;P)
These are only a few pictures from the book. However, there is so much more and I didn't even find a way to show you all the wonderful things one can pull out or turn or fill out (like maps, a wand permit that unfortunately doesn't list spruce - my wand's wood -, flyers and posters or Tina's ID card complete with moving pictures of her)!
I've always been very interested in how films are being made; the pyrotechniques, costume designs, stunt work and choreographies, art design, CGI and the lot. Thus, this book was a must-have for me. Mina Lima, the designer (who also designed most for the movie), is known for her wonderful details and for letting the viewers/readers feel the love she puts into her work, but with this book she has outdone herself. I'm completely in love with my own little version of Newts case and spent some wonderful hours submerged in it (even if I couldn't go down a staircase, sadly)!
December 21, 2016
Beautifully designed, this is a lovely companion book to the movie, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” The hardback is even designed to look like a case; the sepia colour of the paper and the layout all add to the 1920’s style and, best of all, this is not all style and no substance, but it is packed with lots to read and explore.
The book is full of photographs, pull outs, information on the characters, actors (and actresses) that star in the film, the sets and more. There are eight chapters, which all deal with different facets of the storyline – so one chapter looks at New York, another Macusa, another The Blind Pig, etc. The last chapter looks at Newt’s case and introduces all of the creatures mentioned in the movie, just in case you do not have the original version of, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” If you don’t, then a new version is being republished in March, 2017.
This really is a lovely gift book. I have purchased this for my children, who really enjoyed the movie and are happy to embrace a new era in J K Rowling’s magical world.
The book is full of photographs, pull outs, information on the characters, actors (and actresses) that star in the film, the sets and more. There are eight chapters, which all deal with different facets of the storyline – so one chapter looks at New York, another Macusa, another The Blind Pig, etc. The last chapter looks at Newt’s case and introduces all of the creatures mentioned in the movie, just in case you do not have the original version of, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” If you don’t, then a new version is being republished in March, 2017.
This really is a lovely gift book. I have purchased this for my children, who really enjoyed the movie and are happy to embrace a new era in J K Rowling’s magical world.
August 27, 2017
THIS WORLD IS JUST SO BEAUTIFUL!!!
I always loved how much detail went into creating the Harry Potter movies and Fantastic Beasts did not disappoint. Actually I think this movie is even better than the HP's ones, simply because this was originally written with the intention of being a movie which allowed it to be much better.
The book not only gives you so much detail to how everything was planned and designed and the intel the actors had in creating their characters but it also gives you so many posters and little things that you can take out and display it on room if you want to (I'm strongly considering framing the wanted posters of Newt and Tina).
You just finish the book with a smile on your face and with a sense of "all of this could actually exist in our world".
I always loved how much detail went into creating the Harry Potter movies and Fantastic Beasts did not disappoint. Actually I think this movie is even better than the HP's ones, simply because this was originally written with the intention of being a movie which allowed it to be much better.
The book not only gives you so much detail to how everything was planned and designed and the intel the actors had in creating their characters but it also gives you so many posters and little things that you can take out and display it on room if you want to (I'm strongly considering framing the wanted posters of Newt and Tina).
You just finish the book with a smile on your face and with a sense of "all of this could actually exist in our world".
February 6, 2017
Creo que este libro es el perfecto para los que han amado la película de Animales fantásticos y quieren saber muchas de las curiosidades que oculta la película. Yo he disfrutado muchísimo cada página y estoy segura de que vais a disfrutar de cada uno de los detalles que tiene este mágico libro.
March 26, 2017
"It's not a retread. It's a development. And so you get all the lovely familiarity of something you've grown up with, that feels safe and good, but takes you to more interesting places."
- David Yates
ahhhh I love this world SO MUCH. I'll NEVER get tired of reading this type of "behind the scenes books".
There are SO MANY details and I think that because we had basically nothing of this new world it's so important to have this "case" to learn of it.
If you're wondering what's inside this "Case of Beasts" it's like the "old" Harry Potter Film Wizardry.
The book is divided in 8 chapters and in every one it's analized a location, character or beast. I truly think there's everything and everyone.
I loved that are the actors that talk about their characters' souls and that then there's the crew team that talks about costumes, wands, props, VFX...
And it's the same for the locations, there is a brief description and then it immediately jumps into details told by the director, producer or who created that set.
MinaLima's work is as always a joy for the eyes, there are so many pics of a lot of props that they created and some of them are removable (I'm already in love with the Mappa Mundi poster)
I spent so much time just to look at the pics to catch every single detail that maybe you can't see while watching the movie because you are focused on the story and the characters, and seeing everything that's behind sometimes it's pretty hard.
Thanks to these pictures it is possible to fully appreciate all the work that's done to make the set shine and make it magical as we see it in the movie and that there are so many people involved behind during pre and post-production.
I LOVE to learn all these things, I just love BTS in general, and that's actually the first thing that I search for in movies or shows that I really like, the "special features" part, I can spend DAYS watching those things haha
And in the case of the Wizarding World there's even the chance to read them and see all those gorgeous pictures and read so many thoughts and explanations...
OK. I'll stop it now, you got that's this is amazing and I'm crazy about these things, BYE.
December 13, 2016
This was amazing! A great companion to the movie!!! Loved it!
March 19, 2017
Aside from it being VERY pleasing to the eye (it's basically like one huge scrapbook) it was very interesting to see the process that the movie went through to become what it is! It definitely was a great help that i'm already a fan of the wizarding world in general and of the Fantastic Beasts movie in particular, but i feel like even those who didn't see the movie would enjoy flipping through it. Honestly, i was so surprised to see the amount of time and energy and MONEY that went into this production and how the special effects, the graphics, the VFX, and all the other departments worked together alongside the directer and the producer and the rest of the cast to create this masterpiece. It also made me realize the ridiculously close attention to detail that all those people paid to have the movie turn out like this. Filmmaking is not easy my friends. Nope. I'm never complaining that a movie is taking too long to be released even again.
February 25, 2017
En af de bedste filmatiseringer jeg så sidste år var helt klart "Fantastiske Skabninger og Hvor De Findes". Jeg er en person, der elsker alt ved Harry Potter-universet, og jeg elsker bøger, der omhandler dette. Derfor jublede jeg af glæde, da jeg så at HarperCollins Nordic udgav forskellige non-fiktion bøger om filmen, samt en del malebøger. Jeg kan ikke selv få nok, og det er der heldigvis også mange andre, der heller ikke kan.
Jeg vil derfor anbefale bogen "En kuffert fuld af skabninger". Vi starter selvfølgelig med et forord af Eddie Redmayne, der spiller hovedrollen Newt Scamander i filmen. Bogen viser og fortæller, hvordan filmmagien blev skabt, og hvordan historien gik fra at være et manuskript til at blive en film. Man får mulighed for at blive klogere på de fantastiske skabninger, læse meget mere om karaktererne fra filmen, samt de skuespillere, der spiller dem, og tankerne bag mange af filmholdets beslutninger undervejs - f.eks. kostumer, tilbehør, det grafiske design og artefakter.
Selve bogen er designet af MinaLima, som har stået for de grafiske rekvisitter til Harry Potter-filmene og nu også denne. Derudover fungerer bogen som en interaktiv oplevelse med fold ud-ting, plakater, kort, flyers og meget andet. Bogen indeholder derudover også illustrationer, en masse billeder, samt historier fra skuespillerne og teamet bag filmen.
Det er en helt perfekt samlerudgave, hvis man - som jeg selv - er helt tosset med universet, filmmagien og bare er nysgerrig efter mere baggrundsviden. Bogen er simpelthen så gennemført, og man kan virkelig bruge mange timer på at nærstudere alle detaljer, og blive helt forundret over, hvor meget arbejde og gennemtænkning, der ligger bag en film. Det er så nørdet, og jeg elsker det!
Jeg vil derfor anbefale bogen "En kuffert fuld af skabninger". Vi starter selvfølgelig med et forord af Eddie Redmayne, der spiller hovedrollen Newt Scamander i filmen. Bogen viser og fortæller, hvordan filmmagien blev skabt, og hvordan historien gik fra at være et manuskript til at blive en film. Man får mulighed for at blive klogere på de fantastiske skabninger, læse meget mere om karaktererne fra filmen, samt de skuespillere, der spiller dem, og tankerne bag mange af filmholdets beslutninger undervejs - f.eks. kostumer, tilbehør, det grafiske design og artefakter.
Selve bogen er designet af MinaLima, som har stået for de grafiske rekvisitter til Harry Potter-filmene og nu også denne. Derudover fungerer bogen som en interaktiv oplevelse med fold ud-ting, plakater, kort, flyers og meget andet. Bogen indeholder derudover også illustrationer, en masse billeder, samt historier fra skuespillerne og teamet bag filmen.
Det er en helt perfekt samlerudgave, hvis man - som jeg selv - er helt tosset med universet, filmmagien og bare er nysgerrig efter mere baggrundsviden. Bogen er simpelthen så gennemført, og man kan virkelig bruge mange timer på at nærstudere alle detaljer, og blive helt forundret over, hvor meget arbejde og gennemtænkning, der ligger bag en film. Det er så nørdet, og jeg elsker det!
November 29, 2016
Esta edición es hermosa. No sólo por los detalles que cuenta sobre cómo se hizo el film, la relación de los actores con las criaturas y los escenarios, las citas continuas a diálogos entre Yates, JKR y los protagonistas sino también porque viene lleno de accesorios que lo complementan y lo hacen bien interactivo old school . Lo sorprendente también es que hay mucha cita y en ella todos hablan como si las criaturas realmente existieran.
Sin duda es un ejemplar que vale la pena lucir en la biblioteca.
Tiene algunos errores de tipeo y ortográficos (en la separación de las palabras) Si no fuera por eso, es el libro perfecto para adentrarse más aún en el mundo mágico.
Sin duda es un ejemplar que vale la pena lucir en la biblioteca.
Tiene algunos errores de tipeo y ortográficos (en la separación de las palabras) Si no fuera por eso, es el libro perfecto para adentrarse más aún en el mundo mágico.
December 29, 2016
A very beatifully crafted movie companion that shows in detail the intricacy of work put into the Fantastic Beasts movie. From the tiniest items sitting on the shelves, through personalized desks at MACUSA right up to the grand set of New York 1926, this book is an amazing treat to every Potterhead.
June 16, 2017
Es un libro hermosisimo <3
February 5, 2017
Fiquei logo muito curiosa desde que soube da existência deste livro e, visto que queria mesmo muito lê-lo, acabei por pedi-lo como prenda de Natal.
Tenho de começar por dizer que este livro é realmente algo de mágico e surpreendente – em todos os pequenos recantos há qualquer coisa nova para descobrir, para ver e para assimilar e eu acho isso maravilhoso!
Este fantástico livro é um excelente complemento ao filme e perfeito para todos os fãs, pois encontra-se repleto de fotos dos bastidores, entrevistas com o elenco e com a equipa técnica, desenhos conceptuais da arte do filme, esboços e muitas outras surpresas mais.
Como podem imaginar, adorei descobrir toda a magia presente neste livro – recomendo, recomendo, recomendo!
Tenho de começar por dizer que este livro é realmente algo de mágico e surpreendente – em todos os pequenos recantos há qualquer coisa nova para descobrir, para ver e para assimilar e eu acho isso maravilhoso!
Este fantástico livro é um excelente complemento ao filme e perfeito para todos os fãs, pois encontra-se repleto de fotos dos bastidores, entrevistas com o elenco e com a equipa técnica, desenhos conceptuais da arte do filme, esboços e muitas outras surpresas mais.
Como podem imaginar, adorei descobrir toda a magia presente neste livro – recomendo, recomendo, recomendo!
January 8, 2017
A gorgeous companion to the movie - but the name 'The Case of Beasts' is misleading. This mainly explores the characters and actors and the amazing work done by the designers and artists on sets and props. The beasts are only given a few pages at the very end.
The layout and design of the book with pull-outs and added things like reproductions of leaflets etc. is a really nice touch. Lots of interesting information, although some of the text and quotes were repetitive, and I spotted a few typos.
Overall, a great look at the work that goes into such a big film.
The layout and design of the book with pull-outs and added things like reproductions of leaflets etc. is a really nice touch. Lots of interesting information, although some of the text and quotes were repetitive, and I spotted a few typos.
Overall, a great look at the work that goes into such a big film.
December 14, 2016
I don't care about anything else in the world right now! I have never owned or read a book like this one and I loved it all! Specially the information about the graphic designers and the conceptual art!
January 3, 2017
Really interesting and creative!
May 19, 2020
This movie really wins at design and that's very cool to see in the book, but other than that, the text isn't very interesting or anything. That aesthetic though!
January 12, 2018
Ein echtes Schmuckstück, das man gar nicht mehr aus der Hand legen möchte. Dieses wunderschöne Buch im Ledereinband in Kofferoptik enthält neben beindruckenden Fotos und Zeichnungen unglaublich viele interessante Hintergrundinformationen zum Film 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' sowie zu seinen Machern und den großartigen Schauspielern. Besonderes Highlight sind dabei zweifelsohne die Nachbildungen von Requisiten, wie Flyer, Poster und Ausweise, die sich in diesem Buch tummeln. The Case of Beasts ist so schön und so liebevoll gestaltet, dass man beinahe weinen möchte.
December 30, 2016
This is a really nicely presented book, and I liked the poster sized inserts - although some of them didn't seem that Fantastic Beasts related? My main issue was the book skirting around the twists that happen in the film/screenplay. Honestly, if you've not seen the film, why would you be reading this book? Needless avoidance of spoilers. I'd also love a more indepth history of MACUSA but I wonder if that'll end up on Pottermore at some point.
On the point of spoilers too: they clearly put this together and signed it off before the filmmakers had done their final edit because there's a good half page dedicated to a character/scene I'm sure didn't actually appear?!
On the point of spoilers too: they clearly put this together and signed it off before the filmmakers had done their final edit because there's a good half page dedicated to a character/scene I'm sure didn't actually appear?!
December 6, 2016
This book is so insanely cool. It has cool pull-outs and extras that make the book more interactive: wanted posters, maps, wand descriptions, behind the scenes, and other MACUSA official documents. It definitely takes you into the wizarding world as well as the wonders of movie magic. If you like getting behind the hows and what of movie making, you'll like this book. Lots of fun.
I did notice half a dozen of typos though. And they mentioned a couple of scenes that didn't appear in the movie, but perhaps they'll show up in the extended version. ;)
I did notice half a dozen of typos though. And they mentioned a couple of scenes that didn't appear in the movie, but perhaps they'll show up in the extended version. ;)
February 7, 2017
Magnifique !! Un indispensable pour les fans de hp et fb !!!
May 13, 2018
So I don't really know how to review this, but I'll give it a try hahaha.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars
This book is basically a look inside the making of the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them , which is a prequel (kind of) to the Harry Potter series.
As an actor, this book was INCREDIBLE! Learning about how the different sets, costumes and creatures were created was so amazing, and I love that the different creative minds were focused on in this book, as most of the time when you're watching a movie you don't focus on the costume designers and set designers. The insights from actors Eddie Redmayne, Dan Fogler, Katherine Waterston etc gave a look at how the actors developed the characters that we love, and how they managed to relate to them when they first read the script.
The set was built at the Leavesden studio backlot - and if you're British like me, then you know that Leavesden is where the Harry Potter Studio Tour is (spoiler alert: I've been 8 times, and will be visiting for the 9th time in August). The backlot is just beyond the Studio Tour carpark, and sometimes if you leave the Tour late enough you can see the set being lit up by the floodlights as they're filming. It was amazing to me to learn about how the set was created - upon their visit to New York they measured the bricks the buildings were made of so that the set would be absolutely perfect. The set was 800 feet long, with green screens on either end and the set was used for mainly every scene - just redressed to look like different areas of street. The artists were absolutely incredible and I just applaud all of the work that was put into creating this movie. This book just gave hundreds of people the recognition that they deserved, and I believe that now I'm going to be focusing a lot more on the different sets used in movies/shows/musicals, as these people are hardly credited apart from in the credits reel at the end of the movie, despite all of the work that they do for the movie - which is immensely more than the actors.
The set is still standing at the Leavesden backlot and was used in Justice League, and will be used in the filming of future Fantastic Beasts movies.
(Nothing to do with the book but when I went to the Studio Tour last August my mum drove into the wrong car park and we ended up in the backlot car park - where the actors trailers were - and we were quickly stopped and turned around, but NOT BEFORE I SAW EZRA MILLERS TRAILER)
All in all I have to give this book 5 stars! Sorry for how terrible this review was, this really wasn't a review-able book, but I just felt like I needed to say how much I loved it haha!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 stars
This book is basically a look inside the making of the movie Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them , which is a prequel (kind of) to the Harry Potter series.
As an actor, this book was INCREDIBLE! Learning about how the different sets, costumes and creatures were created was so amazing, and I love that the different creative minds were focused on in this book, as most of the time when you're watching a movie you don't focus on the costume designers and set designers. The insights from actors Eddie Redmayne, Dan Fogler, Katherine Waterston etc gave a look at how the actors developed the characters that we love, and how they managed to relate to them when they first read the script.
The set was built at the Leavesden studio backlot - and if you're British like me, then you know that Leavesden is where the Harry Potter Studio Tour is (spoiler alert: I've been 8 times, and will be visiting for the 9th time in August). The backlot is just beyond the Studio Tour carpark, and sometimes if you leave the Tour late enough you can see the set being lit up by the floodlights as they're filming. It was amazing to me to learn about how the set was created - upon their visit to New York they measured the bricks the buildings were made of so that the set would be absolutely perfect. The set was 800 feet long, with green screens on either end and the set was used for mainly every scene - just redressed to look like different areas of street. The artists were absolutely incredible and I just applaud all of the work that was put into creating this movie. This book just gave hundreds of people the recognition that they deserved, and I believe that now I'm going to be focusing a lot more on the different sets used in movies/shows/musicals, as these people are hardly credited apart from in the credits reel at the end of the movie, despite all of the work that they do for the movie - which is immensely more than the actors.
The set is still standing at the Leavesden backlot and was used in Justice League, and will be used in the filming of future Fantastic Beasts movies.
(Nothing to do with the book but when I went to the Studio Tour last August my mum drove into the wrong car park and we ended up in the backlot car park - where the actors trailers were - and we were quickly stopped and turned around, but NOT BEFORE I SAW EZRA MILLERS TRAILER)
All in all I have to give this book 5 stars! Sorry for how terrible this review was, this really wasn't a review-able book, but I just felt like I needed to say how much I loved it haha!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 18, 2019
This is the delightful companion piece to the film Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Like the companion book to Crimes of Grindelwald, this book is so much more than a simple behind the scenes look at the costumes, sets, and VFX design. Instead, this book is chock full of wanted posters, wand permits, maps, pamphlets, and other such ephemera from the film itself. You get to read The Daily Ghost, see the paperwork aurors go through when arresting someone, and take your time looking through the concept drawings for the beasts that inhabit the case.
Also, the cover is designed to look like the case itself, complete with Niffler paws trying to escape it. How cute is that?
The behind the scenes look at the film truly shows the time and effort put into creating it. It's a tour through 1920s New York, the tenements, brownstones, and political climate of the day. The costumes, graphic design, and work building the set were extraordinary. The set dressing alone is something truly astonishing for the detail that went into it. Look at that typing pool again - did you notice that every desk has a different title, as well as drawers full of things associated with it, and separate notes and memos on each desk? How about the streets of New York? You can pause and look at the wares - different behind each window, each with their own labels. It's a wonderful level of detail that adds so much to the picture.
Also, look at Newt's shed. Do you see how much he harvests from the animals in his case for potion making? How about the shoddy job he did on the painted backgrounds, where up close you can see each paint stroke? The ephemera from his travels? The full curiosity cabinets? Did you note his own personal sketches on the walls? How well-worn his chair is? They even make overt references through the things he's collected as to just where he traveled, and when. It's fantastic.
These books are a great resource for a deeper appreciation of the films. There's something so rich and wonderful about the amount of detail put into each of them, and the love and dedication therein showed. I loved Newt for how true he was to people within the animal rehabilitation profession. So many of his mannerisms I saw in myself, so many of his tendencies. These books only make me appreciate it more.
Plus, you get a closeup of the Memorandum Rodentium. That's worth checking it out for alone.
Also, the cover is designed to look like the case itself, complete with Niffler paws trying to escape it. How cute is that?
The behind the scenes look at the film truly shows the time and effort put into creating it. It's a tour through 1920s New York, the tenements, brownstones, and political climate of the day. The costumes, graphic design, and work building the set were extraordinary. The set dressing alone is something truly astonishing for the detail that went into it. Look at that typing pool again - did you notice that every desk has a different title, as well as drawers full of things associated with it, and separate notes and memos on each desk? How about the streets of New York? You can pause and look at the wares - different behind each window, each with their own labels. It's a wonderful level of detail that adds so much to the picture.
Also, look at Newt's shed. Do you see how much he harvests from the animals in his case for potion making? How about the shoddy job he did on the painted backgrounds, where up close you can see each paint stroke? The ephemera from his travels? The full curiosity cabinets? Did you note his own personal sketches on the walls? How well-worn his chair is? They even make overt references through the things he's collected as to just where he traveled, and when. It's fantastic.
These books are a great resource for a deeper appreciation of the films. There's something so rich and wonderful about the amount of detail put into each of them, and the love and dedication therein showed. I loved Newt for how true he was to people within the animal rehabilitation profession. So many of his mannerisms I saw in myself, so many of his tendencies. These books only make me appreciate it more.
Plus, you get a closeup of the Memorandum Rodentium. That's worth checking it out for alone.
December 20, 2017
Stupenda!
Ho ricevuto "La valigia di Newt Scamander" come regalo di compleanno e l'ho amata dal primo sguardo. Non mi aspettavo che fosse così bella, per questo neanche avevo mai pensato di comprarla. Ora che la ho mi rendo conto che, non prendendola, mi sarei persa un pezzo importante e bellissimo della storia di Newt e del film "Animali fantastici e dove trovarli".
La "valigia" contiene tantissimi approfondimenti sulla nuova storia del mondo magico creato da J. K. Rowling, sul regista, sugli attori che hanno recitato nel film e sui personaggi che hanno interpretato. Le cose più belle del libro sono gli allegati: per ogni capitolo abbiamo poster, carte d'intentità, mappe, brochure e chi più ne ha più ne metta. La cura del dettaglio di questa edizione è a dir poco stupefacente. Non mi vergogno di dire che non mi aspettavo una edizione così bella dalla Harper Collins , che in Italia, a mio parere, non ha ancora dato il meglio di sé scegliendo di lasciare a tante altre case editrici dei titoli che in altre nazioni sono a marchio HC.
La cura al dettaglio è così incredibile che credo che ogni allegato sia stato appiccicato alle pagine a mano. Non so come si può fare un lavoro così mentre il libro è in stampa! Se qualcuno sa come si fa, spiegatemelo 😂
Adesso che "La valigia di Newt Scamander" è mia, mi rendo conto di non poterne più fare a meno. La osservo da ore e non riesco a staccarmi dalle pagine anche se ho finito di leggerla. È perfetta.
Ho ricevuto "La valigia di Newt Scamander" come regalo di compleanno e l'ho amata dal primo sguardo. Non mi aspettavo che fosse così bella, per questo neanche avevo mai pensato di comprarla. Ora che la ho mi rendo conto che, non prendendola, mi sarei persa un pezzo importante e bellissimo della storia di Newt e del film "Animali fantastici e dove trovarli".
La "valigia" contiene tantissimi approfondimenti sulla nuova storia del mondo magico creato da J. K. Rowling, sul regista, sugli attori che hanno recitato nel film e sui personaggi che hanno interpretato. Le cose più belle del libro sono gli allegati: per ogni capitolo abbiamo poster, carte d'intentità, mappe, brochure e chi più ne ha più ne metta. La cura del dettaglio di questa edizione è a dir poco stupefacente. Non mi vergogno di dire che non mi aspettavo una edizione così bella dalla Harper Collins , che in Italia, a mio parere, non ha ancora dato il meglio di sé scegliendo di lasciare a tante altre case editrici dei titoli che in altre nazioni sono a marchio HC.
La cura al dettaglio è così incredibile che credo che ogni allegato sia stato appiccicato alle pagine a mano. Non so come si può fare un lavoro così mentre il libro è in stampa! Se qualcuno sa come si fa, spiegatemelo 😂
Adesso che "La valigia di Newt Scamander" è mia, mi rendo conto di non poterne più fare a meno. La osservo da ore e non riesco a staccarmi dalle pagine anche se ho finito di leggerla. È perfetta.
December 4, 2017
Amo este libro hasta el infinito.
Cuando empecé la carrera de diseño gráfico empecé a notar mucho más todo el trabajo que hay en este tipo de películas. Harry Potter tiene una cantidad de diseño excepcional, cada detalle en las películas tiene un cuidado y un trabajo increíble del equipo de gráficos. Los logos, los packagings de los dulces, los pósters de wanted, los diarios, las cartas y hasta los papeles en las oficinas del Ministerio de Magia: todo eso esta diseñado, todo eso hace que la película sea más realista.
Sigo a Mina Lima desde que me enteré que recaía en ellos toda esa responsabilidad y admiro muchísimo cuánto logran potenciar esa magia. Sin ese hermoso equipo nada del mundo mágico creado por Rowling (en las películas) sería en absoluto lo mismo. Son increíbles.
Para atesorar esta edición que, por cierto, también esta diseñada por ellos.
Cuando empecé la carrera de diseño gráfico empecé a notar mucho más todo el trabajo que hay en este tipo de películas. Harry Potter tiene una cantidad de diseño excepcional, cada detalle en las películas tiene un cuidado y un trabajo increíble del equipo de gráficos. Los logos, los packagings de los dulces, los pósters de wanted, los diarios, las cartas y hasta los papeles en las oficinas del Ministerio de Magia: todo eso esta diseñado, todo eso hace que la película sea más realista.
Sigo a Mina Lima desde que me enteré que recaía en ellos toda esa responsabilidad y admiro muchísimo cuánto logran potenciar esa magia. Sin ese hermoso equipo nada del mundo mágico creado por Rowling (en las películas) sería en absoluto lo mismo. Son increíbles.
Para atesorar esta edición que, por cierto, también esta diseñada por ellos.
February 18, 2019
This book is UNbelievable. I absolutely love the behind the scenes look at such a large scale filmmaking endeavor, and am obsessed with the design work of Mina Lima. It’s great to hear a little bit more about the story, and I’m a big fan of the pullouts as well. The only thing that kills me is these large posters then have creases in them when you put them up. I wish the smaller stuff like Tina’s ID was removable / the wanted posters were downscaled so they didn’t have to fold.
February 8, 2023
Niente in particolare da dire. Si tratta di un libro per appassionati del mondo di Animali Fantastici, in cui sono contenute informazioni sugli attori, sul set, sul design degli oggetti e ovviamente su come è stata data vita agli animali.
Presenta anche degli inserti estraibili.
In generale molto interessante.
Presenta anche degli inserti estraibili.
In generale molto interessante.
June 22, 2017
I got this book as a birthday gift and I love it. I enjoy reading books that tell you all the details that go into making a movie or show and this might be the best one I've read yet. It had so much information and a lot of cool little things to look at. The book has a lot of detail and has pop-outs of pamphlets and posters you see throughout the movie. Very well done.
February 25, 2017
A in-depth, interesting look into the making of the movie, with some cool removable paper props.
February 26, 2017
Simplemente una edición perfecta para los amantes del mundo mágico de JK Rowling.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews