No one can deny that the Harry Potter series of books were, and are, a huge literary success. Equally impressive is the success of the Harry Potter films which are loved by millions of fans around the world.
When you take into consideration the huge cast of characters that populate the books it's hard to imagine anyone translating those characters to the Silver Screen.But that's just what the talented folks behind the Harry Potter movies did. It wasn't easy, but most Harry Potter fans would agree that they did a spectacular job.
The actors portraying Harry and his friends, associates and enemies perfectly captured the look and feel of their literary namesakes. But, translating them to film was not easy.
It took considerable time and energy to complete each transformation.
In Harper Design's new book: Harry Potter: The Character Vault, author Jody Revensen reveals all the hard work, perseverance and talent that went on behind the process.
Beginning with character sketches and illustrations the designers carefully selected the actors best suited for the roles. Costume designs, accessories, makeup, prosthetics and special effects all combined to take the 2D characters in the books and translated them to 3D on film.
Calling the book a 'Vault' is appropriate because it contains precious items such as behind-the-scenes photos, production art, special tipped-in documents, full text descriptions and little known facts all combine to make an attractive compilation of full color photos, art, character highlights and little known secrets behind the creation of some of the most popular films of all time.
What else can be said but, "It's magic!"
It's hard to believe that the Doctor Who TV series has been around for over 50 years.
It has formed the template by which other similar series adhere to and has influenced countless TV series and movies and those that produce them, from writers to directors.
As memorable as the various versions of the Doctor have been, along with his supporting cast, another often overlooked components of the series is responsible for much of its success: the various worlds and dimensions the Doctor and his companions visit.
Without them the entire series would have fallen flat on its face.
Add in the various alien creatures that inhabit them, their costumes, accessories, weapons, spacecraft, buildings and the like and suddenly you have an entire universe for the Doctor to traipse around in.
Doctor Who: Impossible Worlds by Stephen Nicholas and Mike Tucker explores the many worlds and dimensions the Doctor has visited.
The large hardbound book instantly entices readers with its die-cut front cover that reveals a glimpse of the inner Tardis.
Flip open the book and you suddenly find yourself enveloped by the strange and wonderful worlds of Doctor Who.
As a huge Doctor Who fan I found myself totally entrenched in the many facets of this extremely comprehensive book. There was so much I didn't know about the series that the book revealed to me.
Beginning with the Doctor's Tardis, the book examines the many versions of the famous time and dimension shuttling machine over the years. Also the Daleks, the Cybermen and the evolution of the look of other Doctor Who antagonists and allies are shown as they changed over the decades.
Weapons, accessories, locales, time and dimensional realms, costumes, character designs and more are all scrutinized bit by bit and given their due.
This truly is A 50-Year Treasury Of Art And Design from the granddaddy of all sci-fi and fantasy TV series.
As a reader you'll enjoy each and every turn of the page and find yourself mesmerized by the photos, art, fascinating text and overall design of this wonderful book.
So jump in your Tardis, travel to your closest bookstore and grab yourself a copy. It's better than a Sonic Screwdriver!