There's three types of "Making-Of" books. Those which bore you to tears with too much information, those which are glorified picture books and those which get it just right. Thankfully, Titan Books Dark Shadows: The Visual Companion is the latter. While the film certainly seemed to divide opinions when it was released earlier this year, those who enjoyed the movie (you can read my 4* review by clicking HERE) will most definitely want to pick this particular release up. Kicking off with a foreword from Barnabas Collins himself, Johnny Depp, and following that up with an introduction from director Tim Burton, it's clear just how high quality a release this is.
That's also evident from the sheer number of interviews with those involved with the film. Following an in-depth look at the history of the original TV series and how that led to the development of the big screen remake, the book features profiles on literally every single character, and not a single cast member fails to share their thoughts in these sections - even Christopher Lee and Alice Cooper (who had brief cameos in the movie) weigh in! Of course, also included are a plethora of behind-the-scenes photos, character portraits and even Burton's own sketches which show exactly how close he came to bringing his initial vision to Dark Shadows.
Whatever faults you may or may not have had with the film, there's no denying that the production values were top notch. A lengthy (and genuinely very interesting) look at the designs of the costumes and construction of the sets reveals just how the visually stunning world of Dark Shadows was brought to life on the big screen. Even the visual effects, stunts and score are covered as this companion reaches an end, and there's no denying that the lavishly presented hardcover is worth every penny thanks to the incredible amount of information and photos contained within. Mark Salisbury, also responsible for the superb Prometheus: The Art Of The Film outdoes himself with this book and it is most definitely a must-buy!
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. The film's all-star ensemble cast includes Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Jackie Earle Haley, Jonny Lee Miller, Bella Heathcote, Chloë Grace Moretz, and newcomer Gulliver McGrath.
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