[click any of the thumbnails for larger photos]


If you’re looking for a gift for a Harry Potter film lover this holiday season, look no further than The Creature Vault: The Creatures and Plants of the Harry Potter Films from Harper Collins. While the Collectors Edition of Harry Potter From Page to Screen: The Complete Filmmaking Journey includes a book on the creatures of Harry Potter, titled “The Creature Shop Compendium,” this new book from Harper Collins will be a great addition to any Potter fan’s collection.

For one thing, many people simply do not have $600 to spend on a collection of books and The Creature Vault is only $27 at Barnes & Noble or Amazon. The book, out October 28th, also has 208 pages while the other edition only has 127. This new publication contains a LOT more material. The earlier book is mostly comprised of photos while this combines imagery with all the information you could want on the creatures in the films.  Harper Collins sent us a copy to review, and here are our thoughts!

We went over the basics, now let’s dig in a little deeper. The quality is beautiful, just picking up the book stimulates the senses with it’s textured cover (creatures are debossed in a dark purple.) The attention to detail in the creation of this book is apparent, the cover was designed to look worn out, almost as if it is part of the Potter universe. The book also contains a poster depicting some of the world’s favorite magical creates. It is concealed in an envelope on the back cover of the book.

 

Inside find gorgeous full color photographs in the form of film stills, concept art and behind the scenes photos as well as detailed sketches of creatures we saw in the films and some we never got to see due to cuts. Perhaps we’ll have the chance in the upcoming Fantastic Beats and Where to Find Them films?

 
 

What about the content, you’re thinking?  Well, you won’t be left wanting.  There are 208 pages full of little tidbits, fast facts and even film quotes to go along with the descriptions of each creature.  The Creature Vault is a great companion for fans of the movies because within the book you will find details on how certain creatures were made for the films. Also, in the “fast facts” sections you get to see the first film appearance of the creature, additional appearances if any, and other details you may want to know. For example, from Mrs Norris’ section:

First Film Appearance: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Additional Film Appearances: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
Location: Hogwarts Castle
Owner: Argus Filch
Description from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone Book, Chapter Eight: “Filch owned a cat called Mrs. Norris, a scrawny, dust-colored creature with bulging, lamplike eyes just like Filch’s.”

 

[flat interior shots thanks to Behance; all others by Magical-Menagerie]

Filed Under: Books, Fantastic Beasts Films, Friday Favorites, Products, Review