Book Review: HARRY POTTER: MAGICAL PLACES FROM THE FILMS

Posted on May 31, 2015 by Niall Browne in Book Reviews

Harry Potter: Magical Places From The Films is a must for all fans of the Harry Potter films. It’s a hugely detailed book that gives a wonderful look at the fascinating physical sets used in the production of Warner Bros. epic blockbusting franchise.

The Harry Potter films fired the imagination of children and adults alike over the ten years that it dominated cinemas. Young fans were able to grow with the eight film series, which got darker as it progressed. Spin-off Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them hits screens in 2016 but Jody Revenson’s book should satisfy those who’ve been having Potter withdrawal since Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 was released in 2011.

Revenson’s hard-backed book travels through the halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry where we get a detailed look at the how the production team designed and built the practical sets, eschewing (for the most part) CGI and embracing old-fashioned movie-making techniques. You can imagine what it’s like to shop on Diagon Alley and escape from Azkaban as you look at splendid photographs and early production art that led to some of the most impressive film sets ever produced. Revenson had unprecedented access to the Warner archives and the the technicians who brought J.K. Rowling’s books to life. Included with the book is a map of the now legendary Diagon Alley and a close look at the paintings which line the walls at Hogwarts.

Harry Potter: Magical Places From The Films is not only a great book for those who have taken the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio tour but also those who haven’t and want to know more about the magical world of Harry Potter.