The Hunger Games: Official Illustrated Movie Companion [Paperback]

Kate Egan (Author)

Book Description

Release date: February 7, 2012 | Series: The Hunger Games

The New York Times bestseller by Suzanne Collins is now a major motion picture -- and this is your guide to all of the movie's excitement, both in front of the camera and behind it.

Go behind the scenes of the making of The Hunger Games with exclusive images and interviews. From the screenwriting process to the casting decisions to the elaborate sets and costumes to the actors' performances and directors' vision, this is the definitive companion to the breathtaking film.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for The Hunger Games

#1 New York Times Bestseller
A Publishers Weekly Bestseller
A Horn Book Fanfare
A Publishers Weekly Best Book of 2008
A School Library Journal Best Book of 2008
A Booklist Editors' Choice
A New York Times Notable Book of 2008
A Kirkus Best Book of 2008
A New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice
A USA Today Bestseller

"[The Hunger Games] is a violent, jarring, speed-rap of a novel that generates nearly constant suspense... I couldn't stop reading." — Stephen King, Entertainment Tonight

"I was so obsessed with this book that I had to take it with me out to dinner and hide it under the edge of the table so I wouldn't have to stop reading... The Hunger Games is amazing." — Stephanie Meyer

"[The Hunger Games] is a great book, and very thought-provoking. Read this along with your teen and discuss it." — Charlaine Harris

"Brilliantly plotted and perfectly paced." — John Green, New York Times Book Review

"A plot-driven blend of suspense, science fiction, and romance." — USA Today

"Enthralling, imaginative and creepy." — Los Angeles Times

"{A} superb tale" — Booklist, starred review

"Readers will wait eagerly to learn more." — Publishers Weekly, starred review

About the Author

Suzanne Collins' debut novel, Gregor the Overlander, the first book in The Underland Chronicles, received wide praise both in the United States and abroad. The series has been a New York Times bestseller and received numerous accolades. Also a writer for children's television, Suzanne lives with her family in Connecticut.

Product Details

• Age Range: 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic Inc.; Original edition (February 7, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0545422906
• ISBN-13: 978-0545422901
• Product Dimensions: 0.5 x 8.3 x 10.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (79 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,763 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #31 in Books > Humor & Entertainment > Television > Shows

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 31 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book for fans! February 8, 2012

By Girl On Fire

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

As a huge Hunger Games fan, I was extremely excited to receive this book in the mail on its release date. One of my fears with the book was that it would spoil the movie for me. But it really does a great job of keeping big moments a secret and only showing fans pictures and information on the movie prior to the start of the 74th annual Hunger Games. The pictures are beautiful and there is a lot of great information from Suzanne Collins herself as well as the director, makeup artists, etc. on how much really went in to the creation of the movie. Definitely a great purchase for any fan of the series! Trust me, you won't be disappointed and you won't see any huge spoilers from the movie!

26 of 27 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for The Hunger Games fans March 3, 2012

By Read, Rinse, Repeat TOP 100 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

For fans of The Hunger Games, particularly those with an interest in film-making, this book is immensely satisfying. I've read many articles on the upcoming movie, and I was happy to see that most of the photos, if not all, have not been previously published. Quotes were included from all of the actors, as well the producers, director, and various crew.

The book includes six parts:

Part 1: "The History of The Hunger Games" details the film industry's immediate interest following the publication of the book, Suzanne Collins's selection of a producer for the film, and the hiring of Gary Ross as director.

Part 2: "The Cast of The Hunger Games" focuses heavily on the casting of Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson as Katniss and Peeta. The book also, ahem, pays tribute to the actors playing the other main tributes, as well as to the casting of major Capitol characters including Cinna, Effie, and President Snow.

Part 3: "The Look of The Hunger Games: Places and Props" details the areas in North Carolina used in the film and has many photos of various sets in District 12, the Arena, and the Capitol. One of the photos shows all of the tributes seated in the hovercraft, on the way to the Arena, and another shows the construction of the cornucopia.

Part 4: "The Look of The Hunger Games: People" shows Capitol residents in their garish clothing and makeup, along with the much more subdued residents of District 12. This section has photos of perhaps all of Katniss's outfits and costumes, from her drab District 12 duds to her "Girl on Fire" dress.

Part 5: "The Filming of The Hunger Games" details the challenges of filming in the summer heat and rain in the North Carolina forest. Particular attention is paid to the fireball scene....

Part 6: "The Legacy of The Hunger Games" sets the stage for the filming of the sequel, "Catching Fire." Read more ›

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book! February 11, 2012

By moony21

Format:Paperback

I've been completely obsessed with The Hunger Games for about two years now, and this book definitely helped my cravings. It has a lot of great back-story on how the movie was produced, cast, directed, and shot. Seeing as how I want to be a filmmaker in the future, these things fascinated me. While i don't want to give too much away, you'll see Capitol food and fashion, more shots of the training center, more behind-the-scenes shots, and concept art for District 12 and the Capitol. Overall, a great gift for any Hunger Games fan!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Just enough content until the movie comes out February 11, 2012

By Narciza J. Ricci

Format:Paperback

I've been dying to know more about the movie made from this wonderful trilogy. I keep checking forums and pages for sneak peeks of pictures. The movie doesn't come out until the end of March so when I found out about this Illustrated movie companion, I decided I had to have it. I finally got mine yesterday and I couldn't be more happier. There are tons of pictures of the scenery, the tributes and some back story on how Collins came up with the idea for the books. There aren't tons of spoilers, the book sort of ends just before the arena scenes. It gives you just enough of a fix until the premiere of the movie. I really enjoyed this book, if you are as impatient as me and can't wait to know more details, then you should pick it up. You'll love it!

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting text but photos disappoint March 3, 2012

By Kerrie Lee

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you're a hardcore fan, you're going to buy this book just like I did, regardless of reviews, but here's my impressions:

PROS:
- Well-written, background story on how the books and movie became reality
- Nice size format

CONS:
In a word: The photographs. I was disappointed with the illustrations. Too many of them are weak, poorly composed, repetitive, and somewhat boring, which was the last thing I expected. There are double-page spreads of empty sets, construction, props, minor characters (the ones that don't have names). The movie scenes are littered with clapboards, film crew, etc. I've bought "official" movie companion books in the past and this one does not compare well. I know that there are powerful HG illustrations out there because they are all over the media now. At least give me the "money shot" scene of Katniss with Peeta in the cave. Even fan art would have helped this book.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic item for Hunger Games Entusiasts... February 20, 2012

By S. McCullough TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:Paperback

Although I am very eager to see the Hunger Games movie when it hits theaters, I had no intentions of buying the Movie companion. Then I saw it on the shelf at Target. As soon as I opened it up I could see the pictures and commentary were engaging and exciting. The costumes, make up and hair are fantastic. I see an Academy Award waiting for the people involved in designing the look of the people of the Capitol. Katniss and District 12 also look amazing. I can't believe how close this movie comes to the vision that was in my head as I read the book. I loved reading about all the players who were so in love with the book that they tried desperately to become involved with the movie. Jennifer Lawrence herself was a fan of the book first and she oozes with excitement the day Suzanne Collins comes to visit the set. When I heard Donald Sutherland was cast as President Snow, I was giddy because in my mind he is the perfect choice for that role. I loved reading how he petitioned for the part. I do believe a lot of pictures of certain scenes/outfits may be being held back for the movie audience but what we get in this companion is absolutely delightful. If possible I am even more eager to see this movie. I actually believe now that it will live up to my high expectations.