Author: Maggie Malone, Jennifer Lee
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Release Date: November 1, 2012
Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars
When I saw the film “Wreck-It Ralph”, I thought that my prayers were answered as a video gamer that grew up in the 80’s. This book shows just how much work went into this film and really allows you to appreciate it much more. I had seen this film prior to reading this book and it literally made me want to run out again to see it. If anyone reads this in reserve order you will surely get the immediate urge to see it. It is literally a perfect companion to this fantastic film. The film is so extremely colorful and creative and unique and this book compliments all those aspects very well. Perfect idea for a Holiday gift!
The collaboration between authors Jennifer Lee and Maggie Malone really show that they love this film themselves and are looking to share it. Jennifer Lee was a writer on “Wreck-It Ralph” and Maggie Malone is the director of development at Walt Disney Animation Studios, where she has worked on films including “Tangled”, “Tinker Bell”, and “The Princess and the Frog”. They succeeded in developing and delivered a very sharp book that makes you unable to put down. It is very in-depth and goes into great detail on each of the video-game worlds created for this film. There is specific focus on the design process and character development, which I enjoyed the most. It was cool to see the evolution of Ralph and how he came about. I also enjoyed the different interviews with the people behind this film. The artwork in the book is beautifully presented and very colorful. Great job, Chronicle Books – yet again!
There is a preface included by Pixar’s John Lasseter, which nicely sets the mood for the book. Rich Moore, the director of “Wreck-It Ralph”, gives a supporting foreword. Since this film takes aims at video games from the classic 8-bit arcade games to the video games of today’s high-def digital age. Both periods of gaming are perfectly respected and honored throughout this book. If you are looking for something to complement this great film or just something for your sweet tooth, then be sure to check out the “Sugar Rush” section. It made me crave some sweets ASAP, especially Devil Dogs. Oh I miss Hostess already! If there is anything wrong with this book is that it ended, I would have love to kept reading for much longer.
