Review: Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – Makers, Mysteries and Magic | Pottermore Publishing

This review is spoiler free.

“Welcome to the dream factory.”

Published: 2018, by Pottermore Publishing.
Length: 5hrs 12mins (Narrated by Dan Fogler)
Format: Audio-book
Genre: Nonfiction
Contains: No warnings.

‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – Makers, Mysteries and Magic’ is a behind the scenes audio documentary to the second installment of the Fantastic Beasts movie franchise. Narrated by actor Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski) listeners are guided through the lengthy but rewarding process of what it takes to make a Potter film live up to its magical expectations. With contributions from the likes of director David Yates, composer James Newton Howard and actor Eddie Redmayne, listeners enter the Wizarding World closer than ever before.

As someone who adores the Fantastic Beasts franchise, I grabbed at the opportunity to pre-order this book the moment it was announced on Audible. Although, it’s taken me a while to complete it, it was definitely worth every minute.

Dan Fogler’s narration is the primary reasoning for my joy of this read. He’s witty, cheeky and all-round entertaining for the documentary’s entirety. With consistent one-liners and in character anecdotes, having Fogler’s narration made this book even more special; it was amazing to have the man behind such a beloved character in the series lead you on the journey.
However, Dan Fogler’s input wasn’t all listeners were treated to. The likes of cast members, Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander), Katherine Waterston (Tina Goldstein), Jude Law (Albus Dumbledore) were among those interviewed on their characters journey from the first to the second film. Their interpretations were some of the most insightful to hear, learning the internal struggles the characters face and the way they express it through their acting. Listeners are also given the opportunity to hear the hard work the crew do to ensure fans get the best experience possible. With interviews from not only the director, producers and composers, we’re given the chance to hear from the props department, apprentices and those who work in the canteen. Those usually forgotten members of the crew were wonderful to hear from, each having their own memorable experiences and it was clear how much they enjoy the work they do.

Split into nine chapters, ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – Makers, Mysteries and Magic’ guides listeners through the various aspects of the movie. With chapters dedicated to key characters, such as; Newt Scamander and Gellert Grindelwald, to the decisions behind the locations and atmosphere, fans of the franchise are spoilt with information and snippets of the insides of movie magic.

Overall, I loved this documentary. Usually featured on bonus features of DVD’s, it’s an alternative way to learn more about the film business and made me appreciate the cast and crew even more for their hard work.