The Hunger Games: Official Illustrated Movie Companion Paperback – February 7, 2012

I read a lot of negative reviews and I don't agree at all. I think people just have unreasonable expectations for this book and the other ones like it. Just because the book isn't what you expected or wanted doesn't mean it's bad. For one thing, the description tells you exactly what you're getting so if you expected something different despite the item description you'll obviously be disappointed by what you get. I'm a bit of a movie buff and I really like the Hunger Games Trilogy so I decided I wanted a lot of the books that're coming out about the movie and storyline. Everything in the book is interesting, at least to me, because I like to see what goes into making the movie and the process of turning books into movies. The movie stills are nice so I can see what they're talking about in the companion and details I might have missed before when watching the movie itself. Watching the movie won't necessarily give you a proper look at what went into making it. I imagine that when they release the movie on DVD they'll include video of the things in this book and the Tribute Guide along with some of the other movie books (at least I hope they do), so some people will probably view the purchase of this book and the others as a waste of time and money. I intend to buy the movie on DVD and if possible get whatever version has all the bonus features. I'm glad I bought the companion because if they don't include this stuff it'll be nice to have it in book form at least.

This is a really good book that will be enjoyed by just about any fan of "The Hunger Games". The pictures are beautiful and there's a lot of great information but the people who packed and delievered the book should be fired. It was shipped in a large envelope with little padding to protect it and when I took the book out of the package it was bent near the spine and the cover page was also bent. At the bottom on the spine it's ripped and torn back a but. It's like they just crammed it into a box with other packages where it was rubbed over and then crammed it into the mailbox when they got to my mailbox. The book does not look new. It looks used even though I had ordered it new. It's just embarrassing. All in all, I'm going to enjoy reading through this book and looking at the pictures and it will be given a very nice and warm spot on my bookshelf.

Things I liked:* Well-written* Contained great background information on how the movie came to be* Well-organized - each section has a purpose* Great photos & illustrations - You won't just see stills from the movie. You get shots of Gary Ross directing, costumes from the Capitol residents, close-ups of the extraordinary food used for the movie, concept drawings for the sets, etc.Overall, great companion book :o)

This book came quickly and in good, nearly brand new, condition. It's a great look at the making of the film and is very enjoyable for gleaning behind the scenes facts and is great for those who are interested in the behind the scenes of how a film like this gets made. It's also a great addition to my Hunger Games collection. I'm happy, thank you!

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!

Ok I'm a huge hunger games fan I read all the books way before everyone else and I'm even going as Katniss for Halloween. This books is awesome! Has tons of great pics and info. It's also SUPER CHEAP! I would buy it just for that reason cause you can't go wrong with the price. On top of that it's a great product especially for big fans who want to see and know more. HIghly recommend!!!

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 formatCONS: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.

Just like everyone else, I am crazy about the Hunger Games Series and can't wait for the first movie to come out. I bought the Official Illustrated Movie Companion in hopes it would tie me over. Unfortunately the pictures and narration were so fantastic I am even more anxious. I loved reading the stories behind the books and the movie and was amazed at how meticulous the sets are, just as I pictured them and much more. This is a must have for all fans.