J.K. RowlingFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay (Fantastic Beasts, 1)

Turned out to be a good read for an early years teenager

Okay, must have, for all who love anything slightly, in any way, connected to the magical world of 'Potter'.But ,and for me a big but, why a screen play script?Screen play scripts are interesting to have and read but they are not novels. Usually the novel, or at least the story, comes first and they decide to make a movie or a stage play of it so employ a screen play or script writer, who may be the original author or someone working with same or not, to turn it into a movie or stage play. Sometimes a producer will have an outline of a story and go straight to script/screen writer thus bypassing the novel and then later when the play/movie as proved to be a hit someone will rewrite it as a novel. But which ever way round the script/screen play is never intended for public consumption and only classics like Shakespeare become freely available for the public to read.It just seems lazy that J.K. Rowling as come up with two new story ideas for the magical universe of Potter and gone straight to production of one a play and the other a movie without first giving us the benefit of letting us read either of them as novels or at least in prose first.So what; we still get the story, why do we need them as novels? You may ask.Well scripts are just directions for the director, the set designers and actors to follow. The script just gives the out lines for the other artist to add their colour and interpretation to.Shakespeare scripts work as in Shakespeare it's what is said, the philosophy, the beauty of the language and poetry of the speech that matters more than the imagery and so work just as well on radio as in the visual medium.The novel or story using prose. Is coloured by the author, the author shares their emotion for the story and it's protagonists with the reader, they set the scenes using words like a painter uses colour and generate atmosphere in the reads imagination.Yes you get the story, but most of us can tell a story, it takes an author to give a story life and soul and I feel, maybe you disagree and I would be keen to hear your take on it, but I feel short changed by just getting the scripts of these two new stories. I've nothing against screen plays and scripts; they are academically interesting to have; however I'd much prefer a proper novel to settle down and absorb my imagination in reading.

Fantastic. I was initially put off by the idea of reading a screen play. I could see mixed reviews - most were positive, but others spoke of their disappointment of this story not taking the form of a novel. However, I feel the transition that Rowling has made to writing screenplays is a masterstroke. Anyone who read the Harry Potter series and loved it, could not have failed to have been disappointed at the omissions made when transferred to the Big Screen. If I as a mere reader had these feelings, then it is certain that Rowling must have too. What better way to avoid this disappointment, than write the film yourself. I have watched the first 10 minutes of the film, and had to stop, as I didn't want to spoil the book - because they are exactly the same. My message to any potential buyers - this is a great story, it is an unusual way of reading the story for most, but very easy to get in to and well worth the read!

Please stop sticking crappy labels on the back of the books - if found the dust jackets.1 star deducted as Item was perfect apart from this.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an magical new story from J.K.Rowling herself. It takes on the story of Newt Scamander as he discovers what magic is like in America. This change of location and also time, this tale taking place in 1945, means that the wizarding world is a lot different to that of the Harry Potter books. This does not mean however that the magic is gone; quite on the contrary. This feels like Rowling was finally able to write a story knowing that everyone who sees this movie will have at least basic knowledge of the Harry Potter stories. For example Apparation is used constantly without ever truly being explained, because why would you, the explain it in the Harry Potter Books. Now I wont talk spoilers but the final act is very dramatic and introduces a new type of magic ever seen before and its certainly one I hope they flesh out more in the sequels. Basically buy this book or watch the movie, you wont regret it.

I absolutely love this screenplay.It is literally written exactly how it is shown in the film. The dialogue is really good, as it the written description for each scene.I love the storyline and the beasts that are portrayed in this screenplay.I would recommend it to any Harry Potter fan as there are still subtle connections to the original series as well as giving more depth for those potter thirsty fans!!JKRowling is remarkable and this is another excellent book!I would recommend it.*****You are very welcome to ask any questions about my experience with this product.If you found this review helpful, please click on the “Yes” button below.*****

With the book, you know what you're getting. Well as long as that is you know your ordering the screenplay of which it says in the heading and the cover, however some people still seem surprised about it not being a "story book" like the Harry Potter books. Its is the screen play of the film, you do get more of a feel though as you get all the directional notes in word form. Other than that I can say I got a great quality copy and speedy service! Perfect.