Author(s): Christophe Boesch, Sanjida O’Connell
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Disney Editions
Release Date: March 13, 2012
Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars
I look forward to Disneynature’s films every Earth Day for the last few years. This year’s installment “Chimpanzee” has been my most anticipated. Well, let’s say that I was very impressed with the film and Tim Allen’s narration. Once I let the theater, I knew I had this book waiting for me at home and I rushed back to dive right in. The book is a little short overall compared to past making-of books from Disneynature, but it is extremely informative and satisfying. If you have seen the movie or even just love nature books, I would rush out and pick up this impressive companion book.
Disneynature’s goal with these films have been to inform their audiences and hope increased awareness with the film’s topics. This book goal is not only to tell the making of the film but also to focus on the future for these apes. “Disneynature’s Chimpanzee: The Making of the Film” follows the entire process of the movie’s producing, ranging from the filmmakers pitch to Disneynature to the filming challenges on location in the heart of Africa. I have a lot of respect for the filmmakers and cameramen on this shoot. They did not have it easy and really sacrificed a lot in order to get this movie made and get the shots needed. It also features a lot of commentary on the chimpanzees’ background and their territory wars (as the film focuses on).
This hardcover book not only includes a beautiful slipcover, I actually really like what was underneath it more. There is a beautiful painting of a chimpanzee on both the front and back covers. Besides just the filmmakers tale of production, there is also much focus on the relationship between Freddy (the packs leader) and Oscar (our little star of the film) is told through stories and also amazing photographs. The images in the book are very crisp and colorful as well. I would highly recommend this book and see this movie if you haven’t already, since it tells a great story and is very inspiring.
