BOOK REVIEW #30: STRANGER THINGS: WORLDS TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

With Netflix announcing the third season of Stranger Things as the most watched instalment and season 4 being recently greenlit, it's confirmed we have yet seen the last of Eleven, the boys and maybe even Hopper.

Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down is the official behind-the-scenes companion book from the beloved Netflix series. With a disclaimer that says “Don’t Freak! This book is supposed to look worn and torn”, the book is intentionally packaged liked a used book from the 80s with a tattered jacket as well. Very creative we must say.

The book covers how the Duffer brothers came up with idea and script for the series which was originally titled Montauk named after the location setting and inspired by the movies and writers they grew up loving. And also details on the casting of the four young main leads to the retro set design and props. And this is just the first chapter.

The material that is covered in the book alone is pretty extensive and compelling as you can see in the subsequent chapters. It’s not just boring character profiles but some of the iconic scenes liked the flipping of the van and Eleven’s scene in the isolation tank in season 1 were covered as well. In addition, fans and readers will be interested in how they design and create the demogorgon effects and also how the filmmakers dressed up the creepy upside down and Hopper’s rundown cabin in the woods.

Although there is a fair amount of artwork, photos on display and wicked references to where the Duffer brothers and crew got their inspiration from on the footnotes included, the book could do more by showcasing a larger variety of behind-the-scenes pictures especially the effects heavy sequences instead of just stills from the series.

Still, Stranger Things: Worlds Turned Upside Down is an amazing companion book for fans who loved the streaming series. Since the book was published in 2018 way before season 3, the epilogue touches just slightly on what’s in store for season 3 (which apparently feature a gigantic mind-flayer in a huge shopping mall). Hopefully there’s going to be additional material on the revised edition. In the meantime, enjoy your stay in Hawkins!

Book Rating:

Review by Linus Tee

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