Inside Out: The Art of Book

For many Pixar fans, myself included, the "Art of" books from Chronicle Publishing are amongst the first most anticipated products to purchase when a new Pixar film hits theaters. These books have been released alongside every Pixar film since Monsters, Inc. and for Inside Out, it was no different. I couldn't wait to get my hands on this- and, like the film itself, it does not disappoint!

After a meaningful foreword by actress Amy Poehler (voice of Joy) and thoughtful introduction by director Pete Docter, the book doesn't waste any time getting right into the art. What's different about this one, compared to the other Art of Books, is that this one has no author; that's because there's close to no words written at all after the foreword and intro. There are just a few small insights into some of the art pieces, that's it. However, that's how I personally like it! I much prefer focusing just on the art, rather than having pages and pages of text. If you're looking for an in depth "making of" Inside Out book here, you might feel unsatisfied.

Given that Inside Out is such a high concept, abstract, original film, there is so much unused material out there- from the story to the designs, so much changed from the beginning of production to final product! I know this 175 page book doesn't even scratch the surface of abandoned art and concepts. As I'm sure the filmmakers realized, the possibilities are endless when dealing with a story that takes place inside the mind, yet you can only fit so many of those ideas in an hour and a half.  

The most fascinating pieces, to me, are the many completely unused ideas. For example, at one point the story had Riley herself go inside her own mind where she would come across Gloom, an early antagonist, who represented depression (seen below).

I also loved seeing the many changes that the emotions went through as the filmmakers strived to get their looks just right. Take a peek into some of the pages below!

This is a gorgeous book full of vibrant digital paintings, pencil sketches, maquettes, color scripts and so much more and is a beautiful tribute to the talented artists who worked so hard at making the film what it is today, yet who too often go unnoticed.

You won't want to miss this one. There are so many details in this book that you really could look through and study it for hours! If you're interested in adding this to your collection, you can pick it up online at Amazon using the direct link below.