REVIEW: “The Monster Book of Monsters” official film prop replica by Insight Collectibles from Sideshow Collectibles

Back in February, I was fortunate enough to be able to review the Harry Potter sixth scale figure by Star Ace Toys Ltd. from Sideshow Collectibles. Now, I am excited to share with you another product courtesy of Sideshow Collectibles: an official film prop replica of The Monster Book of Monsters, as featured in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

One of my favorite scenes from the third film is when Harry is staying at the Leaky Cauldron and attempts to get The Monster Book of Monsters back under control. The official Monster Book of Monsters film prop replica by Insight Collectibles, fortunately, isn’t vicious – but it does look it!

The outside of the book is predominately faux fur, with a few spots made to look as though the fur has worn off. In person, the color of the fur is a mousy brown and has some variations in its tone that make it look that much more realistic. Meanwhile, two pairs of yellowish eyes look out from the middle of the book’s front cover. The lettering on its cover is also identical to the Monster Book seen in Prisoner of Azkaban.

Since the prop replica is actually a relatively shallow box, the spine of the book is hinged. The upper and lower halves of the Monster Book’s jaw are attached to its front and back covers, respectively. Also present are the book’s tentacles and the tongue bookmark.

What surprised me most about The Monster Book of Monsters replica was how sturdy it is. It isn’t particularly lightweight and – aside from being beautifully detailed – appears to be made very well.

But wait! The Monster Book of Monsters official film prop replica also comes packaged with a LIMITED EDITION of Harry Potter: The Creature Vault, which we have previously reviewed here on MuggleNet.

In addition to a behind-the-scenes look at many of the magical creatures and plants featured in the Harry Potter films, this limited edition includes a removable bestiary poster, an interactive Eeylops Owl Emporium catalog, and a new poster showcasing concept art of the dragon breeds featured in the films!

Unlike the non-limited edition of The Creature Vault, the covers and binding of the book packaged with the Monster Book are faux leather, with an embossed design featuring magical flora and fauna. I don’t own the original version of the book to compare it to the limited edition, but it is really nice. I had a lot of fun looking through it, viewing the concept artwork, and finding out tidbits of information that I didn’t already know.

The Monster Book of Monsters official film prop replica by Insight Collectibles is available starting TODAY at Sideshow Collectibles. The film prop replica and limited edition of Harry Potter: The Creature Vault come to a total of $295, and as a “stunning collectible and an immersive guide to the fauna of the wizarding world,” it’s well worth the price.

Be sure to check out the product information on Sideshow Collectibles’s website for plenty of great photos of the official Monster Book of Monsters film prop replica by Insight Collectibles and its accompanying limited edition of Harry Potter: The Creature Vault. I’ve also included a few of my own photos below.

To pre-order your very own Monster Book of Monsters, be sure to visit Sideshow Collectibles!