Remember back in August when I reviewed the audio version of Night Film? I thought giving the text version a look would be a smart idea, since the book is so unique. I finally had the chance to have a look at it and thought I'd share my thoughts on the hardcover. I'm not going to give you a review and synopsis of the story because I already did that here. I'm going to discuss the differences between the experiences of the two versions.
Usually, I'm pretty happy choosing to listen to an audiobook. There are exceptions, like this one. In this case, reading the hardcover has a couple of advantages over listening.
The visuals: website pages, magazine articles, photographs, etc. These items are described and the text portions read in the audiobook but actually seeing them is a better experience. For example, see the photo below.
The app. There is a free smartphone app that can be downloaded from the iTunes or Google Play stores. Using this app and a connection to the internet, the reader can access additional information hidden as Easter eggs within the book. Some bits are more interesting than others. The information can be audio files or additional text. This is a bit gimmicky and doesn't add a lot to the reading of the book. For more information, visit the Night Film Decoder page.
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| How the app looks when played on my iPod |
If I was going to recommend one over the other, I'd pick the text version, just for all the extras.
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This one tempts me every time I see a review. One day. One day.
ReplyDeleteRead it, Andi! I think you'll like it.
DeleteGood to know that you don't NEED the app. I am a very very very late adopter of everything and don't have a smartphone, so I can't have the app even if I want it. :p But, yeah, I can't imagine doing this book without having the visuals. They're such a gorgeous and fun aspect of it!
ReplyDeleteI didn't even know about it until I saw people talking about it on Twitter. It doesn't add a whole lot, really.
DeleteThe app thing does sound gimmicky. I don't really care about Easter eggs on dvds, so I'm not sure I'd pursue them in a book like this. Maybe after the third or fourth read it would be worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I already read the book so I just went though it and found them all later.
DeleteI listened to the audio as well, but had the print copy from the library too. It worked out well for this unique story. Glad u enjoyed it Chris.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good idea. You get the best of both versions that way.
DeleteJust reviewed this, having only read the text version, and I'm not sure what to think. I loved it, and then I was scars to death, and then I was confused and consequently angry over being befuddled. Well, one can certainly say that this novel is intriguing!
ReplyDeleteYeah, the ending is...different. Not sure what to make of it but it gets you thinking!
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