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The Art of Moana
The Art of Moana is the latest title in our exceptional series showcasing artwork from the creation of Walt Disney Animations' latest releases. Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world ventured across the Pacific, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped—and no one today knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios, Moana is a CG-animated adventure about a spirited teenager who sails out on a daring mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfill her ancestors' unfinished quest. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demi-god Maui and together they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed adventure, encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds. The stunning artwork in this behind-the-scenes book includes character designs, storyboards, colorscripts, and much more.
160 pages, Hardcover
First published November 15, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 7, 2024
Una historia preciosa, un arte maravilloso, y una princesa Disney a la que yo considero genérica; me gusto ver el arte de Moana.
March 24, 2018
Nice book. If you enjoyed the movie you will like it.
April 3, 2017
This is a beautiful book. It's interesting to see how the designs for the characters changed as they produced the movie. There are lots of bright colors, so the art is crisp.
January 7, 2017
This is a wonderful companion book to the popular Disney movie. As a student of Polynesia and Tiki, I was predestined to love Moana the movie. I didn't realize the emotions that would come pouring out of me while actually watching the movie. I cried. Both times. Now that I've read this book, I understand why. The creators of Moana went to great lengths (literally) in their research, spending time in many Polynesian islands and documenting everything they saw. The people, places, sounds, rituals, and things in the movie all ring true. This book documents that process and shows how the creators blended authentic Polynesian life with Disney magic to craft a masterpiece. Maluhia and he mea iki!
November 1, 2022
I love Moana the movie, and I have great respect for the artists and writers involved.
Unfortunately, this fails both as an artbook and as a backstage book, because it tries to do too much of everything.
The book is heavy on illustrations, some of which are ibsightful, or even aweinspring, but others are just badly chosen, tiresome, dull, boring, repetitive (like the many photos of clay sculptures the artists made to mkmic rocky island reliefs - I could scream!).
The book is too short: all the texts are superficial, but worde than that, there is no space to fit in a real chapter on the most important style decisions in the movie. The color choices are mentioned, but they are illustrated with half-done storyboards instead of color examples. Why??
The storyboards take a lot of space in the book and while I understand that this is a movie artbook, I have also, well, seen the movie. Duh. I do not require a frame by frame guide through each scene. What I want is the meat of the creation: give me the one striking illustration that sparked the whole scene and explain it to me.
The characters got some space in the book, bjt not enough. The character illustrations were well chosen, but very little was explained or even commented.
Such a disappointing companion to a magnificent movie.
Unfortunately, this fails both as an artbook and as a backstage book, because it tries to do too much of everything.
The book is heavy on illustrations, some of which are ibsightful, or even aweinspring, but others are just badly chosen, tiresome, dull, boring, repetitive (like the many photos of clay sculptures the artists made to mkmic rocky island reliefs - I could scream!).
The book is too short: all the texts are superficial, but worde than that, there is no space to fit in a real chapter on the most important style decisions in the movie. The color choices are mentioned, but they are illustrated with half-done storyboards instead of color examples. Why??
The storyboards take a lot of space in the book and while I understand that this is a movie artbook, I have also, well, seen the movie. Duh. I do not require a frame by frame guide through each scene. What I want is the meat of the creation: give me the one striking illustration that sparked the whole scene and explain it to me.
The characters got some space in the book, bjt not enough. The character illustrations were well chosen, but very little was explained or even commented.
Such a disappointing companion to a magnificent movie.
July 9, 2021
Fascinante y maravilloso. Otro increíble libro de esta preciosa colección.
Este es de mis favoritos porque hablan mucho de la inspiración de la película, de las leyendas, de cómo surgieron los personajes y de los paisajes maravillosos inspirados en las islas del Pacífico.
También tiene muchos bocetos e ilustraciones iniciales muy interesantes. Habla de todo, de los personajes, de los paisajes y su vegetación, del océano, de las leyendas como Maui, de la ropa, los tatuajes... de todo y es precioso.
Este es de mis favoritos porque hablan mucho de la inspiración de la película, de las leyendas, de cómo surgieron los personajes y de los paisajes maravillosos inspirados en las islas del Pacífico.
También tiene muchos bocetos e ilustraciones iniciales muy interesantes. Habla de todo, de los personajes, de los paisajes y su vegetación, del océano, de las leyendas como Maui, de la ropa, los tatuajes... de todo y es precioso.
March 12, 2017
I thought this book was absolutely magical. Amazing work by Jessica Julius and Maggie Malone with help from the makers of the movie, Moana. I adored the movie, and this book equaled that adoration. I loved looking at all the alternate drawings of the environments and characters from the movie. Baby Moana pictures were my favorite. The environments of Lalotai were also amazing, as the bioluminescent colors reverberate within me. Some of the early sketches of Maui were fun as well. This was the first 'The art of [...]' book that I've ever read and I loved every page. It was really cool to learn about how some things would never have happened if one person who helped the movie didn't speak up an give a suggestion. I loved the heart of this movie, and they definitely did the same with this book. I recommend this book to Moana fanatics.
December 19, 2016
Art is gorgeous and detailed, you can tell this film was thoroughly researched
February 8, 2018
What can I say except WOW.
I absolutely love the Disney "The Art of. . ." books. This is either the third or fourth of theirs I've had the pleasure to own, and I have a few Dreamworks ones as well. They're all done by the same publishing company so all are in fairly the same style: gorgeous concept art (sketches AND animation), behind the scenes interviews with the crew, and fun facts that are really pretty fun.
I love to learn more about my favorite movies but what I also love in these animated movies is how different they are at different stages in the film. They had the concept of the story and then traveled to different Pacific islands to learn more about the culture and detail they wanted to bring into the film. That changed it. Then they had to decide which legends to include. That changed it. Then they had to decide--
You get the idea. It changed it.
You get to see early concept art of all of the characters (young Moana throughout the entire film? Bald Maui???). Concept art of all of the locations (and the concept art for Lalotai is GORGEOUS).
I loved hearing about the changes made to the story over time, time. It seems like Pua was originally intended to have a larger part in the film. Moana was meant to meet and talk to more of her ancestors.
Maui's own grandmother was pitched to show up at one point, and now I NEED THIS.
If you're an art lover, Disney fan, Moana enthusiast, or just enjoy film, pick up this book. Buy it, actually. It may be a little pricey, but it's 100% worth it. You're welcome.
I absolutely love the Disney "The Art of. . ." books. This is either the third or fourth of theirs I've had the pleasure to own, and I have a few Dreamworks ones as well. They're all done by the same publishing company so all are in fairly the same style: gorgeous concept art (sketches AND animation), behind the scenes interviews with the crew, and fun facts that are really pretty fun.
I love to learn more about my favorite movies but what I also love in these animated movies is how different they are at different stages in the film. They had the concept of the story and then traveled to different Pacific islands to learn more about the culture and detail they wanted to bring into the film. That changed it. Then they had to decide which legends to include. That changed it. Then they had to decide--
You get the idea. It changed it.
You get to see early concept art of all of the characters (young Moana throughout the entire film? Bald Maui???). Concept art of all of the locations (and the concept art for Lalotai is GORGEOUS).
I loved hearing about the changes made to the story over time, time. It seems like Pua was originally intended to have a larger part in the film. Moana was meant to meet and talk to more of her ancestors.
Maui's own grandmother was pitched to show up at one point, and now I NEED THIS.
If you're an art lover, Disney fan, Moana enthusiast, or just enjoy film, pick up this book. Buy it, actually. It may be a little pricey, but it's 100% worth it. You're welcome.
August 14, 2018
I think this book went a little overboard with the politically correctness that is sweeping Disney....
Don't get me wrong, I'm fine with them being politically correct, especially since it doesn't seem to hurt their movies.... But this book is NOT a book that takes you behind the scenes of the movie. It is instead a PR-tool telling the world how politically correct they are, and I am NOT fine with that.
Lots of text in this book, but basically every chapter is the creators of the movie saying "We researched the culture and history, we let ourselves be inspired by that, and we put it in the movie with the utmost aspect.". This is true on EVERY topic! No explanation on concepts that were discussed but abandoned, no anekdotes on what went on while making the movie, not even elaborations on the art in the book. Nothing but PR-blahblah. Seriously, there are sketches of characters that are SO different.... Why did you guys went in another direction?! A full storyboarded scene is in the book that's not in the movie, but no explanation whatsoever on where the scene belonged, why it was cut and why it's interesting to put in this book!
I definitely should add that the text is just a sidenote to the art, and the art in the book is quite good. I've seen better, but I've definitely seen worse, and I think I'll be looking at the art many times in the future. As such, the title of the book is very aptly chosen. For those looking for information on what goes on behind the scenes of such a movie, this one is not that, and I was disappointed by that.
Don't get me wrong, I'm fine with them being politically correct, especially since it doesn't seem to hurt their movies.... But this book is NOT a book that takes you behind the scenes of the movie. It is instead a PR-tool telling the world how politically correct they are, and I am NOT fine with that.
Lots of text in this book, but basically every chapter is the creators of the movie saying "We researched the culture and history, we let ourselves be inspired by that, and we put it in the movie with the utmost aspect.". This is true on EVERY topic! No explanation on concepts that were discussed but abandoned, no anekdotes on what went on while making the movie, not even elaborations on the art in the book. Nothing but PR-blahblah. Seriously, there are sketches of characters that are SO different.... Why did you guys went in another direction?! A full storyboarded scene is in the book that's not in the movie, but no explanation whatsoever on where the scene belonged, why it was cut and why it's interesting to put in this book!
I definitely should add that the text is just a sidenote to the art, and the art in the book is quite good. I've seen better, but I've definitely seen worse, and I think I'll be looking at the art many times in the future. As such, the title of the book is very aptly chosen. For those looking for information on what goes on behind the scenes of such a movie, this one is not that, and I was disappointed by that.
October 21, 2018
3.5. I was predisposed to like this, as Moana is my favorite Disney Animation movie. There were some interesting things in this book, and it is stated over and over that the filmmakers did a lot of research in order to get cultural aspects correct.
My issue isn’t with the book, but with the filmmakers doing research rather than just hiring Pasifika people. I love this movie, but as I read this I couldn’t help but wonder what the movie would look like if made by the people it portrays.
My issue isn’t with the book, but with the filmmakers doing research rather than just hiring Pasifika people. I love this movie, but as I read this I couldn’t help but wonder what the movie would look like if made by the people it portrays.
November 4, 2020
633 - 2020
November 23, 2020
Didn't know these types of books existed. Found when finding a Harry Potter book at my library. My kids live it!
Read
May 12, 2017Precioso.
January 21, 2022
I like the movie so it was nice :)
December 12, 2025
reminded me of how dogshit the sequel was
February 3, 2020
Moana is my favourite Disney movie and this book is just gorgeous! Loved all the concept art in this, especially of the magical creatures and the underworld (wish some more of those were used in the film!!). If I had any complaints it'd be that there is too much text compared to the art sometimes, but it's still an interesting read. Definitely recommend to all fans of the movie <3
February 20, 2017
Gorgeous artwork. So lovely to see the inspiration of the art of the movie.
December 16, 2016
There’s SO MUCH concept art in this!!!
December 28, 2016
Loved this, loved the movie. Disney better make a ride or something from this film. Freakin' let Frozen go guys...
December 31, 2019
In many ways, this book is fascinating. Personally, I greatly enjoyed seeing the art of this particular movie and the way that the designers of Moana sought to convey an interesting period in Polynesian history where settled islanders were about to embark on the expansion of the Polynesian world that made them legendary navigators, even as it contains the usual lamentable heathen thinking that marks a lot of Disney properties. Indeed, this book is particularly interesting for providing a blunt and generally unapologetic exhibition of the way that myths and stories and history becomes Disneyfied. Not everyone is going to be a fan of this particular process, but the book certainly contains an open discussion of this process, so even if one is highly critical of Moana or of Disney films in general, this book is useful in providing a discussion of how Disney's animators themselves see what they do and how they turn historical places and cultures, from fashion to tattoos to character choices into something that is meant to appeal to American young people, sometimes even through manipulating the body language and look of the voice actors involved in the making of their films, as is the case here.
This particular book is about 150 pages long and it is organized in a way that roughly follows the plot of the film. The beginning parts of this book set the film and this book in the larger context of Disney films, showing the aims and goals that the filmmakers had in setting a film in that particular time and place. There are discussions about the dangers of being swallowed by one's culture, something one must fight against if one is making films about other cultures. Quite a few drawings show how the filmmakers and artists wanted to know their mountain, even if the proportions were a bit unrealistic. There is a section about how we are connected by the ocean, with plenty of gorgeous art to show how Disney animators wanted to picture the Pacific. After that there is a section on Maui, the namesake of one of the Hawaiian islands, and the artwork that went into his character. Finally, the book discusses moving into the realm of the fantastic with the sentient islands that Moana and Maui have to deal with, as well as closing sections on environment models, color keys, a culture of collaboration, and acknowledgements.
This particular book is about 150 pages long and it is organized in a way that roughly follows the plot of the film. The beginning parts of this book set the film and this book in the larger context of Disney films, showing the aims and goals that the filmmakers had in setting a film in that particular time and place. There are discussions about the dangers of being swallowed by one's culture, something one must fight against if one is making films about other cultures. Quite a few drawings show how the filmmakers and artists wanted to know their mountain, even if the proportions were a bit unrealistic. There is a section about how we are connected by the ocean, with plenty of gorgeous art to show how Disney animators wanted to picture the Pacific. After that there is a section on Maui, the namesake of one of the Hawaiian islands, and the artwork that went into his character. Finally, the book discusses moving into the realm of the fantastic with the sentient islands that Moana and Maui have to deal with, as well as closing sections on environment models, color keys, a culture of collaboration, and acknowledgements.
December 23, 2019
An amazing artbook, kept me looking through every image scrutinizing the color and the lines and occupied me more than I originally thought it would. Although I suspected it, I never realized the amount of research and the long trips required to be done beforehand. The transformation the art team has been through, by the interaction with the Polynesian people, is apparent on their art and makes you believe the movie is alive and true, as it has kept its authenticity.
The traditions that are portrayed, they are still held or some of them were held in the past ages in Fiji and other nearby Islands. I didn't think that this book would awaken my interest so much that I would later look up more about the tattoo traditions, the navigation ships and the British explorer Cook, his findings and his death. As an art-sensitive person myself, I was absolutely astonished by the character designs and the thought process that led to the final 3d sculptures. I also found the narrative much more informative than a couple of other artbooks I've checked on. Maybe it's only because it is an animated movie, but this book gives you an almost complete view of the "making of", the obstacles, and the achievements. (I say almost, meaning the music, which is the other memorable part of the movie, apart from the art, which cannot be explained in a book)
I paid specific attention to the details that were initially to be done differently in the movie, like the character design of Maui, that was to be drawn smaller or with no hair. Some of those details and more, gave me another perspective on the movie and I got a taste on what could/would be done differently and why.
My favourite part I think is the character design of Te Ka, the lava monster and Te fiti, because the consept art and mechanisms (of Te Ka's fighting for example) touched my artistic heart (and the teary eyes of Te Fiti could easily bring me to tears as well).
Summarizing my review, I want to suggest this book to ANY person who loves character art and location art, and especially someone who is fascinating by disney artists and animation and wants to expand their artistic palette. Also to anyone who likes the movie and wants to learn more of its roots and creation process.
The traditions that are portrayed, they are still held or some of them were held in the past ages in Fiji and other nearby Islands. I didn't think that this book would awaken my interest so much that I would later look up more about the tattoo traditions, the navigation ships and the British explorer Cook, his findings and his death. As an art-sensitive person myself, I was absolutely astonished by the character designs and the thought process that led to the final 3d sculptures. I also found the narrative much more informative than a couple of other artbooks I've checked on. Maybe it's only because it is an animated movie, but this book gives you an almost complete view of the "making of", the obstacles, and the achievements. (I say almost, meaning the music, which is the other memorable part of the movie, apart from the art, which cannot be explained in a book)
I paid specific attention to the details that were initially to be done differently in the movie, like the character design of Maui, that was to be drawn smaller or with no hair. Some of those details and more, gave me another perspective on the movie and I got a taste on what could/would be done differently and why.
My favourite part I think is the character design of Te Ka, the lava monster and Te fiti, because the consept art and mechanisms (of Te Ka's fighting for example) touched my artistic heart (and the teary eyes of Te Fiti could easily bring me to tears as well).
Summarizing my review, I want to suggest this book to ANY person who loves character art and location art, and especially someone who is fascinating by disney artists and animation and wants to expand their artistic palette. Also to anyone who likes the movie and wants to learn more of its roots and creation process.
July 16, 2025
Jessica Julius's The Art of Moana is an enthralling exploration of the visual universe that underpins one of Disney's most aesthetically spectacular and culturally rich productions. From the windswept ocean to lush Polynesian islands, mystical creatures, and strong, powerful people, this book is more than just a compilation of concept art; it is a contemplative homage to the teamwork and creativity that made Moana a reality.
With contributions from Pacific Islander historians, navigators, and artists, the book begins with an account of the cultural study travels that greatly influenced the authenticity of the movie. Julius does a fantastic job of describing how Disney artists meticulously struck a balance between cultural sensitivity and narrative, transforming this collection into more than just an art book—it's a window into ethical, research-based animation.
Vibrant character drawings, stunning environment studies, and early visual explorations of situations that underwent significant changes in the finished film abound on every page. Quotes from directors, animators, and designers are included with the artwork to provide context for the difficulties and successes of creating this one-of-a-kind universe. Highlights include Moana's design path, which shows how animators tried to convey her power, curiosity, and cultural identity.
The Art of Moana is a masterfully written book that honours artistic technique, storytelling, and legacy, regardless of whether you're an animation fanatic, illustrator, or simply a movie buff. It's a visual feast as well as an inside look at the creation of a contemporary Disney classic.
With contributions from Pacific Islander historians, navigators, and artists, the book begins with an account of the cultural study travels that greatly influenced the authenticity of the movie. Julius does a fantastic job of describing how Disney artists meticulously struck a balance between cultural sensitivity and narrative, transforming this collection into more than just an art book—it's a window into ethical, research-based animation.
Vibrant character drawings, stunning environment studies, and early visual explorations of situations that underwent significant changes in the finished film abound on every page. Quotes from directors, animators, and designers are included with the artwork to provide context for the difficulties and successes of creating this one-of-a-kind universe. Highlights include Moana's design path, which shows how animators tried to convey her power, curiosity, and cultural identity.
The Art of Moana is a masterfully written book that honours artistic technique, storytelling, and legacy, regardless of whether you're an animation fanatic, illustrator, or simply a movie buff. It's a visual feast as well as an inside look at the creation of a contemporary Disney classic.
June 26, 2021
The books in the 'Art Of...' series from Disney are all of a similar format; they each include paintings, drawings, digital images and storyboard pictures demonstrating the immense efforts made by the animators in creating the relevant films. 'The Art of Moana' follows this paradigm to a tee, supported by some informative writing from key members of the production team. The author (in this instance Jessica Julius) does not really develop a personal imprint on the book; it is all about the illustrations.
'The Art of Moana' looks luscious thanks to the context of the film; all the colours and textures that come from Oceania are reinterpreted and represented on the pages of this book. It is readily apparent through the images and the supporting text that the film makers made some serious attempts at being respectful to the environment and culture of those peoples from which 'Moana' was inspired. Also, for the Disney aficionado and cinema historian there is lots of value in the book's depiction as to how 'Moana' was produced. For example, this book shows how the main character of Maui evolved, including the influence of Pasifika myth and the physicality of Dwayne Johnson (the actor who gave the character his voice).
This book will be a very enjoyable and welcome addition to the library of any fan of Disney's long and extensive film making history, and also will have value for those interested in animation. 'The Art of Moana' is a beautifully presented coffee table style of book and one that many will find great pleasure in reading.
'The Art of Moana' looks luscious thanks to the context of the film; all the colours and textures that come from Oceania are reinterpreted and represented on the pages of this book. It is readily apparent through the images and the supporting text that the film makers made some serious attempts at being respectful to the environment and culture of those peoples from which 'Moana' was inspired. Also, for the Disney aficionado and cinema historian there is lots of value in the book's depiction as to how 'Moana' was produced. For example, this book shows how the main character of Maui evolved, including the influence of Pasifika myth and the physicality of Dwayne Johnson (the actor who gave the character his voice).
This book will be a very enjoyable and welcome addition to the library of any fan of Disney's long and extensive film making history, and also will have value for those interested in animation. 'The Art of Moana' is a beautifully presented coffee table style of book and one that many will find great pleasure in reading.
February 18, 2018
The art, storyboards and sketches are amazing, as one would expect from an "art of" book.
But while the Tangled one expanded on knowledge of the Rapunzel universe and had quotes and information from the people who made the film, this one does not deliver in that aspect.
The prose is terrible, like a high school essay with an over-limited word count: the same sentences are repeated once and again, the same quotes are used multiple times and the information provided is scarce and limited. I've learned more from the articles I read while the film was in development than in this actual book.
But I am a sucker for good art and great storyboards and thankfully that is properly delivered: the colour codes, the animation techniques and visual/character development are greatly explained - not through words, but through the images. And as Moana, the book is visually stunning.
But while the Tangled one expanded on knowledge of the Rapunzel universe and had quotes and information from the people who made the film, this one does not deliver in that aspect.
The prose is terrible, like a high school essay with an over-limited word count: the same sentences are repeated once and again, the same quotes are used multiple times and the information provided is scarce and limited. I've learned more from the articles I read while the film was in development than in this actual book.
But I am a sucker for good art and great storyboards and thankfully that is properly delivered: the colour codes, the animation techniques and visual/character development are greatly explained - not through words, but through the images. And as Moana, the book is visually stunning.
January 12, 2021
These art books, especially for Disney animated movies, are always a great purchase because it's always incredible how in-depth they go in the whole process of development of characters, environments and storytelling in general. It's amazing how much thought goes into literally EVERYTHING that makes it into the final product, and this book allows you to stop and see how much work exactly is put into the buildings, the characters, the creatures, the environments, and even earlier concepts that are probably not able to be seen anywhere else!
Overall, if you love any of the Disney animated books, these art books are a wonderful addition to make you appreciate it all that much more!
Overall, if you love any of the Disney animated books, these art books are a wonderful addition to make you appreciate it all that much more!
October 17, 2017
Not as good as say, Zootopia in igniting my imagination. (What can I say? Animals with human qualities and fictional cities are too ingrained in my heart).
With that said, I occasionally forget this movie and the art for that matter is more than just tropical vistas.
We have sparkling and ominous underwater canyons full of treasure. To fiery gods who burn with the flare of a volcano.
Mix that with great facial expressions and truly stunning environments and you have a perfect art book.
I'll be coming back to this one frequently.
With that said, I occasionally forget this movie and the art for that matter is more than just tropical vistas.
We have sparkling and ominous underwater canyons full of treasure. To fiery gods who burn with the flare of a volcano.
Mix that with great facial expressions and truly stunning environments and you have a perfect art book.
I'll be coming back to this one frequently.
December 30, 2017
This is just a really great supplement to Moana. The film is one of my favorites and I loved getting to read about how they created all of these elements. I am really interested in learning more about the Disney animation and creation process so these "Art of... " books are a really good place to start. Seeing the concept art and how it developed is great! It was also cool to know about how the creators used their research trip and the people that they met there to shape the film.
May 31, 2020
Un libro indispensable para todos aquellos fans de Disney y, sobre todo, de Vaiana. Hay muchísima información acerca de la película, todo el proceso anterior que conlleva, las opciones que desecharon, comparaciones con lo que finalmente vimos en la película, ilustraciones preciosísimas. Es un libro que se lee muy rápido pero que al quedarte viendo todos los detalles que viendo la película no te dan tiempo se hace algo más largo❤️
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