One of the most invaluable aspects of eBooks that is often underutilized by publishers is the potential for interactivity. With eBooks, digital publishers can create a unique reading experience that would be impossible with physical texts.
Disney recently harnessed this potential. The company announced the release of "Frankenweenie: An Electrifying Book," created with Apple's iBooks Author.
The eBook, which is available for free via the iBookstore in 32 countries, features a wide range of behind-the-scenes and bonus content relating to the upcoming feature film. This content includes videos, music, original sketches, a foreword by Martin Landau, character introductions and a look at "The Art of Frankenweenie Exhibition."
"We're thrilled to give fans a look at how Tim Burton and his creative team brought Victor Frankenstein and Sparky to life in the town of New Holland," said Lyle Underkoffler, vice president of digital media for Disney Publishing Worldwide. "Using iBooks Author, Disney Publishing was able to include more digital content than ever before – including previews of animated storyboards documenting the transition from sketch to screen."
The Orlando Sentinel noted that this is the first time Disney has used iBooks Author to create an eBook. "Frankenweenie: An Electrifying Book" will be downloadable via the iPad.
Alfred A. Knopf is also leveraging the interactive possibilities of eBooks. BSC Kids reported that the publisher will soon release the Deluxe Enhanced eBook version of the final entry in the "Inheritance" Cycle. This series, written by Christopher Paolini, features several of the most successful young adult fantasy novels ever published. The Deluxe Enhanced eBook edition will feature 17 exclusive videos created by the author and embedded in the text, letting the reader watch his commentary upon reaching the relevant scenes.
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