Author: Ken A. Priebe
Paperback: 329 pages
Publisher: Course Technology PTR
Release Date: June 17, 2010

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I have always been a huge fan of stop-motion animation, since I saw the film “The Nightmare Before Christmas” back in 1993. Since then there has been many more films like “Coraline” that have be made in this fantastic field. I also grew up watching Rankin/Bass specials like “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer” and “The Year Without Santa Clause”. Click here to read our interview with Arthur Rankin Jr. I just have always been fascinated with animation in general. Be sure to check out the amazing foreword from stop-action legend Henry Selick (“The Nightmare Before Christmas” & “Coraline”).

This book provides a very in-depth look at the art and techniques of stop-motion animation. The obvious aim for this book is more of a teaching tool, then casually viewing but nonetheless it is very informative as well as education. It is also not only to new learners but also helps experienced stop-motion artists explore different methods and new advanced technology used by major film studios today. 2012 actually brings a swarm of stop-motion films including “Pirates! Band of Misfits” and Paranorman” hitting theaters.

Other aspects covered in this book contains the basic principles of animation, focus on status including information on camera rigs, effects, and shooting stop-motion in stereoscopic 3D. There is even focus on puppet design and computer models for stop-motion productions. I personally really enjoyed the thorough history of early feature-length stop-motion films. Overall this book will have something for all different types of artists who are still supporting this format and are behind its revival in today’s history.  The book overall is also very conversational and easy to read, which makes me recommend this book very highly for all people in the animation field.

Author(s): Ray Harryhausen, Tony Dalton
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Aurum Press
Release Date: May 1, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Ray Harryhausen is such a legend and the creator of so many film special effects that were pre-CGI. Some of the classic films he is known for are “The 7th Voyage of Sinbad”, “Clash of the Titans”, “Jason and the Argonauts” and “One Million Years BC”. This book is a must for Harryhausen fans. More importantly this book is authored by Harryhausen himself, so you know that it is the most accurate and up close and personal information available. It is co-authored by Tony Dalton, who has known Ray for more than 30 years. He worked on the publicity for such iconic films such as “The Omen”, “Star Wars”, and “The Towering Inferno”. To sum up, if you are looking for a rare look into Harryhausen work, then look no further than this book.

Showcased in this book are some really amazing never-before-seen film artifacts, which were recently discovered in a garage in Los Angeles. The aspect of this books that I enjoyed the most are various outtake prints from his films, early concept drawings and storyboards.  There is also a lot of personal artifacts such as written letters, production budgets, and even a diary which describes Ray’s first meeting with his mentor Willis O’Brien.  I am fan of production art and there is some really cool publicity posters and rare brochures included also.  A lot of the images included are kind-of raw and provide a unique look into this amazing era of filmmaking. It also covers all of the films that he worked on and even from some projects which where never made like Harryhausen’s version of “War of the Worlds”. I could imagined that film would have been awesome.

Since this is formed in nature of a scrapbook, it really creates an amazing visual journey. The book is setup so beautifully that it is hard to turn the page. Each page feels like a work of art and a lot of love has gone into each one. The images are also extremely vibrant and colorful. If you are a fan of these films you will really jump at the chance to get an inside look into some of these productions whether it is rare pages from the scripts and productions. Also to top off this amazing book is an amazing foreword from writer/director John Landis.  Kudos to Aurum Press on releasing another impressive book covering the work of Harryhausen.

Author: The Beatles
Reading level: Ages 5 and up
Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Release Date: April 24, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Once upon a time (or maybe twice)…I can remember the first time I saw “The Beatles: Yellow Submarine” movie and it changed my life. Not only for film but also for music, animation and The Beatles overall. Now of course, the film is not only aimed at kids but also adults. This beautiful hardcover book is perfectly aimed for kiddies to enjoy.  I am looking forward to sharing this book with my daughter (due on May 23rd, 2012).  I have a feeling that this will be a popular bedtime book.

Candlewick Press did an amazing job with adapting this 1968 classic to introduce to a new generation and enjoy this psychedelic yet sweet storybook. Parents are able to also enjoy themselves while reading and take a trip down the nostalgic road. Pepperland has never looked better in this book with the bright and colorful images. I could swear that I could hear Sergeant Pepper’s Band playing quietly in the background and I went through this book.

It is hard to believe that this legacy all started from being inspired by the song “Yellow Submarine” on The Beatles’ “Revolver” album. Heinz Edelmann’s art looks just as amazing as it did back in 1968 and showcases The Beatles music so well. So more than thirty-five years later, the film continues to bring delight and enjoyment to both adults and children. Overall in closing, this book is a real treat and a wonderful trip into the world of The Beatles.

Author: Christopher Finch
Hardcover: 504 pages
Publisher: Abrams; New edition
Release Date: October 1, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Walt Disney has been a major influence on my life. I grew up watching the films and still today adore them all. I really look forward to sharing them with my soon-to-be daughter (due May 23, 2012). In fact, I even moved from NY to FL, just to be closer to the parks. This book is honestly the ultimate tribute to the art of Disney and The Walt Disney Company. This is not a new release though, the original edition was published in 1973 and since then there has been many revised and expanded editions released in 1975, 1995, 2004, and now 2011. If you are a Disney fan and don’t own this book, I highly recommend it. If you own past revisions, I would still recommend it because there is so much content added into this latest edition that it completely makes it worth wild.

The newest edition of the book covers the ever changing and expanding history of The Walt Disney Company. Author Christopher Finch didn’t just slap a few new pages and re-released this. He literally updated every chapter to showcase the achievements of The Walt Disney Company in not only filmmaking but also theater, and theme parks. There are a few new chapters though, focusing on mostly Pixar Animation Studio and the new work from Walt Disney Animation Studio like “Tangled”, as well as updated theme park information.. There are also new extensive interviews CEO, John Lasseter, and president, Ed Catmull. This also includes a foreword by John Lasseter. John is such a legend and has aided so much to the Disney legacy with his work over the years.

For a book that was published originally almost 40 years ago, this still relevant and still packs new information even for super fans like me. That is the other thing actually, even though the film is called “The Art Of”, it isn’t just colorful photos. It comes jam-packed with endless thorough information, I enjoyed that the most. You can really tell that author Christopher Finch is a super fan himself. I really looks forward to future revisions of this book. The Disney company will continue to grow throughout the years and will always have special place in my heart.

When you think about art and animation, Disney is the first to come to my mind. They are easily the most successful and influential in the business. This book contains some really amazing concept art, animation drawings and archival materials. Even if you have seen previous editions of this book, this edition literally contains hundreds of new images capturing, well…The Art of Walt Disney.  Let me just tell you how beautiful these images look.  Abrams did an amazing job with this release and delivers the highest quality images.  Whether you are reading this book for yourself or introducing it to your children, it is a great way to keep the Disney legacy going.

Author: Tim Lebbon
Mass Market Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: April 17, 2012

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Official novelizations have never really been my cup-of-tea. “The Cabin in the Woods” is really no different. The film is so unique and really has to be seen in experience. I am personally a very visual person anyway. If you still prefer to read, I would check out the Official Visual Companion. Read our review here, this book is worth reading immediately…once if you’ve seen the film of course.

Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard did such a great job with this story, changing the face of horror.  I just feel that changing it even so slightly for mass market paperback, doesn’t seem worth it.  The author, Tim Tibbons, is also known for this NY Times Bestselling novelization of the movie “30 Days of Night”. A friend of mine did an excellent job of describing this film as an onion, with each layer being peeled off slowly and reveals new surprises throughout.  I can only really experience this to be enjoyed having actually watched the film.

I can really see this book only appealing to MEGA fans of Joss Whedon, who need to have everything that he is related to.  This book also comes with unnecessary back story for the characters, which isn’t really unless needed as filler for this novel. But then again, like I said in general I am not a big fan of film novelizations. If you would like to experience “The Cabin in the Woods”, I would highly recommend just seeing the movie yourself. Just go see it! You won’t regret it.

Author(s): Christophe Boesch, Sanjida O’Connell
Hardcover: 128 pages
Publisher: Disney Editions
Release Date: March 13, 2012

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I look forward to Disneynature’s films every Earth Day for the last few years. This year’s installment “Chimpanzee” has been my most anticipated. Well, let’s say that I was very impressed with the film and Tim Allen’s narration. Once I let the theater, I knew I had this book waiting for me at home and I rushed back to dive right in. The book is a little short overall compared to past making-of books from Disneynature, but it is extremely informative and satisfying. If you have seen the movie or even just love nature books, I would rush out and pick up this impressive companion book.

Disneynature’s goal with these films have been to inform their audiences and hope increased awareness with the film’s topics.  This book goal is not only to tell the making of the film but also to focus on the future for these apes. “Disneynature’s Chimpanzee: The Making of the Film” follows the entire process of the movie’s producing,  ranging from the filmmakers pitch to Disneynature to the filming challenges on location in the heart of Africa. I have a lot of respect for the filmmakers and cameramen on this shoot.  They did not have it easy and really sacrificed a lot in order to get this movie made and get the shots needed.  It also features a lot of commentary on the chimpanzees’ background and their territory wars (as the film focuses on).

This hardcover book not only includes a beautiful slipcover, I actually really like what was underneath it more.  There is a beautiful painting of a chimpanzee on both the front and back covers.   Besides just the filmmakers tale of production, there is also much focus on the relationship between Freddy (the packs leader) and Oscar (our little star of the film) is told through stories and also amazing photographs.  The images in the book are very crisp and colorful as well.  I would highly recommend this book and see this movie if you haven’t already, since it tells a great story and is very inspiring.

Author(s): Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard
Paperback: 176 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: April 17, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Joss Whedon is literally a God amongst his fans.  He is the creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”,”Firefly” and “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-a-long Blog”, just to name a few.  He also wrote/directed a little film called “Marvel’s The Avengers”.  Match that with the genius of Drew Goddard, writer of “Cloverfield” & “Serenity” and you get one of the best horror film of the year.  This book is official visual companion and it is easily the best companion book that I have ever seen.  It is not only caters to fans of Whedon but all horror fans a like.

This book features an amazing 40-pages visual in-depth interview with both Joss Whedon and Drew Goddard.  It simply answers ever single question any fan can have about the film and its production.  It also includes the full screenplay by Whedon and Goddard accompanied by some fantastic production art and hundreds of color photos.  The images included are really high quality and although no hardcover it still looks great.  Lastly the film goes into great details on the film’s creatures, but I will stop there as not to spoil anything.

Be warned if you have not seen this film, do not pick it up prior to watching since it contains mucho spoilers.  If you have seen the film then you can’t pick it up quicker as it is not only super descriptive about the film but it encompasses every aspect a fan can wish for. Overall this book is really well produced by Titan Books, who delivered yet another amazing release.  They are the best when it comes to providing fans with the official visual companions.

Author: Paul Grushkin
Hardcover: 208 pages
Publisher: Voyageur Press
Release Date: October 22, 2011

Our Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

There are rock bands. There are rock legends. There are rock phenomena. And then, there’s the Grateful Dead.

Within the group’s thirty-year history, the Dead performed 36,504 songs at 2,318 shows. Far more impressive than the band’s numerical statistics, though, is the legion of fans whose devotion to the band was unlimited and propelled them down endless cross-country golden roads to see as many GD concerts as possible. To merely refer to them as a “fan base” is like calling the Mona Lisa just another painting. Indeed, the Dead didn’t just create a following – they created a culture of Deadheads that always turned on the hippie vibe and tuned into to the swirling jam vibe that the band dropped out at them throughout shows that rarely went less than three hours in length.

As the Dead’s fan-base grew from the beginning days of the acid tests to larger venues like San Francisco’s Fillmore to selling out massive stadiums, obtaining tickets to their shows became increasingly more difficult. Grateful Dead Ticket Sales (GDTS) was formed in 1983 to deal with this demand – and to ensure that Deadheads would have dibs on the best face-value tickets to each show. The organization predominantly operated as a mail-order entity to which fans would send their requests for tickets to specific shows on selected dates. As a result, thousands upon thousands of envelopes poured into the GDTS’s offices, many adorned with sprawling psychedelic artwork that often spanned the entire envelope – front and back – and left not a single spec of white space. A large portion of these letters featured graphical symbols that were associated with the band: dancing bears, skeletons and the iconic “Steal Your Face” skull-with-lightning-bolt logo. Looking through the images in the book is like peering into the collective unconscious shared by the fans and the band. Also included is a hand-written letter from Jerry Garcia to a fan, in response to the fan’s question, which is interesting to read.

Paul Grushkin’s “Dead Letters: The Very Best of Grateful Dead Fan Mail” presents over 300 of these micro-masterpieces in fourteen chapters that are organized by visual theme rather than chronological order. It’s a sprawling and beautiful tome that more than adequately documents the phenomenon that the GDTS inadvertently created and is fascinating and engaging as a skim-through coffee-table book or as a full-on read. And while the artwork is clearly the focal point of the book, Grushkin’s accompanying text provides an informative and enjoyable history of the Grateful Dead and insight into the behind-the-scenes activity that helped the legacy endure.

Even though “Dead Letters” will turn up at bookstores and online in the category of “music” books, it’s also a sweeping romance that chronicles the love between flocks of Deadicated followers and the band they adored.

~~~~~~~~

Many thanks to my dear friend (and long-time Deadhead)
Donna Marland for her contributions to this article.

Author: Alan Greenberg
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Release Date: May 1, 2012

Our Score: 4 out 5 stars

Werner Herzog is easily one of the world’s greatest filmmakers. His films include “Aguirre, the Wrath of God”, “Nosferatu the Vampyre”, “Grizzly Man”, “Rescue Dawn”, “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans” and of course “Heart of Glass”. This book is an up-close and rare look into the making of “Heart of Glass”, courtesy of friend and collaborator to Herzog, Alan Greenberg. Herzog is known for his unique approach to filmmaking and it is shown throughout all of his films. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book but it is one of those rare books that you honestly can’t put down. Page after page this book is extremely interesting and informative.

Alan Greenberg and Warner Herzog have known each other for almost 40 years and there is no better person to cover this material. If you have seen “Heart of Glass”, you know it is a very dark and haunting film but easily one of Herzog’s best. In this book you will find out many interesting facts that many have never known. Greenberg revealed that Herzog, in an attempt to control his actors, hypnotized them before shooting their scenes. I wouldn’t give it a second thought when it comes to Herzog’s style.  That is only the tip of the iceberg reveled about the production, I want to say more but I don’t want to spoil it.  Read for yourself.

This book is fully backed by Herzog as he provides both the foreword and the afterword. I have read many “making-of” books and none of them have felt as real as this one does. It feels more like a novel spilling insider secrets that have been hidden for years. I also need to point out that the book also has very personal and crisp color photos lying within the middle of the book, very nice touch to complement the book. I recommend this book highly to all fans of Werner Herzog, but I warn you expect to finish the book in one sitting.

“Commando: The Autobiography of Johnny Ramone”
Author: Johnny Ramone
Release Date: April 2nd, 2012
Publisher: Abrams Image
Hardcover: 175 pages

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Calling all Pinheads it’s time to add another book to your ever growing collection of Ramones literature. In the past year we have seen the releases of “I Slept with Joey Ramone” written by Joey’s brother Mickey Lee as well as “Poisoned Heart: I married Dee Dee Ramone” which was penned by Dee Dee’s ex-wife Vera King. “Commando: The Autobiography of Johnny Ramone” is the latest book to join the ranks. The 175 page hardcover book is being released posthumously and tells the tale of John Cummings and his evolution into Johnny Ramone the unspoken leader of one of Punks most influential groups.

“Commando: The Autobiography of Johnny Ramone” was written entirely by Johnny prior to his death in 2004. The book is brutally honest and pulls no punches as Johnny recounts some of the more memorable Ramones stories. Throughout the book you can get a sense that deep down underneath that often scowling exterior was man that really cared about what he was doing and the people he was with. The book is jammed packed with rare photos taken throughout Johnny’s life and the Ramones career. The book also features a really great forward written by original Ramones drummer Tommy Ramone.

John Cafiero, Steve Miller and Henry Rollins did an amazing job editing this book. Being a huge Ramones fans there are not many pictures I have not seen of the band. As I made my way through the book I was instantly taken in by these newly unearthed pictures. The overall feel of the book really grabs the reader as it reads as one man’s dying testament to his friends and fans. “Commando: The Autobiography of Johnny Ramone” is a must have for any music lover!

Author: Paul Ruditis
Paperback: 208 pages
Publisher: Abrams
Release Date: October 1, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Hey “Walking Dead” fans, this is the first and only authorized, behind-the-scenes guide to your favorite show.  It focuses on the making of the first season of the Golden Globe–nominated TV show.  “The Walking Dead” is a really rare show, it is not your typically television programming yet millions have latched on and love it.  I couldn’t be happier for the show as it honestly deserves it.  Season one is short with only six episodes but that doesn’t mean that this book isn’t packed with content and interesting aspects of the show.

“The Walking Dead Chronicles” is jam packed with amazing illustrated with never-before-seen unit photography, storyboards, set designs, makeup and visual effects shots, and page-to-screen comparisons of the comic and TV show.   It also features new interviews with series creator Robert Kirkman and executive producer Frank Darabont, as well as the cast and crew. Also included is a detailed episode guide, including excerpts from early drafts and final scripts.  Since this show was original based on Kirkman’s comics, it has a lot of room to grow in the future as the comic is still releasing new issues often. This is honestly the best companion book to one of the best shows on television.

This book is guaranteed to satisfy any fan of the show easily.  Paul Ruditis really did a fantastic job of providing a shit load of information as well as making it a very easy read.  Make sure to also check out the fantastic introduction by the creator Robert Kirkman.  I also recommend highly the foreword from Frank Darabont.  They both start off and end this companion book with a bang. If Abrams is reading this review, I have they are going to be releasing a second volume very soon as the second season just ended.

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Author(s): Will Bingley, Anthony Hope-Smith
Paperback: 180 pages
Publisher: Abrams
Release Date: April 1, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have been fascinated with Hunter S. Thompson’s work for many years. He has such a unique perspective on the world and will not be able to be replaced by anyone. This book is really an amazing look into this life from the birth of Gonzo Journalism to “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” to his sad death. If you are a fan of HST, this is an much purchase.

By the way, did I mention it is actually an illustration biography. Thanks to the amazing illustrations of Anthony Hope-Smith, HST’s life to death is presented to you in this wonderful format. The book itself is presented in soft cover and its pages compliment the very crisp and sharp illustrations very well. I wasn’t sure what to expect from this biography but it was very intimate and enjoyable. I recommend this graphic illustration very highly.

This book is one of those books that you just have to revisit over and over. I have a feeling as well, I will be passing this book around to many of my friends to enjoy as well. Be sure to check out the beautiful and honest foreword from HST’s editor Alan Rinzler. Lastly, I commend Abrams for publishing this fantastic book and I would love to see future volumes like these as well. I leave you with one of my favorite quotes from Hunter S. Thompson “No sympathy for the Devil, keep that in mind.  Buy the ticket, take the ride”.

Author: The Topps Company
Hardcover: 224 pages
Publisher: Abrams ComicArts
Release Date: April 1, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I grew up like most kids in the 80’s collecting these amazing trading cards.  Actually, I should say secretly collecting, since I wasn’t allowed to have them during my pre-teen days.  This book is a great collection of these collectible stickers produced by Topps in the 1980s.  It is a must purchase for anyone that was a collector of these cards. The book overall is so amazing and brings back such amazing memories of growing up.  To make it even better the wax-paper dust jacket and the illustration of the shattered stick of gum on the back cover easily makes this book a must have.

This book includes artwork from avant-garde cartoonists and humorists including Art Spiegelman, Mark Newgarden, John Pound, Tom Bunk, and Jay Lynch.  For the first time ever in one place, all 206 rare and hard-to-find images from Series 1 through 5  are included in this collection.  The images are so crisp and colors are well presented.  Also included is a physical set of four limited-edition, previously unreleased bonus stickers. If you are a fan of this book reach out to Abrams and let them know we want more. It is absolutely amazing that fans continues to embrace this pop-culture phenomenon, in fact Garbage Pail Kids stickers are still being published today.

Garbage Pail Kids do not seem to be going anyway in the future.  According to Deadline, Michael Eisner’s The Tornante Company is set to finance and produce the development of a new Garbage Pail Kids movie.  Also I need to give some respect to the Art Spiegelman for kicking off this amazing book with an even better introduction and  John Pound is responsible for closing this book with a proper afterword.  If you are reading this Abrams ComicsArts, we want MORE volumes!!

Author(s): Jacob Grimm, Wilhelm Grimm
Editor: Noel Daniel
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Taschen
Release Date: October 4, 2011

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

When you actually take the time and read into the work of the Brothers Grimm, you realize that they have created so many classics. This book consists of the most famous collections of tales from the Brothers Grimm. Included amongst the two dozen stories are classics like “Cinderella”, “Snow White”, “Sleeping Beauty” and “Hansel and Gretel”. It always makes me step back and think about how much of an influence the Grimm stories have given us in our history. This all-new translation was specially commissioned for this publication by Taschen.

The most important part about the stories is the accompanied artwork. It is backed by some of the most famous illustrators from the 1850s to the 1950s, including Golden Age legend Kay Nielsen, bestselling author Wanda Gág, Walter Crane and Arthur Rackham, and 19th century German illustrations from Hermann Vogel, Otto Speckter and Viktor Paul Mohn. The book is also produced on a very impressive hard stock paper, which also compliments the colors in each image.

Another amazing reason to purchase this book is that it also includes fantastic silhouettes pulled from original publications from the 1920s. With my daughter on the way within in a few weeks of writing this review, I look forward to sharing these stories with her after she is born. It is a real treat for both adults and children alike. This collection will also make sure that people will always be able to loose themselves in fairy tales and take a journey in the minds of the Brothers Grimm.

Author: Paul Duncan
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Taschen
Release Date: April 1, 2011

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

“Mystery is mystifying; it is an intellectual thing. Suspense is an emotional thing.” — Alfred Hitchcock

Who doesn’t love the work of Alfred Hitchcock. He is the master of suspense and will never be forgotten in the world of cinema. Taschen really scored another winner with this release. It is about 200 pages, hardback and yet sells for a very reasonable $10 dollars. It is a real celebration of Hitchcock’s work and covers his complete film history. I think the book could be a little more in depth like Taschen’s “The Stanley Kubrick Archives” but this definitely does the job, especially for its price.

The best part of this book are the pictures and their captions. They are presented in large scale and really sharp presentation. This is not the most in-depth analysis of Hitchcock but it definitely satisfies the basic fan of his work. The book does provide a decent overall of his classic films like “The Birds”, “Vertigo”, “Rear Window” and of course “Psycho”. It ranges not only from his earliest silent films to his last picture in 1976, it also focuses on his life. One of my favorite parts of this books is the list of his cameos, that is always just a fun task while watching his films.

The images in the book are very high quality and if they are in black and white or color, they still are very clear and looks fantastic. I also like the behind-the-scenes look into his films, I have never seen some of these images before and it is a real treat. Hitchcock was such a unique filmmaker with techniques that will never be able to be replicated. For people looking to find out some interesting information of Hitchcock’s career, this would be the book for that. Taschen delivers another hit and I look forward to future topics that they will cover.