Author: Mark Cotta Vaz
Hardcover: 160 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: November 17, 2009

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have to say I have never been a Trekkie myself but after watching J.J. Abrams’ new vision, “Star Trek” has sparked a great interest in me. This book is a wonderful celebration of his work. I have a very soft spot for “art of books” but his one is just so absolutely beautiful. The images and colors are just so high quality and vibrant. There even is a fantastic foreword from director J.J. Abrams. As I am sure many were rebooting “Star Trek” was a really big deal but it was nothing short of amazing as is this book.

The book does not waste any time from the contents page which includes amazing full page photos. The contents of the books covers everything in the films production from the U.S.S Kelvin to re-imagining the U.S.S Enterprise to the creation of the Narada and the Kobayashi Maru. It goes into great depth into the films characters as well focusing on the Romulans, Rura Penthe and the new fleet. Also in really great depth we get to see the design of Starfleet Academy, very cool stuff. There is a great focus on the costume designs and uniforms in the film. There is even a section on poster design, which shows the enormous planning that went into choosing the art. There is all the above and yet still more. This book has everything you could possibly want and it ist honestly the essential companion to the film.

New York Times-bestselling author Mark Cotta Vaz was involved very closely with the film’s production team, which is why this book works so well. The book includes previously unseen pre-production paintings, concept sketches, costume and set designs, unit photography and final frames. I really enjoyed the set designs and concept art, it is easily my favorites. Any fans of Star Trek or sci-fi in general need to get this book as it is a must to have fir this fantastic film.

Author: David Hughes
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Updated Expanded Edition
Release Date: February 28, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

In the past few months I have found myself becoming a very big fan of author’s David Hughes. His last book “The Greatest Sci-Fi Movies Never Made” is similar to this one but focuses in one genre. “Tales From Development Hell” is backed by amazing research and just proves that Hughes knows his films. When I first started to get into movies very deeply I always wanted “Jaws 5” to be made during the 90’s and I would constantly see the words show up development hell…and 20+ years still no “Jaws 5”. It is truly a writers, directors and stars worst nightmare where the scripts are written, actors hired and sets designed…but no production.

This newly updated and expanded edition includes two new chapters that are worth the purchase alone. The previously last chapter “The Incredible Shrinking Film” is expanded focusing in-depth on James Cameron’s then-planned remake of “Fantastic Voyage” and his journey.  The new final chapter which was added is called ” Tales from the Script”.  Since Hughes is an screenwriter himself he knows what it is like to go through development hell with a script.  In the chapter he focuses on his own Hollywood struggles and projects in limbo.  It is a very great chapter and is a breath of fresh air for all aspiring screenwriters.

I seem too learn something new with each of Hughes’ books.  In this one, I discovered that The Beatles were once in talks to star in “The Lord of the Rings”…The Beatles?! Also Clint Eastwood was once talked about starring in a planned “Batman” film.  Those two alone are impressive enough for me (and boy am I happy they never got made). Along with Hughes’ amazing research he also does a great job with getting interesting exclusive interviews with the writers and directors involved with some of these lost projects.  It is a true must for all movie buffs.

Author: Kristi Yamaguchi
Illustrator: Tim Bowers
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Sourcebooks Jabberwocky
Release Date: March 6, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Kristi Yamaguchi is an award winning figure skater, who has won many championships and it turns out she is also a really great author. Her last book “Dream Big, Little Pig!” was a New York Times Bestseller. This second book in her series continues with a new adventure for Poppy the pig. The book is just so welcoming from the cover to cover with amazing illustrations by Tim Bowers. The illustrations are so colorful yet warm and really accompany the words well. Although only 32 pages, the story is just so empowering and delivers this wonderful message abut overcoming your fears, which is great inspiration for children.

Poppy faces a new adventure in this book; the World Games ice-skating championship in Paris. Poppy although nervous about visiting a new place and meeting new people, she is strong and packed by a supportive family. On her new journey is meets a snowboarding Panda, a skiing Maltese, a Crane and a Kangaroo, who also skate. The main message of the story shows that even though they may look or act different, they are just like her. Such a sweet and yet powerful message in this story.

With my daughter on her way (due May 2012), I am really looking forward to sharing this book with her. I believe that she will really enjoy it and hopefully it will inspire her to follow her dreams and dream big. Kristi Yamaguchi really knows how to tell an interesting story and capture the interest of both the children and their parents (which is not an easy task). I look forward to future books from her, especially in this series.

Author(s): Jonathan Penner, Steven Jay Schneider
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Taschen
Release date: April 18, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Horror is easily my favorite genre of film. When you thing of Taschen you this of high quality books and beautiful photos. Well, that is exactly what you get with this 2012 update of this fantastic look into the world of horror filmmaking. If you are a fan of horror films, this is a MUST purchase and it is available at a very reasonable price as well, only $14.99. This book is really an amazing visual journey.

The book itself is split into ten parts covering all different aspects of the genre. The categories covered are the following: Slashers & Serial Killers; Cannibals, Freaks & Hillbillys; Revenge of Nature & Environmental Horror; Science-Fiction Horror; The Living Dead; Ghosts & Haunted Houses; Possession, Demons & Evil Tricksters; Voodoo, Cults & Satanists; Vampires & Werewolves; and The Monstrous-Feminine. I mean is anything left out here!? Nope. They cover every single aspect of horror.

The films featured in this book have such range and do not focus on a specific time in the genre’s history. It ranges so well from 1920’s “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” to “Jaws” to “Gremlins” to “Creature from the Black Lagoon”. Of course there are also the classics like such as “Psycho”, “Alien”, “The Exorcist”, and “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre”. I really enjoyed the rare behind the scenes look that this allows us to see a different side of our favorite films. For example, we get a look of H.R. Geiger holding an egg from “Alien” or Steven Spielberg sitting on Bruce the shark from “Jaws”.

Like I mentioned, Taschen is known for its high quality work. This book contains ridiculously high quality photos, some are even full page from our favorite horror movies. I also really enjoyed the atmosphere that the book develops ranging its photos from crisp black and white to glorious color. Horror fans will love the fact that this book is also no-holds barred. It is not afraid to show a ton of gore and nudity. This book will be prominently placed in my bookshelf and shown off to all my friends that also enjoy horror.

Author: Stephen Spignesi
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: For Dummies
Release Date: February 1, 2012

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

With the Titanic celebrating it’s 100th anniversary this year, expect a lot of coverage on this subject all year. This book is a must for an history buff and it provides enough information for even those to claim to know everything about the Titanic. “The Titanic For Dummies” covers every single aspect of the shipping from its building of the ship to that fateful night to its affect on pop culture i.e. James Cameron’s “Titanic”.

The book is split over six parts and twenty chapters. Part 1 focuses on the last 100 years and how the Titanic has become a legacy. This ranges from the building, to its board members and even the menu on the ship. Part 2 deals with unfortunate sinking of the ship. It focuses on its collision, the survivors (including first hand accounts), the news coverage and its investigation. Part 3 explores the mystery of what went wrong and many other unanswered questions for the final hours of the ship. Part 4 deals with the journey to revive the sunken ship wreck. Part 5 takes a look into how the Titanic has been explored in pop culture. Lastly the final part is called “The Parts of Tens” and focuses on ten artifacts, myths and documentaries about the Titanic.

If you are familiar with other “For dummies” book then this one is really no different, expect it is a very interesting read. I have read many of these but they are usually about computer or technology and more for necessary knowledge and not pleasure. I really enjoyed reading this and I will look forward to spread this book around to others who will also able to enjoy it. If you are unaware also this April, James Cameron’s “Titanic” is being re-released in 3D to commemorate the 100th anniversary. This topic is one that will never fade away and never forgotten through time.

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Author: David Hughes
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Revised & Expanded Edition
Release Date: July 25, 2008

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I think we all forget that some of our favorites films have long journeys to the big screen and some never even get made.  Whether it is changing directors or projects falling through, this book reveals the “what if” factor of many sci-fi movies that were never made.  This revised & expanded edition contains over 100 pages added to the book.  It is a must for all sci-fi fans and probably movie fans in all.

The book is kicked off with a great foreword by H.R. Giger (designer for “Alien”), it is a great insight into his career and about his dealings with Hollywood.  I am a huge movie fan especially the sci-fi genre and this book is really such a great insight into these lost films.  Some of them I would have loved to have seen like Terry Gilliam’s “Watchmen” or Tim Burton’s “Superman Lives”. Then there are some that I would have hated like Nicholas Cage playing Superman.  I also enjoyed the fact that this wasn’t consisted of re-hashed knowledge and there was a lot of new information that I never knew about.   Author David Hughes made sure to back this book with a bunch of great new interviews with the people involved with the writers and directors of these lost projects.

Besides providing new information, the book is also very detailed and includes thorough information like budgets and technical information about these films.  I enjoyed that most about this book, especially because I am a big statistical nerd.  Lastly, who else should provide the afterword to a book aimed at nerds, then the biggest nerd, Harry Knowles aka the famous blogger from Ain’t it Cool News.  He gives good insight in the wrapping up the book and its message.  If you enjoyed this book also check out Hughes’ latest coming out February 28, 2012 from Titans Books called “Tales From Development Hell: The Greatest Movies Never Made?”.

Author: Kevin Smith
Paperback: 512 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Expanded and Updated Edition
Release Date: September 22, 2009

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Yes, you are not misreading the cover wrong Kevin Smith is a New York Times Bestseller author.  This book is a very personal in-depth diary into the life of Kevin Smith.  The expanded and updated edition of the book adds a behind-the-scenes look  at the making of “Zack and Miri Make a Porno”.  A new afterword is also included which pretty much brings us up to date on what Kevin has been up to and what he has (or had) planned for 2009.  The subtitle of “Uncomfortably Candid” is definitely not an understatement either as the entries in this book are just as vulgar as his film scripts.  Nonetheless fans of Smith, will eat it up and get a chance to get inside of his mind.

If you think that the life of Kevin Smith is all razzle and dazzle you might be disappointed though coming into this book.  You will find that some of it is dull and uneventful but between watching his TiVo, Kevin also finds time to make kick-ass movies like “Clerks II”.  The book isn’t all jokes though, he also dives into the personal details of Jason Mewes’ drug addiction battle. Like myself you really need to be a die-hard fan of Smith in order to really take away the most from the book.

If you are looking for a typical autobiography, this is not what you would be looking for.  I actually enjoyed the diary format of “My Boring-Ass Life”, because it feels more personal and complete.  We get to experience Kevin’s full account for each day in his life as he completes his  journey entries.  Once you get started with this book it is almost hard to put it down and it is a rare book that actually gets better as it goes on.  If you don’t own this book already, it is recommended highly that you pick it up but get ready to laugh and be offended at the same time.

Author: Kevin Smith
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: September 22, 2009

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

I have to start this buy saying I never (and still haven’t) got into the whole podcast phenomenon.  I am sure that they are absolutely hilarious if you chosen the right one  but I never found the interest.  SModcast began back in February 5, 2007 and this book is perfect for people that have not been listening this day one. This book consists of transcriptions of Kevin Smith’s favorite SModcasts.

The conversations between Kevin and his friend/producer Scott Mosier are absolutely priceless.  There are no topics that are safe and nothing that is too weird.  I don’t know how it is possible but an example from SModcast 78, the duo mixes the topics of jaundice and wait of it “Star Wars”.  Absolutely classic.  Jennifer Connelly takes topic in SModcast 37 and the guys talk about her remaking movies. I just need to quote a line from this one: “KS: If  somebody said “Jennifer Connelly is going to be in a remake of Goodfellas, do you get mad?”, SM: I don’t think that there is a remake that would make me mad.”  The topics are mostly for adults only and are very raunchy but that is what makes them so funny.

This book isn’t just transcriptions, there is also fun illustrations by Michael Macari. Kevin Smith honestly knows his way with words and of course we all found that out with the script from “Clerks” and his work following.  If you enjoyed “My Boring-Ass Life”, this is a great companion to that.  Honestly I am sure that these are much funnier with live audio but this is a great way to catch up on the back log and just get the best of.  “Shootin’ the Sh*t with Kevin Smith” is a must for all fans of his work!

Author: Scott Schiaffo
Paperback: 112 pages
Publisher: Scott Schiaffo
Release Date: January 5, 2012

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

The subtitle really sets the mood for this book perfectly: “a collection of prose, tales, and streams of semi-consciousness”.  Actor and musician, Scott Schiaffo not only authored this book of poems he also self-published it.  Scott is known best for his role in “Clerks” as the “Chewlies Gum Guy”. Before reading this book I have never really took much interest into the world of poetry.  After reading this book I think my mind has been opened to this world new world that I never really took notice to.  Be warned before you read this book it is some heavy stuff and you should really prepare yourself before diving in.

In this book we delve into the mind Scott Schiaffo and his darkest times in his life.  We glimpse into his issues with existential angst, addiction, and even near death experiences. I really need to give Scott credit for revealing this very troubled time in his life. Two notable poems have to be “Naked” and “Stitch”.  I also really enjoyed the title poem “Vicious Dogs Attack Me In Sleepless Nights Of Summer”. To quote the closing line of “Elapse”…”I want to live, not exist”,  this pretty much sums its up.

The book itself extremely simple and is not too showy.  It really let’s the words do the talking and it is what it is and take it or leave it.  To accompany these deep and honest poems are some great illustrations from Scott Meaney, co-author of the great sci-fi graphic novel, “Constellation Park”. I feel that Scott really digs deep and really reveals to us his darkest secrets and you really get an appreciation for his story that you find being told throughout each poem.  I recommend this book very highly.

Author: Jack Davis
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Fantagraphics
Release Date: December 12, 2011

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

I recently had the privileged to interview Jack Davis himself and discuss his work with him. I have to tell you that it would honestly take hours of questions to barely scratch the surface on his work. This book is packed with really great high quality coverage of all of Jack’s work. It starts from the beginning  in the early days and gives a pretty thorough look at his career portfolio. I feel that the book work as a tribute to his work and would be enjoyed by his lifetime fans and newly founding fans alike.

Some of the work that “Jack Davis: Drawing American Pop Culture” covers is his comic work in EC, “MAD”, “Humbug”, “Trump”, and horror work like “The Vault of Terror” and Tales from the Crypt”. It focuses on his work with movie posters and albums covers including “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World”, “The Bad News Bears”, “Bananas” and record jacket art for musicians and bands like Hans Conreid and the Creature Orchestra’s Monster Rally and Spike Jones. Jack’s work has also been featured in magazine like Playboy, Sports Illustrated, Time and TV Guide. Lastly a main draw for the book has to be unpublished illustrations and and newly found drawings from Davis.

I did not think that one book would be able to encompass all of it all of Jack’s worth but this one does a decent job. The images though are very clear and crisp whether in black and white or color. You can even see the pencil marks on some of the pictures, which adds to the beauty of the images. After you finished enjoying all of his work, there is a great biography written about Jack to round up all of his work and delivers some great information about his career.  Fans of Jack’s and of art in general should definitely check this out if you are able to pick up a copy from Fantagraphics.

Author: Jody Duncan
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Titan Books
Release Date: November 1, 2006

Our Score: 5 out 5 stars

Stan Winston has created some of the most amazing monsters/creatures in films for over the last 30 years. Some of Stan’s work that he is known best for is ranges from The Terminator to Aliens and Predator to the amazing dinosaurs of Jurassic Park. It is just amazing to see some of the detailed process of his work and his team on these films. The copy up for review here is limited edition featuring a variant cover and signed by Stan Winston! So if you are able to pick one of these gems before they are all gone.

In a collaborated with Stan Winston Studio this book is the first-ever to reveal all the behind-the-scenes secrets Stan Winston’s influential artistry and effects work. It features some really detailed sketches, production art, and photographs. The book is split into the years of Winston’s work. “From Emmy to Oscar Nominations” covers 1972-1981 featuring the early work of Stan Winston like “The Wiz” and “Star Wars Holiday Special”. “Something Robotic This Way Comes” ranges from 1982-1984 and features some of his classic work like “The Thing” and “The Terminator”. “Aliens, Predators and Terminators” covers 1985-1991 and what it covers is obvious. This chapter is really the meat of his career and covers the most iconic creatures in his career. The next is called “And Stan Created Dinosaurs” from 1992-1999, “Jurassic Park” is such an important film in history mixing CG with practical effect. Lastly “It’s Not Just a Walk in the Park” covers from 2000-present, featuring “A.I.: Artificial Intelligence” to “Jurassic Park III”. It also takes us inside the studio, including a great foldout creature diorama. Lastly we have “Looking into the Future”, which talks about the future of Winston Studio (obviously prior to Stan passing away in 2008).

The photos is this book are extremely high quality. I found myself just starring at certain photos and admiring the scope of his work and the effects that it has had on film and myself as a film fan. This is probably one the best art of book that I have ever read. It is just such a great insight into the life and history that Stan Winston has left and of course it is great to showcase of the amazing creatures that he has left us with over the year. This book is honestly should be owned by every fan of movies…in general.

Author(s): Harvey Kubernik, Kenneth Kubernik
Hardcover: 288 pages
Publisher: Santa Monica Press
Release Date: November 1, 2011

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Before Woodstock, the summer of 1967 brought us the Monterey International Pop Festival. It was the first festival where thousands of hippies went to experience the summer of love. The book provides a really great insight into the event where you feel like you were there. There are such detailed documents including copies of telegrams, contracts, newspaper clippings, line-up posters, and other rare memorabilia from the festival. If you are fan of such music icons, such as Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, and Otis Redding…than this is definitely a book for you, no question.

Besides all the amazing rare photos provided a great behind the scenes look at the festival, there are also many new interviews with musicians like Pete Townshend, Roger Daltrey and some members of the Jefferson Airplane and more! The book is split into seven chapters. What I enjoyed most is that it is a chronicle of each act that performed at the event. It is not just the authors telling us about the events. The first takes us through the preparation and leading up the event. The second chapter takes us through the events of the first night on Friday, which features music from Simon and Garfunkel and Lou Rawls. Chapter three focuses on Saturday afternoon with Canned Heat and The Steve Miller Band as a few of the acts giving their comments on the festival. Chapter 4 focuses on Saturday night with The Byrds and Jefferson Airplane for example. Chapter 5 takes us through the events of Sunday afternoon with detailed accounts from Ravi Shankar. Sunday night, the last night, is covered with biggest names like Buffalo Springfield, The Who, Grateful Dead and Jimi Hendrix. The last chapter takes us through “Monterey Pop: The Movie” and follows D.A. Pennebaker’s account of the festival and working on the film.

The photos in the book really captures the essence of this truly amazing event. I feel that the personal account of each night really draw you into the book and if you close you eyes you can see the bands and here there music. I think that is probably the goal for a book like this one. Whether you were there at the Monterey International Pop Festival that June 16-18, 1967 or whether you weren’t even born, this book is a great tribute to the event. It is a must purchase for fans of this era of music.

Author(s): Steven Bingen, Stephen X. Sylvester, Michael Troyan
Hardcover: 312 pages
Publisher: Santa Monica Press
Release Date: February 25, 2011

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

MGM Studios in Hollywood was the last great original place where the movies were made. This book is a great ode to back lot that helped shape filmmaking. It is also great to be able to view some beautiful black and white photos that have been previously unpublished from the studio’s archives. We also get treated to rare and exclusive interviews with actors and staff from the studio. It is amazing to read that MGM’s backlot was home to more than a fifth of the films produced prior to 1980 dating back to Hollywood’s golden age. Some of the classic gems produced were of course films such as “The Wizard of Oz” and “Gone with the Wind”.

Included is such an in depth coverage of the studio, it is split into 4 parts. The first is called “Lands of Make-Believe” and covers lot one of the studio. The second is called “Potemkin’s Villages”, coming lot two. Part three covers lot three and is called “Mythic Landscapes”. The last part is called “Backlot Babylon”, the decline of the studio. In part 1, we focus on the buildings and various departments. I really enjoyed reading about every department and its tasks no matter how trivial, ranging from Music to Makeup department. Also included is maps of the various sound stages on the lot, it just shows the sheer size. Lastly, part one also showcases some of the lost backlot sets of lot one, for example the “Ben-Hur” set”.

Part two is subtitled “False Fronts – An Illusion on an Illusion”. It focused on MGM’s magic trick of creating a place that didn’t exist and making it look like it did during shooting. The points on the map showcased are the classic sets and streets like New York Streets and Three Musketeers Court. Part three showcases one of the greatest lots in the MGM backlot. It was packed with all the BIG sets, like full Western sets like Billy the Kid Street to Ghost Town Street. It also featured St. Louis Street, where films like “Meet in St. Louis” and “How the West was Won” were filmed. Part 4 picks up around 1948 for MGM backlot, which was said to be the last great year of the studio. It focuses on the declined box office figured due to after the war. It also includes demolition summaries and photos that are heartbreaking to look at. Lastly there is a section called “Films Shot on the Backlot”, which includes every single film that was shot at MGM and on which lot and which street. It is a real gem to have in the book and seals the deal for sure.

While turning each chapter in this book I really looked forward to each quote from well known people in Hollywood like F. Scott Fitzgerald and Nathaniel West. Also be sure to check out Debbie Reynolds’ foreword as it is an amazing look into her time spent on the lot and the impression it has left on her.  The photos are just so amazing and it is a treat to be able to take a look inside such a lost treasure. If you like behind the scenes with movies, this is the perfect book for you getting to go behind the scenes at one of Hollywood’s greatest movie studios

Author: Rick Goldschmidt
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Miser Bros Press
Release Date: December 25, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When it comes to Rankin/Bass Productions, Rick Goldschmidt is the man you want to go to. He is known best for being the Rankin/Bass Historian and Biographer. You know that when he is writing a book about something it is going to be packed with passion and that an incredible time and effort put into it. “Rankin/Bass’ Mad Monster Party” is no different and is a great homage to the classic 1967 feature film. I grew up watching the work of Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass and it is great to see that someone is keeping their name alive.

The book runs in at 272 amazing pages packed with over 300 images, some that have never been seen before or have been published. Most of the book is black and white but there are over 50 pages of full color pages with amazing photos and artwork from the film. Some of the photos/artwork included are rare concept sketches and storyboards. One feature that I think is amazing is the complete original 1967 shooting script. And what is a Rankin/Bass Production without music? There is also the original sheet music from the title song “Mad Monster Party” written by Jules Bass and Maury Laws. Plus a real treat as to be that a reproduction of the “Mad Monster Party” Dell comic book is included in its entirety.

So if all that is not enough for you then you will look forward to amazing behind the scene interviews from the cast and crew from the film. It is great to get the insight from them about working on the film that is over 40 years old. Of course I can’t forget to mention the amazing foreword by one of the creators himself, Arthur Rankin Jr. It is great to read his praise of the book and the fact that his support it behind it just makes this even better. Overall the book is just such a paper turner and it leaves you hesitant to turn to page to make sure that you absorbed everything before continuing. This is a must buy for fans. I can’t stress that enough…Must buy!

Author: Ian Nathan
Hardcover w/slipcase: 176 pages
Publisher: Voyageur Press
Release Date: September 17, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

When this book says that it is the definitive story of the making of “Alien”, they were not exaggerating.  This book is extremely thorough and very descriptive. It also comes in a very impressive slipcase, which adds a lot of class to this already perfect homage to the film. Each page are packed with photos, artwork and even Ridley Scott’s own storyboards. There are  also ten reproduced artifacts enclosed in envelopes throughout the book. This brings a whole new aspect to the book.

“Alien Vault: The Definitive Story of the Making of the Film” covers from the making of the film to its road to becoming a cult phenomenon.  It is illustrated beautifully and looks very high quality, especially in the photos.  The interviews and stories included are extremely interesting and there is also great insight into filmmaking including the some of the camera tricks used on the production. The general flow of the book also work really well and keeps the book a real page-turner.

I think it is really great that we get to check out not only Ridley Scott’s own annotated storyboards but also polaroids from the shoot and also script pages.  Of course no “Alien”  book is complete with out some concept artwork of the crazy brain of H.R. Giger.  There is also some really cool sketches and construction blueprints for the the crew’s ship, Nostromo and also costume designs by Moebius. If you are a fan of behind the scenes photos like me, they you are going to also really enjoy a bunch of never-before-seen shots of the cast and crew.  Overall this book is a no-brainer and it will easily leave all “Alien” fans 100% satisfied.

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