ART OF POCAHONTAS, THE

Customer Reviews:

great for art/"Pocahontas" fans in general.......1998-08-24

I love flipping through this book once in a while just to be in awe of Disney animators all over again, but I agree w/ some of the other reviewers who say that there isn't enough about the actual people behind this artwork. I'd like to find out more about how the artists & voices influenced different aspects of the story, reacted to deadlines, etc. too--but the art almost makes up for it. The book also provides some more insight into the personalities of the characters in "Pocahontas," which I found enlightening. Overall, it's a beautiful accompaniment to the movie, and very inspiring as well--makes me want to learn how to draw a little better.

A book as beautiful as its main character.......1997-12-27

The art of Pocahontas is, to my mind, one of the most beautiful books about animation art. Its composition following the making of the film step by step helps the reader to understand how a huge production such as Pocahontas is made and all the production aeras are represented. The pictures taken from the film and the artist's sketches shown in it are so great they could make anyone that did not like the design of Pocahontas ( and god knows they are a lot in France ) loves it. The only thing that could be improved is about photos of the artists in their work environment, there should be more.

Weak parts, but worth taking a look at........1997-11-30

The only thing holding this book together is the easy way it flows. In the tradition of other Disney "Making of..." books, it follows the format of each animation process from concept to script to storyboard to animation. Its interesting, but at times bogs down some nice visuals. Not all the visuals are great, though. The pre-production art seems weak and cliche like the drawings of pilgrims and Indians you remember as a kid. Only in the animation chapters does it pick up, particularly the work of Glen Keane. As chief animator of the title character, his storyboards and animation seem the most inspired and studied. Other character designs seem less bold against Disney's first eco-feminist heroine who paved the way for post-feminist heroines like Esmeralda from Hunchback and Meg from Hercules. The book not unnique in its execution or format, but its worth taking a look at to compare with other films and books and to see the evolution of the thought process of great Disney animators like Keane and Ruben Aquino. And of course it has its share of Disney we-are-doing-this-and-no-one-else-can attitude.

Very beautiful!.......1997-11-26

First of all, I assume that these reviews are supposed to refer to the large hardcover edition, which was published in 1995, and not the smaller 1996 edition. The large one is gorgeous, allowing a look into the world of how the artists develop a film from start to finish. Some of the concept art is so beautiful that you wonder why it didn't make it into the film. My only gripe with this book is that, like Rebello's other books, it deals almost entirely with the visual aspect of the films and, although it talks about how songs developed the movie (the Colors of the Wind section is especially well done), what about the voices? In The Art of Animation: From Mickey Mouse to Beauty and the Beast, descriptions and photos are included of the actors who voiced the characters. While you might say that this sort of thing doesn't belong in an "Art of" book, I think it does, because the actor who voices a character often has a tremendous influence on the visual development of that character. For example, Belle in Beauty and the Beast would not have had the lock of hair that kept falling into her face - an endearing gesture that helped make her more real to the audience - if Paige O'Hara, her voice, had not had it first. The Art of Pocahontas would be perfect if it offered similar insights. But it's definitely worth reading or just looking at, to bask in the sheer beauty of the artwork.

Miniature Poachontas Book is Big on Color and Information.......1997-03-06

Don't let the small size of "The Art of Pocahontas"fool you; the authors have crammed the 5.5" by 4.5" book with loads of colorful artwork and interesting insights into the recent Disney masterpiece.

"The Art of Pocahontas" traces the creation of the film from conception to completion, including wonderful reproductions of concept sketches, background paintings, layout drawings and final animation art. The 189 pages of this small volume contain over 400 color and black-and-white illustrations.

The text was written by Stephen Rebello, an editor of "Movieline" and author of "Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of 'Psycho.'" He provides many insights into the collaborative and creative process behind the making of "Pocahontas."

Book Description

Between the classic films of Walt Disney in the 1940s and the televised cartoon revolution of the 1960s was a critical period in the history of animation. Amid Amidi, of the influential Animation Blast magazine and CartoonBrew blog, charts the evolution of the modern style in animation, which largely discarded the "lifelike" aesthetic for a more graphic and often abstract approach. Abundantly found in commercials, industrial and educational films, fair and expo infotainment, and more, this quickly popular cartoon modernism shared much with the painting and graphic design movements of the era. Showcasing hundreds of rare and forgotten sketches, model boards, cels, and film stills, Cartoon Modern is a thoroughly researched, eye-popping, and delightful account of a vital decade of animation design.

Customer Reviews:

Cool, Fun and Essential.......2007-07-17

This book covers a vital an oft-neglected period in animation history. When I first laid eyes upon it, in a bookstore, I think I audibly gasped. It is that beautiful. Do not hesitate to purchase this book, which incidentally, won the Theatre Library Association Award for outstanding book in the area of film or broadcasting. Hopefully, there'll be a sequel.

Superlative.......2007-06-08

If you're an animation buff, you won't want to miss Amid Amidi's "Cartoon Modern: Style and Design in 1950s Animation". Lushly paged, and densely packed with generous, colorful, brightly saturated illustrations, "Cartoon Modern" is the cel animation cartoon fan's dream come true - the kind of volume you'd find in a favorites bin in a dream and try to take out into the waking world with you! Amid Amidi is clearly another one of us toon fangeeks: he eagerly sifts through tons of studio, production and biographical information but doesn't skimp on small details only another fangeek would enjoy - intriguing factoids and behind-the-scenes animator gossip relevant to the period abound throughout this thick, heavy book. You will never tire of the clippings, sketches, layouts, articles and character designs. Far from limited to the gorgeous coffeetable book it resembles - don't be fooled by its size and stylish appearance! - "Cartoon Modern" is an authoritative tour of one of American animation's most important creative periods. I personally look forward to more animation books from Amidi, and I hope he will someday take a literary look at the animation of the classic, cartoon modern-influenced 1969-1976 period of PBS's "Sesame Street" and "The Electric Company". As a generous portion of "Cartoon Modern" concerns the works of animators John and Faith Hubley, and the Hubley Studios generated a good 40-50% of the animation for both shows, such a book may not be far from the realm of possibility. Superlative.

More than Disney...........2007-04-19

We had forgotten how much treasured animation was created during this very stylistic era in film history.

Most importantly, the book deserves a publishing prize simply for the design of the text. Absolutely beautiful... flawlessly designed... with quality binding and printing that should last for a century to come.

We were pleasantly surprised by the beauty and class within these covers, and we are pleased to highly recommend this text for the most discriminating animation libraries.

Cartoon Modern.......2007-03-19

Absolutly wonderful visuals, with OK text. Text suffers from almost no acknowlegement of foriegn animation that preceded and drove the U.S. animation design, but still very informationl and a good referenxce book.

Great Book.......2007-01-22

I think this book is a nice purchase. It has great visual reference for cartoon styles and is really easy to brouse through as each "animation studio" has its own chapter. Two other people from my work purchased the book as well, and seem to like it too!

Average customer rating:

A must-have item!
Animator's Ultimate Guide
Disillusioned. Skip It.
Wonderful
this is a great book!

The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation
Ollie Johnston , and Frank Thomas
Manufacturer: Disney Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0786860707

Customer Reviews:

A must-have item!.......2007-09-15

For those people who wants to work with graphics, It's very important to have contact with newest technologies and media. But to have real growth, the basis is here. Beautiful book! Compared to price, is the best benefit in whole amazon site!

Animator's Ultimate Guide.......2007-09-04

It's an amazing book! Everything you want to know about the business and the pure art and joy of being an animator from the masters.

Disillusioned. Skip It........2007-08-27

This is a biased and officially licensed piece of pro-Walt Disney propaganda. The animation tips from Frank Thomas, one of the greatest animators who ever lived, are priceless. But he and his buddy Ollie Johnston (who was not nearly as talented as Thomas) are biased, and as a history, it is severely flawed.

Many vital artists to the Disney style of animation are given the shaft, which essentially anyone outside of the Nine Old Men. Fred Moore, Art Babbitt, and Bill Tytla are almost completely ignored. Director Jack Kinney and animator John Sibley, the team responsible for Disney's inarguably best short subject series, Goofy, are not even mentioned. They do a good job of erasing all of the 'bombs' such as Alice in Wonderland and Three Caballeros as well.

I also am repulsed at the lauding of such features as Robin Hood and The Rescuers, in favor of work by the studio many years earlier that was inarguably superior. And any tome this size that gives only four mentions to Dumbo is not worth owning.

Skip it.

Wonderful.......2007-08-05

Wonderful and very useful book, highly recommended for everyone who's interested in the world of animation and its history.

this is a great book!.......2007-03-13

great shipping and good condition!
i think this book is very important for student who is studying animaion.

The Animated Man: A Life of Walt Disney (Simpson Book in the Humanities)

Average customer rating:

An Excellent Biography
A VITAL & ALIVE BIOGRAPHY
The Best Biography of Disney yet
The Animated Man: A Triumph for Michael Barrier
A rich account

The Animated Man: A Life of Walt Disney (Simpson Book in the Humanities)
Michael Barrier
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0520241177

Book Description

Walt Disney (1901-1966) was one of the most significant creative forces of the twentieth century, a man who made a lasting impact on the art of the animated film, the history of American business, and the evolution of twentieth-century American culture. He was both a creative visionary and a dynamic entrepreneur, roles whose demands he often could not reconcile.
In his compelling new biography, noted animation historian Michael Barrier avoids the well-traveled paths of previous biographers, who have tended to portray a blemish-free Disney or to indulge in lurid speculation. Instead, he takes the full measure of the man in his many aspects. A consummate storyteller, Barrier describes how Disney transformed himself from Midwestern farm boy to scrambling young businessman to pioneering artist and, finally, to entrepreneur on a grand scale. Barrier describes in absorbing detail how Disney synchronized sound with animation in Steamboat Willie; created in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs sympathetic cartoon characters whose appeal rivaled that of the best live-action performers; grasped television's true potential as an unparalleled promotional device; and--not least--parlayed a backyard railroad into the Disneyland juggernaut.
Based on decades of painstaking research in the Disney studio's archives and dozens of public and private archives in the United States and Europe, The Animated Man offers freshly documented and illuminating accounts of Disney's childhood and young adulthood in rural Missouri and Kansas City. It sheds new light on such crucial episodes in Disney's life as the devastating 1941 strike at his studio, when his ambitions as artist and entrepreneur first came into serious conflict.
Beginning in 1969, two and a half years after Disney's death, Barrier recorded long interviews with more than 150 people who worked alongside Disney, some as early as 1922. Now almost all deceased, only a few were ever interviewed for other books. Barrier juxtaposes Disney's own recollections against the memories of those other players to great effect. What emerges is a portrait of Walt Disney as a flawed but fascinating artist, one whose imaginative leaps allowed him to vault ahead of the competition and produce work that even today commands the attention of audiences worldwide.

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Biography.......2007-07-10

I'm in full agreement with other reviewers that this is one of if not the best Biography of Walt Disney ever written. The recent Neil Gabler biography has received more publicity (and it not bad) and is the most obvious book to compare to, I found Michael Barrier's "The Animated Man" much better in terms of the insight into the life of Walt Disney. I read Barrier's biography about 2 months after Gable's and found Mr. Gabler delved way to much into speculation where Barrier seemed to give insight into Walt.

I don't often write a review, but I thought this book was worth giving the positive review.

Mr. Barrier tells the life of Walt Disney, warts and all. Walt comes off a real person with real problems while doing great things. I have over 100 books on Walt Disney and the things he helped to create including many books and articles by those that new Walt first hand, and Barrier's book seems to give the most accurate and unbiased view of Walt of any biography I have ever read. It seems to give an accurate picture of Walt behind the scenes.

A VITAL & ALIVE BIOGRAPHY.......2007-06-11

Barrier has drawn with precise selectivity from an immense amount of original research and then pursued a careful, true balance in the writing - there is not a false note in it - to create an informative, entertaining and also stimulating biography of Walt Disney. He has clearly engaged deeply with the subject and the material and has brought careful thought to bear on every aspect and angle. As a result, each page comes alive, with a vitality not found in lesser books that merely rehash old arguments. When future generations once again focus on animation and attempt to reassess the moving drawing, with the benefit of hindsight, I'm sure Barrier will be one of the authors whose works will be considered indispensable

The Best Biography of Disney yet.......2007-05-12

This is an extraordinarily good book. After giving up on the Neal Gabler book (too many words and not enough understanding, really, of who the man was), I love the approach of this book. Barrier knows animation inside and out, and he uses his knowledge to give us a picture of a real man and boss who tried to make animation great. The nitty gritty of those details make a real life comprehensible. The immense research is felt even though Barrier doesn't try to impress us with it; the book is a captivating read that propels you along. Highly recommended.

The Animated Man: A Triumph for Michael Barrier.......2007-05-11

If you were thinking of passing by The Animated Man in favor of Neal Gabler's biography of Walt Disney, think again. "...Complete access to the Disney archives..." notwithstanding, Gabler couldn't in many, many cases, figure out just what exactly to do with all the information he was supposedly buried in for five+ years. And as such, the reader comes away at times with more questions than answers about just who Walt Disney was.

This is not the case in Michael Barrier's fine biography of Walt Disney, The Animated Man: A Life of Walt Disney. Although he may not have had the unfettered access to the Disney archives accorded Neal Gabler, one would hardly be aware of that particular handicap. He was able to utilize a great deal of information housed there, which along with interview after interview makes for a mighty informative read. And since many of the interviews utilized throughout the book date back over 30 years, Barrier was able to talk with many Disney employees who "were there" at or near the start of Walt Disney's impact on the world.

So many of the interviews captured by Barrier provide an insight into what made Walt Disney `tick' that simply don't exist from the materials Gabler was able to unearth. More than once while reading through The Animated Man did I stop to re-read a paragraph as a particular tidbit of information provided an "a-ha" moment, helping to fill in some blanks pertaining to either Walt Disney himself or the legacy he left behind.
Also, Michael Barrier was able to weave his knowledge of animation throughout the text, providing additional insights not available to authors with less refined skills in that area.

In spite of it being half the length of Gabler's tome, I feel most readers will come away feeling more than fulfilled with few asking for more as Barrier's raison d'être of the book is his pinpoint focus on Walt Disney and what really made him tick.

As has been stated many times, and is still true today: the definitive Disney biography has yet (if ever) to be written, but Barrier comes as close as anyone has to date. There are plenty of books about Walt Disney and the Walt Disney Company to keep most of us glued to our reading glasses for some time to come. And one could round out one's knowledge by continuing on to Gabler's bio or even Bob Thomas' and certainly The "E" Ticket fanzine for very insightful and unique interviews with those who worked with Walt (primarily on the parks) - to name but a few. But I strongly feel the best starting point would be to grab a copy of Michael Barrier's biography and be prepared to be wowed.

A rich account.......2007-03-24

This book is so rich with detail! You can picture yourself there when a young Walt is growing up as a farm kid in Marceline, Missouri, or later when he's struggling to make a living.

The endless first-person accounts and interviews really bring Disney's world -- indeed, much of a whole bygone American world -- to life. At times it reads almost like an oral history. It's a great complement to Neil Gabler's "Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination."

The book is not published by the Disney company, and the author is no corporate flack. But he's also no muckraker. You'll come away with a definite opinion of Walt Disney, his work and his life, but it's one you'll form yourself.

-- By Julie Neal, author of The Complete Guide to Walt Disney World.

Average customer rating:

A bit disappointed though!!
Johnston and Thomas Together Again!
GET IT when you can...
A Worthwhile Read For Any Disney Fan!

DISNEY VILLAIN, THE
Ollie Johnston
Manufacturer: Disney Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1562827928

Customer Reviews:

A bit disappointed though!!.......2002-04-08

The book is not bad, but not really as good as I expected. After having read the extraordinary book "The illussion of life", I wanted more from the same drawer. I picked the villains book.
In the beginning Frank'n'Ollie explain why they did the book, and apparently it was made on command, I couldn't help thinking about that when I read it. The chapters in the book are very short, and there is too little information about how they decided to make their characters as they turned out. Each chapter begins with an (Too long) introduction of the characters role in the film. Of course you can not expect everybody to have seen every disney film that exists, but too much space in the book is used to explain things you already know if you've seen the films.
I would have prefered to know more about how the animators felt about their characters and how they developed the personalities, for instance the thin line of making the beast in "Beauty and the Beast" looking like a beast that you could still end up having feelings for. I would like to have seen more development drawings and sketches and even some animation continuity with some good examples of change in expression of the villains as well.
Some times you read about villains that actually ain't villains. The bear in "Fox and a hound" is actually no villain because it is just following natural instincts, but how about Chief, the big old dog in the movie, nothing about him? A book that is not deep enough. but still not bad. Guess I still shouldn't have read it after just finishing "Illussion of life".

Johnston and Thomas Together Again!.......2000-02-04

Anything by these two wonderful authors and amazing animators should be a must in anyone's collection. Yet, I am baffled that all of their books are currently out of print. I am sure one will not have trouble looking at a used bookstore for a copy of this. This book deals precisely with what the title says: The Disney Villians. In their usual classic and lucid style, the authors discuss the troubles they ran while devising a villian. One that is wicked, yet appealing to the audience. Going through their catalog of movies from Snow White to Aladdin, they discuss in detail what a villian is all about, and how the villian relates to the story, style and main character of each film. Whether one should be more realistic, or have harder edges, or what kind of mannerisms will this villian have. Highly reccomended for the animator and artist, as well as the Disney book lover as these are presented so well. For the enthuseist, which I also own, there is also a more expensive version of this book, hardcover with a slipcase, signed by each of the authors and a print of the filmstrip from Snow White.

GET IT when you can..........1999-05-14

Why did they do it? Frank and Ollie wanted to give a thorough insight into the making of believable, memorable animated characters. For all to learn from... and they did just that! Another MUST-HAVE from the makers of some of this worlds most entertaining animation.

A Worthwhile Read For Any Disney Fan!.......1998-07-11

Who better to bring us the history of the villain in Disney films than two people responsible for the creation of so many of them? Ollie Johnson and Frank Thomas' remarkable survey of the history of bad guys begins with the obligatory history of Disney animation and proceeds to describe all of the villains created from the earliest cartoon shorts to Aladdin. Concept drawings, poster art and stills from the film make up the many illustrations and each film is described along with interesting information on each villain discussed. The one drawback - an obvious one when dealing with so prolific a studio - is the fact that this book cuts off at Aladdin, missing the many sinister villains that followed, notably Scar, and Hades.

Cartoons: One Hundred Years of Cinema Animation

Average customer rating:

As a fan of cinema history I found this book enlightening!
Better with some revisions.

Cartoons: One Hundred Years of Cinema Animation
Giannalberto Bendazzi
Manufacturer: Indiana University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0253209374

Customer Reviews:

As a fan of cinema history I found this book enlightening!.......1998-11-13

I found this book filled in many gaps I had of my early cinema knowledge. Often making references to many little known events, it set the stage for what was to become mainstream animation.

Better with some revisions........1998-05-12

As a brazilian animator I tried to start to read this book by the Latin american section, and comprehensively, by the one that shows the status of animation in my country, Brazil, a reality that I know very well.I don't know where Mr. Bendazzi got his informations for this part of the book.What I know is that it's full of strange or, at least unknown names of people for most of the brazilian animators, illustrators figuring as animators, besides the absence of five or six of the really most important animators in my country.Because of all that,I'm affraid the rest of the book, at least in those sections telling about the animation in Latin America still needs to be revised.

Prepare to Board! Creating Story and Characters for Animation Features and Shorts

Average customer rating:

very inspiring
A valuable resource
Absolutely Terrific
Loved it.
A must have book for all aspiring animators/, illustrator/artists and writers.

Prepare to Board! Creating Story and Characters for Animation Features and Shorts
Nancy Beiman
Manufacturer: Focal Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0240808207
Release Date: 2007-03-02

Book Description

Packed with illustrations that illuminate and a text that entertains and informs, this book explains the methods and techniques of animation preproduction with a focus on story development and character design.

Story is the most important part of an animated filmand this book delivers clear direction on how animators can create characters and stories that have originality and appeal. Learn how the animation storyboard differs from live action boards and how characters must be developed simultaneously with the story. Positive and negative examples of storyboard and character design are presented and analyzed to demonstrate successful problem-solving techniques. Artwork from an international array of students and professionals supplement the authors own illustrations. Three never-before-published interviews with well known development artists and a comprehensive glossary are also included.

·Written and illustrated by a renowned animator with 30 years experience as producer, designer, and story artist.
· Storyboard and character design examples from an international array of students and professionals.
· Positive and negative examples illustrate the techniques.

Customer Reviews:

very inspiring.......2007-09-26

Although I haven't read all the chapters of the book, I can tell you that I'm very enthusiastic about read all the book. The reason why I bought this book was because although I can draw well (I think), I got stuck trying to create my own characters and animations, but this book shows me a new way of thinking, and really inspired me to create situations, stories and new characters. It offers nice guidelines to create better characters and put this characters in the right situations or viceversa, create characters based on the story or situation.

A valuable resource.......2007-09-15

Nancy Beiman is a well-known figure within the world of animation, having been a long-time animator at Disney, Warner Bros. and elsewhere, and also having taught in a variety of contexts, including her current position at Rochester Institute of Technology. Anyone who knows Nancy fairly well understands three things about her: she is a very gifted artist, she has high expectations of excellence for her students, and she is very broadly knowledgeable about the arts, traditions of humor, and animation itself. Combine these characteristics with the fact that Beiman is one of the most accomplished female animators within the US industry, and you can understand why I was eager to see this book come to life.
Over the last year, I finally completed work on a production-related book, and during that time I consulted with Nancy on various topics. She told me about her own book and, knowing about her ecclectic background and broad knowledge base, I was eager to see how her project would be realized. What I found is pretty much what I expected, a book that introduces essential concepts, but enhances them with discussion of aesthetic issues and is grounded in an appreciation for the history of classical Hollywood animation, with breadth in examples from other animation practices.
So many animation students struggle with story and developing the cinematic aspects of their work, in order to tell their story visually. Beiman's book offers instruction in chapters devoted to the development of story, storyboarding, types of stories (situation driven, character driven, ways to manipulate the `real'), character development and design, scale and location. As the book's title suggests, a large portion of the text is devoted to storyboarding in various respects: sketches and working out roughs; story beats, sequences, and pacing; and visualizing a script, among other topics. She also focuses on refining characters and art direction, including the use of color. Finally, she addresses topics related to the presentation of storyboards and their use in the production process.
Beiman's writing will appeal to anyone from the beginning artist on up, as she writes in a colorful manner and uses a range of examples drawn from her own experience and her analysis of many films. Included in the appendix are interviews she conducted with A. Kendall O'Connor, T. Hee, and Ken Anderson, and the book itself is filled with quotations and short Q and As with the likes of Tex Avery and other well-known figures. Many illustrations--both instructive and humorous--enhance the book, adding extra appeal for the reader. A number of these images come from students Beiman has worked with through the years, attesting to her influence on many young artists.
Prepare to Board is highly recommended for libraries at institutions where production is taught, particularly at the high school and undergraduate levels, and for all artists wishing to learn more about character development, story, and boarding.

Absolutely Terrific.......2007-08-26

This is a very strong book.

When it comes to storyboarding and character design there is a ton of material to cover, yet this relatively short volume captures it beautifully. The writing is never digressive or self indulgent - from page one, it's down to business. At the same time it's very accessible, especially since the illustrations complement the text so simply and effectively. Often both negative and positive examples are compared, explaining not only what to do but what NOT to do. (Something I wish more art books would try!) Topping off the book is a series of interviews from some unimpeachable masters of story and character.

Perhaps what I love the most, though, is that the book isn't just about story and character, it's about marrying story and character. They are not discrete disciplines - the one can't shine without the other! Understanding how they harmonize is critical for any artist, and this guide imparts an intimate understanding of that harmony.

All told, there's a wealth of material to absorb here. Nancy Beiman makes it both engaging and straight-forward. Whether you want it for your nightstand, your bookshelf, or your drawing table, Prepare to Board is a great buy!

Loved it........2007-07-31

I am not an artist, so can't comment much on the core of the book (although, as a layman, I found the explainations extremely clear).

I LOVED the interviews with Ken Anderson, Ken O'Connor and T- Hee as well as the way they were illustrated (there were quite a few documents that I had never seen before).

A must have book for all aspiring animators/, illustrator/artists and writers........2007-07-15

This book will help open up any locked doors in the far reaching corners of your mind. Nancy Beiman's easy writing style and uncomplicated approach make this book an enjoyable tool for anyone interested in the Arts.

Ruby Persson
Artist, New York, New York

Average customer rating:

Another Work of Genius
Gorgeous conceptual art
Excellent artistic book
Pixar succeeds once again.
Haute Cusine Eye Candy

The Art of Ratatouille
Karen Paik
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Art of The Incredibles

ASIN: 0811858340

Book Description

From the hit-makers at Pixar Animation Studios who brought us Buzz Lightyear, Nemo, and Mr. Incredible, now comes Remy, the furry star of Ratatouille. A lovable rat (yes, a rat!), Remy is driven by his passion for fine cuisine to become a chef against all odds and with madcap adventures along the way at the most famous restaurant in Paris. The Art of Ratatouille includes more than 200 of the artistic ingredients in this heartwarming film: storyboards, full-color pastels, digital and pencil sketches, character studies, maquettes, and more. In this exclusive movie tie-in book for adults, effusive quotes from the director, artists, animators, and production team reveal the genius at work inside the studio that changed cartoon heroes forever.

Customer Reviews:

Another Work of Genius.......2007-09-26

Beautifully layed out, the book showcases the artwork by the Pixar guys and gals in a way that is a masterpiece in itself. Simply put.

Gorgeous conceptual art.......2007-09-01

Pixar Animation Studios are recognized the world over as leaders in the field of CG animated movies. The road from idea to movie release is a long one and before sets are modeled and textured and characters are modeled, rigged and animated, the concept work is done. This concept work is not seen in the final movie release but it is the guide for the look of the entire film. Design, color and lighting are all fleshed out in the concert art. "The Art of Ratatouille" showcases some spectacularly beautiful drawings, paintings and sculptures. It is interesting to see which concepts developed into the final movie and which fell by the wayside. And, or course, the art can also be appreciated simply for what it is. A stunningly, beautiful book.

Excellent artistic book.......2007-08-24

Very good book for people who are looking for tips in the hand draw cartoon character area. The different position of the mouse, the correct way you can draw a character make the book a very valuable tool. It is really bad that there is not much information in the 3d area and I myself bought this book much more to find 3d tips.

Luichi Tejeda

Pixar succeeds once again........2007-08-08

Ratatouille was one of Pixar's most finely made movies, and the art book showed the painstaking hard work that was put into it. Watch the development of the characters, lighting tests, Brad Bird's words reflecting the movie, and dozens of talented artists' sketches and paintings that made this movie what it is. The real treat for me was Dan Lee's art along with the few storyboards that really lifted my spirit.

Rest in Peace, Dan Lee.
Pixar lost a fantastic artist.

Haute Cusine Eye Candy.......2007-08-06

A magical depiction of Paris, cusine and rodents. The array of sketches, concept paintings, reference art and character studies is wonderful. I'd say exceptional, but I've got other "art of" books about Pixar films and they are all universally excellent. The book is both a delightful celebration of the movie and a charming book even if you haven't seen the movie.

Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination (Asia: Local Studies / Global Themes)

Average customer rating:

Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination (Asia: Local Studies / Global Themes)
Anne Allison
Manufacturer: University of California Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Power Politics

ASIN: 0520245652

Book Description

From sushi and karaoke to martial arts and technoware, the currency of made-in-Japan cultural goods has skyrocketed in the global marketplace during the past decade. The globalization of Japanese "cool" is led by youth products: video games, manga (comic books), anime (animation), and cute characters that have fostered kid crazes from Hong Kong to Canada. Examining the crossover traffic between Japan and the United States, Millennial Monsters explores the global popularity of Japanese youth goods today while it questions the make-up of the fantasies and the capitalistic conditions of the play involved. Arguing that part of the appeal of such dream worlds is the polymorphous perversity with which they scramble identity and character, the author traces the postindustrial milieux from which such fantasies have arisen in postwar Japan and been popularly received in the United States.

Average customer rating:

AMAZING ART ANIMATION
A fantastic example of concept art for anybody!
Best of the "The Art Of" series!
Wonderful graphics, including ones the public never sees
Great book for animation art lovers.

Art of the Lion King, The
Christopher Finch
Manufacturer: Disney Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0786860286

Customer Reviews:

AMAZING ART ANIMATION.......2005-07-03

"The Lion King," Disney's 32nd animated film proved to be a smashing success, appealing to young, old, and those in between. As it filled movie houses, Disney mania swept the country again. The breathtaking visual effects that fascinated so many are brought to stunning life in "The Art of the Lion King" by Christopher Finch.

This lavish folio-size volume traces the creative process utilized in making the film, from black and white sketches to glorious full-color reproductions and even splendid fold-outs, one exhibiting the surreal beauty of the African natural world.

Actor James Earl Jones, the voice of Mufasa the Lion King in the film, contributes the foreword, while the text is by Christopher Finch, author of "The Art of Walt Disney."

Those fascinated by the art of animation and those touched by the story of Mufasa, Simba and Scar will treasure this color and fact filled memento.

- Gail Cooke

A fantastic example of concept art for anybody!.......2004-02-18

Apart from the fact that my copy was close to pocket size, i thought that this book was fantastic. Not only does it come filled with amazing concepts, it also is accompanied with the Lion King Storyline. As an illustrator and student animator, it is a wonderful addition to my resources. The sketches through to the complete full colour images are for any Lion King fan, artists or just someone wanting a beautiful coffee table book. If your from overseas like myself and cannot get these kind of books in Australia, i reccommend Amazon and their associate stores. Buy this, its great.

Best of the "The Art Of" series!.......2000-06-06

I received this book as a birthday present last month. To say the least, I was overwhelmed with all the artwork in this book. I love it! The artwork and production animation is breathtaking! It's a really awesome book, I'd get it if I were you! You can't go wrong with "The Art of The Lion King"!!!

Wonderful graphics, including ones the public never sees.......1999-01-22

This book is one of the most exquisite things to come out of The Lion King. The graphics are beautiful. Most of the pictures are ones that are used for the storyboard and layout scenes. I reccommend it to anyone who loves The Lion King, or just Disney in general. Order with confidence - the book is worth much more than its price tag. It is also much more convient than the larger, more expensive version which I believe is no longer being produced.

Great book for animation art lovers........1998-10-01

This book is great if you like to see all the art work that was created during the development of the movie as well as the finished scenes. They show you a lot of the concept art that was used so that you get a sense of how ideas developed and gives you a glimpse behind the scenes. The book is mostly pictures with less explanatory text than you usually see in similar books. So it's mostly a book to look at as opposed to reading. It's great if you enjoy looking at animation art.

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