Rating: 
Summary: First Mediocre Review
Review: Although a nice book that goes into depth in areas that other modeling books haven't, the generalized, not-to-mention-one-specific-application approach the author has taken left me, a beginner, bewildered and drooling. Also, I think some of what isn't explained in detail was not explained purposely as it was difficult to put into words and considered common sense, which seems to be the case with several tutorials and books that I've read on modeling. I want to know things like: Once I have my splines slapped down in a front perspective, how do I push and pull them properly from other perspectives so they'll take shape, or When defining detail with polygons, how many should I tesselate, how can I manipulate them to look like a gradual bump for a muscle and not a sharp cornered cliff? To sum it up, the book was written for the more experienced and those who are very well aquainted with their software packages-I was expecting step-by-step modeling for newbies.
Rating: 
Summary: An absolutely wonderful book
Review: An absolutely wonderful book, documenting the fine art of digital character animation. A must have for learning this skill & excellent reference for more advanced users.James Houska Lead 3D Character Animator Eidos Interactive / Crystal Dynamics
Rating:
Summary: Extremely Helpful
Review: I feel that the book is very user friendly. The illustrations are very helpful in facilitating an understanding of the modeling techniques. The instructions for modeling the human are extremely helpful.
Rating:
Summary: This book is definitely one of the better ones!
Review: I liked reading through "Mastering 3D Animation" very much. In the first few sections the author Peter Ratner describes the basic need to know stuff of 3D computer graphics in an easy to understand way. Even though I knew most of it already I found parts of it quite interesting. Starting with the section about special effects it becomes helpful even for advanced users. I especially liked the advanced modeling and character modeling part. There are examples and howtos on modeling, animating, shading and lightning for the reader to explore. As an autodidact I buy nearly every 3d book I can lay my hands on and my collection has grown noticeably. This book is definitely one of the better ones! Jörg Flügge, Munich, Germany 02/25/2001
Rating:
Summary: This book is definitely one of the better ones!
Review: I liked reading through "Mastering 3D Animation" very much. In the first few sections the author Peter Ratner describes the basic need to know stuff of 3D computer graphics in an easy to understand way. Even though I knew most of it already I found parts of it quite interesting. Starting with the section about special effects it becomes helpful even for advanced users. I especially liked the advanced modeling and character modeling part. There are examples and howtos on modeling, animating, shading and lightning for the reader to explore. As an autodidact I buy nearly every 3d book I can lay my hands on and my collection has grown noticeably. This book is definitely one of the better ones! Jörg Flügge, Munich, Germany 02/25/2001
Rating:
Summary: Very informative and, of course, exciting
Review: I purchased "Mastering 3D Animation" a few days ago. Though I have read only the first chapter, and browsed around a lot, I have begun to get a feel for what the high-end programs can do. As a beginner, I'd say it doesn't matter a whole lot whether the reader has the programs the book refers to: exposure to the techniques is still good mental preparation for "the day when." Even those of us who still use applications of the "prosumer" variety can pick up valuable pointers about lighting, texture mapping, inverse kinematics and composition. In addition, the book gives a useful grounding in the technical terms employed in professional 3d work. "Peter Lucia -- student"
Rating:
Summary: This book is great
Review: I really think that this book is great. Easy to understand, lot of information, it makes your animation life a lot easier. Has all the techniques I needed to know about. A must have for both beginners and advanced users for it contains both traditional and new techniques. You have to keep this in your pocket!
Rating:
Summary: A thoroughly enjoyable book
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this book, from its technical standpoint of working between the program and the supporting 3D theory/thought process that Mr. Ratner provides. Finding that balance of an artist and technologist from where to launch one's vision and future visions of creativity starts with good knowledge. Ratner gives many facets of where to see this vision and tutorials to follow through with your own creative projects. I commonly work with many high-end graphics programs, Lightwave 7.0 being my newest program on my plate. Peter Ratner's 3d book getting me from a begining user from just reading the index to a 3D artist ready to start the new facets of my own portfolio. Mastering 3D Animation helped quite a bit everything from the Modeling and subdivides to the theory/progress. Joseph Arthur
Information Architects, Principal
Rating:
Summary: A goldmine for beginners and advanced users
Review: Mastering 3D Animation is a very useful and clear book. It is a goldmine for beginners and a bag of tricks for advanced users. Peter Ratner does an excellent job at explaining 3D human modeling and animation and also gives a good overview of special effects, lighting and surfacing. The book is mostly software independent and all the lessons are presented in a simple way. The man gives you the fundamentals and possibilities and I thank him for that. --Henri Kuuste, 3D Artist, Tartu, Estonia
Rating:
Summary: Wonderfully written
Review: Mastering 3D Animation is a wonderful book, full of useful information that you will refer to again and again. It covers many complicated issues in an easy-to-understand way so that beginners and advanced users alike can grasp the information. Definately a title that will remain in your library for years to come.
| 
