Rating: 
Summary: Very good!
Review: Although i didn't expect to find it so interesting, finally it was really good! Not only does it explain thoroughly every, if not all, technique of the motion picture industry, but it also has a lot of reference to really successful movies! Especially the section that refers to the special effects landmarks makes it unique and complete. It is not something you find in every book and thus it makes it really special.. It has a lot of images and really good explanations and descriptions.. Simply one of the best books on the subject!!
Rating: 
Summary: See how it's done.
Review: For those who want to know ," How did they do that?". This book is a must for you.See how they first discovered how you could trick the movie going public into thinking they were seeing something ,that they only seen magicain's do on stage, but even more magical.From Georges Melies, through, Willis O'Brian, John P Fulton to Inustial Light and Magic.It also covers the great make up artist from Lon Chaney through, Jack P Pierce to the presnt master Rick Baker.How Animatronics were first used and made a big come back through the likes of Stan Winston and Jim Henson.These are just the more well know names who have contributed to the making of movie magic, and although not a refference book , that goes into details of each of the protagonist's careers.It does cover the finer points of cinema special effects.A must for those who are into the technical side of movie making , and also a great book for those who just like movies in general.
Rating:
Summary: Why is this book out of print?
Review: I'm a film studies tutor and reccommend this title to all of my students. Why has the publisher/author allowed it to go out of print? This is the best book ever written on special/visual effects and one of the best introductions to film making and film technology generally. PLEASE REPRINT THIS BOOK and ideally, make a softback edition at a price my kids can better afford. THANKS!
Rating:
Summary: Essential background, but expensive
Review: Large and luxuriant, this volume is built for comfort rather than for speed. Intended for the coffee table, it cover the entire history of special effects with generous portions devoted to the recent contributions of digital effects artists. You won't find detailed tutorials for Maya, but you''ll be able to read all the basic theory behind camera work, optical effects, model making, make-up, matte painting, animation and audio effects.Nearly all the right companies have been contacted, from Cinesite to ILM and on to Sony Pictures Imageworks. On top of the plain-talking and superb examples of digital creativity cited, the book is illustrated with great photos and diagrams. The only slight drawback is the price tag, but quality doesn't always come cheap.
Rating:
Summary: THE book on special effects
Review: Mr Rickitt has produced an exemplary study of special effects. His examination is both perceptive and comprehensive, displaying a thorough awareness of the history of special effects. Every chapter offers highly useful and interesting information. As a Film and Media Studies teacher, I found this book to be essential reading. Above all, Rickitt's book is extremely well written. Highly recommended to anyone remotely interested in the world of special effects.
Rating:
Summary: Special Effects
Review: Once I picked up the Special Effects book, I seriously could not put it down. This book is truly amazing as it serves not only as an information source, but it is also very entertaining. The first half of the book goes through the decades starting with the 1900's. In each time period Richard discuses the new advancements in film making during that decade, along with writing about some of the best movies form that time. Some of the classics include Singing in the Rain, The Wizard of Oz, and many Hitchcock movies. The second half of the book focuses on individual aspects of movie magic. From make-up and costumes, to lighting and pyrotechnics. The book cover many recent movies like Titanic, Star Wars Episode I and The Matrix. I strongly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the entertainment field. The book is easy moderate to read and full of amazing color pictures that you won't find anywhere else. Some of the pictures are accurate diagrams of film processes, such as animation, digital effects and camera techniques. I feel that form reading this book I gained a lot of basis knowledge needed to better understand the industry. Did you know that most of the snow used in movies is simply shredded paper? Or how about the fact that 90% of dialogue is movies is recorded and dubbed after the movie is shot! Find out hundreds of more amazing facts in Richard Rickitt's Special Effects: The History and Technique.
Rating:
Summary: Film Effects At Its Best
Review: So your interested in Film Special Effects, well here it is. This book covers everything you'll ever need to know. The past, present and future of Film Special Effects are covered, from Blue Screening to Make-Up and Models to fully Computer Animated Characters that jump out from the screen. Every page has a beautifully layout with many colour diagrams and stills from films. The explanations are clear and precise allowing for easy to follow and understandable descriptions. The price tag may be high but I highly recommend splashing out and purchasing this book. I definate buy for anyone interested in this field.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book Ever
Review: Special Effects is THE BEST book you could wish for on the subject. I have a shelf full of old, an mostly inaccurate books about special effects, but with this new book I could throw the rest away. Also, don't bother with magazines like Cinefex anymore, which are very dry and heavy going. this book is a pleasure to read and has interviews with everyone who is important in the business. There are hundreds of cool photos as well which makes it very good value. Anyone who works in special effects, or is just interested in the movies should read this book. Congratulations to the author Mr Rickitt who has condensed 100 years of movie magic into a single lavish book. Dont take my word for it - BUY IT!
Rating:
Summary: The Best Book Ever
Review: Special Effects is THE BEST book you could wish for on the subject. I have a shelf full of old, an mostly inaccurate books about special effects, but with this new book I could throw the rest away. Also, don't bother with magazines like Cinefex anymore, which are very dry and heavy going. this book is a pleasure to read and has interviews with everyone who is important in the business. There are hundreds of cool photos as well which makes it very good value. Anyone who works in special effects, or is just interested in the movies should read this book. Congratulations to the author Mr Rickitt who has condensed 100 years of movie magic into a single lavish book. Dont take my word for it - BUY IT!
Rating:
Summary: 'Special Effects' is the difinative book on the subject!
Review: This book covers every aspect of the special effects industry. From the early days of using mirrors, to George Lucas Starwars saga, everything is covered in a highly detailed book. There are also countless images and interviews on offer. Richard Rickett definately did his research, and it paid off in this valuable and informative book. Don't just take my word for it though, buy the book and you won't be disappointed!
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