Special Effects: An Oral History - Interviews With 37 Masters Spanning 100 Years

Spanning a century of screen wizardry, from the early innovations of the pioneering French fantasist Georges Milihs to the first synthetic TRON images to the cutting-edge technology used in the most recent 'Star Wars and 'The Matrix, this fabulous volume pays homage to dazzling visual pyrotechnics and the artists of illusion who created them. This detailed look at the history of these great illusions is presented through interviews with 37 international masters of the art and science of special effects and more than 1,000 spectacular illustrations, nearly all in color. The monster spewing flames in 'Godzilla, the flying bicycle in 'E.T. , the rampaging dinosaurs in 'Jurassic Park, these are just a few of the cinematic magic moments that have held audiences spellbound over the years. The inventors of such screen legerdemain reveal the huge variety of techniques they employ, from animation, animatronics, makeup, and model-making to the most astounding computer trickery possible today. The book encompasses not only ?lm and television but also theme parks and attractions. As a bonus, the author includes his selection of DVDs with not-to-be-missed special effects. Softcover. English. Harry N. Abrams. 2005. ISBN: 9780810955912. 568 pp. Fair. Book No: 63748