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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A gorgeous, if somewhat slim, book, 14 July 2006
This review is from: The Art of Superman Returns (Hardcover)
With the release of the first new Superman film since 1987 comes this behind the scenes book, containing production art, concept drawings, costume sketches and lots of photographs on the art and production design of Superman Returns.
Compared to other similar books, this is a quite slim book, and while beautifully designed and made, I can't help but feel that there is so much extra that is missing, and which could definitely have been included.
Text is explanatory but minimal, and areas of design such as Smallville, Metropolis and Krypton are covered, but in scant detail. Personally, I would've liked to have seen more on the actual design processes, set contruction and exactly HOW they made that suit! Don't get me wrong, all that is in this book, but the content feels more like the notes on an LP or CD than a behind the scenes examination.
Despite that, the illustrations included are gorgeous, and if you're a Superman fan, it's definitely worth picking up from Amazon.
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Classy work, 27 Aug 2006
This review is from: The Art of Superman Returns (Hardcover)
A graphic representation well worth a flick through and allows the viewer to see every stage of the development of the film. Something to add to any true superman collection and as such will more than impress you.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A GORGEOUS BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK, 10 Dec 2006
By Tim Janson - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Art of Superman Returns (Hardcover)
One of the best cross-promotional items I've seen based on the new Superman Returns film is "The Art of superman Returns" from Chronicle Books. This 160 page, hardcover book with dust jacket is simply breathtaking as it takes readers behind the cameras of the recent blockbuster film with hundreds of pieces of concept art, storyboards, models and miniatures, paintings, sketches, costumes and photography. It serves to show in vivid depth the amount of detail and planning that goes into making a big budget film like Superman Returns.
The Foreward by director Bryan Singer brings this home right off the bat as Singer is shown standing in the midst of a miniature version of Metropolis, surrounded by buildings taller than he as train tracks and weave all around him. It's a fascinating photo. Full color paintings show Superman's rescue of the stricken jet. Storyboards bring the rooftop standoff sequence to near life as the machine gun pours bullets at the Man of Steel to no avail.
Moving to Smallville, we see the Kent farm recreated in perfect miniature and you can't help but marvel at the skill of the model and miniature artists as no detail is too small for them to include in their work. Once painted, you'd be hard pressed to guess that you were looking at a model, and not a real farmhouse and barn.
One of my favorite parts of the book was a look at Krypton. The Krypton of this film, while similar to the earlier Superman films, is a bit darker and edgier. Superman's Fortress of Solitude gleams compared to earlier films where it was sort of a dull white.
Throughout the book, author Daniel Wallace provides even more detail about the creative process behind the various creations of settings, scenes, and costumes. Metropolis, with all its art-deco accents is truly a sight to behold. Wallace is aided by comments from the film's screenwriters, production and costume designers, not to mention Bryan Singer himself. This is one of those books designed for the avid fan or collector, or even those who might be interested in getting into film work themselves.
Reviewed by Tim Janson
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fascinating souvenir book from the superhero motion picture of the year, 25 July 2006
By Gustavo H B Alves - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Art of Superman Returns (Hardcover)
This book is much more than just a compilation of photos and sketches from Bryan Singer's SUPERMAN RETURNS, which in my opinion is the superhero motion picture of the year. The book is divided into five (05) different chapters (Superman; Smallville; Metropolis; Krypton; and Lex Luthor), all beautifully illustrated and explained by author Daniel Wallace. I bought it together with the movie score by John Ottmann, which turned out to be an interesting combination to be enjoyed at the same time. All of the magic from this movie in portrayed in the book, there's nothing missing at all. This is certainly a must-have for any superman fan such as myself. Five stars !
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Magnificently COOL Book!!!, 3 Aug 2006
By Scott N. Kassner - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Art of Superman Returns (Hardcover)
This is a magnificent book. If you were swept away by the artistry of the movie "Superman Returns" like I was, this book is a MUST. Big photographs from the film, sketches, paintings, and storyboards galore abound in this excellent coffeetable edition.
Among my favorites are:
*A full page painting of Superman lying unconscious in a crater in Metropolis Park after falling from space
**An almost 2-page painting of Superman lifting New Krypton out of the ocean, complete with tidal waves and green Kryptonite-laced lightening
***Photos and details about the new Superman uniform - like that it is actually fit for a 9-year old boy, then stretches onto a 6-foot-three Brandon Routh so that there will be absolutely no wrinkles
****Great explanation about Superman's story-opening trip to Krypton and his starship, complete with awesome paintings and photos from deleted scenes
*****Insight about the art deco design of Metropolis - why we just can't take our eyes off of that COOL Daily Planet Building
Superman fans will be happily consumed by the book's artwork and text that will broaden their knowledge and scope of the film. It is a nice size, probably worth more than you'll pay for it, and will definitely become a collector's item! To be re-read often!
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