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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Open Season, May 12, 2007
This review is from: The Art of Open Season (Paperback)
I have seen the movie and wanted to walk out on it within the fist five minutes. NOT because the animation was bad, or the art direction awful, simply because the pacing and the main character's voices were just getting in the way of the experience I look for in a movie, any movie : The escape.
When I picked up the book, I was almost shocked to see that the exact oposite was happening. I found myself flipping through the pages, being brought in to this magnificent world inspired by the older Disney designers, and really enjoyed the book.
I would recommend it as a standalone Art Book, rather than a complement to the movie. In fact, you might like the movie better if you just go through the book.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
GORGEOUS AND FILLED WITH SURPRISES!, December 10, 2006
This review is from: The Art of Open Season (Paperback)
One thing that surprises me about the recent wave of computer animated feature films has been their consistency. Not all of them have been great, but I can honestly say I don't think that any were bad. Compare that to the traditional cell animation of the 70's and 80's where so many studios (outside of Disney) seemed to be only going through the motions. "Open Season" was one of those films that seemed to have gotten a bit lost in the shuffle when it opened a few months back. It certainly seemed to be a film more appreciated by filmgoers than the critics and I thought it was very well done and a lot of fun.
Animated films like these always generate a lot of marketing tie-ins and promotional items, most of it fairly bland, but not so with "The Art of Open Season" by Insight Editions. This is one stunning book! It weighs about as much as a cinder block but looks a whole lot nicer. Its 180 pages but seems much bigger as it is as stuffed as a Thanksgiving Turkey with all manner of surprises that make it a truly interactive experience. On top of that, this hardcover comes in a sturdy, die-cut slipcase, perfectly suited for the collector of fine books.
The book begins with a look at the creation of the characters including stars Boog the Bear (Martin Lawrence) and Elliot the deer (Ashton Kutcher). The book contains dozens of concept sketches full color paintings, and digital paintings on these and all of the other major characters in the film with credits given to the appropriate artist, which is a very nice touch. There are pages with nothing but facial sketches showing the characters with various expressions. I particularly like the gallery of the various redneck weekend warrior hunters.
Next up is the visual development of the film with commentary by visual development supervisor Richie Chavez. Chavez takes readers on a tour of how the 3D landscape of the town of Timberline was created, even including a map of the town with all of the important buildings and landmarks noted.
I mentioned that the book was loaded with surprises beyond the book itself and I wasn't exaggerating. Bound into the book is all sorts of interactive goodies. The Character section includes postcards (covered in tissue for protection) that can be pulled out and used if one wishes. The visual development section has a number of little booklets inside the book itself. These include a booklet on the art of the late Eyvind Earle whose landscapes inspired the wilderness look in Open Season. The Production Design section features more little booklets including one on the films voice talent, and another with art from Chavez. Finally, there is a collection of 16 large stickers in the back of the book depicting the various characters.
There is so much to see in this book that it will keep you busy for hours. Kids will love the book but it's definitely not a kid's book. This is one to own and keep on your shelves.
Reviewed by Tim Janson
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Well Crafted Book!, October 25, 2006
This review is from: The Art of Open Season (Paperback)
This is a extraordinary book crafted in the highest quality. You will receive a beautiful embossed slipcase and inside is the hardcover book. The slipcase is a art all its own with vibrant color, embossing, and cutouts of the 2 main characters. The cutouts show the hardcover underneath.
Once you slide the book out you will be amazed at the paper engineering and whole design of the book. The publisher went to great lengths to make one of the best "Art of" books I have EVER seen as of today (and I have seen many). Every attention to detail is provided; sketches, paintings, and detail concept art. On every other page there are tons of inserts that are separate from the books content, like postcards, greeting cards, fold-outs etc. with even more art (I don't want to spoil the surprises of what is in the inserts). The book is made up to look like a Park Guide. I am very surprised by the thought and look that went into the book. Even though its paper it still has a interactive quality that seems to make you part of the book, by folding back each insert etc. it's like you are unwrapping a secret.
Even if you liked or didn't like the movie, everyone can enjoy the book's art/design and content. One of the best "Art of" books I have seen yet!
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