Customer Reviews

BBC VFX: The History of the BBC Visual Effects Department 1954-2003

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If I had to choose only one word to describe this book it would be; FANTASTIC! Mat Irvine and Mike Tucker, while admitting that it would be impossible to give a truly comprehensive guide to all the programs that the BBC VFX Dept contributed to, have certainly done an exemplary job of choosing a wide selection. As a fan of Doctor Who and Blakes 7 I will admit to being biased towards more photos and larger sections on these programs. However, this is not merely about the sci-fi side of the BBC.

There are 8 sections to the book.

1.INTRODUCTION - A quick explanation as to what brought about the book, as well as their disappointment in not being able to present a fuller presentation of the early years of the dept due to the death of Bernard Wilkie.
2. HISTORY - A very enlightening description of the beginning (1954) and eventual end (2003) of the Dept.
3. Techniques - If you have ever wondered, "How do they do that effect?" This section answers those questions quite well.
4. SHOWCASE - 50 programs are featured in alphabetical order that have benefited from the dept's expertise.
5. AND IN THE END - A brief discussion of digital technology.
6. GLOSSARY - Definitions of terms.
7. INDEX - Obligatory section for finding an exact page for something.
8. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - The who, what and why

This book is lavishly illustrated with color photographs throughout. The only 'complaint' is that there were no in depth interviews with members of the department. I would have enjoyed reading John Friedlander's thoughts regarding the making of masks for Doctor Who. Or even from actors who had to work with the effects provided by the department, such as Dave Allen or even the cast of Are You being Served?

As I said, it is not a comprehensive guide to the BBC VFX Dept, but it is a great addition to the works already published on the subject. If you own ACE! by Sophie Aldred & Mike Tucker or Doctor Who-Special Effects by Mat Irvine then this edition will fit in quite well on the shelf next to them.

I do, however, highly recommend this to anyone who is a history buff, sci-fi enthusiast, filmmaker, fan of BBC television, or even people who enjoy a well written book!

This is my first product review I hope it has been helpful to you. And to Irvine and Tucker WELL DONE Sirs!!