Customer Reviews

Grande Illusions: A Learn-By-Example Guide to the Art and Technique of Special Make-Up Effects from the Films of Tom Savini

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4 star:		(2)
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I am fortunate to still own my original copy, especially since it has long been out of print and extremely costly to replace. But if you are a fan of Tom Savini and the horror genre it is worth owning. Stephen King provides the introduction and George Romero writes the preface. Tom Savini takes over describing his love for the art and how he developed his interest in make-up special effects. Filled with incredible and rare photos, the book takes us on a step-by-step process on how to recreate the gruesome F/X that made him famous. The book also reflects a humorous and playful side of Tom Savini as he demonstrates what he does best.
The special effects from "Deathdream," "Dreanged," "Martin," "Dawn of the Dead," "The Burning," "The Prowler," "Creepshow," "Maniac," "Eyes of a Stranger," and "Friday the 13th" are all featured here. Also included is a scrapbook of Tom Savini's work and off-the-wall creations.

I like this book because it's a learning tool that gave me exactly what I was looking for. I was tired of looking through Make-up effect books that had two pages devoted to doing horror effects. Stephen King and George Romero (or just horror in general) will really enjoy this book. As will make-up effect artist.

This book is a manual for every horror fan, FX student, and lover of Savini around. I was lucky enough to get a copy of this from my schools bookstore, and might i say, what a find! Explained in gory detail, every effect is uncovered. The book has many hpotos, most in black in white, some in nice bloody color! Lots to look at, and plently to read about, this book is THE BEST! Even if your not into special FX, I'm sure you've seen the horror movies he's done, and its worth reading to find out how this talented man created these effects.

Everything you ever wanted to know about special effects is in here. From Simple illusions such as making people's head look realistically severed in a fish tank, to more complex illusions such as the famous helicopter decapitation in the original DAWN OF THE DEAD. This book is jam-packed with information and rare behind the scenes photos of all his earliest movies, including Tom's stunt work on DAWN OF THE DEAD.
It includes in depth moldmaking lessons including life-casting a human head with clear and logically progressing photos indicating the actions. Also included are simplistic animatronic designs for the spectre nicknamed Raoul to the more comple "Fluffy" from the story THE CRATE from Creepshow. Among the many photos get a kick out writer Stephen King being attacked in the makeup room by a zombie and see the many faces of "Boris the Stunt Dummy" who was blown up, shot up, run over with a semi-truck and decapitated numerous times for the original DAWN OF THE DEAD.
This is an absolute must for anyone gearing up for a trade in special effects artistry written by a master of his craft. Get it today while it lasts!

Tom Savini is a genius. I think this one is layered with so much info that you often have to double back and read it again. Lot's of great ideas. Tom's a master for a reason. This is highly recomended but a more advanced book. If you are just starting out you might want to get something on sculpture and casting processes first just to understand some of the concepts he's referring to in this book. Look up mold making and working with plaster.

This book is amazing and absolutely PERFECT if you want to learn about how to make amazing effects from your favorite horror films. Tom Savini explains all of his effects in wonderful detail, and his writing style is extremely inspiring. There is no shortage of detailed pictures, either! A must buy! You will NOT be dissapointed!

This book was originally published as "Bizarro" in 1983, and is now being reprinted as "Grande Illusions".

Perfect book for aspiring theatre or film majors in college, this book breaks down all the technical details of a single scene in a selected horror film. Recommended fully!

Lots of pics and how-to's. Great for novices and even veterans can pick up new tips and tricks with Savini's book.

I strongly suggest this book for anyone who admires the hard work that went into the pre-CGI effects of the classic Horror movies.

A mistake was made during my recent review on this book.Instead of me giving it a 5 star review like I intended,I gave it 1.I am correcting this mistake and I am giving it 5 stars.It deserves it.