Customer Reviews

The Overlook Film Encyclopedia: Science Fiction

5 star:		(3)
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I've had this excellent book for several years, and I still go back to it at least once a month to look something up. There is simply no more complete reference guide to science fiction films available. Think you know science fiction cinema? Prepare to be humbled by the sheer volume of this book. I especially appreciate the reviews of the early, silent films, many of which we will probably never get to see.

Some of the reviews are better thought-out than others. And you may occasionally marvel at how a film you were sure was an all-time classic only gets a mediocre review. But these are minor quibbles for an otherwise excellent volume.

If you're a fan of sci-fi films, you absolutely MUST own this book. Yes, it's pricey, but it also might be the last film reference book you will ever need.

Phil Hardy's excellent endevour to catalogue the films of, primarely, Hollywood reaches it's peak with the Horror and Science Fiction books. They both reveal a genuine interest in the media and, as an information non-digital database, these two items are the ultimate choice for collectors and horror/SF aficionados. Where Leonard Maltin says goodbye, Phil Hardy says hello. These items can be used either as a coffeetable companion, or as an encyclopedia for the serious movie-fan. There are some european films that deserves mentioning that have been omitted, but in view of the overall care in which way theese books have been presented, the omissions are readily excused. Tony Fischier

This really has to be recognised as a monumental reference work. The sheer breadth of material found and reviewed by Hardy is extraordinary. I will be using this book for years to come.