Customer Reviews

Special Effects (Exceptional Social Studies Titles for Upper Grades)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The book is about the history of special effects and the different types of special effects used in movies over the years. It talks about mechanical effects, miniatures, matte art, make-up, digital effects, etc. It also discusses the digital revolution. It's mainly a book for a younger audience.
It's a nice little book about special effects. The price is at $26 and you think you would be getting a big and extensive book on the subject, but the book is only 128 pages, give or take a few pages for the copyright and index. This book isn't worth more than $12 maybe $15. Luckily I borrowed a copy from the library, but I think most people who buy this will be disappointed to open the box and see a small book. I just wanted to tell you that first because I thought that was something important for consumers to know before they buy this book. On the other hand, it is a good introduction on the subject, especially since it's about the length of an introduction of a larger book. It's not a bad book but the price could be better. The price is going to set some people off.

I don't know why people have reviewed this as a bad book! I feel that the book does a great job of showing an overview of the history of different techniques of special effects. If you know a child or teenager that is interested in special effects (movie magic!), you should get this book for them. I have even enjoyed it very much, as an adult. Also, there's great pictures in this book, and plenty of them. Well worth it.

Although the world of Special effects is a great topic for a book, this new offering aimed at young readers is dissapointing on many levels. It is way too expensive for what it has to offer, and dwells too much on movies we already know well. If you are looking for a nice book about effects, you will get much more for your money if you choose other books published before.