Customer Reviews

The Winston Effect: The Art & History of Stan Winston Studio

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In the interest of full disclosure, I have known both the subject of this book, and the author of this book, for many years. Having admitted to that, and at the risk of being labeled a shill, this is one terrific volume, cram-packed with photos and conceptual art, and an abundance of text that far surpasses standard coffee-table-book fare.

Stan Winston is one of the top artists working in the field of motion picture makeup and creature effects, and from his studio have emerged iconic characters for the Aliens, Terminator, Predator and Jurassic Park series, as well as countless others. Creatively allied with powerhouse filmmakers such as Steven Spielberg, James Cameron and Tim Burton, Winston has had the talent and resources to perfect his craft and advance the state of the art. Though much of the Stan Winston story is recounted in his own words, Winston shares the limelight with members of his crew, past and present, whose own recollections and reflections, often humorous, enliven the text. At its core, the book is a lovefest; but Winston and his chronicler do not flinch at giving weight to his personal and professional failures, as well as his successes.

Author Jody Duncan is no stranger to the material. As editor of Cinefex magazine for 15 years, and one of its principal writers, she has a commanding grasp of the subject matter. She has also authored "making of" books for several Stan Winston films. But this book is no rehash. All of the interviews and perspectives are fresh and illuminating.

I own just about every book on makeup and visual effects published in the last 30 years -- several shelves' worth. If I had to pare them down to five essential volumes, "The Winston Effect" would be among them.

Don Shay, author of Endangered Liaisons

Of all the books I own this one satisfies my passion for monster movies as well as my passion for art. Filled with gorgeous high quality photos and in depth insight into each creature and character this book is better than watching it in a movie! The hard work and creative inspiration that goes into each creature of Stan Winston's is truly awe inspiring. It makes me want to work in his studio!

This is a beautifully published hardback book. The paperstock is gorgeous and meant to last a lifetime. Winston has had his hand in so many of the films that I love that this was a no-brainer purchase, and I'm glad Jody Duncan did a worthy tribute to this legend. Tons of high quality images make this a must have for enthusiasts and budding professionals.

first off...this is great book in many ways ..presented in a most professional and clean manner, a publishing work of art to go with the works of art inside....the history of Stan and his team of talents is vast and covered very well in text and of course with images to amaze... the design, constuction and presentation of the art of Special make-up effects in the films that have become icons and benchmarks for fx artists to admire and try to outdo, well they are all there, of course there could always be more details and more information but any book of this scale is going to be marketed to a broader audience than myself and my peers in the fx world, but this book does a wonderful job of presenting what we do and what we would love to acheive in very warm and fun light.
Thanks to Stan for being the ring leader of such a talented circus of artists!
Anthony Veilleux, Make-up fx artist

If you are a serious movie buff and you really enjoy "digging-in" to movies beyond just watching them, then you must get this book. It is rather large and heavy but contains great articles and loads of pictures on special effects and yes it covers movie favs like the Terminator and Alien series. This book comes highly recommended to movie fans by a movie fan.

Our son is very much into the art of movie production and the evolution of special effects. Stan Winston was an icon in the art of entertainment and developing cutting edge processes. While I am not an expert in the field, nor as passionate as our son, the look on his face when his gift arrived was memorable. He has been engrossed in this book as only an afficionado of the art could be. To me, it is stunning in its presentation; to him, historic. If you have the passion to learn the art, this may be for you.

for the price, its again a masterpiece... as stan winston is an icon for me, with that book i'm able to learn about his entirely life.... all the things he made, every little projects he worked on... many pictures with many stuff about it... a truly book for people who want to learn about his biggest creation... alien, predator, terminator, jurassic park etc... i honestly reccomand this book for people who enjoy his creation. Stan winston will remains the best forever because he always enjoy his work and loved it....instead of doing it for $ as many others

It's Perfect...This book is a BIBLE of special FX....Everybody should have one...It's a incredible reference for profissionals and it's a nice reading for cinema lovers and Special FX fans.

Extraordinary, many pics of the many movies from the great Stan Winston, father of Predator, Terminator and Queen Alien!!!
This guy is Fantastic!!!!!

It is a great read covering not only the history of Winston Effects, but the people involved. It has given me a deeper appreciation for movies such as the Terminator franchise as well as the Alien franchise. These are truly artist extraordinaire! Couldn't put the book down!