Animation on DVD: The Ultimate Guide (Paperback)

by Andy Mangels (Author) "Few people in the English-speaking world-and America in particular-have lived in a time when animation was not a part of their lives..." (more)
Key Phrases: promotional footage, title trailers, manga series, Dolby Digital, Disc Region, Region All (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"Andy Mangels brings his customary wit and brevity to this encyclopedic overview of animation currently available on DVD. I found it particularly useful for its attention paid to obscurities and non-manga international releases, along with its information on how to acquire these treasures. Excellent work." - Brad Rader, Emmy Award-winning animation director of Spawn, Batman: Animated Series -- Review

Product Description

This comprehensive guide lists 1,500+ animated films on DVD, everything from early-20th-century works to Disney, Warner Bros., and cutting-edge digital CGI. Included are foreign films, major hits like Batman, The Hobbit, and Shrek, and hundreds of Japanese anime releases, plus a separate section on mature-themed material like Fritz the Cat and Heavy Metal. Entries include storylines, reviews, history, key personnel, and ratings, plus details on DVD-only materials like storyboards, Easter eggs, and production shorts. Full indexes, a bibliography, and retailer/publisher listings make this an invaluable resource for film buffs, parents, and libraries. Fully illustrated with DVD covers.

Andy Mangels is a bestselling entertainment author (Star Wars, Star Trek, Beyond Mulder & Scully) who lives in Portland, Oregon.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Stone Bridge Press (March 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 188065668X
• ISBN-13: 978-1880656686
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #476,866 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A good guide to animation, April 12, 2003

By	Jane Feuer (a little world of my own) - See all my reviews

A straightforward listing of animation available on DVD in the US, Andy Mangels' guide is the ideal shoppers' resource. It tells you what's on the disc, hints whether it's worth your time, and also points you at the right Easter Eggs. For someone based in the UK who often has to guess what Region One DVDs she might like, it's very useful. I was a little disappointed not to see the same critical bite that features in Stone Bridge's Anime Encyclopaedia applied to animation from around the world, as there are many cartoons that deserve it -- the Rankin-Bass Hobbit, anyone? But still a good book detailing what you can buy from Amazon.com right now, to add to your collection.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Guide for Animation on DVD, April 6, 2003

By	"rallyfan25" (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

Fans of animation don't need to look much further than this book by Andy Mangles. He has managed to include reviews for almost every existing type of animation that is currently on DVD.
For parents looking for a good guidebook on animated content, this is a must. Japanese Animation fans looking for reviews of shows and series they've heard about (and even second opinions on ones they've seen) will be pleased.
Andy's reviews are concise and well written. He uses a conversational approach to the reviews that doesn't become dry or bland. He also avoids over-using jargon that animation fans tend to throw around.
Andy gives a quick synopsis of the show, his opinion of the work and than lays down any concerns parents might have (violence or nudity). He has also separated out most of the adult themed shows into their own section. With the great quantity of shows to review Andy does get some help. The authors he picked have very similar writing styles and tastes, and makes for an easy transition.
Last but not least, a section of Easter Eggs (hidden special features on DVD's) is located in the back to aid those of us who like to see everything on the disc.
Being an anime fan myself, I found this book to be very helpful. Andy's writing style is entertaining and direct. The only low marks I could give it are for the cover. It's a bit too goofy looking for my tastes. I would also have enjoyed a section in the review that linked one show with another similar show, or with another work by the same creative team. But aside from those minor points this is a very handy book. I'll definitely use it when considering what my next anime purchase might be.

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to use, very practical and informative, April 15, 2007

By	T. Parker "Trewthe Be Told" (Indaenhyle,USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Just got this book in the mail , maybe 3 days ago, and already i have increased my knowledge on animation!Being new to classic animation, or golden age , as it is sometimes called, i needed a reference, and this book qualifies! So easy to index , with just the information you need to know before buying the dvd.Very pleased with this purchase.