Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) is a renowned visual effects company that has made significant contributions to the world of film and entertainment. In their book titled "Industrial Light and Magic: The Art of Special Effects", they provide in-depth insights into their groundbreaking work and the techniques that have revolutionized the industry. Within the pages of this book, readers are offered a glimpse into the world of visual effects, revealing the intricate processes and creative minds behind some of the most iconic moments in film history. From space battles in "Star Wars" to the lifelike dinosaurs in "Jurassic Park", ILM has transformed the way we experience cinema. Through captivating imagery and detailed explanations, the book delves into the various facets of ILM's work. It explores their mastery of computer-generated imagery (CGI), which has allowed for the creation of fantastical worlds and creatures that were once thought impossible.
Starting with the trench run on the first Death Star, the invention of optical printing and the Dykstraflex, to stop-motion animated AT-ATs, the creation of the revolutionary morphing technology for The Abyss and Terminator 2, live-action dinosaurs for Jurrasic Park, Bob Hoskins interacting with a cartoon rabbit in Who Framed Roger Rabbit, the Avengers saving New York from an alien invasion, up until today’s the Volume, that was used to create the current Star Wars TV-shows.
For those, who are not willing to pay the roughly 100 for the book in mint condition, but still want to get an inside look into the past and present of the first and probably most famous special-effects house in the world, there will soon be an alternative. While the machines and technological innovations are fascinating, the heart of ILM is its people-the creative geniuses who take the visions of directors like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg and bring them to vivid life on the screen.
It explores their mastery of computer-generated imagery (CGI), which has allowed for the creation of fantastical worlds and creatures that were once thought impossible. The book also showcases their expertise in practical effects, such as miniature models and animatronics, which continue to captivate audiences to this day. One of the highlights of the book is the emphasis on collaboration and innovation.
Industrial Light & Magic: The Art of Special Effects
Industrial Light & Magic: The Art of Special Effects is a reference book that chronicles the first decade of the existence of the visual effects company Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), spanning the years 1976-1985. The productions ILM worked upon during that period, including Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and Star Trek III: The Search for Spock , served as illustrative backdrops for the texts. Aside from the chapters dealing with the techniques of creating visual effects, profiles of production staffers were also included, many of whom having worked on these Star Trek productions, as well as on future ones.
ILM's team of talented artists, technicians, and visionaries work together to bring imagination to life, pushing the boundaries of what is possible on screen. The book delves into the creative process, illustrating how ideas are born and refined through constant experimentation and problem-solving. In addition to exploring ILM's work, the book also pays homage to the industry pioneers who laid the foundation for modern visual effects. From George Lucas, the creator of "Star Wars", to the late Ray Harryhausen, whose stop-motion techniques were revolutionary, their contributions to cinema are celebrated and acknowledged. "Industrial Light and Magic: The Art of Special Effects" serves as a testament to the impact that ILM has had on the world of film. It not only offers a behind-the-scenes look at their technical expertise but also sheds light on the artistry and creativity that goes into creating awe-inspiring visual spectacles. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the magic of cinema and the evolving field of visual effects..
Reviews for "Crafting the Impossible: A Look into the Techniques of Industrial Light and Magic"
1. John - 1 star
The Industrial Light and Magic book was a huge disappointment for me. I was expecting a detailed exploration of the groundbreaking visual effects techniques used in the film industry, but instead found a superficial and poorly organized collection of anecdotes. The book lacked a cohesive structure and failed to provide any meaningful insights into the artists and technicians behind the scenes. Overall, I found it to be a waste of time and money.
2. Emily - 2 stars
I had high hopes for the Industrial Light and Magic book, as I am a huge fan of visual effects in movies. However, I was left feeling underwhelmed by the content. The book lacked depth, focusing more on glossy photographs rather than in-depth explanations of the techniques used by the iconic studio. I was hoping for more technical insights and behind-the-scenes stories, but instead, it felt more like a coffee table book with limited substance. I would recommend looking for other resources if you're truly interested in the world of visual effects.
3. Mark - 2 stars
As someone who has always been fascinated by the artistry of visual effects, I eagerly picked up the Industrial Light and Magic book expecting a comprehensive journey through the studio's history. Unfortunately, what I found was a glossy picture book with a minimal amount of substance. While the visuals were impressive, the lack of detailed explanations and technical insights left me feeling unsatisfied. I was hoping for a more in-depth look at the industry, but this book barely scratched the surface. If you're looking for a book that truly delves into the art of visual effects, I would suggest looking elsewhere.