Video Books

This book has helped me a lot for the TV commercial to be created in Flash..I thank the author of the book for this wonderfull help..

Its just a mater time before more quality content shifts from the workstations to the living rooms of the world. This is the definitive guide on bridging Flash content for the Web to Television. A truly indespensible reference for any Flash professional wanting to make the transition.
Janet Galore and Todd Kelsey lay it all out clearly and write in an easy to read style that doesn't skimp on details. The entire book is laden with terrific artwork and helpful screen grabs that support the text. Very undaunting for the visually inclined.
The sections on video exporting, and postproduction effects was particularly eye opening. this section alone cleared a lot uncertainty for me.
While this book won't make the reader a better Flash animator/designer, it most definately will make any level Animator or designer a more informed artist. It will open a lot of doors personaly and in the hands of a talented, creative person, change the ever evolving face of the Flash community indelibly.

In order to use the examples in this book you will need a MacIntosh. You will also have buy quite a number of third-party plugins. If you own a Mac and have money for plugins than this is a very helpful book.

But look elsewhere if you only have a Windows computer and want to use only Flash for video work.

An excellent Flash book. It goes through every aspect of the production process, from writing the script to exporting to videotape. It tells you how to prepare your Flash animations the right way, and provides information on the correct project size, frame rate, title & action safe guides, etc. for broadcast. This information is invaluable if you ever intend to submit your Flash animation to a festival or studio, and you have to export your movie out to videotape. I also found the interviews with seasoned Flash animators to be very insightful. You will not regret buying this book.

If you're a traditional animator or a web-based flash animator (all levels), "Flash MX Design for TV and Video" IS the definitive guide to taking your flash animation to video, television and DVD. Not only is this book chock full of animation techniques, it also explores working with sound, flash video capabilities and limitations, visual storytelling and cross-purposing, the process of designing your project with a variety of delivery options in mind. This book is a must-have for every serious Flash Animator seeking to take their flash stories to the next level. We are proud to recommend it to our FlashTV members.

Nicholas Da Silva, ...

This How-to manual by FX favorite Tom Savini is a cool read (I like it all the more since I found it at a Half Price Bookstore for $1.75!). No one can seriously consider this instructional, because how many people are going to send away for makeup kits from companies that existed 25 years ago and sit around making gore effects as a hobby? This is really a fun behind the scenes look at movies like Dawn of the Dead and especially creepshow. Every FX sequence is explained in complete detail, accompanied by realistic ink drawings showing how the crew manipulated the creatures. What I got mostly out of this book was an introduction to three slasher movies; the prowler, which I own and love, The maniac, which I haven't seen but just may buy it real soon, and the burning, a slasher movie that I REALLY want to see, but I can't find any resonabley priced versions of it (Savini said he considers it one of his best projects). Also cool is the fact that Savini openly expresses disdain for all of his "hired killer" redundancy within the slasher cannon.

This book is amazing and absolutely PERFECT if you want to learn about how to make amazing effects from your favorite horror films. Tom Savini explains all of his effects in wonderful detail, and his writing style is extremely inspiring. There is no shortage of detailed pictures, either! A must buy! You will NOT be dissapointed!

This book was originally published as "Bizarro" in 1983, and is now being reprinted as "Grande Illusions".

I like this book because it's a learning tool that gave me exactly what I was looking for. I was tired of looking through Make-up effect books that had two pages devoted to doing horror effects. Stephen King and George Romero (or just horror in general) will really enjoy this book. As will make-up effect artist.

I like this book because it's a learning tool that gave me exactly what I was looking for. I was tired of looking through Make-up effect books that had two pages devoted to doing horror effects. Stephen King and George Romero (or just horror in general) will really enjoy this book. As will make-up effect artist.

I am fortunate to still own my original copy, especially since it has long been out of print and extremely costly to replace. But if you are a fan of Tom Savini and the horror genre it is worth owning. Stephen King provides the introduction and George Romero writes the preface. Tom Savini takes over describing his love for the art and how he developed his interest in make-up special effects. Filled with incredible and rare photos, the book takes us on a step-by-step process on how to recreate the gruesome F/X that made him famous. The book also reflects a humorous and playful side of Tom Savini as he demonstrates what he does best.
The special effects from "Deathdream," "Dreanged," "Martin," "Dawn of the Dead," "The Burning," "The Prowler," "Creepshow," "Maniac," "Eyes of a Stranger," and "Friday the 13th" are all featured here. Also included is a scrapbook of Tom Savini's work and off-the-wall creations.

A pretty good little self-help book that leads us to reflect on what might be hindering us in becoming truly happy. I like the author's recognition, especially in the last chapter, of the importance of the spiritual life, especially prayer. He also has a very interesting discussion of Alcoholics Anonymous and how faith in God is important in overcoming our own psychological limitations and addictions.

Appropriate for anyone high school age or over. Full of revelations about self-image, getting free from "what other people think", learning to love and appreciate yourself, learning to trust yourself, and so much more great stuff we all need to know. You read it and say, "That's so true! How could I have been missing that all these years?!?" Get yourself in good working order and then you might be able to tackle the rest of the world...or live in it anyway, without getting beat up yourself! Easy read, in a day or over several weeks. Lots of food for thought. A life-changing book! Would be great on audio, like to listen to while in the car!

This book is an excellent one for anyone who wants to take control of their life and be truly happy. The author makes the reader think about what is really important in life and directs one to complete many activities which help you to achieve true happiness. A definite must read!!

This book gives you a great insight in what it is important in life and inspires you to take charge of your own life and happiness. It helped me during one of the most difficult periods of my life. I recommend it highly.

I am 19, and this book has opened my eyes so that I know what I want and need to make my life happy. I need to be a whole person on my own. This book is astounding. It is dissected into 10 easily understood categories and each one leaves a lasting impression. After reading this book there is no way you can forget the messages that have become so deeply ingrained in your soul.

iI would like to know how you become an actor become I would like to beome one.

My hat is off to Steve Carlson for sharing with fellow actors and aspiring actors the 1 thing that is most effective: experience. Every lesson, every helpful hint is backed by a story or an example. This is by far the most pracical and inspired instructive tool to come out in a while. It suprasses every "acting for camera" book on the market, because not only does the reader share in Mr. Carlson's lifetime of experiences, but also the author's passion for acting, and dedication to his craft. Unlike so many discouraging and pragmatic "handbooks" out there, this has an undercurrent of excitement along with the realism. The actor finishes the book feeling energized, not dejected. Practicality, experience, and encouragement. Steve Carlson's book is invaluable!

I'm not a professional actress, mostly because I was too unsure of the particulars of film acting. It is easy enough to get overwhelmed making a major career choice. On top of that, Hollywood has long held a mysterious and intimidating reputation that shifts from good to terrible. Mr. Carlson's book supplies invaluable advice on how to make it in the industry. Perhaps the most useful thing about the book is his own personal experiences that help the reader feel comfortable on a film set without even having been on one yet! This book clears up all the confusion, the lights, the cables, and the lenses by helping you understand what each noisy, flashing, moving object (and person) does. No advice is given on HOW to act, it is a technical manual. For auditioning tips I recommend Margie Haber's How To Get The Part...Without Falling Apart! It is also a must read!

I know that from this book i will learn alot in how to become a better actor, also to know everything that surrounds you, and what does it do.. This book will give you the confidence to feel better, because you will know what is around you and how does it work, and also it will make it better for Directors and Casting crew... Thank You.. Sincerly, Sergio Miguel Cruz...

I was completely spellbound when I first read this book-I did not think such a thing existed! I recommend it for anyone breaking into the film acting field or people who have already been introduced to film acting. The book is valuable to all. There are so few places to learn the fundamentals of acting on a film set, yet it is so important to learn these things before actually...acting on a film set. Hitting Your Mark delivered solid information and Steve Carlson should be greatly commended for his contribution to the world of acting.

What a light and extremely entertaining read! The authors do a great job of explaining the "true" life of a Hollywood assistant, which definitely debunks the glamorous notion we all assume to be reality. This hilarious book had me laughing every time I picked it up! I highly recommend The Hollywood Assistants Handbook to anyone, whether you're looking to enter the entertainment industry or are simply just curious about it!!!

If you are thinking of a career in Hollywood, read this book. If you are already in the industry and trying to describe your job to friends, give them this book. And if you are wondering whether your film studies college buddy has a more glamorous job than you, buy this book.

I saw this book lying around my sister's house this weekend and picked it up to pass some time because I was bored. I am definitely glad I started reading it. At first, I thought it would be a bit too girly or not really interesting to me - I don't work in Hollywood and am not really anyone's assistant. But it was honestly just plain funny, and, on the practical side, it has a lot of useful advice for making it in any career. Plus it's kind of a page turner. I've now ordered a copy for myself because I think it will be an interesting talking point for people who come over and see it on my shelf. I would highly recommend the book to others and, incidentally, I totally foresee this becoming a hilarious movie. If you're looking for a book in this genre, this is definitely a great one to pick.

Manages to strike the balance of fun and informative that makes it a great gift for a college grad pondering a career in the entertainment biz.

Witty, funny and intelligent, it is a must for anyone considering a career in hollywood, and also great for anyone (e.g., me) interested in learning about the industry in a way that is entertaining, easy to digest, and laugh out loud funny! I also have to say that many of the 86 rules advocated in this book are rules for life generally!

I checked this book out of the library, and enjoyed it so much that I'm buying my own copy. Great pictures and really great stories. The mostly one-sided feud between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford is a great example. I love Bette Davis as an actor, her sharp mind and acid tongue, but, oh, what she was like to work with!

This book is not only beautiful to look at, it is so beautifully written! The text gives great insights into the genres of classic horror films and fills them with little-known details of how the films were made. Vieira understands that films are made by people and he explores the personalities behind some of the most indelible cinematic creations ever. For any fan of horror films, this is a must own, must read!

I read everything published on the horror movie genre, and a lot of it is repetitive (there is almost nothing new to be unearthed after so many decades), but Mark Vieira has written anecdotes and observations that are fresh and lively. With a slightly wicked delight in gossipy tales of professional jealousy and schadenfreud, he has also gotten access to the clearest most beautiful pictures I've seen on the subject. His interest and knowledge of photography is outstanding. Where did he get the juicy tidbits of personal knowledge he relates about the great figures of genre filmmaking?

It is one of the most familiar faces from Hollywood: huge, boxy forehead, heavy lidded eyes, railroad-track surgical scars, and bolt through the neck. Frankenstein (or more properly, Frankenstein's monster), in a gorgeous, detailed black and white photo (which for all the fussing over its production would have been called a glamour shot if the subject were someone else) stares from the cover of _Hollywood Horror: From Gothic to Cosmic_ (Harry N. Abrams) by Mark A. Vieira. In his Acknowledgements section, Vieira thanks his dad for letting him watch horror movies "on the Early Show, the Late, Late Show, and everything between." He also thanks him for making trips so he could buy _Famous Monsters_ magazines. One cannot doubt that he has a lifelong enthusiasm for his subject, and the format of his book makes this clear. It has large, glossy pages filled with black and white images of celluloid nightmares, and most of them are by the studio photographers (some of them famous, like Ernest Bachrach) who were responsible for the stills that would sell the film to the public. Although for many the pictures will be the show, Vieira's intelligent text and cataloguing of the films is worth reading on its own.

Vieira has chronologically divided the genre into the Gothic, Psychic, Atomic, and Cosmic. Boris Karloff's career stretches over them all, starting from his Frankenstein role, for which his costume weighed all of 48 pounds. Dracula and Frankenstein made lots of money, with violence and the sexuality (both of which seem wonderfully understated in our times) before the Production Code came out drew the "grandstanding censure of women's clubs, clergymen, and politicians." The Psychic section of the book is largely given to the films of Val Lewton, who refused to go along with any previous horror formula. Cutting in mere suggestions of horror into a love story about normal people was just what budget-conscious RKO went for. The Atomic years were a reaction to the atmosphere of the Cold War, and routine horror films "began to portray science as a tool more evil than Dr. Frankenstein had ever anticipated." The first of many films to show how nuclear devices could bring forth monsters was 1953's _The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms_, with a custom-designed dinosaur awakened by an atomic test. Vieira ends with the Cosmic films, paying most attention to a movie monster that is among the most realistic ever, and which has caused more serious analysis than even Frankenstein's monster: HAL the computer from _2001_. The years tick by and we have yet to make a machine nearly as smart (or fortunately, as diabolical) as HAL.

The final portion of the book also includes films that are quite dissimilar from the monster movies covered in other pages. In a book like this, one will always think of films that ought to have been included or excluded, but Vieira is calling the shots. He has included _Psycho_, which is not really a monster film but has plenty of terror. For real scares, read about how Alfred Hitchcock treated Tippi Hedren during the shooting of the filming of the climactic sequence of _The Birds_, or how Frank Sinatra treated Mia Farrow while she was making _Rosemary's Baby_. Also here are _Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?_ and _Hush... Hush, Sweet Charlotte_, in which the real monsters are the actresses Bette Davis and Joan Crawford, aging grandes dames of cinema, who were at each other's throats onstage and off. There are some eccentric choices here, but Vieira's book is a fine-looking survey of a genre of films that, like so many of their monsters depicted, just does not die, and if it does, it comes back with surprising transformations.

The horror movie has evolved from its origins in German Expressionism to our current day of graphic gore.Mr.Vieira is both entertaining and informative as he guides us along this shadowy path.We are offered behind-the-scenes anecdotes of the actors,directors,writers,producers and even the composers of some of the film scores.Quite fittingly we are given a glimpse of Universal's make-up wizard Jack Pierce.His painstaking creations persist more than sixty years later(even though we are told they did not look good in color).
All of the major as well as the lesser known works are covered.They are arbitrarily grouped under the titles of"The Gothic","The Psychic","The Atomic",and "The Cosmic".These unifying headings help the author to correlate relevant social and historical events with metaphorical images(eg 1950's Aliens as Cold War invaders).The section devoted to Val Lewton was especially enjoyable.I was able to better appreciate these artfully done low budget horror movies when viewing the recently released DVD collection.
I would highly recommend this book to the enthusiast and to the casual fan.Mr.Vieira obviously has a passion for this genre and it is infectious.An added bonus is the sumptuous black and white photographs many of which are rare studio stills.This is a book I was sorry to finish but I know I will be referring to it often in the future.

What a terrifically fun book to read! It brought back so many fond memories of going to these scary movies back in the 70's. The author knows his stuff and his enthusiasm shines through loud and clear--no stuffy criticism here. I am completely hooked on this book.

Reading this book is fun. Being a horror film buff, this book is a practical and thoughtful encyclopaedia and always brings me so much fun when exploring the anxieties and common fears in historical and social context of 1970s horror. In this period of 70s horror remakes (such as The Hills Have Eyes, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Omen, Dawn of the Dead), this book can be a very essential guide to help us re-exmine the originalities and significance of these 70s classics. Highly Recommanded.

I've read a fair bit of horror film criticism and analysis, and Muir is one of the very best writers I've come across in the field. What it comes down to is that he covers the films with precisely the correct amount of depth, as he goes well beyond the simple capsule reviews, but avoids ridiculous, pretentious analysis where the films quality as either art or entertainment is ignored entirely in favor of exploration of theme and social commentary. (Which, of course, generally results in a lotta ludicrous garbage, beyond the extreme tedium.) This isn't to say he isn't interested in social commentary, he's just good at actually analyzing the film for what it is, rather than what he'd like it to be. (Course, he misses and overreaches at a few points, but that's just the inevitable disagreement on my part, rather than a general trend.) He writes cleanly and clearly, and without a hint of pretention. He also includes a ton of information for the bulk of the films, including extensive credit listings and a detailed synopsis to go along with a lengthy commentary. There are also quite a few shorter, near capsule-type reviews, but those are still more detailed than you'd see in most basic guides. Muir perhaps is slightly to forgiving for my tastes, but it's better to be a bit too favorable when it comes to film analysis than to critical, as it's tougher to come up with something interesting to say about a film that you hated. Obviously, this book isn't even close to comprehensive, but that would be pretty much impossible, and he does cover a remarkable range of films. Overall he emphasizes American films most, but still works in quite a few more prominent european films from the decade. (i.e. Suspiria, Deep Red, Zombi, Tombs of the Blind Dead etc.) Finally, the book ends with a number of helpful and/or amusing appendices at the end.

This book is damn expensive, so hopefully you can get it for free at a library, but if you can't it would probably still be worth picking up if you're really interested in horror films. Muir's books on Craven and Carpenter are also excellent, and follow the same basic format. (Though his book on Raimi was kinda disappointing, as it's more about filmmaking than the films themselves) Definitely worth checking out if you're interested in either of those guys, though those books are a bit out of date at this point. Anyway, I like it a lot. Hopefully we'll hear something more on Romero or euro-horror from Muir in the future.

Being a horror film buff, I've read many books dealing with the subject matter Mr. Muir covers, but I've never come across a book that so deftly manages to be both thoughtful/scholarly, while also extremely entertaining. Not many reference books manage to be page turners, but if you like horror films you'll find yourself unable to put it down. Muir's enthusiasm and extensive knowledge are evident, and in many ways reading the book is like having a discussion with a fellow horror fan.

As a person who is quite familiar with a good deal of the films Muir discusses, I was also pleased to discover many I had never heard of. It's led me to viewing a few gems that I might have missed otherwise. If you're a fan of the genre (or even just curious), don't hesitate to pick this up - you won't regret it.

As a died-in-the-wool horror fan, I really appreciate the thought and care put into this reference book. Muir makes a compelling case for this decade's importance in the genre (I think the 70's would win hands-down in a contest of the greatest number of significant or classic horror films in a decade. Look at the evidence: Halloween, Alien, Carrie, The Exorcist, Suspiria, Jaws, The Stepford Wives, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, etc., etc.). Further, Muir gives good analysis, and that is very appreciated, even when he occasionally gets carried away (he has a tendency to state a thesis--check out his analysis of some of Tobe Hooper's formalist techniques in The Texas Chainsaw Massacre--and then repeat himself over and over just to make sure that we, the readers, get it); there are also a number of small errors in details from certain films that annoyed me just because they are so careless: it is the TANZ Academy that Jessica Harper travels to in Suspiria, not the TAMM Academy, and it is the ALLARDYCE family that rents the evil house to Karen Black and Oliver Reed in Burnt Offerings, not The ALLODICES (I happen to be a big fan of both films so these mistakes particularly stuck out like bleeding limbs to me). But those are minor quibbles really; mostly I'm just grateful that Muir is not only a fan, but an intelligent writer and critic as well. I agree with another reviewer: let's next have a book on Horror Films of the 1980's, Mr. Muir!

All around, yet another hit from the Missing Manual series!

I'm well versed in most things computer, so computer books often either are way under my interest level or are very technical in nature. This is a great mix of advanced techniques taught in a quick and understandable way.

I'm actually using iLife '06, but haven't hit any major roadbumps between the content in the book and the '06 apps.

Great stuff - now I'm drooling over the iPhoto specific book - I want to dig even deeper into that app now that I understand the basics!

iLife '05 is the fifth Missing Manual I've purchased. I find them helpful, informative, and fun to read. The chapter layout is logical and fluid, the index is thorough, and the entire manual is chock full of color (!) illustrations.

The first few chapters will walk the beginner through iTunes and the iTunes Music store. There is even a chapter on managing your iPod.

Next is iPhoto, Apple's image browser-librarian-editor. Like Apple's software, there is more than first meets the eye in these pages.

Section three covers iMovie, from working with your camcorder through producing something worth burning to DVD...leading seamlessly to

Section four, exploring iDVD. Both general concepts and insider-like tips abound.

Section five covers GarageBand. All the above sections are much more accessable and thorough than Apple's Help system. This Missing Manual closes with more than 50 pages of troubleshooting tips for the 5 software titles, and an excellent index.

The whole book is a pleasure to read, browse, or just to hold in the hand (though it's heavy--nothing skimpy about it). I find myself reading some sections completely and diving in for a just a few pages in others. A must have if you own iLife '05--whhich can be had for a song now that iLife '06 is out.

David Pogue's iLife 05: The Missing Manual covers all the major features and functions of iLife: iTunes, iPhoto 5, Garage Band 2 and more. These are all key cornerstones of the Mac's popularity and here are revealed by a weekly computer columnist for the New York Times who is himself a Macintosh author. From producing polished music recordings with no prior experience to using information panels, effects panes, film rolls and other features of iLife 05, you simply can't be without this book if you own the program. The full color screen examples packed throughout make it hard to mess up.

Do you need to harness cutting-edge technology for your own creative expression and entertainment? If you do, you're in luck! Author David Pogue, has done an outstanding job of writing a book that doesn't require you to be a professional working for a media conglomerate to read it.

Pogue, begins by discussing how to use iTunes 4 for managing, playing, buying and sharing digital music. Then, he discusses how to use the iPhoto 5 program for downloading photos from your digital camera, and organizing, sharing, and printing them. The author continues by describing how to use the iMoves HD program for editing footage from a digital camcorder, adding effects, sound, and credits, and then presenting the result. Next, he details how to use GarageBand 2 for composing and recording terrific-sounding songs of your own. Then, the author provides an overview of how to use the iDVD 5 program for burning DVDs containing the movies, music, and photos from iTunes, iPhotos, iMoves, and GarageBand. Finally, he explains how to troubleshoot the preceding programs.

This most excellent book packages iDVD 5, iTunes, iPhotos, iMoves, and GarageBand come in a single package called iLife '05. In other words, if you've mastered all of the preceding information, you have all of the technical background you need to enjoy iLife '05: The Missing Manual.

This is a good book for understanding all of the applications included in iLife 05. Note, however, that iLife 06 has been released with a host of new features, and thus depending on whether or not you intend to upgrade, this book may have a limited lifespan of usefulness at this point in time. As of iLife '06, iLife consists of six components: iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie, iDVD, GarageBand, and iWeb. However, if you intend to stick with iLife 05 for awhile, you couldn't ask for a better guide. Basically, what the author has done is condense his Mac missing manual series of books- iMovie&DVD, iPhoto, iTunes&iPod, and GarageBand - into one volume. I have some of the missing manuals for the individual applications, and I compared the individual books with the applicable sections in this book, and they seem to be equitable in quality. The only thing you are really missing is some of Pogue's insight into using the applications - for example, some pointers on film-making in the case of the iMovie&iDVD book versus this book. There also seem to be more advanced user and customization information in the individual "Missing Manual" books versus this book, so perhaps power-users would be better off buying the individual missing manuals on the applications. I notice that Amazon does not show the table of contents, so I do that here for the purpose of completeness:
PART 1: iTunes
1. Getting Music into iTunes
2. Getting Music out of iTunes
3. Managing Your Music
4. The iTunes Music Store
5. The iPod Connection
PART 2: iPhoto
6. Camera Meets Mac
7. The Digital Shoebox
8. Editing Your Shots
9. The iPhoto Slideshow
10. Prints and Books
11. Photos Online - and Your Network
12. iPhoto File Management
PART 3: iMovie
13. Camcorder Meets Mac
14. Building the Movie
15. Transitions and Effects
16. Titles, Captions, and Credits
17. Narration, Music, and Sound
18. Still Pictures and Quicktime Movies
19. Finding Your Audience
PART 4: iDVD
20. From iMovie to iDVD
21. iDVD Projects By Hand
22. Advanced iDVD
PART 5: GarageBand
23. Setting Up the Garage
24. Loops
25. Regions
26. Software Instruments (MIDI)
27. Recording and Editing Live Audio
28. Effects, Guitar Amps, and Instrument Models
29. Mixing and Publishing
PART 6: Troubleshooting
30. Troubleshooting iTunes
31. Troubleshooting iPhoto
32. Troubleshooting iMovie
33. Troubleshooting iDVD
34. Troubleshooting GarageBand

This is the best max/Viz book I have used. I've been learning Max/viz on my own for about 4 months now and after getting this book the program has been completely demystified. Max has a really complex interface that scares people away and does not lend to trial and error and that is exactly where this book excels at. The step by step tutorials are helpful even though I'm using Viz4.
This is the best book for anyone serious about Max/Viz because it simplifies the modeling aspects a lot and even helps 3d novices to understand the gist of 3d modelling. Unlike a lot of Max books it dedicates a sizeable amount of time to modelling through tutorials. Most Max books I've come across treat modelling as a step child and dive into animation and materials. How do you animate without modelling?
Anyways I recomend this book to anyone learning Max/Viz it will prepare you for more advanced levels.

Over the course of the last year I have been teaching myself 3d studio viz. When this book finally shipped I immediately ordered one, and am I glad I did. I find every chapter gives me some tips for modelling in this powerful program that I never would have thought of on my own. Every chapter is well written but be advised that you should have an understanding of viz before working through this book. If your just starting with the software, do the tutorials that ship with the software before moving on to this book. The tutorials are quite good at reinforcing the concepts but assume that you have some viz experience under your belt. A great book - period!

Forget any of the other books on Max or Viz. This one is the BEST for Architects & Designers. I learned more from this book than I did in an entire semester at school. I used it on Viz 4 -and other than a few differences, mainly the sub-object button, the instructions are the same.

Great, Great, Great book. Just the right material for the intermediate to the advanced, with great tips and tricks. I found the format of the book easy to follow and the lessons very intuitive.
I cannot wait for the VIZ 4 book!!

I learned more in the first chapter of this book than I did by following ALL of the tutorials included with Viz. A great self-teaching guide.

I have always loved this series. it starts out in our current day and then travels, By means of a well back to the feudal era of Japan. Back in the day of Monsters and Magic with Demons (Good and Bad)According to Inuyasha himself "Don't kid yourself, They're ALL bad".

Not the typical hero here. Inuyasha Grudgingly at first, saves Kagome (the modern Schoolgirl who falls in the well) from a monster after the Jewel of the four souls.
Upon saving her declares he is after the jewel himself. After a mishap with the jewel they go on search together to recover it.
Here begins thier journey.
The calendar has most of the characters here. Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, Miroku (the monk)and Sango. these make up Inuyasha's team of experts and friends, for one reason or another all want the same thing. The Jewel.
On the other side is Inuyasha's Brother Lord Seshomoru, Kikyo (The Priestess) and others. A few pages in here Show the possibility that Inuyasha loves Kagome more than he lets on to her.
The all time bad guy Naraku is in this as well, Kagura and others he has created or turned to his uses all after Inuyasha Kagome and the Jewel with hopes of ultimate power.

The colors are amazing in this beautiful calendar, Showing different seasons along with different scenes of the conflict on going in the show.
If you love the amazing show you're going to love this calendar.

I bought this calendar for my 11 year old daughter who is enthralled in anime in general and has a particular fascination of the InuYasha series that she shares with the friends. I largely discounted her interest in anime until I ran across the adult anime series "Hellsing". The vivid colors and fast action gave me an entirely different prospective on this genre of animation.

My daughter was bouncing off the walls with excitement when she received this calendar and I felt that I received more than my monies worth because of the beautiful colors and high quality of the paper and printing. This calendar is an excellent choice of gift for the teenager in your life; and you might want to order a second one for yourself. Order quickly before the year gets to far past.

I love Inuyasha so its really cool to wounder what day it is and look at my calendar.. But I think that they should have just put inuyasha in human form by him self and not the words new moon because if you watch the series you know what it means... Other then that its awesome.

Love it!!! I'm a huge fan of Inuyasha, and I was glad to see that the calendar focused on ALL the characters in the saga.Great pictures!

I bought the 2005 InuYasha calendar last year and couldn't wait for this one. I wasn't disappointed. The pictures are great! This isn't one of those calendars that just recycles images from the series. These pictures are unique. Some look like they are based on the movie versions of the characters, but that's fine with me. Almost all the characters have an appearance here, and human InuYasha marks every new moon for you. If you like InuYasha, and want to look at him every day, then buy this calendar!