From Library Journal
An incredible treasury of f/x facts, this volume provides 366 entries on visual, mechanical, and makeup effects and techniques used in film and includes discussions of every movie to win an Oscar for special effects. Some attention is given to significant figures in the field, such as George Pal, but the focus is predominantly on films of the modern era, noting techniques and milestones without burdening the reader with technical jargon. Netzley, the author of several reference books, including Environmental Literature (see the review below), adds useful appendixes on Academy Award winners and nominees, special-effects houses, and specialized magazines. With illustrations, cross references, and numerous secondary bibliographies throughout, this encyclopedia has a scope and quality that no other f/x reference work approaches. It should serve as a good companion to such specialized magazines as Cinefex and Digital Magic. Highly recommended for all film collections.-Anthony J. Adam, Prairie View A&M Univ. Lib., Houston Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Book News, May 2000
Students, film buffs, and general readers will enjoy this books brief biographies, definitions of studio jargon, descriptions of special effects techniques, and descriptive lists of effects used in specific films. Many entries include historical notes, and an appendix lists Academy Award winners and nominees for special effects from 1939 to 1998.

Review
An incredible treasury of f/x facts....this encyclopedia has a scope and quality that no other f/x reference work approaches....Highly recommended for all film collections.Library Journal

School Library Journal, August 2000
". . . the information here is hard to find elsewhere in such detail. Consider this title for readers with a serious, but not professional interest."

Choice
"...useful criteria for coverage. Recommended for any collection supporting film."

Booklist/Reference Books Bulletin, June 2000
"This encyclopedia is a useful addition to any general film collection."

Book Description
From the earliest stop-motion photography in 1899's Cinderella to computer-generated wizardry in the latest Star Wars movie, special effects have thrilled movie audiences for more than a century. The Encyclopedia of Movie Special Effects is a 5-star fan favorite that explains the magic behind these cinematic devices. This A-to-Z encyclopedia unveils the latest techniques and gadgetry inside a comprehensive reference work about the history of special effects. Entries on computer techniques, movie secrets, and the geniuses who have brought the magic to the big screen make this single volume a Hollywood hit. This encyclopedia lists movies that either contributed significantly to the development of special effects or were Academy Award winners, and spotlights over 120 well-known experts whose techniques, developments, and special effects houses have contributed significantly to the movie industry:

About the Author
PATRICIA D. NETZLEY is a freelance writer who has published nonfiction for children, young adults, and adults.

ANNOTATION

"A unique resource detailing the developments and use of special effects in the American movie industry, this title is well indexed and illustrated with 366 entries. It covers Academy Award-winning special effects movies, groundbreaking techniques, equipment, and devices, special effects houses, and pivotal figures in mechanical and visual special effects, makeup, creature design, directing, and stunt work."--"Outstanding Reference Sources," American Libraries, May 2001.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

From the earliest stop-motion photography in 1899's Cinderella to computer-generated wizardry in the latest Star Wars movie, special effects have thrilled movie audiences for more than a century. The Encyclopedia of Movie Special Effects is a 5-star fan favorite that explains the magic behind these cinematic devices. This A-to-Z encyclopedia unveils the latest techniques and gadgetry inside a comprehensive reference work about the history of special effects. Entries on computer techniques, movie secrets, and the geniuses who have brought the magic to the big screen make this single volume a Hollywood hit. This encyclopedia lists movies that either contributed significantly to the development of special effects or were Academy Award winners, and spotlights over 120 well-known experts whose techniques, developments, and special effects houses have contributed significantly to the movie industry:

SYNOPSIS

This encyclopedia contains some 360 entries on visual, mechanical, and makeup special effects in films, and gives information on techniques and gadgetry used to create effects, key figures in the field, and films that have won awards for special effects or have contributed significantly to the development of the art. Appendices list Academy Award winners and nominees for special effects from 1939-98, special effects magazines, and special effects houses. Netzley writes nonfiction for children, young adults, and adults.

Annotation © Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

FROM THE CRITICS

VOYA

There is one in every crowd--that person who can, with little provocation, rattle off even the most minute details of his pet obsession. Baseball stats, indie rock singles, or award-winning movie trivia--the sheer volume of knowledge in this zealous one's head is astounding, maybe even scary. Librarians looking for a slightly less intimidating, but just as encompassing, source of movie special effects information will find it here. Written with the layperson in mind but lacking any pedantic language, this resource explains many tricks of the special-effects trade, focusing on award-winning directors, films, and effects professionals. In an introduction to the volume, Netzley explains that her "emphasis is on the modern area, when the term 'trick photography' gave way to 'special effects.'" Although emphasizing more contemporary film effects, Netzley does not forget to honor such old-timers as George Melies, whose 1902 Trip to the Moon included pioneer special-effects techniques. A topical index opens the book, and appendixes of Academy Award winners, special effects houses, and specialty trade magazines conclude the alphabetically organized entries. Although not a must-have, this resource is a good compliment to a diverse collection of 778s. Its reference book look will not make it fly off the shelves; the succinctly penned and genuinely interesting entries might, however, with pushing, turn browsers into readers. Index. Photos. Biblio. Appendix. 2000, Oryx, Ages 12 to Adult, 291p. PLB $65. Reviewer: Amy S. Pattee

Library Journal

An incredible treasury of f/x facts, this volume provides 366 entries on visual, mechanical, and makeup effects and techniques used in film and includes discussions of every movie to win an Oscar for special effects. Some attention is given to significant figures in the field, such as George Pal, but the focus is predominantly on films of the modern era, noting techniques and milestones without burdening the reader with technical jargon. Netzley, the author of several reference books, including Environmental Literature (see the review below), adds useful appendixes on Academy Award winners and nominees, special-effects houses, and specialized magazines. With illustrations, cross references, and numerous secondary bibliographies throughout, this encyclopedia has a scope and quality that no other f/x reference work approaches. It should serve as a good companion to such specialized magazines as Cinefex and Digital Magic. Highly recommended for all film collections.--Anthony J. Adam, Prairie View A&M Univ. Lib., Houston Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

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