5 comments about The Complete Guide to Remixing: Produce Professional Dance-Floor Hits on Your Home Computer.

1. THIS BOOK MIGHT BE GREAT FOR SOMEONE WHO ALREADY HAS SOME EXPERIENCE IN REMIXING, BUT NOT FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS NEVER DONE IT. AS THE AUTHOR HIMSELF WRITES:
   
   "...it's crucial that you at least understand a digital audio sequencer's basic operations."
   
   HE GOES ON SAYING THAT YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO RECORD A TRACK, SEQUENCE A MIDI PART, QUANTIZE A PERFORMANCE, AUTOMATE AN EFFECT, ETC., ETC.
   
   WITHOUT THIS BACKGROUND YOU WASTED YOUR MONEY. THIS BOOK IS NOT FOR THE ABSOLUTE NOVICE AND I WISH THEY WOULD LET YOU KNOW THIS BEFORE YOU PURCHASE THE BOOK, BUT THEY DON'T. TO ME THE BOOK SHOULD BE TITLED "THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO REMIXING FOR THE INTERMEDIATE TO THE ADVANCE LEVEL REMIXER", OR AT LEAST AKNOWLEDGE THIS SOMEWHERE IN THE COVER. I STILL GIVE IT 4 STARS BECAUSE LIKE A SAID THIS BOOK IS GREAT FOR SOMEONE WHO ALREADY HAS SOME EXPERIENCE.



2. This is one of the better books I have read up to date. If you have a basic foundation of music production knowledge it will be extremely helpful - if you dont it will still be helpful. Great Book!!



3. 
   Great buy if you're looking specifically at remixing. The book does not dive into specific programming techniques for synthesizers at a detail enough to become a professional, but it is short enough that it became a quick reference for me on certain techniques. Very good read for the aspiring producer.



4. This book cuts right to the heart of techniques that you can build off of to form your own tricks and styles. It really helps to reveal the added capabilities you can get out of your existing sequencer and FX along with inspiring some discovery.



5. With all books from Berklee Press the beginner and the advanced alike will learn something new. And this book is no exception. Remixing is very hot these days and everyone wants a piece of the pie. But there are only a select few who can pull off remixes that move people. With this book an aspiring DJ can get a few steps closer. Not olny does it start with the basics such as what gear you will need, it walks you through the different aspects of remixing. For the beginner, knowing what makes the genres of dance music different helps you to focus on the type of remix you want for a song. For the seasoned Remix artist it will give you the basis to expand your horizons into different types of dance music. The CD that comes with it is a great tool to actually hear the technique the author explains in step by step instructions.
   
   Remixing is an art, but you gotta start somewhere.While there is no subtitution for actual practice, you can't go wrong with this book.

3 comments about Dance Imagery for Technique and Performance.

1. I LOVE this book!! Eric has written great books and this one is among them. Every piece of information opens the dancers' mind and body into a realm of excellence and joy that is LONG OVERDUE!!! It is a must have in every personal library of everyone in dance. A neccessary textbook in pedagogy, technique, and conditioning classes everywhere.



2. To make our bodies do all of the incredible things that we ask of them we use images, and since our bodies are always changing and feeling different sensations, we often need to find new images to keep pushing our performance further and further. This book is a collection of hundreds of interesting suggestions for images that all dancers should find useful. Some you may already be familiar with and some will be new to you. In dance class, images are constantly being taught to dancers, so this is also an excellent resource for teachers as well as students and seasoned professionals. Maybe you will find just the right image for that tricky pirouette or jump here! This book is recommended for dancers of all levels, from beginner to professional.



3. As a dancer and a beginner I was struggling with jazz technique for a long time. The imagery approach has helped me greatly to improve my plies and turns, posture and interaction with space. The essence of the imagery approach is to identify yourself with an image. As an example the one that inspired me was "a growing root". I keep coming to this book again and again, when I need to recupirate and find inspiration. It also developed my imagery and gave me another prospective on relationships, energy and dancing. The book has helpful illustrations and photos. A must!

5 comments about Costume Design in the Movies: An Illustrated Guide to the Work of 157 Great Designers (Dover Books on Fashion).

1. A very complete list of costume designers and the movies they worked in or designed the costumes for.
   The preface and intruduction have some very interesting data and information although the book in itself lacks in any of these, it's just succession of names, dates and movie tittles.
   In any case, the pictures published are very good and the general information very constructive.
   The author did a great research and this book serves as a encyclopedia for costume designers.



2. 
   Good book! Lots of black-n-white photos of famous movie stars wearing wonderful designer fashions!
   
   This book was originally written in 1988,thus,the 157 famous Hollywood Fashion Designers listed in this book are all here --- from the very beginning of Hollywood's Fashion movie Era , and then all the way up to 1988.
   
   (NOTE: The reason the copyright on this book is 1991, is because the author added an information page in 1991. However, this book was really written in the 1980's).
   
   Anyhow, this book lists all the Academy Award Fashion winners and also all British Award Fashion winners (in regards to Hollywood FASHIONS), from the late 1800's up until 1988!



3. Excellent reference book with biographies of the most famous designers at the different studios. Nominations and Academy Awards are also referenced. There is an index that makes it easy to look up a film and find out who designed the costumes. I use it frequently. In some cases more than one designer worked on the same film. There are photographs of the designers and also their designs, however, I would like to see even more photographs...especially for the period 1930 through 1970. I would rate this book 4.5. It is also a good value for the price.



4. I love fashion & many great designs were done by the designers for the old movie studios. It was interesting reading about how designers came up with ideas of an outfit to cover flaws or accent a movie star (i.e. Barbara Stanwycks low butt, Crawfords shoulder pads).



5. One of my favorite things about watching classic films is seeing all the amazing fashions! This book is a great collection of photos of classic stars wearing classic costumes. Lots of stars are in here including Bette Davis, Norma Shearer, Carole Landis, Lana Turner, Joan Crawford, and Irene Dunne. You will learn who designed each outfit and there is a little biographical information about the designers too.

5 comments about Jazz Age Beauties: The Lost Collection of Ziegfeld Photographer Alfred Cheney Johnston.

1. the book is beautifully designed and printed. the ziegfeld girls, many of whom are familiar, are all gorgeous.. it's a window into the roaring twenties and the spectacular beauties of the jazz age.



2. Obviously a wonderful collection of images with historical and insightful text accompanying. Nonetheless, as a photographer, I was moderately disappointed with the manner in which the images were presented. The images are all presented in a sepia tone which I doubt is true for all of the originals. More concerning, however, is that most of the images lack the sharpness and fine detail which was undoubtedly present in many of the originals. While one reviewer compliments the "soft focus" techniques, I have seen several of the images before in very sharp focus with fabulous detail. To soften any of the images for publication for any reason betrays the brilliance which Alfred Cheney Johnston displayed in creating the images. It is still a wonderful collection.



3. Thank you Mr.Hudovernik for this lovely book. As a photographer and fan of the 20's jazz age photography. I think Mr Johnston's photos show that perfectly. I have been a fan of his work since I first saw all of the beautiful portraits he shot of the Ziegfeld women and the unknown beauties he photographed. He was a true master posing and capturing the beautiful women he had the pleasure of working with.
   
   This book is a beautiful history of him and his relation with the Ziegfeld Follies. Its very informative and not to mention a beautiful photo album of his finest work. If you are a fan of the golden era and the 20's please get this book. Thank you Mr.Hudovernik and thank you Alfred Cheney Johnston for leaving behind such beautiful work.



4. this book is so amazing! i got it for a christmas present last year and absolutely adored it. the 1920s is absolutely my favorite era and to see all of these gorgeous photos of these gorgeous 20s women is just incredibly delightful. even if you don't recognize some of the names in here, you'll appreciate the art of the pictures. and, you do get to see rare pictures of stars like clara bow and louise brooks.



5. I own many, many ACJ original prints and more. This book is a comprehensive guide full of marvelous images and information about ACJ's models and his photography techniques. ACJ was the photographer of the Ziegfeld girls, so as you can imagine, it is 1920's and 1930's at its best!!

5 comments about Building a Character.

1. If you are a director or an actor and wish to develop a character, this is a time tested tome to learn from. The Stanislavski methods are tried and true!



2. 
   "Building a Character" is certainly one of the books that you can add to your collection if you are an actor, professional or otherwise. Stanislavski discusses the physicalisations and vocalisations that are the product of a character. He also discusses some ethics and attitudes he thinks necessary to maintain in the theater.
   Highly recommended.



3. For the thinking actor and director, Building a Character is a nice slice of help--mind expanding and approach expanding.



4. This book is very resourceful and informative. It teaches you the true method of the acting craft.



5. I thought I knew what I was doing on the stage. I knew my lines, I didn't bump into the furniture, what else is there to know? Borrowed this book from a friend and it completely transformed me and everything I thought I knew about acting. Turns out I only thought I knew what I was doing.

No comments about Hollywood Representation Directory, 35th Edition (Hollywood Representation Directory).

5 comments about Pygmalion (Dover Thrift Editions).

1. This was a quick classic read. Although Higgins and Eliza are stubborn and often unsavory, the book had its redeeming qualities. I loved the calm patience of Mrs. Higgins and the complementary Pickering. It's a good story that's been re-told through the years because of its timeless theme of redemption, forgiveness, and even a spot of romance (sexual tension, anyone?). My favorite line was from the afterward: "[Eliza] has even secret mischievous moments in which she whishes she could get [Henry] alone, on a desert island, away from all ties and nobody else in the world to consider, and drag him off his pedestal and see him making love like any common man."



2. The play was relatively entertaining and has a promising beginning, but Higgins' infuriating and incesant bullying doesn't change, and quickly becomes tiresome. You keep expecting the characters to evolve, to grow into something better, or at least different, and none of them really do. Doolittle is still lazy, Pickering always the gentlemen, and most frustratingly, Eliza and Henry are never truly able to understand one another. In the beginning I was an immediate fan, but as the story continued I grew more and more dissatisfied, and by the end I felt that it was a complete waste of time.



3. The book for great, daughter needed it for school.
   Shipping needs work I paid for next day air DIDN'T get
   it for 3 business days. Not Happy with that.
   
   Debbie Tsikuris



4. George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion", depicts the relationships between gender and social status. It reveals the story of a young, lower class, flower girl, who wants nothing more than to become a lady.
   The character of Professor Higgins is introduced as a higher class, sexist individual. He agrees to teach the young girl, Eliza, to become a sophisticated, proper speaking lady. To Eliza, this sounds like an irresistible chance of becoming a lady. However, in Higgins eyes, he's simply teaching her enough to pass her off as a Royal Duchess, through the perfection of her English.
   This book undergoes the common theme of "the developing butterfly", with the character starting out in the gutter and integrating her way into becoming a beautiful, proper, mature speaking lady. Although Eliza progresses somewhat throughout the play, she continues to remain within the walls of the lower class status. Similarly, Henry Higgins remains consistent with his arrogant, disliked attitude.
   As the reader may not anticipate, Shaw does not follow the typical storyline of the woman and the man of the opposite lives, who end up falling in love with each other. Contrarily, Eliza remains strong, refusing to fall for any sense of false hope, and the lack of respect given by Higgins. She persists and regardless of Higgins' continuous begging, she stays with Freddy.
   The reading of this story is somewhat enjoyable and interesting, if the unpredictable, non-traditional storyline is appealing to you, as a reader. I would recommend this book to people who enjoy these types of storylines of the encountered struggles between the lower class individuals and their constant strives to be recognized as anything but lower class.



5. Pygmalion centers on a woman who cannot speak to save her life. She is the most interesting of the three main characters but also the worst to focus on. She is boring to the point of tears. She is poor, hungry, and happy. It is a typical underdog story where two rich and powerful men who happen to be specialists in her area of need -language-happen upon her in a gloomy British rain. Surprised? I was not. Shaw cut right to the point; after all, it is a short play. I do not blame Shaw for making it short, more of Higgins and I would have put the play down.
   Should we try to pinpoint why the two men, more so Higgins, decide to tutor and to change Eliza, we come across purely selfish motives. Eliza sells flowers on the street in order to feed herself, and later goes to Higgins to learn proper English in order to become a shop-owner. Higgins wants to change her into a proper girl in order to prove that he is the greatest linguistics tutor, also, to win a bet...how egocentric. Selfish acts drive this play along.
   Here, the class struggle also comes into play as Eliza must not only refrain from using the only language she knows, but must change the way in which she holds herself in front of society. Shaw wrote Eliza's character very precisely to have individual dignity and determination to help her achieve her goals. The one thing I liked.
   The play is about adaptation and transformation. Eliza's incredible strength moves the play along more quickly despite Higgins' pompous attitude slowing it down. Then again, without the diametrically opposed characters the play would not work.
   Interesting class struggle and realistic language effort but overall, just a so-so read. Shaw has a good point: it takes effort to move up to bourgeoisie. He has all the right characters: a poor, pretty girl with a desire to learn, a snotty old Professor who is full of himself and a rich gentleman to provide the budget. Unfortunately, and perhaps due to the year I was born, the generation I grew up in and my penchant for sex and scandal, I found it rather dry. I am glad I read it, but will likely not pick it up again.

5 comments about The Hollywood Book of Scandals : The Shocking, Often Disgraceful Deeds and Affairs of Over 100 American Movie and TV Idols.

1. There's not much space, it seems, for in-betweens, but place me firmly in the "like" camp, especially since I've talked up this book favorably in reviews of several other Hollywood-gossip books here on Amazon. I will say I'm also in Parish's corner. I haven't read a _bad_ book from him yet, IMO. His "Hollywood Book Of..." series specializes in relatively short, punchy articles that are well-researched (certainly in comparison to some other books in this genre), evenhanded and crisply written. While the photos are not always anything special (his series on actresses features much better selections of pictures), they're also usually well-chosen and a lot less sensationalistic than, say, _Hollywood Babylon's_ selections.
   
   Another reviewer questioned why Cary Grant's rooming with Randolph Scott should even be considered a scandal in 2007, which misses the point. It's not that it's not scandalous now, in 2007; the point is how it was regarded _back then_. If Parish doesn't make it clear in that particular instance, he generally does elsewhere in the book (for instance, in his analysis of the Fatty Arbuckle scandal, where it was clear both at the time and now that Arbuckle was a railroaded, innocent man; in fact, Parish explodes the myth of Virginia Rappe's innocence and demonstrates that key (false) testimony was given by a friend of Rappe's who had an axe of her own to grind).
   
   No book is perfect, though, and my own quibble is that Parish covers some material that's already been gone over in other books in the present series, while leaving out other material that clearly deserves inclusion. Specifically, I'm thinking of his section on the Woody Allen-Mia Farrow breakup, which was already discussed at length in "The Hollywood Book of Breakups". The space devoted to that rehash could have been used, instead, to talk about - for instance - the David Begelman check-forgery scandal (where actor Robert Stack discovered his name signed to a check he didn't draw or cash, which was ultimately traced to then-studio head Begelman).
   
   All in all, though, I have no hesitation in recommending this book.



2. I found this book to be very disjointed, badly organized, and even poorly written. The list of "scandals" is the same old list of tired stories, innuendo, and might-have-beens that every movie fan and scandal fan likely knows about already. Worse, some of the occurrences Parish lists aren't really even scandals - the fact that Robert Blake was tried for his wife's murder may be a scandal, but in 2007 is the fact that Cary Grant shared a house with a fellow male star even slightly scandalous? The only scandal is in those who judged him, one way or the other.
   
   In addition, this book could have benefited from thorough copy editing and fact-checking. There are many minor and major factual errors and, in addition, many typos and grammatical errors.
   
   I don't recommend this book.



3. If you have read the Hollywood Babylon books, then there is really no need to read this one. It is a rehash of what was in those books.
   
   The only reason you might want to read this one is to save yourself reading the other two or maybe you have no clue at all about these scandals and want to catch up.
   
   I found the book hard to follow in general. Overall I can't tell if this was a repeat by intention or what. I like John Robert Parish too, so this is no slam on him. I just don't get the point, but he isn't the first guy to so something over.



4. The scandals themselves were interesting however I found the book hard to read. Some of the information was repetitive from chapter to chapter and it was not well written. I was looking for something that I could just pick up an read a story at a time and this was not the book for that.



5. Only a short bus rider like Debbie davis could love this book.This book is the second book in a row this parish character wrote and its boring an old news from the old tabloids.Unless you have lived under the dirt there is nothing new here. Just an obvious attempt to make money. This has been done much better by better writers like Bob Thomas and James bacon and Earl Wilson!!!!- Note- one reviwer wrote Don Johnston of Beach Boys wrote I write the songs. His name is Bruce dear.

5 comments about Myth & the Movies: Discovering the Myth Structure of 50 Unforgettable Films.

1. I had to read this book for a class taught by the author. There are not really any new ideas here. A person who has never been exposed to genre, character type and a three-act structure might find it useful. I found the dissection and analyses dry and un-insightful. Serious and seasoned screenwriters may be disappointed.



2. I am a huge fan of this book. It invites you into a secret club of those special people who can read a script or watch a film and and decipher all of its great qualities and not-so-great qualities. It gives you a complete template of how to write a succesful story so that it commits the audience to the film through emotion. A superb book!



3. After reading Vogler I was interested in how an expert might wholisticly apply his structure to actual movies.
   
   Unfortunately, Voytilla's analysis of individual movies is rather shallow and nominal. i.e. He basically rehashes movie plots using keywords for Voglers book to name them. There is no introspection into how these elements provide drama, work with the theme of the movie, or highten an audience's investment in the hero.
   
   The only parts of the book that I found interesting were Voytilla's analysis of Genres. Here he writes about similar structures, themes, and purposes found within genres such as comedy, adventure, action etc.
   
   If you are at a loss to apply Vogler's works, this book will be helpful. If you are interested in breif and somewhat interesting Genre analysis and don't mind dropping a few bucks then you might pick up a couple of interesting tidbits here and there.
   
   However, if you're looking for an analysis that truly enlightens the dynamics behind the dramatic excellence of a movie, skip this book, rent a bunch of movies and apply Vogler's ideas for yourself. (Disney movies such as the Little Mermaid are a great place to start.)



4. As Advertised, this book is a guide to the story structure of 50 great movies. "Myth and the Movies" uses the Heroes Journey model which is illustrated in "The Writers Journey" but Christopher Volger." I'd recommend getting books and using them as companions to one another.



5. This spring along side the adventurous movie block-busters, I experienced an excellent guide to movie aesthetics and structure. The book 'Myth and the Movies' by Stuart Voytilla; Sheridan Books 1999, is an exquisite taste of film memorabilia.
   From its opening paragraphs on the mythical hero's journey, to the archetypes and breakdown of over 50 block-buster movies; this book really focuses on film structure and paradigm.
   All genres are covered, from the Western to the Action Adventure (the Action Adventure being the one with a golbal appeal), its all in the book.
   I strongly recommend this book as a learning tool or guide to every serious film student.
   Respectfully,
   Mikey Jay / film student 'San Diego State University'
   May 28, 2003

5 comments about Breakfast with Sharks: A Screenwriter's Guide to Getting the Meeting, Nailing the Pitch, Signing the Deal, and Navigating the Murky Waters of Hollywood.

1. First a disclosure - I am not a screenwriter. I am an avid reader. So the fact this book didn't thrill me may mean nothing. If you're in pursuit of this dream you may have the background to assess the advice proffered.
   
   From purely a readers point of view I think the book could flow better. I have a keen interest in most things Hollywood, and those chapters dealing with Hollywood as town were intriguing. Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need



2. I read this book expecting to find a lot of Hollywood gossip. Instead, it was a down to earth 'how to' guide for becoming a star-screenwriter.
   
   Some of the suggestions are very specific to the industry. For example, how to decide when to move to Hollywood or how to get across the San Fernando valley for an interview when you don't own a car. Most of the advice is fairly general, though. Ben Franklin would approve.
   
   The text is fast paced and entertaining. It doesn't quite read like a novel, but you will start watching for the author's name to appear on your local cinema.



3. Wow! Full of sound advice from experience. Michael Lent is clearly someone who pays attention to the whole process. The best part is he shares it with the rest of us! This book is fun to read from start to finish. Lent constantly encourages the reader (screenwriter) to adopt an attitude of, what I would call, "strategic humility" in their business dealings. How rare!!! This stuff helps in life too! I've never written a feature length screenplay, but I still found this book efficacious in learning the ins and outs of this goofy industry. And I know goofy - www.chrismundell.com



4. I'm on my third reading of Michael Lent's "Breakfast with Sharks" (2-7-05), and I highly this book to any screenwriter making serious go of trying to sell his/her work.
   
   Micheal Lent doesn't make things up. His book is filled with real life "lived" experiences.
   
   This book is a godsend if you've a written a screenplay and have started your foray into the next scary step-selling!! "Breakfast with Sharks" will help you disciminate information and buzzwords used at screenwrinting seminars and help decode the Hollywood Creative Directory.
   
   My favorite section in the entire book is "Studio Notes: What They Are and How to Handle Them".
   
   Overall a great book, insprationaly it ranks right up there with Karl Iglesias' "The 101 Habits of Hightly Successful Screenwriters".
   
   - Review given by Eric C.Henrikson Febuary 7, 2005



5. 
   As a beginning screenwriter I know the competition is fierce especially for those like me without film school, living outside of Hollywood. That's why I bought Breakfast with Sharks. There isn't a screenwriting resource out there like it. Sure, I've bought a few screenwriting books but most of them say the same things, how to write a screenplay and a query letter. This book delves into the business of screenwriting, if you don't have a father in the business you will need to learn the business and Breakfast with Sharks is a way to do it. I found the book also enjoyable to read with personal stories of Hollywood misfortune and finally success. Breakfast with Sharks rises above the competition with a unique purpose and helps you to write above the competition with what many others forget to bring to Hollywood, a plan and a unique voice.