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| The Entertainment Review |
| By: Linda Sunshine Publisher: Insight Editions |
When looking at the world of computer animated feature films, there is one thing that continues to surprise many of
the people who watch the films, the amount of consistency in the films. Not all of them have been anything
spectacular, but no one can go out and say that they have necessarily been bad. When these computer animation
films are compared to the traditional cell animation of the 1970s and 80s, many of the animation studios seemed to
simply be going through the motions. “Open Season” was one of those films that seemed to be lost in the shuffle
when it opened, but it proved to be a film that was more appreciated by moviegoers than the critics originally thought
it would be, but overall the film was well done and a lot of fun.
Animated films have always generated a large market for movie tie-in and promotional items, but most of these
products turn out to be fairly boring, but that is not the case with “The Art of Open Season.” Though this book may
weigh about the same as a brick, it offers a lot more enjoyment. With 180 pages of amazing art and information, and
fan of the film is going to love the experience this brings to the creation of “Open Season.” Along with the
information that the book provides to its readers, the hardcover book comes in a strong, die-cut slipcase that is
perfect for any reader that is a collector of art books.
The book begins with a look at the character creation of the film, including Boog the Bear and Elliot the Deer, played
by Martin Lawrence and Ashton Kutcher in the film respectively. The book contains a vast number of sketches,
digital paintings and full color paintings on these characters and many more of the major characters in the film with
credits given to the appropriate artist, which is a very nice touch. There are a number of pages in the book with
nothing more than facial sketches showing the characters with various expressions.
Readers will also be introduced to the visual development of the film with commentary by the films visual development
supervisor, Richie Chavez. Chavez takes the readers on a tour of the 3D landscape of Timberline and explains how
it was created, even including a map of the town with all of the important buildings and landmarks noted.
For those looking at this book and expecting a lot of drawings and nothing more, there are plenty of surprises in this
book. This book is bound with an assortment of interactive goodies, ranging from postcards that are able to be
pulled out and used if wanted, though many collectors will probably want to leave them in the book. The visual
development section of the book has a number of little booklets covering various aspects of the visuals in the film.
Finally, there is a collection of sixteen large stickers in the back of the book of various characters from the film.
This book offers a large variety of information for readers to look and read about and will keep fans of the film busy
for several hours. Kids will love the book for all of its interactive elements, though this is in no way a children’s book,
but more of a collector’s item. For anyone that is a fan of art, the film “Open Season” or of animated film in general,
this is a great book to add to the bookshelf.
the people who watch the films, the amount of consistency in the films. Not all of them have been anything
spectacular, but no one can go out and say that they have necessarily been bad. When these computer animation
films are compared to the traditional cell animation of the 1970s and 80s, many of the animation studios seemed to
simply be going through the motions. “Open Season” was one of those films that seemed to be lost in the shuffle
when it opened, but it proved to be a film that was more appreciated by moviegoers than the critics originally thought
it would be, but overall the film was well done and a lot of fun.
Animated films have always generated a large market for movie tie-in and promotional items, but most of these
products turn out to be fairly boring, but that is not the case with “The Art of Open Season.” Though this book may
weigh about the same as a brick, it offers a lot more enjoyment. With 180 pages of amazing art and information, and
fan of the film is going to love the experience this brings to the creation of “Open Season.” Along with the
information that the book provides to its readers, the hardcover book comes in a strong, die-cut slipcase that is
perfect for any reader that is a collector of art books.
The book begins with a look at the character creation of the film, including Boog the Bear and Elliot the Deer, played
by Martin Lawrence and Ashton Kutcher in the film respectively. The book contains a vast number of sketches,
digital paintings and full color paintings on these characters and many more of the major characters in the film with
credits given to the appropriate artist, which is a very nice touch. There are a number of pages in the book with
nothing more than facial sketches showing the characters with various expressions.
Readers will also be introduced to the visual development of the film with commentary by the films visual development
supervisor, Richie Chavez. Chavez takes the readers on a tour of the 3D landscape of Timberline and explains how
it was created, even including a map of the town with all of the important buildings and landmarks noted.
For those looking at this book and expecting a lot of drawings and nothing more, there are plenty of surprises in this
book. This book is bound with an assortment of interactive goodies, ranging from postcards that are able to be
pulled out and used if wanted, though many collectors will probably want to leave them in the book. The visual
development section of the book has a number of little booklets covering various aspects of the visuals in the film.
Finally, there is a collection of sixteen large stickers in the back of the book of various characters from the film.
This book offers a large variety of information for readers to look and read about and will keep fans of the film busy
for several hours. Kids will love the book for all of its interactive elements, though this is in no way a children’s book,
but more of a collector’s item. For anyone that is a fan of art, the film “Open Season” or of animated film in general,
this is a great book to add to the bookshelf.
