EVOLUTIONARY PROCESS! 'THE MAKING OF PLANET OF THE APES' BY J.W. RINZLER. OUT THIS MONTH!

Science Fiction film-making at its most thought-provoking and exciting, as documented in The Making of Planet of the Apes. Out now in the UK from Harper Design. Apes movie images: 20th Century Fox.

Before the Sith, before the Jedi, there were those 'damned dirty' Apes!

He brought us the greatest and most acclaimed behind the scenes books ever researched and written on the making of the original classic Star Wars Trilogy- more detailed and revealing than fans could ever have wished for, and he was surely one of the finest creative assets working in Lucasfilm as Executive Editor until a few years back, when, with the changing of the guard for a new era, he bid adieu to the company in order to pursue the next step in his intriguing and evolving career as a writer and filmmaker in live action and animation. Now, J.W. Rinzler continues his fine work as a movie historian charting the superb and never fully revealed true story behind the incredible birth/making-of another classic sci-fi franchise so beloved and enduring as Star Wars, and of that pioneering flagship film that launched a phenomenon- Planet of the Apes. Surely (thankfully) existing beyond the realms of the B-movies of which the sci-fi and fantasy genre had been inexorably and unfairly trapped for some time, this was the first realistic and adult-sophisticated sci-fi movie franchise of its ilk from the American market (Stanley Kubrick's singular 2001: A Space Odyssey also making 1968 a fine year for aficionados), and whose arrival on celluloid, beyond an early aura of secrecy, rapidly made it one of the most popular and respected films of the 1960's, whilst simultaneously reigniting the fortunes of a then ailing 20th Century Fox before they'd eventually take on on the reins of funding George Lucas's first indelible steps into the realms of the Star Wars universe by the 1970's.

Visual preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbMeBiMxKSw

The Ape stars of the landmark film!

And, if anything, so much of the DNA groundwork to the success of our 1977 classic, and the way it was pre-sold to the studio, made and marketed to audiences, can be unconsciously found and tributed to the starting point of this unique 'Simian Saga'. We'd also had the ground-breaking colourful and dignified Star Trek to enjoy and appreciate on the TV airwaves of 1968, but Apes must surely be seriously considered and celebrated as the true launch point for what Star Wars would debut as. We owe such creativity and dedication, and a hearty clap of thanks, to Apes' enthused developer, Arthur P. Jacobs, a true showman and dedicated publicity expert.

Filming the opening water crash-landing.

Without a doubt, The Making of Planet of the Apes is a supremely realized labour of love and care by both Rinzler and the art team with whom he has worked so closely with these last few years. It's truly the book that all Apes fans and movie history fans have been waiting decades for, making a timely arrival via Harper Design for the film's fiftieth anniversary, and featuring a lovely and genuinely warm and nostalgic introduction from Fraser Heston, son of the project's iconic and much-missed charismatic lead star- Charlton Heston, another man of talent and foresight who worked hard to make this special and unique endeavour come to life.

Make-up and wardrobe tests.

As you delve into the gloriously weighty book, and the origins of a project that would go way beyond the whimsical fantasy imagination of its French creator Pierre Boulle, prepare to discover new facts on hitherto facets of the film and its many groundbreaking and iconic scenes (including that genuinely unforgettable shock finale), its scripting odyssey emerging from a true collection of American greats (including Rod Serling, creator of The Twilight Zone), beautifully designed spreads that make the most of many rare and previously unseen, specially-selected digitally re-scanned photographs and production artwork from both the Fox vaults and private collections, a look at some fascinating deleted scenes that even die-hard fans might not have been aware of, and detailed production information and rarities linked to the marvels of Oscar-winning make-up artist John Chambers, whose influentially long-lasting and brilliant make-up designs for the different Apes species (meticulously applied to the likes of Roddy McDowall, Kim Hunter and Maurice Evans) have never been bettered.

Developing Ape City.

So don't let one of those thug gorilla types get their 'stinking paws' on your copy of this marvellous and important book. The Making of Planet of the Apes is a must-have event purchase, and a reminder of just what a distinguished and literate talent in Rinzler we're missing at Lucasfilm these days!

More book information here:

In celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of Planet of the Apes, the classic science-fiction film from 1968, The Making of Planet of the Apes tells the film and offers exclusive, never-before-seen photographs and concept art.

Based on Pierre Boulle's novel La Planéte de singes, the original Planet of the Apes was one of the most celebrated films of the 1960s and beyond. Starring Hollywood icons Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowall, the movie struck a chord with the world and sparked a franchise that included eight sequels, two television series, and a long-running comic book. Now, five decades after its theatrical release, New York Times bestselling author J. W. Rinzler tells the thrilling story of this legendary Hollywood production—a film even Boulle thought would be impossible to make.

With a foreword by Fraser Heston, Charlton Heston's son, The Making of Planet of the Apes is an entertaining, informative experience that will transport readers back to the strange alternate Earth ruled by apes, and bring to life memorable characters such as Cornelius, Dr. Zira, Dr. Zaius, and Taylor, the human astronaut whose time-traveling sparks an incredible adventure. Meticulously researched and designed to capture the look and atmosphere of the film, The Making of Planet of the Apes is also packed with a wealth of concept paintings, storyboards, and never-before-seen imagery—including rare journal pages and sketches from Charlton Heston's private collection—as well as color and black-and-white unit photography, posters, and more unique ephemera.

Comprehensive in scope, The Making of Planet of the Apes is the definitive look at the original blockbuster film, a must-have for fans, film buffs, and collectors alike.

Author J.W. Rinzler.

NEW (14/11/18): Book review:
https://kooltvblog.blogspot.com/2018/11/going-ape-at-fifty-making-of-planet-of.html


Additional book preview:

https://io9.gizmodo.com/go-behind-the-scenes-of-the-original-planet-of-the-apes-1829475133?utm_medium=sharefromsite&utm_source=io9_twitter&utm_campaign=bottom

Get it here (UK release date: November 15th, 2018):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Making-Planet-Apes-Jonathan-Rinzler/dp/0062840622/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1541085481&sr=8-1&keywords=the+making+of+the+planet+of+the+apes

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'STORMTROOPERS: BEYOND THE ARMOR'

At last- the Empire's finest get their own celebratory book.

Right from the start they were an incredible and threatening sight as they blasted their way down the corridors of the Rebel Blockade Runner in May 1977- the original Star Wars was making an impact with impressionable an enthused cinemagoers from the get-go, the evil Galactic Empire's unleashed villainy given its first en masse visual identity in the form of ground-pounder Imperial Stormtroopers, the distinctive use of white as their costumed-armour now a symbolism for evil in a way not previously thought of before in the realms of onscreen sci-fi/fantasy. Soon enough, these single identity-looking troops would become of iconic importance, representative to the saga's villainous side almost to the heights of popularity enjoyed by the demonic Darth Vader himself. A tribute book on these fascinating foot soldiers of the saga has long been overdue. Now, writers Ryder Windham and  Adam Bryce take us on an informative and celebratory journey of the Stormtroopers history, in all their main and divergent forms from 1977 to 2017 (and beyond), as Stormtroopers: Beyond the Armor marches into bookstores via Harper Design.

An early TIE pilot/Stormtrooper storyboard. Art by Alex Tavoularis.

In that early genesis for The Star Wars during 1973-75, the look of the formidable and frightening Stormtroopers soon became a key and accessible visual- the project's main conceptual artist of that time, Ralph McQuarrie, honing their original look beyond creator George Lucas story treatments, and giving us not just the main into-battle ranks of the Stormtroopers but other ranks in service to the Empire-  indeed, a TIE fighter pilot art image by Ralph McQuarrie, back in 1976, would be one of the earliest images used to promote the film whilst it was still heavy-duty deep in its post production phase...

The original STAR WARS Stormtroopers patrolling the Death Star.

It's from this early genesis onwards that Beyond the Armor becomes the most detailed compiling of data yet about the Stormtroopers' visual creation, as those early concepts by Lucas and McQuarrie, and in further violent action storyboards by Alex Tavoularis, are further refined to practicality for UK 1976 filming by British costume designer and military history enthusiast John Mollo, alongside key sculptors Liz Moore and Brian Muir. Despite some aspects that can't be discussed (due to potential legal issues), the Stormtrooper costumes construction at Elstree Studios is fascinating to read about, comprising some fine behind the scenes info and cast/crew quotes compilations, alongside facts that I'm sure many readers will not have know previously. (Until this publication, I didn't realize there were other major film differencies between the dusty Sandtroopers and the regular Stormtroopers, beyond the lapels and heavy backpacks.)

One of the classic 1978 Stormtrooper-related toys from KENNER- the Dewback

With the success of Star Wars and its subsequent sequels, the Stormtrooper became a key figure for publicity and merchandise in all kinds of tie-ins and spin-offs. The book gives us a fun and detailed look at the 'Legacy' era of which this fertile and hugely successful period has now become known- from intriguing mask-less Stormtroopers appearing in the Russ Manning newspaper strips of 1977, MARVEL COMIC curiosities, to specially designed toys like KENNER's superb Imperial Troop Transporter, now deservedly a firm part of the modern era officially appearing in the Rebels animated TV series. Plus Micro Toys and many, many others launching an eventual avalanche of sure-fire cash-cow merchandise hits- so much of which would bear the distinctive mark/involvement of the Imperial Stormtrooper. There's also a smattering of very rare photos here and there to savour, especially linked to the toys: the reptilian Dewback and trooper from a US toy Fair of 1979 being a lovely example.Sadly, there are a couple of niggly omissions here and there, too - presumably for reasons of space, as well as a couple of date errors that likely escaped the fact-checking correction process of the book's production phase.

Exploring the weird and wonderful 'Legacy' era involving the Stormtroopers. Image: Harper Design.

Some of this visual history is housed within gorgeous gate-folds truly showcasing some of the many gems from the Lucasfilm Archives - production stills, art, storyboards from across forty years, and lots of the aforementioned nostalgic merchandise. Plus, a further specially chosen bonus set of five reprinted pieces of Stormtrooper nostalgia included via attached envelope at the back of the book, done in a similar fashion to what appeared with Steve Sansweet's STAR WARS Scrapbook, published back in 2007.

Cold weather warriors! The Imperial Snowtroopers debut in 1980.

Going into the two sequels of the Classic Trilogy, the classic Stormtroopers would get some mild cosmetic alterations, but the evolution, refinement and branching off the Imperial forces would continue further via striking all-new costume additions that were to become as popular: we discover more about the production of the Snowtroopers for The Empire Strikes Back, and the genesis of bounty hunter Boba Fett after his early origins as a 'Super Stormtrooper'. Following on, Return of the Jedi's forest adventures on Endor sees the debut of the Biker Scouts, whilst the Death Star II in space witnesses the arrival of the enigmatic crimson Royal Guards of the Emperor. The fusion of artistry and practicality needed to bring them all to filming reality in 1979 and 1982 is further outlined.

In service to their master! The Emperor's Royal Guard make a mysterious 1983 arrival.

As well as successfully charting the onscreen developments, so too does Beyond the Armor chart the way the Stormtroopers go from scary figures of war to unlikely figures of fun over a twenty-year pop culture legacy, the mockery primarily emerged from critics and die-hard fans noting their inability to shoot at people. Thankfully, the Stormtroopers go back to being more sinister and refined figures for an all-new evil, initiated by the newly emergent First Order, for the new sequels that would arrive in cinemas from 2015 onwards. Of important note between phases of evildom, there's a rewarding examination of the good works made by the worldwide 501st Legion Stormtrooper fan costumers, and how their presence alongside the saga in general has enriched the lives of so many STAR WARS fans through good times and bad, and in the face of great emotional and physical adversity and hardship.

Launching the Attack of the Clones on Geonosis in 2002.

And let's not forget the innovative Prequel Trilogy of 1999 - 2005, which saw George Lucas taking bold creative storytelling risks and using all-new digital technology to give us the origin of the Stormtroopers via the many Clone Soldiers earlier created as pawns for a duplicitous galactic war waged by the Sith Lords against the fading Jedi and their Republic. The full onscreen history of the Clone Trooper armies, their focal point in bounty hunter Jango Fett, and their importance to the trilogy in binding two sagas together, is given valuable analysis by the authors, alongside some colourful gate folds of The Clone Wars animated TV series concept designs, as well as a look at the series best episodes utilising the Clone Trooper 'heroes' during its six-season run.

The next phase! Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie) and her First Order legions.

As the Prequel era sequels back to the beloved Classic Trilogy era (and the Special Edition take-over), Disney's eventual ownership of the franchise in such expanding ways ultimately sees the return of the original Stormtroopers for all-new marketing endeavours (some not necessarily for the better, either!). Of key importance, though, is their eventual return to film via an all-new redesign, courtesy of acclaimed film talent Michael Kaplan (and others)- the Empire may be long gone after the events of Return of the Jedi, but the sinister and encompassing First Order employs their kind by the thousands, its 'recruits' encased in armour and weaponry upgraded anew for the next generation of fans to enjoy with The Force Awakens and the newly released The Last Jedi. This book vigorously goes behind the scenes on the saga's rebirth and how this new breed of troopers and their overseers (most notably the chromed female warrior leader Captain Phasma) are out to regain their original 'mojo' roots as an effective and sinister military force.

Hero or traitor? John Boyega contemplates the First Order Stormtrooper!

However, as The Force Awakens begins, it seems that not all of the First Order's trained-from-birth soldiers are happy about killing- the idea of one of their own going rogue to become an idealistic hero of this new trilogy proving a bold and invigorating creative decision from returning writer Lawrence Kasdan, of which John Boyega, the British actor who plays FN-2187 (later 'Finn'), provides a nice foreword to this book, celebrating the fun of being in STAR WARS, the importance of the iconic Stormtroopers, and the responsibility of becoming one (especially enduring the heavy costume in over one-hundred degree location heat!).

The formidable Death Troopers redress the balance with regards to Stormtroopers hitting their targets!

Finally, there's the bold introduction of separate 'anthology' films set in and out of the franchise's timeline - the first out of the gate being Rogue One: A Star Wars Story - an exciting return to the Classic Trilogy post EP III yet pre IV- the book revealing the sinister creation of the unstoppable elite Death Troopers squads from the McQuarrie legacy, alongside another complete costume upgrade being necessary for the classic Stormtroopers' armour, due to the changing face of high definition camera technology. There's also more about the adventure's unique feat and special notoriety as the biggest variant showcase yet for the Stormtroopers - more so than had been prior seen in the entire Classic Trilogy combined!

A selection of highlight spreads from the book. Images: Harper Design.

Boba Fett and the Snowtroopers.

A look behind The Force Awakens.

Back cover art.

AFICIONADO RATING: Celebrating the artistic and manufacturing talent of the many people involved in the film series, and beyond, this worthy and highly informative book is a comprehensive and rewarding endeavour, which all fans young and old will enjoy. 3.5 out of 5

Get Stormtroopers: Beyond the Armor here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Stormtroopers-Beyond-Journey/dp/0062681176/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1517589424&sr=1-1&keywords=stormtroopers+beyond+the+armor

'STAR WARS' AT 40: THE NEW BOOGEYMEN!

Making an impact right from the start, the evil Darth Vader and his white-clad terror minions, the Imperial Stormtroopers, pose for an unusual publicity photo that was seemingly only ever used once, for the STAR WARS poster magazine series of 1977/78. If anyone knows more about this shoot, whether it was shot in the UK or US for the poster magazine itself rather than by the then STAR WARS Corporation, and who was in the Vader suit, please get in touch...

The iconic Stormtroopers in all their superb evolving variations across screen and media, both Imperial and First Order, as well as the Clone Troopers that Prequel-originated them, are the showcase of a lavish and informative new book, out now in the UK from HARPER DESIGN: Stormtroopers: Beyond the Armour. Written by Ryder Wyndham and Adam Bray (with a fun foreword from new era STAR WARS rising star John Boyega), this nostalgic and packed tome makes for a superb Christmas present, and another worthy entry into the Lucasfilm Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi overall book release banner during the saga's Fortieth Anniversary.

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FiVoXELVyA

Get the book here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Stormtroopers-Beyond-Journey/dp/0062681176/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512152242&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Stormtrooper+beyond+the+armour

EPISODE VIII: STORMTROOPERS - THE EVOLUTION CONTINUES...

The First Order Executioner stormtrooper with laser axe debuts in EPISODE VIII.

Visually and slickly upgraded in a way that their enthusiastic costume designer Michael Kaplan felt was appropriate for today's 'APPLE generation', the ground-pounder Stormtroopers of the chaos-causing First Order look set to bring further danger and menace to our Resistance heroes during the all-new struggles of The Last Jedi, out next month in cinemas.

The iconic Stormtoopers in all their superb variations across screen and media, both Imperial and First Order, as well as the Clone Troopers that Prequel-originated them, are the showcase of a lavish and informative new book, out now in the UK from HARPER DESIGN: Stormtroopers: Beyond the Armor. Written by Ryder Windham and Adam Bray (with a fun foreword from new era STAR WARS star John Boyega), it makes for a superb Christmas present and another worthy entry into the Lucasfilm Journey to Star Wars: The Last Jedi overall book release banner during the saga's Fortieth Anniversary.

Here's the book blurb:

Just in time for the next blockbuster, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, this unique and beautifully designed compendium with removable features traces one of the franchise’s most iconic characters—the stormtrooper—from initial development through all nine Star Wars movies to their many iterations in TV, comics, videogames, novels, and pop-culture.

Star Wars: A New Hope, the very first instalment in the beloved science-fiction series, introduced the Imperial stormtroopers—the army of the fearsome and tyrannical Galactic Empire. Charged with establishing Imperial authority and suppressing resistance, these terrifying, faceless, well-disciplined soldiers in white have become a universal symbol of oppression.

Star Wars Stormtroopers explores these striking warriors and their evolution in depth for the first time. Ryder Windham and Adam Bray trace the roots of their creation and design, and explore how these elite troops from a galaxy far, far away have been depicted in movies, cartoons, comics, novels, and merchandizing.

Get it here: https://forbiddenplanet.com/230633-star-wars-stormtroopers-beyond-the-armor-hardcover/?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Shopping&utm_term=4581596233579128&utm_content=Ad%20group%20%231