The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction Movies - Hardcover

Henderson, C. J.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0816040435 ISBN 13: 9780816040438

Publisher: Facts on File, 2001

Synopsis

Compiles information about science fiction films, providing the film title, studio, date of release, length, availability, producer, director, screenplay writer, music composer, special effects person, and lead cast members.

About this title

Reviews

One wonders if the world is in need of yet another science fiction encyclopedia, be it covering film, television, or literature. Yet it is hard to fault this offering from Facts On File. In spite of some rather dubious additions to make the work appeal to the science fiction market (an off-putting introduction by Star Trek's William Shatner and an interview with Frank Herbert discussing the first movie adaptation of Dune,) it provides a basic overview of the science fiction movie genre.

The main part consists of alphabetically arranged entries for more than 1,300 theatrical-release science fiction movies. Some basic credits are included, as well as the availability of the title on video, DVD, or laser disc. Then follows a synopsis and the author's opinions of the movie's watchability, validity as science fiction, and overall contribution to the genre. There is no standard length, with some entries earning two or three columns depending on their importance. The author, a film critic, makes no apologies for the fact that the opinions are his and his alone.

The work tries to include "as many movies as possible." It opens with an entry on the horrendous Abbott and Costello Go to Mars (1953) and closes with Z.P.G. (for zero population growth) (1971). In between are some of the gems of the genre, including Enemy from Space (Quatermass II) (1957), Metropolis (1926), and This Island Earth (1954).

The entries are followed by four appendixes, one a useful list of literature adapted to the screen and another of science fiction at the Oscars. The other two, the aforementioned interview and a chart explaining the language created for Quest for Fire, add nothing. The book is a worthy addition to science fiction reference, but libraries with tight budgets might want to assess if their collections are already complete enough before purchasing. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Edition details

• Publisher: Facts on File
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0816040435
• ISBN 13: 9780816040438
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 528