One of the most unusual and imaginative 3D animated films to
come down the pike in some time is Rise Of The Guardians.
In the film the well-known imaginary figures of Santa Claus,
the Easter Bunny, the Sandman, Jack Frost and the Tooth Fairy take on startling new visages
as guardians of humanity.
The lushly rendered film features some of the most beautiful
character and scenery designs seen in any film and the story, while aimed at
kids, is every bit as entertaining to adults.
I predict this film will become a classic.
Actor Alex Baldwin, who provides the voice of Santa Claus in
the film, introduces The Art Of Rise OF Guardians as written by Ramin Zahed and
published by Titan Books/ Insight Editions.
Like the film the book is exquisitely illustrated with stills
and art taken from the film. Concept
drawings, color studies, character designs, the various lands and accompanying transportation
vehicles, weapons, and equipment and so on are shown both in their development stage
and as final renderings.
The deluxe hardbound book is a gallery filled with gorgeous
art, sketches, production art and insightful text about the film and its many
challenges to produce.
As an artist I am blown away at the sheer technical scope of
the film as chronicled by the book. I
recommend this book to anyone interested in animation and film production. And to top it all off-it’s just plain fun to
look at!