The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop Hardcover – November 1, 2016

I was astounded when this book arrived in the mail. It's absolutely beautiful. The book has a sturdy canvas textured shell to protect it with an image of The Sound of Music on one side and The Wizard of Oz on the other. Immediately your eye goes right to the painted backdrop in those two photos. Solid design. The layout of the book is wonderfully executed with artist interviews, really strong writing that isn't dry but almost personal, unlike most of these big books you'd collect.The main focus is the large stunning photography of behind the scenes shots from old Hollywood. The star of each photo is the backdrops themselves and that's where your eye goes first, not to the famous actor standing in front. That's my favorite part about this book- scenic painters rarely get recognition (nor do they ask for it) but I'm so excited that Richard Isackes and Karen Maness took the time to create a massive visual "standing ovation" to this profession.Buy this book. Buy it now. You'll not regret it.

Just got this beautiful book yesterday, and loved paging through the pictures and seeing not only my father but his friends and cronies. I would like the authors to know that Duncan was color blind, and that is why he was so good with black and white, and he used values, he memorized the values of the colors to know where they went and how he used them. In later years he would call in mom or me to evaluate the color for the "right value", I learned so much from him and miss him dearly. I also appreciated one of the photos you had of him, I had never seen it. I loved seeing the faces behind the names, Gibson especially, as Dad had so much respect for him....I heard the name at the dinner table all through grammar and JR. high school. You folks did a wonderful job on this book and I thank you! He would not have been so happy, he was self effacing and modest, but I love it!

Working as an art director and having recently layout a large backdrop that is currently being painted at Steiner Studios in NYC I was very excited for this book to arrive. The book is beautifully printed in a beautiful slip cover and full of amazing information. At first I was disappointed because the page layout was all messed up. After page 140 it jumps back and repeats pages 137-140...it then jumps to page 149 (missing pages 141-148) goes to page 152... and once again jumps back and repeats pages 149-152! I contacted the publishers and they informed me that this was an error in my particular book and not all of them. So please do exam your copy to make sure it is all in proper order and all the pages are there. They are sending me a new copy and I'm returning my bad copy to them. It's a beautiful book with loads if full page photos and information galore. I can't wait to get my proper copy of the book!

Initially I purchased the hard bound book - which is very heavy! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous. But my copy was missing pages and some were torn so I returned it for a refund and purchased the Kindle version which isn't near as easy to read. Also I noticed I got very nauseated while opening the hard bound book. Didn't smell anything or get a headache so don't know what was up with that. There should be a museum dedicated to these backdrops. The talent is unimaginable.

A fascinating history of Hollywood movie backdrops. Well written. Well researched. Exceptionally well produced in terms of paper and cover. This is an art form that has escaped notice and yet it's there in the movies before computer generated backgrounds. The detail that went into the backdrops was astonishing. This book opened my eyes to art that has been unappreciated.

We forget what lengths Hollywood went to before CGI to create their magical environments. Like the art it covers, this book is BIG and HEAVY.

An absolutely BEAUTIFUL book featuring the artwork of craftsman in the movie industry. The backdrops from the 40’s and 50’s are memorable. A “must have” book for movie enthusiasts or anyone who appreciates works of art.

I would give the book five stars but the kindle format does not work on window 10. Amazon should advise the reader. This book is great for any movie fan and a must read if your in the movie making business.