Available:*
Library | Audience | Home Location | Material Type | Shelf Number | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Searching... Henington-Alief | Adult | Reference Material | Reference material | 791.43615 H496 | Searching... Unknown |
Bound With These Titles
On Order
Summary
Summary
"The Encyclopedia of Science Fiction Movies is the most complete reference available on the subject. Written by a noted film reviewer and journalist
Reviews (2)
Booklist Review
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.
Choice Review
In a parallel universe where reference collections have limitless funding, this volume could be on a shelf with Dennis Fischer's Science Fiction Film Directors, 1895-1998 (CH, Mar'01) and Harris M. Lentz III's Science Fiction, Horror and Fantasy Film and Television Credits (3v., 2001). Henderson's work covers some 1,300 movies; his entries offer brief credits and a synopsis that veers wildly in length between one sentence and several paragraphs with commentary. Japanese anime is underrepresented, and there are blemishes in alphabetization (e.g., The Matrix precedes Masters of the Universe), spelling (e.g., erroneous references to "Phillip" K. Dick), and inclusion (e.g., an entry for Andrei Tarkovsky's classic Solaris but not Stalker). The uneven quality is compounded by a grab bag of features at the end--a brief interview with Dune's Frank Herbert, an overview of the language and tribes of Quest for Fire, and an inadequate bibliography, among others. To be sure, Henderson is an expert who has written material of high quality for science-fiction media magazines, but this particular packaging of his expertise should be regarded with caution. Not recommended. N. A. Baker Earlham College
