Review: Dracula: The Original 1931 Shooting Script, Vol. 13 (Universal Filmscript Series)

Dracula: The Original 1931 Shooting Script, Vol. 13 (Universal Filmscript Series) by Magicimage Filmbooks

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



The story of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' has thrilled me since I was very young, as the vivid descriptions of the geography and people of the Carpathian Mountain region has filled my imagination and fueled my creative impulses ever since I first laid in my bed with my, now-worn, copy of a paperback edition. The 1931 film, starring Bela Lugosi, has long been one of my most favorite films. I traditionally watch the film in September or October, as a prelude to the festivities of Hallow'een. So, I was delighted to find the script was available for me to read through, and this book has an excellent collection of background information on the original film, the actors, the director, the producer, the writers, and all that went into the film. There is a photo of a first American edition of 'Dracula' that is signed by Bram Stoker, Bela Lugosi, Dr. Raymond T. McNally, Christopher Lee, Vampira, and many other famous horror film figures, which really caught my attention. I highly recommend checking this one out.



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Review: Night of the Living Dead

Night of the Living Dead by Joe Kane

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



The story of the place of zombies in our culture cannot be told without a significant part of that story pointing to George A. Romero, and the movie that staked its claim in the zombie phenomenon, 'Night of the Living Dead' (1969). The story about how this movie came to be and on its impact in horror cinema and american culture, in general, is a very exciting story. This is a great book that tells that story. There is a lot of exposition on movies that preceded 'Night...' and a lot that came after.



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Review: The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead

The Vampire Book: The Encyclopedia of the Undead by J. Gordon Melton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This book is an excellent resource for serious researchers, fans, and writers who appreciate the realm of horror, the cultural phenomenon of vampires, or culture, in general. This reference contains many entries related to cultural works related to the vampire mythology, legends, and lore, but there is a good amount of research on the less fantastic environment in which these myths, legends, and lore have been borne and thriving.



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The 2011 Dystopia Challenge

I have decided to take on Bookish Ardour's "BA Dystopia Challenge" at the "Congtagion" level of reading 15 dystopia-related books by the end of 2011. Since it is now the 18th of February I am beginning a little late, but I already have a few dystopian novels checked out from the library, ready to read.

If you want to join me, that would be great.