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The Essential Anime Guide: 50 Iconic Films, Standout Series, and Cult Masterpieces
by Patrick Macias Samuel SattinFeaturing 50 of the most influential and essential Japanese animated series and films—from Akira to Cowboy Bebop to Sailor Moon—this expert guide is the must-have book for anime fans young and old. The Essential Anime Guide is the guide every fan needs to the classic, must-see anime series and films that transformed both Japanese and Western pop culture. Organized by release date and with entries by experts in the anime field, this guide provides a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look into the history and impact of these classic anime. Both casual fans and serious otaku alike will discover a fun and surprisingly touching portrait of the true impact of anime on pop culture. Ranging from classic series to modern films, this official guide will explore iconic and must-see: Feature films: Akira (1988), Princess Mononoke (1997), Millennium Actress (2001), Metropolis (2001),Tekkonkinkreet (2006), Sword of the Stranger (2007), Summer Wars (2009), and Your Name (2016) Series: Astro Boy (1968), Lupin the 3rd (1967), Macross (1982), Ranma 1/2 (1989), Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995), Dragon Ball Z (1989), Sailor Moon (1992), Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997), Pokémon (1997), One Piece (1999), Fullmetal Alchemist (2003), K-On! (2007), Sword Art Online (2012), Yuri!! On Ice (2016), and My Hero Academia (2018) And many more!
The Essential Bogosian
by Eric Bogosian"What Lenny Bruce was to the 1950s, Bob Dylan to the 1960s, Woody Allen to the 1970s--that's what Eric Bogosian is to this frightening moment of drift in our history."--Frank Rich, The New York Times
Essential Building Science: Understanding Energy and Moisture in High Performance House Design (Sustainable Building Essentials)
by Jacob Deva RacusinDown and dirty – a complete step-by-step guide to making, installing and living with beautiful, all-natural earthen floors Poor heat and moisture management are the enemies of durable, comfortable, and efficient housing, and good building design and construction starts with a solid understanding of good building science. Essential Building Science provides a highly visual and accessible introduction to the fundamentals of building science for residential construction.Part one covers the rationale behind high-performance design and the fundamentals of building physics, including thermal dynamics, moisture transfer, and hygro-thermal dynamics such as vapor drive and condensation.Part two teaches the vital critical thinking skills needed to consider buildings as whole systems and to develop thermal and moisture control strategies regardless of the specifics of the design. Case studies and examples from across North American climatic zones illuminate real-life problems and offer builders, designers, and DIYers the insights and tools required for creating better new buildings and dramatically improving old ones.Good science plus critical thinking equals high performance buildings.
Essential CG Lighting Techniques with 3ds Max
by Darren BrookerCertified by Autodesk, Darren Brooker's new edition teaches the production techniques behind real-world work. The tutorials take you from the fundamentals of lighting, right through to advanced techniques.
Essential Cinema: On the Necessity of Film Canons
by Jonathan RosenbaumIn his astute and deeply informed film reviews and essays, Jonathan Rosenbaum regularly provides new and brilliant insights into the cinema as art, entertainment, and commerce. Guided by a personal canon of great films, Rosenbaum sees, in the ongoing hostility toward the idea of a canon shared by many within the field of film studies, a missed opportunity both to shape the discussion about cinema and to help inform and guide casual and serious filmgoers alike.In Essential Cinema, Rosenbaum forcefully argues that canons of great films are more necessary than ever, given that film culture today is dominated by advertising executives, sixty-second film reviewers, and other players in the Hollywood publicity machine who champion mediocre films at the expense of genuinely imaginative and challenging works. He proposes specific definitions of excellence in film art through the creation a personal canon of both well-known and obscure movies from around the world and suggests ways in which other canons might be similarly constructed.Essential Cinema offers in-depth assessments of an astonishing range of films: established classics such as Rear Window, M, and Greed; ambitious but flawed works like The Thin Red Line and Breaking the Waves; eccentric masterpieces from around the world, including Irma Vep and Archangel; and recent films that have bitterly divided critics and viewers, among them Eyes Wide Shut and A.I. He also explores the careers of such diverse filmmakers as Robert Altman, Raúl Ruiz, Frank Tashlin, Elaine May, Sam Fuller, Terrence Davies, Edward Yang, Hou Hsiao-hsien, and Orson Welles. In conclusion, Rosenbaum offers his own film canon of 1,000 key works from the beginning of cinema to the present day. A cogent and provocative argument about the art of film, Essential Cinema is also a fiercely independent reference book of must-see movies for film lovers everywhere.
The Essential Dave Allen
by Graham MccannWhen Dave Allen passed away in March 2005, we lost a true comedy great. Sitting cross-legged on a high stool, whiskey in one hand, cigarette in the other, Dave Allen's exasperated commentaries on the absurdities of modern life struck a chord with millions of fans in Britain, Ireland and Australia for over four decades. He was a compelling storyteller - able to spin shaggy dog stories out of the almost any subject, including the missing tip of his fourth finger of his left hand, for which he provided various unlikely explanations. But his gentle, laconic wit could also give way to ferocious attacks on the media, the state and, most famously, the Catholic Church. He was a unique talent - a comic who could make his audiences laugh, cry, and be shocked, all in one.This official celebration of Dave Allen's comedy has been drawn together by Graham McCann - Britain's best-loved entertainment writer. It is a treasure trove of stories, stand-up routines, sketches, interviews and photos, which takes us on a journey from the cradle to the grave. It will delight Dave Allen's million of fans, old and new alike.'Dave Allen was our greatest storyteller and nobody ever came close to his ability to spin a yarn. He was unique, right up there with the greats.' Jack Dee
The Essential Dave Allen
by Graham McCannWhen Dave Allen passed away in March 2005, we lost a true comedy great. Sitting cross-legged on a high stool, whiskey in one hand, cigarette in the other, Dave Allen's exasperated commentaries on the absurdities of modern life struck a chord with millions of fans in Britain, Ireland and Australia for over four decades. He was a compelling storyteller - able to spin shaggy dog stories out of the almost any subject, including the missing tip of his fourth finger of his left hand, for which he provided various unlikely explanations. But his gentle, laconic wit could also give way to ferocious attacks on the media, the state and, most famously, the Catholic Church. He was a unique talent - a comic who could make his audiences laugh, cry, and be shocked, all in one.This official celebration of Dave Allen's comedy has been drawn together by Graham McCann - Britain's best-loved entertainment writer. It is a treasure trove of stories, stand-up routines, sketches, interviews and photos, which takes us on a journey from the cradle to the grave. It will delight Dave Allen's million of fans, old and new alike.'Dave Allen was our greatest storyteller and nobody ever came close to his ability to spin a yarn. He was unique, right up there with the greats.' Jack Dee
Essential Digital Video Handbook: A Comprehensive Guide to Making Videos That Make Money
by Pete MayThe digital video revolution has blurred the lines between professional and amateur equipment, with some Hollywood movies being shot and edited using the same technology that families use for their vacation footage. With sales of digital video cameras and computer-based editing systems skyrocketing, more and more people are seeing the potential and are anxious to advance their own personal video production skills to a higher level. The Essential Digital Video Handbook will help you, the beginner and budding professional become a better writer, producer, director, photographer, and editor. Author Pete May's sound advice and no-nonsense approach will help you achieve results that will wow audiences whether they're gathered in the family room or the corporate boardroom.The Essential Digital Video Handbook takes the you through every step of the process, from buying the right equipment to editing footage. This book shares tips on achieving professional quality results by understanding and exploiting visual language, both by initially following the rules and then by breaking them with style and confidence. Videographers will also learn to sound like professionals by understanding and speaking the language of the business.Instead of narrowly focusing on just the latest equipment and technology, May uses lessons he learned during twenty-five years in the television business to drill down to the most important stuff: the principles that don't change, and the tricks behind making videos that document, entertain, train, motivate, persuade, satisfy, and even have the ability to make money.
The Essential Directors: The Art and Impact of Cinema's Most Influential Filmmakers (Turner Classic Movies)
by Sloan De ForestFrom Turner Classic Movies, this is the essential guide to all the must-know detail on the style, achievements, and landmark films of the most influential directors in cinema history from the silent era through the 1970s.For well over a century, those who create motion pictures have touched our hearts and souls; they have transported and transformed our minds, intoxicated and entranced our senses. One artist's vision is the single most prominent force behind the scenes: the director. The Essential Directors illuminates the unseen forces behind some of the most notable screen triumphs from the aesthetic peak of silent cinema through the New Hollywood of the 1970s. Considering each artist's influence on the medium, cultural impact, and degree of achievement, Turner Classic Movies presents a compendium of Hollywood's most influential filmmakers, with profiles offering history and insight on the filmmaker's narrative style, unique touches, contributions to the medium, key films, and distinctive movie moments to watch for. The work of these game-changing artists is illustrated throughout by more than 200 full-color and black-and-white photographs.In The Essential Directors you&’ll read how Cecil B. DeMille revamped religion to define an era, and how Oscar Micheaux broke barriers to become the most influential Black filmmaker of the 1920s. You&’ll marvel at the efficient artistry of &“One-Take Woody&” Van Dyke and fall in love again with the sophisticated studio-era classicsof George Cukor. You&’ll gain insight into how women like Dorothy Arzner and Ida Lupino built thriving careers in an industry ruled by men and discover what drove Mike Nichols to mix comedy with tragedy, becoming the highest-paid director of his day in the the process. The Essential Directors presents the work of these game-changing artists and dozens more in this stunning volume.
Essential Dramaturgy: The Mindset and Skillset
by Theresa LangEssential Dramaturgy: The Mindset and Skillset provides a concrete way to approach the work of a dramaturg. It explores ways to refine the process of defining, evaluating, and communicating that is essential to effective dramaturgical work. It then looks at how this outlook enhances the practical skills of production and new play dramaturgy. The book explains what a dramaturg does, what the role can be, and how best to refine and teach the skillset and mindset.
Essential Earthbag Construction: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide (Sustainable Building Essentials)
by Kelly Hart&“A must-have book for anyone interested in natural and sustainable building. It expands the possibilities with practical and essential information.&” —Will Beemer, Director of the Heartwood School for the Homebuilding Crafts and author of Learn to Timber Frame. Build economical and resilient earthbag structures using simple tools and techniques. Earthbag construction—building with polypropylene bags usually filled with earthen materials—is a versatile, easy-to-master, low-impact, and highly durable form of building, suitable for structures from houses to root cellars. Containing over seventy-five photos and illustrations, Essential Earthbag Construction is a practical guide to this affordable method of building. Going well beyond the scope of other sources, this indispensable manual is packed with all the information you need to determine if it&’s the right choice for your project, and to start building. Distilling decades of experience, research, and best practices, it covers: Material specifications, performance, and when and where to use it Pros and cons of different fills from gravel, to earth and clay, to insulative perlite, rice hulls, and volcanic stone Illustrated, step-by-step guidance for efficient bag filling and installation Details for various designs, including domes and arches Foundation options and seismic and stability considerations Finishing and maintenance techniques Tools and materials Additional resources. Essential Earthbag Construction presents the practical guidance and best practices for both the DIYer and professional to design and build high-quality earthbag structures. &“A comprehensive, practical and inspirational guide that is both detailed and easy to follow.&” —Jenny Pickerill, Professor of Environmental Geography, University of Sheffield, UK and author of Eco-Homes: People, Place and Politics &“Everything you need to know for success.&” —Michael G. Smith, co-editor, The Art of Natural Building and co-author, The Hand-Sculpted House
Essential Effects: Water, Fire, Wind, and More
by Mauro MaressaAnimate the world around you! Follow along with veteran Disney effects artist Mauro Maressa as he teaches you how to create and animate natural phenomena like water, fire, smoke, lightning, lava, mud, and wind. Essential Effects will help you plan, draw, design, and animate traditional 2D effects, taking your ideas all the way from rough sketch to finished product. Using a series of full-color visual breakdowns and diagrams, this book gives you a clear, concise understanding of what it takes to create credible, compelling effects in your own projects. Key Features Build a strong foundation of observation and drawing skills that you can rely on for the rest of your career Tips and tricks for applying classic effects principles to computer-animated and CG projects Over 400 full-color images and diagrams for clear step-by-step learning
Essential Elements of Portrait Photography
by Bill IsraelsonCreating an idealized image of a subject is a portrait photographer's job. However, the approach is not quite formulaic. From one subject to the next and one day to the next, there are different goals and scenarios-on Monday, you may be tasked with photographing your subjects under cloudy skies on a beach; on Tuesday, you may need want to downplay your client's wide hips in the studio; on Wednesday, you may want to create dramatic lighting for an actor's portfolio-on-stage. Every day, there is a unique challenge to meet, often under varying conditions. So, how do you make a magically good portrait during every shoot?In this book, Bill Israelson shows you how to tackle the problem of creating a great portrait of your every client. Beginning with a discussion on equipment essentials, breaking the discussion into two topics-gear for studio work and portable equipment for location work.Next, you'll learn simple posing strategies for making women, men, kids, and groups looks their best in any presentation. You'll learn how to position the body from head to toe to maximize assets and downplay common problem areas.Lighting is the backbone of every image. In the studio, you have complete control over every facet of the lighting-from its hardness or softness to its color temperature and direction. On location, the basic principles of good lighting still apply-but the quality and quantity of light is subject to change. Israelson shows you how to harness the available light and supplement it when needed to create saleable images every time.With straightforward, jargon-free text and a wide range of image examples, this book will help you quickly learn how to improve your portrait results to create client-pleasing portraits every time.
The Essential Garden Design Workbook: Third Edition
by Rosemary AlexanderThe Essential Garden Design Workbook guides the reader through every stage of planning a garden — how to survey a site, how to choose landscaping materials, and how to develop planting schemes. This fully revised and updated second edition features new U.S. case studies and new photographs. Valuable tips on green gardening are new to this edition, and include how to harvest rainwater, how to design a green roof, tips on sustainable planting, and a guide to composting. Tailor-made for hands-on gardeners, the workbook approach is accessible, practical, and can be used to create a garden from scratch and to redesign an existing garden. Gardeners will find easy ways to measure large spaces, estimate the height of a tree, and find the right proportions for a deck. They'll also find tips on space, light, and color. Includes hundreds of easy-to-follow line drawings and diagrams.
Essential Green Roof Construction: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide (Sustainable Building Essentials)
by Leslie DoyleFor the do it yourself builder, an “essential guide . . . to install and maintain a beautiful and ecological compliment to your home or office” (Kelly Hart, author of Essential Earthbag Construction).Essential Green Roof Construction is a comprehensive, in-depth guide to building simple green roofs for houses and small buildings.Packed with detailed photos, illustrations, case studies, and code compliance advice, it offers clear step-by-step instructions necessary to create your own living roof on a new build or as a retrofit. This book includes:The benefits of a green roofThe basics of planning and designAssessing site conditions such as aspect, slope, and loadsNavigating building codes and working with building officialsMaterial options, including professional grade and economical or local alternativesPlanting suggestions for different roof climates and conditions, including food productionWhen to call on professionals to ensure safety and integrityStep-by-step guidance for safe roof installation and detailingAnnual green roof maintenance.Where common sense meets beauty—a green roof is a system of layers that work together to support plant life, insulate homes, and make the world a greener place.Essential Green Roof Construction will give you the knowledge and confidence to install your own green roof.“Impressive . . . and, importantly, easy for the average person to understand.” —Stephen Hill, associate professor, School of the Environment, Trent University“Well-written, well-researched, and full of clear and informative drawings and photos.” —Lloyd Kahn, editor-in-chief, Shelter Publications, author, Shelter and The Half-Acre Homestead“An excellent resource for both DIY and design professionals.” —Tim Krahn, P. Eng. Building Alternatives Inc., author, Essential Rammed Earth Construction
The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques: Multicolor Yarns, Plain and Textured Stripes, Entrelac and Double Knitting, Stranding and Intarsia, Mosaic and Shadow Knitting, 150 Color Patterns
by Margaret RadcliffeImagine a softly striped crib blanket knit in the comforting colors of the nursery. Or a sophisticated cashmere wrap featuring rich jewel tones that set off a favorite black dress. Knitting teacher and author Margaret Radcliffe presents a world of color techniques in a single comprehensive reference that you’ll consult every time two or more yarn colors are in play. Stitchers of every ability level will love the color-combining methods and professional secrets revealed in The Essential Guide to Color Knitting Techniques. Multicolor knitting techniques are explained with step-by-step illustrations and photographs accompanied by instructive text. Complete chapters on stripes, stitch effects, succeeding with multicolor yarns, stranded knitting, and intarsia cover the theory and how-to behind each method and offer creative solutions for handling tangled yarn, estimating yarn quantities of each color, holding on to all those ends, and employing stunning finishing techniques. A final chapter describes more unusual techniques, such as helix, shadow, mosaic, and modular knitting.
Essential Guide to Dance, 3rd edition
by Linda AshleyThis third edition of the bestselling text ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO DANCE is thoroughly updated to meet the new AS/A2 specifications and relevant Applied A-levels, BTEC and other Dance qualifications. Now in full colour, highly illustrated, and packed with tasks and activities to cover all aspects of current courses, this text will appeal to both teachers and students.Students are brought right up to date with clear explanations of choreography, performance and appreciation of Dance, as well as recent examples of new set works and choreographers. With further video and photo interactive analysis tasks, the addition of short revision tests and updated professional examples alongside many contemporary photographs, ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO DANCE Third Edition provides students with comprehensive support and guidance.With its emphasis on the practical aspects of Dance and its interactive features that encourage effective learning, ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO DANCE Third Edition will be essential for all students of Dance and their teachers.Linda Ashley has extensive experience as a writer, choreographer, performer and teacher of Dance. Linda is currently Dance Research Leader at AUT University, New Zealand, Linda has written several Dance titles, published in the UK and New Zealand, including the two previous bestselling editions of ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO DANCE, both published by Hodder.
Essential Guide to Handguns: Firearm Instruction for Personal Defense and Protection
by Stephen R. Rementer Bruce N. EimerExplanation of who should and shouldn't consider handguns or other firearms for personal protection, family defense, legal, physical and ethical ramifications of ownership and use. How to select equipment with explanation of guns, methods of carrying, safety and ease-of-use. Explanations of legalities of ownership and usage. Those who find this book interesting may also want to read "Armed Response: A Comprehensive Guide to Using Firearms for Self-Defense," which is also available from Bookshare.
Essential Guide to RenderMan® Shading Plugin Development: Understanding Bxdfs
by Brad E. HollisterUnderstand the fundamentals of Bxdf plugins for RenderMan® 21+, both the technical details and API architecture. The main goal of the book is to enable technical artists, hobbyists, and students in using the noncommercial (NCR), free RenderMan® edition. RenderMan® is an industry standard for rendering software. It has been used for every Pixar film to date and numerous other projects. RenderMan® 21, and all subsequent versions, use Monte Carlo path tracing. This change has necessitated the use of C++ plugins in place of the RenderMan Shader Language (RSL). Because of this, writing Bxdfs now requires knowledge of Monte Carlo integration, probability density functions, and the RenderMan® C++ API. Essential Guide to RenderMan® Shading Plugin Development specifically addresses writing RenderMan® C++ materials. It explores the mathematical models of representative Bxdfs while drawing parallels, when helpful, to earlier RSL implementations. It also includes an overview of Integrators, providing further context for modern RenderMan® programmable shading. What You Will LearnC++ development for BxdfsFundamentals of the rendering equationMonte Carlo integration Who Is This Book ForBeginner plugin writers for RenderMan®, such as technical artists, students, or hobbyists who may already have experience with RSL or another shader language. More experienced C++ developers without knowledge of RenderMan® or Monte Carlo path tracing will benefit from the content as well. While some prior experience in computer graphics is helpful, the book provides background and references for further study.
The Essential Guide to Visual Communication
by Ryan McGeoughThe Essential Guide to Visual Communication
The Essential Guide to Wood Pallet Projects: 40 DIY Designs—Stunning Ideas for Furniture, Decor, and More
by Samantha Hartman Danny DarkeRustic meets modern with this charming do-it-yourself guide. Here are 40 easy-to-follow designs, ranging from coffee tables and wine racks to decorative wall art, all with step-by-step and clear full-color photographs. Perfect for those looking for simple and creative ways to decorate their homes. Wooden shipping pallets have found an unlikely second life: beautiful, handcrafted home décor without the designer price. The DIY market has long been drawn to refurbishing furniture and interior design on a budget, but easily accessible wood pallets have opened up all-new and inspiring ways to personalize a home in an eco-friendly, low-cost way. Beginner and veteran DIYers alike can take delight in crafting various furniture and décor that will impress and inspire without breaking the bank. Included within are instructions on how to make the following projects: Hanging ShelfDeck ChairWall-Hanging Mason Jar OrganizerPallet-Mounted Bottle OpenerWall-Mounted Coat RackSconcesDoor Handle Serving TrayPallet Arrow Wall ArtOutdoor Flower BoxFlower Arrangement CenterpieceClothes Pin Picture FrameRustic NightstandShabby Chic ToolboxFarmhouse Spice RackFarmhouse Wall ClockTealight Candle HoldersAnd more! With wooden pallets, the scope of the project is boundless, and warehouses and stores are happy to give them away for free. What was once a scavenger hunt and test of skill for experienced DIYers can now be an easy weekend project for even the newest of crafters. Take pride in creating imaginative home stylings with found and reclaimed materials that will help the environment, save you money, and make your home even more lovely!
The Essential HBO Reader (Essential Readers in Contemporary Media and Culture)
by Gary R. Edgerton and Jeffrey P. JonesEssays on the history of HBO, a company designed to please audiences instead of advertisers, and the impact of its distinctive programming: “Recommended.” —ChoiceThe founding of Home Box Office in the early 1970s—when it debuted by telecasting a Paul Newman movie and an NHL game to 365 households in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania—was a harbinger of the innovations that would transform television as an industry and a technology in the decades that followed. HBO quickly became synonymous with subscription television—and the leading force in cable programming.Over decades, it’s grown from a domestic movie channel to an international powerhouse with a presence in over seventy countries. It is now a full-service content provider with a distinctive brand of original programming, famed for such landmark shows as The Sopranos and Sex and the City. It’s brought us Six Feet Under and The Wire, Band of Brothers and Angels in America, Curb Your Enthusiasm and Def Comedy Jam, Inside the NFL and Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, Taxicab Confessions and Autopsy, and multiple Oscar-winning documentaries.The Essential HBO Reader brings together an accomplished group of scholars to explain how HBO’s programming transformed the world of television and popular culture, and provides a comprehensive and compelling examination of HBO’s development into the prototypical entertainment corporation of the twenty-first century.“An important assessment of the original programming HBO has created in the past few decades?how these programs are derived and what impact they have had.” —Choice“A thorough treatment of HBO’s programming . . . a useful addition to a growing number of books about American television in the ‘post-network’ era.” —American Studies
Essential Hempcrete Construction: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide
by Chris MagwoodHempcrete is a versatile, energy-efficient natural insulation material, useful for walls, roofs, and floors. Made from the inner stem of the hemp plant mixed with a lime-based binder, it is a very strong, lightweight and breathable alternative to manufactured insulations. Essential Hempcrete Construction is a fully-illustrated practical guide to this affordable, renewable method, from procurement to finishing.This indispensable manual is packed with all the information you need to determine whether hempcrete is the right choice for your project. It covers: Material specifications, testing and building code references and climate data Detail drawings for design reference Tool lists, and complete step-by-step instructions for mixing and placing hempcrete Finishing and maintenance techniques Budgeting and labor estimates Additional resourcesEssential Hempcrete Construction is part of New Society's Sustainable Building Essentials Series. Written by the world's leading sustainable builders, designers and engineers, these succinct, user-friendly handbooks are indispensable tools for any project where accurate and reliable information are key to success. Get the Essentials!Chris Magwood is a sustainable builder and designer specializing in green and natural building techniques, the co-founder and co-director of the Endeavour Centre, and the author of several books on sustainable building including Making Better Buildings, More Straw Bale Building, and Straw Bale Details.
An Essential Introduction to Maya Character Rigging with DVD
by Cheryl CabreraDiscover the concepts and techniques required to rig engaging CG character models with Maya in this unique book and DVD package. The stunning color images show just what you can achieve, and the detailed step-by-step tutorials show exactly how to achieve them. Every technique and tip is backed up with practical tutorials, using the models, student
The Essential It's a Wonderful Life: A Scene-By-Scene Guide to the Classic Film
by Michael WillianEven the most ardent fans of It's a Wonderful Life will be surprised and delighted by the insightful discussions of film details, cast anecdotes, curiosities, and gaffes found in this charming guide. Providing a fresh perspective, this companion includes a handy film chronology and an overview of the plot, a complete breakdown of the musical score, a fun and challenging quiz, a DVD bookmarking feature designed to give instant access to favorite scenes and other points of interest, informative historical sidebars, the complete lyrics to "Buffalo Gals," and never-before-seen maps and diagrams of downtown Bedford Falls, downtown Pottersville, the Building and Loan, and 320 Sycamore. In addition, film lovers will learn why George should have spent Christmas Eve in jail, who crashes the Bailey family Christmas Eve gathering, the story behind the sudden demise of Mr. Gower's son, how to make a flaming rum punch, the real-life site of the Bedford Falls High School "swim-gym," and other fascinating trivia related to the classic.