Product Description

FINAL FANTASY: The Spirits Within is set on Earth in the year 2065, in a world destroyed by an alien invasion. The film centers on Dr. Aki Ross, a beautiful scientist in search of the answers that could save the earth from the alien threat. Beyond the riveting battle scenes, the movie will take you on a journey of personal discovery into both real and fantasy worlds. Voice talent includes Ming-na Wen, James Wood, Donald Sutherland, Steve Buscemi, Alec Baldwin, Ving Rhames and Peri Gilpin. Stunning computer-generated animation with photo-realistic, lifelike qualities.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #619388 in Books
• Published on: 2001-02-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 240 pages

From the Back Cover

The Making of FINAL FANTASY: The Spirits Within book will feature an inside look into the making of the movie. The book includes storyboards, the movie script, concept sketches, and images of the characters, sets and props from the movie. Behind-the-scenes information and interviews with the creative minds behind this ground-breaking production. The book brings to light the truly staggering level of work and detail involved in the movie's development.

About the Author

Square Electronic Arts L.L.C. and Square Co., Ltd. is the leading third-party developer and publisher of home video game console software in Japan with annual sales of more than US $687 million consolidated base (based on average annual exchange rate of 106 Japanese Yen per US Dollar during fiscal year 2000) and 1,200 employees worldwide. Square Co., Ltd. became famous for its role-playing games, including its world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series, which has sold more than 30 million units to date, and now publishes other titles under the SQUARESOFT brand spanning all genres. Square Co., Ltd. is based in Tokyo, Japan, and maintains a branch office in Osaka. More information about Square Co., Ltd., can be found on the Internet at http://www.square.co.jp. Square Electronic ArtsSM L.L.C. is the exclusive publisher of all SQUARESOFT® products in North America. Square Co., Ltd. publishes its SQUARESOFT titles in North America through Square Electronic Arts L.L.C., located in Los Angeles, CA. More information about SQUARESOFT products can be found on the Internet at http://www.squaresoft.com.

Customer Reviews

A beautiful book
Many of the reviews I've read about this book, both in the UK and the US, focus on the technical software issues surrounding the creation of this film and judge it on that basis. I feel this approach is flawed. A book like this was never meant to be a technical manual, just as a book about the making of, for example, Die Hard would not be an instruction manual for fight and stunt sequences.

This book is, in my opinion, quite superb. It is amazingly profusely illustrated, and goes into adequate, but not anorakish, depth about the many different aspects of the making of this film. It does not focus unnecessarily on Aki Ross (shame!) and gives equal exposure to all aspects of the film, from the characters to the vehicles to the locations. I've seen reviews that bemoaned the lack of coverage of the Phantoms. Well, there is more than adequate detail on them, although it would, of course, be interesting to have more (as it would on all areas).

So, this is a beautiful book that is really an essential purchase for anyone who loves the film. If you have the DVD with all the extras, this book supplements those and is an excellent companion. As a big fan of the film I really can't praise this book enough. When you get it, take the dust jacket off and have a look at the cover - nice!

Buy the DVD, buy the CD and then buy this book....you know it makes sense!

Brilliantly presented, jaw-dropping art
I'd buy this if only to see the stunning concept art that's there to feast your eyes on...But if you're looking for more than just that, there's plenty of new and interesting explanations that show you just how much went into this awe-inspiring movie - plus some secret things you never knew...

Nice companion to the movie
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RLGNHC4QSQUR0 When the movie first came out, it showcased to the world what computer graphics is capable of, especially on the human animation and acting part.

This book provides a nice look into how Final Fantasy The Spirits Within was created.

The concept art included are mainly designs of vehicles, sets, props and storyboards. Since this is a "Making of" book, it talks extensively about how the art is related back to the story. Among them are subjects like creating flames, flares, using motion capture for acting, composition and other general production techniques.

Character design is lacking in the book. Even though several pages are devoted to each character, there wasn't any concept art on how they come up with the characters. All that is included are the bio stats, film stills, and 3D rendered posed models.

This is a great book companion to the movie.

There are more pictures of the book on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.