ISBN: 0-07-021742-4
Category: Animation
Subject: I.3.7  Computing Methodologies, COMPUTER
        GRAPHICS, Three-Dimensional Graphics and
        Realism, Animation
PagesinWholeWork: 501
ReviewNo: 8503-0166
Bibtype: Book
Author: D. Fox
        M. Waite
Review: COMPUTING REVIEWS TEXT
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        FOX, DAVID; AND WAITE, MITCHELL  8503-0166
        \\
        Computer animation primer.
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        McGraw-Hill Inc., New York, NY, 1984, 501 pp., $22.95, ISBN 0-07-021742-4.
        \\
        Did you ever wonder how Walt Disney created his famous animated pictures?
        This book is for those of the general public who want to learn some of the
        mysteries about the art and science of animation. It is based on Fox's
        experience at Lucasfilm and Waite's background in personal computers.
        \\
        The text is divided into two parts: the first covers an overview of the
        field, and the second shows how the animation process is developed from the
        simple to very complex scenes. Starting with its historical development,
        the reader is shown how the field developed from the 19th century, with
        emphasis on general theory and the psychology of animation in the film
        industry.
        \\
        Next follows a lengthy discussion of the hardware from the tiny Sinclair up
        to the Cray-1 supercomputer. On p. 51, the authors' definition of Random
        Access Memory (RAM) could be more technically correct than their supplied
        generalized definition. In Chapter 3, they show the software secrets and
        tricks for objects, transformations, hidden lines, and different paint
        systems. The detailed explanation of the Juggler film illustrates how
        realism was achieved. The first part ends with a chapter on animation
        features and 13 key factors one should consider before purchasing a
        personal computer.
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        The second part of the book takes the reader step by step, demonstrating
        BASIC programs to design character sets, color, player-missile graphics,
        the use of machine language (for Atari), and, finally, how a scrolling
        background is realized. The eight Appendices give additional technical
        information, as well as a full listing of the BASIC and ASSEMBLY language
        routines.
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        In summary, this is truly an outstanding work of art and science. It has a
        flip book component to show you six animated sequences. About 16 pages of
        vivid color illustrations are truly beautiful, but I found several
        illustrations to be rather dark. If you want to animate part of the world,
        here's your opportunity to create meaningful art forms.
        \\
        R. Ashworth, Carbondale, IL
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        GENERALTERMS:  ALGORITHMS, DESIGN, LANGUAGES
Title: Computer animation primer
Year: 1984
GeneralTerm: ALGORITHMS
        DESIGN
        LANGUAGES
Price: $22.95
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Inc., New York, NY