Author: Rick Goldschmidt
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Miser Bros Press
Release Date: December 25, 2011
Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars
When it comes to Rankin/Bass Productions, Rick Goldschmidt is the man you want to go to. He is known best for being the Rankin/Bass Historian and Biographer. You know that when he is writing a book about something it is going to be packed with passion and that an incredible time and effort put into it. “Rankin/Bass’ Mad Monster Party” is no different and is a great homage to the classic 1967 feature film. I grew up watching the work of Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass and it is great to see that someone is keeping their name alive.
The book runs in at 272 amazing pages packed with over 300 images, some that have never been seen before or have been published. Most of the book is black and white but there are over 50 pages of full color pages with amazing photos and artwork from the film. Some of the photos/artwork included are rare concept sketches and storyboards. One feature that I think is amazing is the complete original 1967 shooting script. And what is a Rankin/Bass Production without music? There is also the original sheet music from the title song “Mad Monster Party” written by Jules Bass and Maury Laws. Plus a real treat as to be that a reproduction of the “Mad Monster Party” Dell comic book is included in its entirety.
So if all that is not enough for you then you will look forward to amazing behind the scene interviews from the cast and crew from the film. It is great to get the insight from them about working on the film that is over 40 years old. Of course I can’t forget to mention the amazing foreword by one of the creators himself, Arthur Rankin Jr. It is great to read his praise of the book and the fact that his support it behind it just makes this even better. Overall the book is just such a paper turner and it leaves you hesitant to turn to page to make sure that you absorbed everything before continuing. This is a must buy for fans. I can’t stress that enough…Must buy!
THANKS Mike! Good talking with you as the snow falls here in Chicago!