Review: “PROP CATALOGS Entertainment Film Memorabilia Database”

Two years ago, I published a favorable review of the website, www.propcatalogs.com (see Website Review: PropCatalogs.com).  Since, the curator of the database has closed down the online service, and made the same material available for purchase on DVD-ROM.  This is therefore an update to the original review, keeping these changes in mind. Read more

Digital Screen Capture Software: “Aviary Screen Capture”

As a follow-up to an article published a year ago (see Digital Screen Capture Software: “SnagIt”, “ScreenHunter”), software company Aviary has released their own screencapture software which is very competitive with SnagIt and ScreenHunter, only it is either web-based or built-into the browser and is also free to use, which is in contrast to the previously reviewed alternatives which must be installed and stand alone at a cost. Read more

Book Reviews – “Watchmen: The Film Companion”, “Watchmen: Art of the Film”, & “Watchmen: Portraits”

This is a review of the three new books released by Titan Books in promotion of the film, Watchmen.  The three volumes are Watchmen: The Film Companion, Watchmen: The Art of the Film, and Watchmen: Portraits.

Read more

Book Review – Bond On Set: Filming Quantum of Solace (007)

This is a review of Bond on Set – Filming Quantum of Solace (published October 20, 2008). As was the case with the Filming of Casino Royale book that was published two years ago (see Book Review), it is a great example of what it has set out to be – a (nearly) all photographic coffee table book. Read more

Book Review: Dressed, A Century of Hollywood Costume Design

This is a review of Dressed: A Century of Hollywood Costume Design by Deborah Nadoolman Landis. This is hands down one of the most impressive books in my library of works related to original props and costumes. Read more

Book Review: Hollywood and History, Costume Design in Film

This is a review of Hollywood and History, Costume Design in Film. This book is an excellent resource made up of a series of essays and photos outlining the comprehensive history of wardrobe design in film.  Read more

Website Review: HeroComm (HeroComm.com)

HeroComm is an excellent website dedicated to providing fans of Star Trek with a tremendous library and resource dedicated to the study, authentication, and celebration of the classic communicator prop from the Original Series.  Read more

Book Review: The Complete Making of Indiana Jones

This is a review of The Complete Making of Indiana Jones (published May 20, 2008). This is “the” must have book for any fan of the Indiana Jones films – if you are only interested in one book on the property, this is it.

This work delves into every facet that would interest readers, including the origins of the films, interviews of all the key principals, “making of” segments, a focus on each of the four films, and tons of photos and images. Like “The Making of Star Wars” (see OPB Book Review) which was published about a year ago and by the same author – J.W. Rinzler – this is a true archive of information and visuals and should be particularly valuable to original prop collectors. Read more

Book Review: For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond

Book Review: For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond

This is a review of For Your Eyes Only – Ian Fleming and James Bond (published April 7, 2008). This book is an interesting work about both James Bond and his creator, and is intended to be a companion piece to the current exhibit at the Imperial War Museum in London (see “Ian Fleming’s “James Bond” Letters Fetch Nearly $30,000 at Auction“). Read more

Website Reviews: The Star Wars Helmet Archive, The Sci-FI Movie Helmet Archive

This is actually a joint review of two websites from the same creator/owner:

Website Name: Star Wars Helmet Archive

Website URL: http://www.starwarshelmets.com

Website Description: “Welcome to www.StarWarsHelmets.com the helmet, armor and costume archive from the Star Wars galaxy. This site is a showcase of the very best Star Wars props; Original, Licensed and Fan-made.” Read more

Book Review: James Bond Encyclopedia

Book Review: James Bond Encyclopedia

This is a review of James Bond Encyclopedia (published October 15, 2007). This book is a great resource for fans of the 007 films. It is well organized, comprehensive, and up to date. Read more

Website Review: Star Trek Auction Listings (“The Archive”)

Website Name: Star Trek Auction Listings (“The Archive”)

Website URL: http://startrekpropcollector.com/trekauctions/ Read more

Website Review: Internet Movie Firearm Database (IMFDB)

Website Name: Internet Movie Firearm Database (imfdb)

Website URL: http://www.imfdb.org Read more

Website Review: Film in America

Website Name: Film in America

Website URL: http://www.filminamerica.com Read more

Book Review: Grindhouse: The Sleaze-filled Saga of an Exploitation Double Feature

This is a review of Grindhouse: The Sleaze-filled Saga of an Exploitation Double Feature (published April 6, 2007). It is a great combination of equal parts photography/art/images and content. Highly recommended to fans of the film(s). Read more

Website Review: PropCatalogs.com

Website Name: Prop Catalogs

Website URL: http://www.propcatalogs.com Read more

Website Review: Star Trek Prop, Costume & Auction Message Board

Website Name: The Star Trek Prop, Costume & Auction Message Board

Website URL: http://startrek.invisionzone.com Read more

Website Review: The Star Trek Prop, Costume & Auction Blog

Website Name: The Star Trek Prop, Costume & Auction Blog (AKA The Star Trek Auction Blog)

Website URL: http://startrekauction.blogspot.com/ Read more

Website Review: The “Other” Movie Prop Forum

Website Name: MoviePropForum.com

Website URL: http://www.moviepropforum.com/ Read more

Website Review: YourProps.com

Website Name: YourProps

Website URL: http://www.yourprops.com Read more

Website Review: The Movie Prop Forum

Website Name: The Movie Prop Forum

Website URL: http://mpdf.ipbhost.com Read more

About OPB Website Reviews

A new feature to the OPB is an ongoing series of hobby-related website reviews that might be of interest to original prop collectors. This will include websites about specific subjects, online discussion forums, blogs, and more. Read more

Book Review: Sculpting A Galaxy

This is a review of Sculpting a Galaxy: Inside the Star Wars Model Shop (published November 14, 2006). This is “yet another” great resource for Star Wars fans and those especially interested in creatures, models, ships/vehicles, etc. It is a beautiful book and worth the money, but if you have the two Chronicles volumes (OT and/or Prequels, depending on your preferences), as well as perhaps The Making of Star Wars, some of what you find here may be duplicative. In my opinion, it is lacking in some areas and not as polished and comprehensive as some other Star Wars works. Read more

Book Review: Saving Stuff

This is a review of Saving Stuff: How to Care for and Preserve Your Collectibles, Heirlooms, and Other Prized Possessions (published May 31,2005). This is a fantastic resource for original prop hobbyists, in that it contains a wealth of information pertaining to care and preservation considerations in regards to collectibles of all types. Given the cost, it is a must buy for any collector. Highest recommendations. Read more

Book Review: The Winston Effect

Article Summary: a book review of The Winston Effect: The Art and History of Stan Winston Studio. Read more

Book Review – Bond On Set: Filming Casino Royale (007)

Article Summary: A review of the book, Bond on Set. Read more

Book Review: Spider-Man The Visual Guide

Article Summary: A review of the book, Spider-Man The Visual Guide Read more

Book Review: The Making of Star Wars

Article Summary: A review of the book, The Making of Star Wars: The Definitive Story Behind the Original Film. Read more

About OPB Book Reviews

Article Summary: An overview of a new category for upcoming OPB articles, featuring reviews of books, in whole or in part, related to original prop and wardrobe collecting. Read more