The beginnings of digital cinema : computers in the moving image.

Much has been written on the impact of the digital revolution on film and the film industry, but few authors have so thoroughly examined the origins of this relationship as Utterson (Canterbury Christ Church Univ., UK). In this entertaining, thoughtful introduction to the impact clunky robots, large mainframe computers, and early artificial intelligence had on cinema, the author explains how early advances in computing impacted characters, story lines, visual effects, and themes. In addition to exploring the on-screen impact of technology, Utterson provides an excellent history of early digital animation in terms that those unfamiliar with computers will easily understand. He analyzes classic films of many genres--and images of many of the films--in a way that will help readers better understand the many social factors at play during the time of filming. This volume will serve as an excellent resource for the beginning student, and advanced scholars will find it thought-provoking and well researched. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty and professionals. B. H. McMillin Illinois State University