The Art of Mulan

Only a few scratches on the front but it was pretty much new !! I’ve wanted this book for so long and I’m so happy I could finally read it ! And for a really cheap price too !! Thank you so much I’m speechless!

I have long studied, followed, and enjoyed Disney animation, and the film "Mulan" certainly did not disappoint me. So, when I set out to buy this book upon its initial publishing, I was fairly certain I would like it. I was wrong, I loved it!Jeff Kurtti does an excellent job scribing the background for the making of this feature, and he has quickly established himself as the preeminent writer for Disney books of this nature. I was fortunate to meet and speak with Mr. Kurtti during my wonderful participation at the Mulan Animation Experience held at the Disney Insitute in the summer of 1998, and he comes off as an "ultimate Disney fan". His writing conveys this as well, but in a more polished, informative nature. He really had a good time researching this book, and it shows!But, with all due respect to Mr. Kurtti, this book isn't called the "Art of Mulan" for nothing. The typical Disney quality is abundant in every frame of artwork within the book, and the sheer volume of development and concept sketches is a real treat. Having also met the film's directors, many of the animators, storyboard artists, etc. at the '98 event (put together, by the way, by Mr. Larry Lauria, a quality individual in the animation industry) I have had the luxury of being exposed to many of the background elements during the development of this film. This book, however, served as a wonderful companion piece to that experience, and also communicates much of the same information and emotion felt at that event. It is that thorough and the result of another top-notch Hyperion production.Certainly, if you like the movie and/or appreciate Disney animation (or the growing library of "Art of..." books), then this one should be in your collection. Mr. Kurtti, Disney, and Hyperion have "done honour to us all".

I have noticed the number of reviewers for 'Art of Mulan'who criticized it for not going into the animation process deeply enough. I am of the opinion that such elementary explanation of animation is not the function of these books. There are no shortage of instructional books if you want to learn about animation. Myself, I soaked up the much more detailed analysis of the Making of Mulan. I was most intrigued by the issues faced in making a western film but still faithful to the values and depiction of Chinese culture. Plus, this book contains the sharpest words yet put forward by a Disney representative in defense of Disney's methods of adaptation, and comments on critics who deride Disney as a whole for 'ruining' classic legends, whereas adaptation of a legend to a contemporary audience has been happening for centuries and is nothing new. Great book. Great art....and what the hell was the 'disgusting' nude art referred to by one reviewer! There was nothing indecent in the art that I could recall.

The Art of Mulan is a terrific book! Especially for any future animators out there. This book talks about all the difficulties the crew went through to make the movie. There are four parts to the book and in one of the sections they talk about all the characters. They also talk about abandoned scenes and songs. Throughout the book there are great sketches and production stills. Like I said before, it's a great tool for future Disney artists.

This book is probably the best Disney Art of..... book made yet. It includes alot of the original artwork, from inspiration to final product, from storyboard to layout. A must for anyone who likes, or loves animation!