Reviews (5)

great for art/"Pocahontas" fans in general
I love flipping through this book once in a while just to be in awe of Disney animators all over again, but I agree w/ some of the other reviewers who say that there isn't enough about the actual people behind this artwork. I'd like to find out more about how the artists & voices influenced different aspects of the story, reacted to deadlines, etc. too--but the art almost makes up for it. The book also provides some more insight into the personalities of the characters in "Pocahontas," which I found enlightening. Overall, it's a beautiful accompaniment to the movie, and very inspiring as well--makes me want to learn how to draw a little better.

A book as beautiful as its main character
The art of Pocahontas is, to my mind, one of the most beautiful books about animation art. Its composition following the making of the film step by step helps the reader to understand how a huge production such as Pocahontas is made and all the production aeras are represented. The pictures taken from the film and the artist's sketches shown in it are so great they could make anyone that did not like the design of Pocahontas ( and god knows they are a lot in France ) loves it. The only thing that could be improved is about photos of the artists in their work environment, there should be more.

Weak parts, but worth taking a look at.
The only thing holding this book together is the easy way it flows. In the tradition of other Disney "Making of..." books, it follows the format of each animation process from concept to script to storyboard to animation. Its interesting, but at times bogs down some nice visuals. Not all the visuals are great, though. The pre-production art seems weak and cliche like the drawings of pilgrims and Indians you remember as a kid. Only in the animation chapters does it pick up, particularly the work of Glen Keane. As chief animator of the title character, his storyboards and animation seem the most inspired and studied. Other character designs seem less bold against Disney's first eco-feminist heroine who paved the way for post-feminist heroines like Esmeralda from Hunchback and Meg from Hercules. The book not unnique in its execution or format, but its worth taking a look at to compare with other films and books and to see the evolution of the thought process of great Disney animators like Keane and Ruben Aquino. And of course it has its share of Disney we-are-doing-this-and-no-one-else-can attitude.

Very beautiful!
First of all, I assume that these reviews are supposed to refer to the large hardcover edition, which was published in 1995, and not the smaller 1996 edition. The large one is gorgeous, allowing a look into the world of how the artists develop a film from start to finish. Some of the concept art is so beautiful that you wonder why it didn't make it into the film. My only gripe with this book is that, like Rebello's other books, it deals almost entirely with the visual aspect of the films and, although it talks about how songs developed the movie (the Colors of the Wind section is especially well done), what about the voices? In The Art of Animation: From Mickey Mouse to Beauty and the Beast, descriptions and photos are included of the actors who voiced the characters. While you might say that this sort of thing doesn't belong in an "Art of" book, I think it does, because the actor who voices a character often has a tremendous influence on the visual development of that character. For example, Belle in Beauty and the Beast would not have had the lock of hair that kept falling into her face - an endearing gesture that helped make her more real to the audience - if Paige O'Hara, her voice, had not had it first. The Art of Pocahontas would be perfect if it offered similar insights. But it's definitely worth reading or just looking at, to bask in the sheer beauty of the artwork.

Miniature Poachontas Book is Big on Color and Information
Don't let the small size of "The Art of Pocahontas"fool you; the authors have crammed the 5.5" by 4.5" book with loads of colorful artwork and interesting insights into the recent Disney masterpiece.

"The Art of Pocahontas" traces the creation of the film from conception to completion, including wonderful reproductions of concept sketches, background paintings, layout drawings and final animation art. The 189 pages of this small volume contain over 400 color and black-and-white illustrations.

The text was written by Stephen Rebello, an editor of "Movieline" and author of "Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of 'Psycho.'" He provides many insights into the collaborative and creative process behind the making of "Pocahontas."

Even though "The Art of Pocahontas" is an easy read--it takes less than an hour or two to read from cover to cover--the book provides plenty for fans of animation to contemplate. Much of the "behind the scene ... Read more

Book Description

11 songs from the soundtrack of the Disney hit. Includes: Colors of the Wind * If I Never Knew You * Just Around the Riverbend * Listen With Your Heart * Mine, Mine, Mine * Savages, Parts 1 and 2 * Steady as the Beating Drum (and Reprise) * and The Virginia Company (and Reprise). Also features beautiful, full-color artwork. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Definately a good find
I think if you play the panio then this is a great find. Disney's songs are always excellent and Phcohantus is no exception. They are songs you will fall in love with and you will want to practice over and over again. ... Read more

Book Description

A beautifully-illustrated songbook in full color. 8 songs, including: Colors of the Wind * Listen With Your Heart * The Virginia Company * and more. Songs are by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz. 81 inch. x 101 inch. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

"Disneys Pocahontas"
This is a book about two people from two completely different places, that meet and fall in love. Later on in the book they are somewhat forbidden to see eachother, so then they end up having to sneak around to see eachother, finally after a while they are able to be together, and they lived happily ever after. I feel that this book teaches that you dont have to be alike, or come from the same places to love someone. I would say the age level for this book would probably be about 10. I do think that this is a good book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent Presentation
This is a very good book for young children. The sounds go perfectly with the story, which is richly illustrated and true to the movie.

Many timesthese types of books have effects, which are made from token stock sounds.Not these, they are very faithful to the movie presentation.

My daughterwent back to this day after day. ... Read more