Rating: Summary: "Alias is a story about identity." Review: "Alias Declassified"opens with the six words I use in the title of this review. And with these words in mind, author Mark Cotta Vaz deftly chronicles the origins and the production of the first season of the ABC drama "Alias."The book is written with the finesse one would expect of a New Yorker feature article and as such is conspicuous in its economy and elegance of language. At the outset, Mr. Vaz invites the reader along to the famed Disney lot to explore the mystery at the core of "Alias," that "things are never what they seem," with the proviso that this is as true in TV production as it is in life. For me, the behind-the-scenes insights are the best feature of the book. There are many thoughtful quotes from the main players, both those on camera and off. The photographs are an excellent mix of studio stills, shots from production, and even informal cast and crew shots. Mr. Vaz really shines when he focuses on the wizards who create the world of "Alias". From Sydney's fantastic costumes and make-up, to the special effects, to the gadgets, even the gorgeous Rambaldi drawings all receive loving attention and ample display in a book with exceedingly high production values of its own. At 206 pages, this book isn't comprehensive and wisely doesn't try to be. Even so, as a script junkie, I found the episode summary section disappointingly thin, lacking depth of plot and action points. I would have been deliriously happy if they had treated each episode with the same deep exposition and description as they did "Almost Thirty Years." Maybe they are saving this for an episode guide companion book, well, one can hope! Nit picks-where were the quotes from the dialogue of the key scenes and how could they have entirely overlooked the great puzzle of the push-throughs? For me, the best test of "Alias Declassified" is that by the last page, I felt I had learned some previously undisclosed truth about the identity and the character of "Alias." Seeing season two now, this generous book has really enhanced my viewing experience.
Rating: Summary: You need this book! Review: "Alias: Declassified" is THE book you have to get if you're into "Alias" or want to get into the adventure that is "Alias". Between the cover, which contains amazing graphic work, you find the absolute coolest information on all things "Alias" :there are character dossiers, behind the scenes info on stunts, special effects, costumes, and so many wonderful pictures. Mark Cotta Vaz takes the reader on a totally unique journey behind the scenes and into the world of "Alias". While this might seem only like a great read for a true fan of the show, we all know there are people out there who are interested in the show but a little bit put off by the Bristow family tree and Rambaldi's prophecies - now, in detail every plot line is uncovered, getting you fully informed. "Alias" is honestly too-good to miss, and with this book, you'll only feel like you are more and more a part of the wonderful mythology behind the most creative and well-written television show on primetime today. So buy "Declassified" - between the excellent photography, the fast-paced facts and details, you'll more than get your moneys worth!!
Rating: Summary: Uncover Alias Review: A must see for the avid Alias fan which just reinforces why you became hooked in the first place. For those who had the misfortune of missing the first season, this will definitely get you up to speed and wanting more... It also comes with a free exclusive DVD...What a bargain!
Rating: Summary: Great Background & Rare Info For Fans Review: Alias, now in it's second season and recently picked up for a third on ABC, is my favorite show on TV. Every week a new itelligent plot is set in motion, which also develops continuing storylines. This book sheds new light on the cast, crew, and storyline of Alias. You'll learn how it was created, about the writing process, the scoring of the music, the costume designing, prop creation- everything, including a summary and director/producer/guest star info for every first season episode. The book also comes with a DVD featuring clips from the pilot episode, interviews with the cast, and character profiles. Well worth the money for any fan of the show!
Rating: Summary: Must have! Review: Declassified is an amazing book! It gives you great behind the scenes info, interviews, pictures, episode descriptions, all the important stuff for an Alias fan! And the DVD's awsome, too! If you love Alias, you'll love this!
Rating: Summary: Great book Review: Excellent book. I think all the other reviews sum it all up. I love the DVD and the show is great! A must have for any fan!
Rating: Summary: Wow - Exciting, Interestering, and Fun to Read! Review: I am a huge Alias fan. I found this book to be a great addition to my Alias collection. The book is very interesting with details about the characters, actors, design sets, and just about everything. I was interested in how some of the actors and actresses have kind of created their own characters behind the "script". It was a very fun and exciting read. I would reccomend this to anyone who is a fan of alias. You will not be disappointed as this book is entertaining AND informative, which is quite hard to find these days. If you enjoy Alias, you will love this book.
Rating: Summary: MUST HAVE Review: I can sum this up easily, this is a MUST HAVE for any true alias or Jenn fan,it gives the truth, great accurate summerys of every show, a mini biography on each character, behind the scens, like the music, and story boards, and how JJ came up with the idea, oh, and a vary long and detailed intro about the show, and the relationship between the characters. Not to mention all the great pic's! you must get this!!!!!
Rating: Summary: "Declassified" is ALIAS de-classified Review: I drove to the nearest Barnes and Noble bookstore (which wasn't even in our home state) on the first day of the 'Declassified' release to pick up a copy of 'Declassified' and 'Recruited'. In a bad financial spot, I was forced to spend the remainder of my lunch money on both the books (Needless to say, I had to brown-bag it the rest of the week!) But the drive and the cost were well worth the trouble. I read 'Declassified' from beginning to end in 2 days flat. That was surprising even for myself because I'm usually a slow reader. But the fast pace wasn't my doings; it was because 'Declassified' was such a great success. First of all, I was impressed with the quality of the pictures, sketches, and all around appearance of the book. When they said 'Declassified', they really meant declassified. The stories and thoughts of the writers, costume designers, music composers, prop and set managers, producers, and actors of ALIAS were all presented to the reader like a casual, sit-down conversation. I was so intrigued and shocked to find how much work and effort goes into creating one episode of ALIAS. Besides, there are so many little people that I never thought about that truly bring the world of ALIAS alive. This book explained the background information of the show in detail so now I am in the know all the way. As someone sat down to explain each episode to me, the entire first season all began to click. My brain must have been channeling that information in record time and I was absorbing it like a sponge! It was also very intriguing as a reader and a fan of ALIAS to read about such things such as creating the props, sets, and origin of the show itself. I would be reading along and all of a sudden exclaim aloud,'So that's how they did that!' I especially enjoyed the chapter 'The Last Episode'. That was my favorite episode and it was awesome that the author (Mark Cotta Vaz) devoted an entire chapter to its creation. I almost felt like I was there on the set when the call for action pierced the silence. What a thrill! And when a reader says they get a thrill from a mere cluster of words on a thick stack of papers bound together, then by golly it must be a great book! 'Declassified' is so good it doesn't even need my review. It practically speaks for itself. I've already let my mother and sister borrow it and my friends, some of which are not totally ALIAS fans yet, are waiting to read it next. We're all hoping that the second season is also accompanied by a sequel to 'Declassified'. All in all, everyone here agrees 'Declassified' is a great book to further enlighten us on the world of ALIAS. Like so many ALIAS fans say,'And so it ends...'
Rating: Summary: Absolutely worth your time and money! Review: I got this book the day it came out! OMG, it is so great! It has information on absolutely EVERYTHING that has to do with this amazing TV show! The pictures, the episode synopsises, the behind-the-scenes stuff- it's great. This book is definitely worth your time and money. Ooo, and don't forget! The first 100,000 copies come with an EXCLUSIVE DVD with all the behind-the-scenes stuff you could want to know!
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