Firefly: The Official Companion: Volume Two by Joss Whedon
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Book Reviews of Firefly: The Official Companion: Volume Two
Book Review: What a hoot! Get this if you just "liked" Firefly
Summary: 5 Stars
I missed Firefly, the first time around, and didn't discover the series until after I'd rented Serenity. I can't call myself a confirmed browncoat, though I really *really* liked everything about the show.
But when I saw this book on the library's New Books stack, I grabbed it. I think you should grab a copy, too, even if you're no die-hard fan. Because this book is _fun_.
Most of the book is episode scripts (half of them; the other half are in Volume One). That's worth the price alone, because the scripts are immensely readable. Like other intelligent shows, the dialogue is both fast and thoughtful, and you might not have caught everything when you heard it the first or second time around. In particular, the scripts include the translations from the Chinese expletives, and most of them are _very_ funny.
And the "stage direction" is not the dispassionate descriptive sort ("Man enters, wearing a hat"). It reflects the entire mood of the show:
INARA walks towards them, heading for the stairs up to the shuttle catwalk. She's dressed with stunning elegance.
KAYLEE: Hey there, 'Nara. Heading off for some glamorous romance?
Simon turns, momentarily stunned by her elegance.
If you're a screenwriter, this is absolutely a must-have.
The book is also peppered with cast interviews, stories about the creation of Firefly's theme song, production explanations on how, for example, they created Niska's Skyplex. In this book, you can spend an enjoyable few hours investigating how a show can be done *right*...even if the network screwed it up.
Book Review: Firefly - still flyin'
Summary: 5 Stars
As a confirmed Browncoat, I was always going to buy this when it came out. It is excellent - and makes me wonder even more how such a brilliant TV programme can get canned. The second part of the official companion, this focuses on the scripts for the last episodes, including the wonderful Out of Gas, and War Stories, as well as the last episode - Objects in Space. As well as marvellous photos that haven't been seen before, there are articles on all the main actors, as well as on the music, the cinematography ... and lots more.
Take some time out to read this, and I guarantee that you'll be buying the boxset of DVDs, and the special edition of Serenity (the film that came about because of the fans' amazing support) ... and you too will start to call yourself a Browncoat!
Book Review: Must Have for Fans of Firefly
Summary: 5 Stars
Great resource for the true Firefly fan. The show scripts are fun to read, especially with the chinese words translated, so you know what the gorram they were really saying. I loved the section: Jayne's Weapons, with a detailed look at Vera, one of the most notorious guns ever to grace the small or big screen. They discuss how they designed Vera, where the original gun came form, and how they added the special touches to make it unique to the Firefly 'verse.
A plethora of inset comments from the actors, and production crew, throughout the book, add insights into the action behind the scenes of making the show. Floor Plans of Serenity, and displays of various prop models of the ship, and many other props used make a nice addtion to the wealth of information.
Book Review: Another warm fuzzy for any Firefly fan
Summary: 5 Stars
If you're reading this review, then you must not own volume one of Firefly: The Official Companion. If you did, then you wouldn't need a review to sell you on this one. So I have a piece of advice for you: buy both books. If you have a place in your heart for Firefly, then make a place on your coffee table for these books. Each one is overflowing with behind-the-scenes information about every episode of Firefly. There's sure to be something to interest every fan. I particularly enjoy all the prop info. You get detailed views of props and weapons, along with insight from the prop team as to how they made or modified each item. Fascinating stuff, and indispensable if you're a gamer.
Treat yourself to these books. You won't regret it.
Book Review: CANNOT BE MISSED!!! SCI FI FANS OR NOT LOVE IT
Summary: 5 Stars
Frankly, I'm stunned there aren't more reviews extolling how exceptional this unfortunately brief series is. I am not one to extoll, so that means something. Whedon has created and assembled a program that I cannot stop watching, and I am joined by an extremely huge contingent of dedicated fans, and you might as well cap every letter in that word, because dedicated we truly are. The best thing I can say, is don't miss this! Odds are extremely high you will fall in love as well. It only offers extraordinary writing, performing, directing; humor, love, danger, amazing storytelling. It is as good as it gets!