I write reviews of graphic software and, on occasion, books. Before deciding to review this book, I looked at two or three others that were available at my local book stores on Macromedia 8.5. This was the only one that impressed me. In many ways, this book by Phil and Mike Gross pick up where Phil Gross's Director 8 and Lingo Authorized left off. This book is a training course which will guide the reader into the major areas of 3D programming. While this might sound daunting, it isn't because the lessons are step by step guides. The authors state in their introduction that the first four chapters are intended for 3D designers who want to bring their 3D creations to the web while the remainder of the chapters are for seasoned Director users who want to take advantage of the 3D features of Director 8.5. Even if I did not intend to use the properties of Director 8.5's 3D module extensively, these first lessons would get me started in an orderly and logical fashion because they highlight the basic information necessary to build upon should I desire to go further while giving me clear instruction on how to use basic 3D in a Director movie.
Many small points are added that help tremendously in learning and manipulating the program. I like the way the authors have designated "additional" information as Tips and Notes. This book does not teach a basic course in Director. That is not its intent. For that, the earlier book by Phil Gross, referred to above, is an excellent source of knowledge.
This book is very clearly written and logically moves the reader forward step by step. Whether the reader is advanced in the 3D world or a novice, this book describes using 3D tools in Director 8.5. The book shows how one can get heavily involved in the Lingo language and create complex 3D animations or just use basic techniques and create simpler ones.
This is a must have if you are using Macromedia Director 8.5. Shockwave Studio.
Paula Sanders ...
