The Encyclopedia of Horror Movies: The Complete Film Reference Paperback – Super Audio CD - DSD, January 1, 1987

The Encyclopedia of Horror Movies is just that; it is the definitive textbook authority on all things Horror, spanning over eight decades of cinema. It is an important reference tool as well as a complete history lesson on the trends and growths that were experienced within the genre, beginning with the earliest silent classics and ending at the height of the Slasher era, when the book was published. The format is laid out chronologically, dividing each section by the decade and listing the films in alphabetical order by the year of their release in their original countries. Films from nearly every developed nation can be found within its pages, including many entries that are dedicated to the German Expressionists and Asian filmmakers, while also introducing many more obscure titles from countries like Austria or Brazil. Phil Hardy interjects with an informed opinion and rounded knowledge on each of the films being discussed. While his opinions on many of the entries will not be shared by all readers (particularly in his general distaste for the Slasher films), his critiques are always justified and rarely biased. Coming in at over 400 pages, with over 450 black and white stills and an astounding 1,300 film reviews, The Encyclopedia of Horror Movies is an absolute must-have for every Horror fan. It is impossible to thumb through its pages without discovering a slew of exciting new films that may have been long forgotten, but it is integral to read the text from start to finish rather than simply using it as a petty reference tool in order to better one's understanding of the genre.-Carl ManesI Like Horror Movies

This is a superior reference for horror movies. It traces the history of the horror genre from the earliest days of film by means of highly intelligent reviews of hundreds of movies. It also includes a list of major cast and crew members for each film. Although now a bit dated (it ends in 1985), it is a must for anyone who is interested in classic horror. A couple of warnings for those who may be interested: some of the stills that illustrate the book include nudity, and many of the reviews contain spoilers. However, anyone who loves horror movies in the pre-slasher era should find this tremendously entertaining and informative.

I really wanted the Overlook Film Encyclopedia or Horror Films to accompany the Sci-Fi version of the guide on my shelf, but sadly that book costs several hundred dollars and is long out of print. As best as I can tell this is pretty much the same thing- except it only goes up until 1985 (Some editions of the Overlook version cover films up until 1995) oh and it has different cover art. While I prefer the Bride of Frankenstein cover on the other one, I much much prefer the cost of this version. I don't really have much to add that hasn't already been said better by other reviewers- it's a great resource for those looking to make "to-watch" lists of classic movies they may have missed. It has great cross referencing glossaries in the back and the book is laid out chronologically by year. The synopses are brief and better written than many other film encyclopedias, and it takes a very academic approach to a genre that is often treated in a much more flippant manner. The mini-reviews are obviously written by experts on the genre, as they often contain pointed critical analysis and references to other films/directors/etc. that may be necessary to proper appreciation of the film. This is definitely the guide for those fans who take their horror films seriously and want to learn more about films they may have not seen. Any self-respecting fan needs this guide.

Several good reviews are ruined by the writers myopic world view where everything is either "british colonialism" "racism" or "rancidly conservative". His slants are biased towards anything non-liberal. Other than that a good read..

This book is awesome,this is my second copy .I wore the other one out!! This has a exhaustive ,in depth of films from 1912 to 1985.Gives you all the different titles a film might have , it even gives running times I really wish they would do a part 2 going from 86 onwards!I keep this book right by the pychotronic film guide .

Great condition as stated

Published in the 1980s, this was just about the best horror film reference before the internet came along. There are plenty of photos, and the silent period is covered well. There are some obscure and foreign titles I'd like to see included, but books are always forced to deal with such limitations. "Night of the Hunter" is missing, and I don't agree with the review of 1963's "The Haunting," but overall this is worthwhile for horror fans.

great

interesting book as it has films not covered in other books on horror films such as face of darkness(1976) that disappeared soon after release and has not been seen since possibly even a lost film now.it does not have the sci-fi horrors such as island of terror and night of the big heat but does have the hammer films thrillers that were indebted to les diaboliques.there are a few mistakes such as when reviewing cannibal apocalypse it is said the main cannibal is called charles bukowski the alias of charles bronson which would be news to bronson as his real name is charles buchinsky .charles bukowski was a writer.