The Art and Making of Hercules: The Thracian Wars--A Newmarket Pictorial

For fascinating insights into how a major Hollywood action film of gigantic scope and complexity is made—especially one shot entirely on location in Hungary with sets, kingdoms, costumes, weapons, horses, chariots, and warriors that transport us to a world never before seen on film—go to The Art & Making of Hercules, which celebrates the artists, actors, and filmmakers behind the Brett Ratner epic film, starring the incredible Dwayne (The Rock) Johnson and featuring distinguished British actors Ian McShane, Rufus Sewell, Joseph Fiennes, Peter Mullan, and John Hurt.

Lavishly illustrated, the book features more than 300 production photos, sketches, storyboards, pre-visualization stills, computer graphics, costume drawings, 3-D renderings, set decorations, digital photo compositions, Weta Workshop concept paintings, and comic book panels and artwork. Laced throughout are cast and crew commentaries, script excerpts, and extracts from the Radical Studios graphic novel that became the inspiration for director Brett Ratner's new vision.

"Every aspect of our movie was meant to deemphasize the use of visual effects and focus instead on tangible in-camera execution….Visually, we wanted to demystify ancient Greece…. Our tale is different from any prior incarnation of Hercules," Ratner explains in his introduction. "No gods. No overt superhuman powers, a complete deconstruction of the myth…Our Hercules is mortal. He is not alone. He wanders about ancient Greece, a world-weary mercenary, haunted by his past, joined by five loyal companions with individuality, specific skill sets, and, most importantly, purpose."

The making of Hercules was as unprecedented as the 3,000-year-old legend itself, and all that excitement is brilliantly captured here for fans and collectors alike.