Heroes graphic novel, image
From Conclusion: "In the DNA": Creating Across Paratexts
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It is virtually impossible to watch a movie or TV show without preconceived notions because of the hype that precedes them, while a host of media extensions guarantees them a life long past their air dates. An onslaught of information from print media, trailers, internet discussion, merchandising, podcasts, and guerilla marketing, we generally know something about upcoming movies and TV shows well before they are even released or aired. The extras, or “paratexts,” that surround viewing experiences are far from peripheral, shaping our understanding of them and informing our decisions about what to watch or not watch and even how to watch before we even sit down for a show.
Show Sold Separately gives critical attention to this ubiquitous but often overlooked phenomenon, examining paratexts like DVD bonus materials for The Lord of the Rings, spoilers for Lost, the opening credits of The Simpsons, Star Wars actions figures, press reviews for Friday Night Lights, the framing of Batman Begins, the videogame of The Thing, and the trailers for The Sweet Hereafter. Plucking these extra materials from the wings and giving them the spotlight they deserve, Jonathan Gray examines the world of film and television that exists before and after the show.
From Conclusion: "In the DNA": Creating Across Paratexts
A page from the Heroes graphic novel following the adventures of the transmediated hero Hana Gitelman.
From Conclusion: "In the DNA": Creating Across Paratexts
The Heroes "Evolutions" website offers a portal into some of the show's many transmedia platforms.
From Chapter 6: In the World, Just Off Screen: Toys and Games
A page from the What Happened in Piedmont? blog.
From Chapter 6: In the World, Just Off Screen: Toys and Games
A trailer for The Simpsons Hit and Run video game.
From Chapter 6: In the World, Just Off Screen: Toys and Games
A trailer for The Golden Compass video game based on the film.
From Chapter 6: In the World, Just Off Screen: Toys and Games
Complete set of 1978 Star Wars 12-Backs, the first twelve figures released. From the collection of Gary Wines. Photograph by Gary Wines.
From Chapter 5: Spoiled and Mashed Up: Viewer-Created Paratexts
An ad for the television show Friday Night Lights.
From Chapter 5: Spoiled and Mashed Up: Viewer-Created Paratexts
A page from the Wikiality website featuring Fox News.
From Chapter 5: Spoiled and Mashed Up: Viewer-Created Paratexts
Hopeless by Luminosity.
From Chapter 5: Spoiled and Mashed Up: Viewer-Created Paratexts
Us by Lim.
From Chapter 5: Spoiled and Mashed Up: Viewer-Created Paratexts
Blood Fugue by Luminosity.
From Chapter 5: Spoiled and Mashed Up: Viewer-Created Paratexts
Sick Cycle Carousel by Wolfling.
From Chapter 5: Spoiled and Mashed Up: Viewer-Created Paratexts
Winter by Wolfling and Magpie.
From Chapter 4: Under a Long Shadow: Sequels, Prequels, Pre-Texts, Intertexts
Bruce Wayne is laid low and punished by Ducard in Batman Begins, paying for the crimes of Batman and Robin while earning his right to be Batman.
From Chapter 3: Bonus Materials: Digital Auras and Authors
A split-screen feature shows how Andy Serkis's performance determined the CGI Gollum's performance, further suggesting that special effects following human ability, not vice versa.
From Chapter 3: Bonus Materials: Digital Auras and Authors
A Two Towers DVD elision of New Zealand and Middle Earth showing where in New Zealand certain aspects of the fictional "Middle Earth" were filmed.
From Chapter 3: Bonus Materials: Digital Auras and Authors
Musical cues in the J. R. R. Tolkien: Origins of Middle Earth documentary draw from the film's score to elide Tolkien's and the Fellowship's respective journeys.
From Chapter 3: Bonus Materials: Digital Auras and Authors
Musical cues in the J. R. R. Tolkien: Origins of Middle Earth documentary draw from the film's score to elide Tolkien's and the Fellowship's respective journeys.
From Chapter 3: Bonus Materials: Digital Auras and Authors
The box set for The Lord of the Rings: Two Towers Platinum Series Special Extended Edition DVD box set
From Chapter 3: Bonus Materials: Digital Auras and Authors
A page from The Biggest Loser's website.