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Sing-Along Songs
Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog: The Book
Joss Whedon’s Emmy award-winning musical tragicomedy tells the story of Billy, aka Dr Horrible, a budding supervillain who wants to beat superhero Captain Hammer and take over the world... and pluck up the courage to speak to his laundromat crush Penny. With exclusive new material from Joss and the production team, new photos, sheet music and more, this official book is a must for fans!
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
About the author
Joss Whedon
488 books4,318 followersJoss Whedon (born Joseph Hill Whedon) is an American screenwriter, executive producer, film and television director, comic book writer, occasional composer, and actor, and the founder of Mutant Enemy Productions and co-creator of Bellwether Pictures.
He is best known as the creator and showrunner of the television series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)', 'Angel (1999–2004)', 'Firefly (2002)' and its film follow-up 'Serenity (2005)', and 'Dollhouse (2009–2010)', as well as the web-series' 'Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008)'. Whedon co-wrote and produced the horror film 'The Cabin in the Woods (2012)', and wrote and directed the film adaptation of Marvel's 'The Avengers (2012)', the third highest-grossing film of all time.
Many of Whedon's projects have cult status and his work is notable for portraying strong female characters and a belief in equality.
credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_Whedon
He is best known as the creator and showrunner of the television series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1997–2003)', 'Angel (1999–2004)', 'Firefly (2002)' and its film follow-up 'Serenity (2005)', and 'Dollhouse (2009–2010)', as well as the web-series' 'Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog (2008)'. Whedon co-wrote and produced the horror film 'The Cabin in the Woods (2012)', and wrote and directed the film adaptation of Marvel's 'The Avengers (2012)', the third highest-grossing film of all time.
Many of Whedon's projects have cult status and his work is notable for portraying strong female characters and a belief in equality.
credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joss_Whedon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 13, 2013
That's entertainment! This is the complete script, the complete score and even includes the script of the musical commentary, facsimile reproductions of working notes on both the script and the music.
Dr. Horrible was an opportunity for Joss Whedon to make a production out of love for his art, rather than satisfying the demands of other producers and the powers of Hollywood. This show was written, refined and produced during the writer's strike which had otherwise shut down Hollywood. It proved to be a phenomenal sensation on the internet. Since then, it has even been aired on network television.
It is a typical Joss Whedon production: Irreverent, yet inciting one to thought. The contrast between standard formulas and the characters make this an instant hit. The hero (Captain Hammer) is villainous, and the villain (Dr. Horrible) is misguided in his good motives. He is flawed and in love, and unable to express his love. Captain Hammer, on the other hand, is in many ways incapable of any love, other than self-love. He is an unpardonable hedonist.
Penny is a very modern version of a damsel in distress, with a social conscience and a frustrating inability to judge what lies beneath the surface of the men who are competing for her affections. If she had fallen for Billy/Dr. Horrible, perhaps he would have used his genius for good instead of evil.
Every character is well-developed. Each has flaws that makes them real, and perspectives which make them sympathetic, no matter how misguided (except, maybe, Bad Horse).
Passion for the theatre makes one look for this book, and fans of the show will love it for its insights It is highly readable and fun.
Dr. Horrible was an opportunity for Joss Whedon to make a production out of love for his art, rather than satisfying the demands of other producers and the powers of Hollywood. This show was written, refined and produced during the writer's strike which had otherwise shut down Hollywood. It proved to be a phenomenal sensation on the internet. Since then, it has even been aired on network television.
It is a typical Joss Whedon production: Irreverent, yet inciting one to thought. The contrast between standard formulas and the characters make this an instant hit. The hero (Captain Hammer) is villainous, and the villain (Dr. Horrible) is misguided in his good motives. He is flawed and in love, and unable to express his love. Captain Hammer, on the other hand, is in many ways incapable of any love, other than self-love. He is an unpardonable hedonist.
Penny is a very modern version of a damsel in distress, with a social conscience and a frustrating inability to judge what lies beneath the surface of the men who are competing for her affections. If she had fallen for Billy/Dr. Horrible, perhaps he would have used his genius for good instead of evil.
Every character is well-developed. Each has flaws that makes them real, and perspectives which make them sympathetic, no matter how misguided (except, maybe, Bad Horse).
Passion for the theatre makes one look for this book, and fans of the show will love it for its insights It is highly readable and fun.
April 16, 2017
Book #2 of 2017
Legendary Book Club of Habitica's Ultimate Reading Challenge Task: A book about a topic you already love
Personal Reading Challenge Prompt: A book with a woman on the cover
Book Rescue Challenge: Abandoned in 2016
Better World Books Challenge: A book under 200 pages
Book Bingo Square Possibilities:
- A Book with an Award
- A Book with Multiple Perspectives
- A Book with Multiple Authors
- A Book with Pictures
PopSugar Challenge Prompts (max 3):
- A book with pictures
- A book written by someone you admire
- A book with multiple authors
I originally bought this for the sheet music in the back, and I had fun with that immediately. Then I set it aside for a while, but I was happy to get back to it and read the additional material -- background on the show, script and song development, reminiscences from those involved, etc. Some of it I already knew, but it was still fascinating. The show was such a total labor of love for Joss, and it's amazing how everybody involved shared in that love for creating something so completely new and different.
I would recommend this to anybody interested in the show's origins or who just loved it and its music. I will warn musicians, though, that the binding does not lend itself well to staying open on a music stand. Be prepared to make copies for actual use. I would not recommend this to anybody who has not seen the show. But what is wrong with you??? Go watch it!
Legendary Book Club of Habitica's Ultimate Reading Challenge Task: A book about a topic you already love
Personal Reading Challenge Prompt: A book with a woman on the cover
Book Rescue Challenge: Abandoned in 2016
Better World Books Challenge: A book under 200 pages
Book Bingo Square Possibilities:
- A Book with an Award
- A Book with Multiple Perspectives
- A Book with Multiple Authors
- A Book with Pictures
PopSugar Challenge Prompts (max 3):
- A book with pictures
- A book written by someone you admire
- A book with multiple authors
I originally bought this for the sheet music in the back, and I had fun with that immediately. Then I set it aside for a while, but I was happy to get back to it and read the additional material -- background on the show, script and song development, reminiscences from those involved, etc. Some of it I already knew, but it was still fascinating. The show was such a total labor of love for Joss, and it's amazing how everybody involved shared in that love for creating something so completely new and different.
I would recommend this to anybody interested in the show's origins or who just loved it and its music. I will warn musicians, though, that the binding does not lend itself well to staying open on a music stand. Be prepared to make copies for actual use. I would not recommend this to anybody who has not seen the show. But what is wrong with you??? Go watch it!
June 30, 2023
I'm a HUGE fan of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. If you consider yourself a geek, or a fan of Whedon, Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, Felicia Day, and/or musicals then this is a must watch. This little flick was something that Joss Whedon decided to do during the writer's strike. He wanted to show that quality work with heart can come out without the need for big business (among other things). So all of the people in this were unpaid and doing it because they wanted to and boy was it fun to watch. To watch it you can go here http://drhorrible.com/ or watch it on youtube. I also recommend the graphic novel.
I only gave this one 3 stars because I was expecting lots of behind the scenes stuff. It was mostly pictures and the lyrics to the songs, as well as all of the lines (which I should have known based on what was written on the cover). I did like that they provided all of the sheet music at the end, as it is a musical. Do consider watching it; it will put a smile on your face!
I only gave this one 3 stars because I was expecting lots of behind the scenes stuff. It was mostly pictures and the lyrics to the songs, as well as all of the lines (which I should have known based on what was written on the cover). I did like that they provided all of the sheet music at the end, as it is a musical. Do consider watching it; it will put a smile on your face!
July 13, 2020
What it's about: This book contains the script for the web series sensation, along with notes from the cast and creators, the book for the musical commentary from the DVD, and the sheet music for the original production.
What I thought: When Dr. Horrible first appeared, I was absolutely blown away by how clever and touching it was. It threw an interesting spin on superhero stories that is unique, even in this time of extremely overexposed superheroism.
Reading the book and the behind-the-scenes bits from those involved brought it all back, and being able to read every word actually helped me see a few jokes I had missed in the whirlwind delivery of the production.
Why I rated it like I did: I am a sucker for Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, and Felicia Day, and the Whedons have created a sharp, satirical vehicle for these actors that is by turns hilarious, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking.
What I thought: When Dr. Horrible first appeared, I was absolutely blown away by how clever and touching it was. It threw an interesting spin on superhero stories that is unique, even in this time of extremely overexposed superheroism.
Reading the book and the behind-the-scenes bits from those involved brought it all back, and being able to read every word actually helped me see a few jokes I had missed in the whirlwind delivery of the production.
Why I rated it like I did: I am a sucker for Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion, and Felicia Day, and the Whedons have created a sharp, satirical vehicle for these actors that is by turns hilarious, thought-provoking, and heartbreaking.
August 3, 2021
I loved the musical, but the main reason I bought the book was because there's sheet music. The thing is, however, I can't play any instruments and I can't even read sheet music. To this day I am still being shamed by this book on the shelf.
Also, that page with the big quote saying 'The hammer is my penis."? That's the first page it opened on when my mom looked through the book, and I don't think I'll ever recover from it😭😭
Also, that page with the big quote saying 'The hammer is my penis."? That's the first page it opened on when my mom looked through the book, and I don't think I'll ever recover from it😭😭
June 10, 2017
Love the screenplay, but some of the visuals are a bit much.
November 24, 2022
A fun collection to augment the wonderful limited web series
April 1, 2012
This review is rigged -- another unapologetic review of a book that I was all but guaranteed to love.
I remember practically shoving the Dr. Horrible webisode at everyone on its launch day. To this day, watching it still brings me to tears of joy and laughter.
Not too surprising then that reading about the making of the show generated similar emotion. I laughed out loud at points, nearly coming to tears once again. For others obsessed with Dr. Horrible, this is a must have. Or just buy it to put on your bookshelves so that others will think that you are nerd-cool. ;)
I remember practically shoving the Dr. Horrible webisode at everyone on its launch day. To this day, watching it still brings me to tears of joy and laughter.
Not too surprising then that reading about the making of the show generated similar emotion. I laughed out loud at points, nearly coming to tears once again. For others obsessed with Dr. Horrible, this is a must have. Or just buy it to put on your bookshelves so that others will think that you are nerd-cool. ;)
October 24, 2020
Yet another property that I loved a decade ago but that I've aged out of, by a wide, WIDE margin. This is maybe the most explicitly sexist piece that Joss Whedon ever made. I don't know how I didn't see it back in the day, but the misogyny is inherent to the text of Dr Horrible, and the extras in this companion book only really serve to accent it.
It makes me really sad to realize how totally disappointing I find works that were so huge in shaping who I became. But, sad in that "welp, byeeeee" way, not in the "I still want to love this" way.
It makes me really sad to realize how totally disappointing I find works that were so huge in shaping who I became. But, sad in that "welp, byeeeee" way, not in the "I still want to love this" way.
October 30, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this book! I am a HUGE fan of Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog and I learned a lot of interesting tid bits from the letters written by the cast and writers. Also, it is really nice to have all the words to Commentary: the Musical to follow along with. The book has a lot to offer, but I wish it had more behind the scenes interviews. Overall, it has a lot of great stuff including the entire shooting script and all the sheet music, but I wish it had a little more extra information.
July 6, 2013
I checked this one out at the library, and I'm glad I did. It's definitely not a book I would spend extra money on. Most of the content is stuff that is pretty repetitive, song lyrics, a transcript, etc. I enjoyed reading the introduction and some of the behind the scenes snippets, but there's not much else to go on. It does include all the sheet music, which means literally nothing to me, but for anyone who is musically inclined, I'm sure that's a bonus. But really, beyond that, nothing special, not a must-read or anything for the DH fans.
June 4, 2014
I purchased this because I wanted to own the sheet music. I appreciate that they add extra material but it also is bothersome because it tends to make it hard to keep the book open at the piano. In any case, I only saw Dr. Horrible when it originally streamed so I did enjoy reading the script and accompanying material. I have not heard the Commentary before so I definitely enjoyed that and will have to find a time to listen to it to hear the songs. Overall, this was enjoyable but it really wasn't that special as far as the content. I will say that it is artistically put together.
February 17, 2012
Nice pictures. For someone already in the know about Joss Whedon's Dr. Horrible, then this was a fun romp through history. For those that aren't, there may be some inside jokes that you don't get, but this is a great little way to introduce yourself to how it all came about, though I would strongly recommend finding Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along-Blog and watching it first.
I like that includes all the sheet music and the full script.
I like that includes all the sheet music and the full script.
June 21, 2011
This was so much fun. If you are a fan of Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog you'll get a real kick out of this book. If you're not a fan then I don't want to talk to you. (jk) (maybe) If you don't know what Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog is then get thee to Hulu or drhorrible.com or Netflix. Right. Now. :D
January 20, 2013
I thought this was going to have more insight into the web musical, more behind the scenes or new short stories with the characters, but it's really just an enhanced script. It had some interesting pictures and "one pagers" from the cast, but mostly not worth it.
August 21, 2012
This is a fun, frothy book that includes the script to this humorous internet musical, the complete sheet music score and interviews of the cast and crew. If you're a fan, it's well worth the reasonable price tag!
September 3, 2012
A charming and funny companion to the web series Dr Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, containing the shooting script, amusing prefaces and asides by the writers, director and cast, photos, a transcript of the musical commentary and sheet music (phew!). A must-have for fans.
March 25, 2013
I loved Dr. Horrible and this gave me just a bit more of what I loved. I was really looking for cast interviews & comments and there wasn't as much additional content available. Still, I read the full script and got some new insight into one of my favorite entertainment experiences.
April 23, 2013
As always, anything created by Joss Whedon is magnificent. I'm always surprised when they manage to drag out even more details that I've never heard about. So many amazing insights and interesting facts! I love it as much as I love Dr. Horrible itself. :)
March 22, 2014
Full script (including the Commentary: The Musical version), all the sheet music, and some behind-the-scenes and backstory. I'd've liked even more of the latter, but even so really enjoyed this book. If you love Dr Horrible, you'll want this.
March 29, 2015
This was a cute really quick read. I loved getting to hear about how they came up with dr horrible and learned a few things I didn't know. It's so cool to see the whole script and the official sheet music.
April 14, 2015
Geek book. Contains all the sheet music, the complete transcript, aaaaand the lyrics to the DVD commentary (very useful when trying to figure out who's singing what in the commentary, which, yes, is also a musical).
June 3, 2015
Great reading through the shooting script and seeing the minor changes that happened along the way. The added pieces by the cast and crew were a fun read...and the music at the end. I immediately went to my keyboard and started tapping out tunes. Huzzah!
April 11, 2011
Wonderful insight into the creation of an amazing show
April 24, 2011
Provides a lot of great insight with much humor.
Read
July 28, 2011Amazing! Fantastic! Whedony! Hilarious and a necessity for any die hard Joss fan! This review needs more exclamation points!
October 3, 2011
Brillo. I just have to learn to play the piano now
April 3, 2012
A must read for any fan of this hilarious Internet musical.
November 23, 2012
I love this program and this book is a fun romp too
August 18, 2014
Awesome in book form.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews