The Complete Quantum Leap Book

Quantum Leap

by Louis Chunovic

The Complete Quantum Leap Book - The Official Publication of the Television Series answers all of the questions fans have about their favorite show, where did Sam Beckett play high school baseball?; how many years did Al spend in a Viet Cong POW camp?; into which bodies did Sam leap during the years 1950-1955?; how is a blue screen used to create the hologram effect?
The official book features interviews with Bakula and Stockwell, plus the series creator and executive producer Donald P. Bellisario and the co-executive producer Deborah Pratt. There are intriguing quotes and anecdotes as well from the show's casting director, costumer, and production designer. All reveal from their unique vantage points how each episode was created, designed, and produced. There are also synopses of all the episodes, including the pilot. The Complete Quantum Leap Book is packed with behind-the-scenes photographs (many in full color), storyboards, and sketches that vividly illustrate the text.

Genres: Science Fiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1993

About the author

A veteran journalist and published author, Louis Chunovic has reported on the media industry for more than two decades, and during that time has covered national political conventions, media mergers and acquisitions and new media technologies.

Chunovic also is the former on-air Entertainment Reporter for KTTV, Fox Broadcasting, in Los Angeles. He has appeared on CNBC, CNN and NPR, as well as on many other television and radio outlets, and has been quoted by The New York Times and Congressional Quarterly, among others. He lives in the New York City area with his wife.

Reviews

[Kevin Magpoc · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the one other previous review mentioned, there are indeed inaccuracies and typos (one example: "Same" instead of "Sam"), but also inconsistencies. The book runs through all of the episodes, but in the order of the date in time that the episode takes place (as opposed to the original air date), which is....certainly a choice. But some episodes are given a one or two sentence summary, while the events of each act are laid out from start to finish for other episodes. But there are good chunks of behind-the-scenes insights from the stars and creators, which remind me in hindsight: ah, so this was how I had to learn about these things before the internet! But in a way it holds up now, because the full-color full-page photos help make it must easier on the eyes than, say, the current state of the Quantum Leap Wiki!

[Mads · Rating 2 out of 5]

While there's definitely some interesting behind-the-scenes stories and details that will intrigue fans, a lot of this book will be unsurprising for those who are already familiar with the series. What's more, there are several typos and canon errors throughout (for example, a season one episode has two different dates attached to it, and the book lists the wrong episode as the introduction of children's abilities to see Al).
Come for the interviews and production design details, leave during the episode synopses...