This fourth title in a unique series that combines reference and analytical qualities in chronicling the horror and science fiction genres, Horror and Science Fiction Films IV brings the earlier three volumes in the series up to date, concentrating on the period from 1984-1994, as well as updating entries from the previous volumes and adding newly-discovered titles from 1900-1983. Entries in the main list include credits, cast, synopsis, and annotation. The introduction lists 1995 releases in the genres and 1996 releases through the summer, cites the more memorable films in the genres for both the current period and 1900-1984, and serves as an index to key titles in the main list, including long-lost titles such as the -obscure silent Were Tiger and the 1931 The Phantom. Willis includes many films from around the world that are not found in any other English-language film reference work. One appendix provides thumbnail descriptions of problem and peripheral films; another updates entries in the first three books with alternate titles; and a third appendix serves as an index to the approximately 7,000 films listed in the first three volumes in the series as well as in the current volume, thus bringing the total number of films covered in this series to roughly 11,000 titles.

This is a detailed analysis of 103 Japanese science fiction, horror and fantasy feature films released theatrically or directly to television in the United States from 1950 through 1992. Each entry provides a plot synopsis, critique, background on the production, contemporary review quotes, and a comparison between the U.S. and Japanese versions. The filmography is arranged by studio and includes American and Japanese titles, release dates and releasing studios; comprehensive production and cast credits; running time; U.S. rating (when appropriate); and alternate titles.

From reviews of the third edition: “Film Genre Reader III lives up to the high expectations set by its predecessors, providing an accessible and relatively comprehensive look at genre studies. The anthology’s consideration of the advantages and challenges of genre studies, as well as its inclusion of various film genres and methodological approaches, presents a pedagogically useful overview.” —Scope Since 1986, Film Genre Reader has been the standard reference and classroom text for the study of genre in film, with more than 25,000 copies sold. Barry Keith Grant has again revised and updated the book to reflect the most recent developments in genre study. This fourth edition adds new essays on genre definition and cycles, action movies, science fiction, and heritage films, along with a comprehensive and updated bibliography. The volume includes more than thirty essays by some of film’s most distinguished critics and scholars of popular cinema, including Charles Ramírez Berg, John G. Cawelti, Celestino Deleyto, David Desser, Thomas Elsaesser, Steve Neale, Thomas Schatz, Paul Schrader, Vivian Sobchack, Janet Staiger, Linda Williams, and Robin Wood.

The third volume in the author's Horror and Science Fiction Films series covers new titles released from 1981 to 1983, and updates entries in the original list.

The original edition of Planks of Reason was the first academic critical anthology on horror. In retrospect, it appeared as a kind of homage to the "golden age" of the American horror film, as this genre played an increasing role in film culture and American life. This revised edition retains the spirit of the original, but also offers new takes on rediscovered classics and recent developments in the genre.