Eye of the Beholder: The Art of Dungeons & Dragons

Although not an interactive experience, this new feature-length documentary from X-Ray Films and Cavegirl Productions will surely interest anyone who appreciates the important role that fantastic imagery has played in the ongoing success of RPGs and other forms of fantasy gaming.

Eye of the Beholder: The Art of Dungeons & Dragons explores the history, influence and fun behind the art that helped create the world’s most popular role-playing game. The fascinating movie profiles D&D artists (both past and present), former TSR insiders, game designers, authors, and fans, including: Larry Elmore, Jeff Easley, Erol Otus, Brom, Todd Lockwood, Jennell Jaquays, Clyde Caldwell, Jeff Dee, Tony DiTerlizzi, Nick Parkinson, Peggy Cooper, Harry Quinn, Jon Schindehette, Chris Burdett, Margaret Weis, Diesel LaForce, Darlene, Donato Giancola, Ralph Horsley, Matthew Stawicki, Thomas Babbey, Satine Phoenix, Chris Seaman, Brynn Metheney, Steve Prescott, Dawn Murin, Dana Knutson, Laura Roslof, Tim Kask, and many more.

Monster Manual II cover by Jeff Easley (left), The Red Dragon by Larry Elmore (centre), AD&D Players Handbook cover by Dave Trampier (right)
Monster Manual II cover by Jeff Easley (left), The Red Dragon by Larry Elmore (centre), AD&D Players Handbook cover by Dave Trampier (right)

Eye of the Beholder shines a light on all of the artists who have contributed to D&D, and provides an opportunity to show how their art progresses from concept to creation to publication – it’s an insider’s look at the process that goes into bringing this art to market.

The influence of D&D art on the emerging gaming and entertainment industries, and on pop culture in general, cannot be underestimated. D&D artists set the standard for fantasy gaming with their imaginative characters, creatures and worlds, creating appealing and highly memorable imagery that was visually informative and enticing, enhancing the depth of storytelling and directly drawing players further into their role-playing sessions.

Lizardman by Dave Trampier (left), Poster art by Jeff Easley (centre), Apparition by Russ Nicholson (right)
Lizardman by Dave Trampier (left), Poster art by Jeff Easley (centre), Apparition by Russ Nicholson (right)

Iconic illustrations from artists who are now considered to be some of the finest professionals within the genre have graced D&D core rulebooks, manuals, box covers, modules, magazines, advertisements, merchandise and more – visual inspiration that would inspire DMs, role-players and casual fans, expertly portraying what was often unimaginable, and unquestionably assisting to broaden the appeal, acceptance and long-term success of Dungeons & Dragons.

Basic Set cover by Erol Otus (left), Gnoll by Tony DiTerlizzi (centre), Forgotten Realms ‘grey box’ cover by Keith Parkinson (right)
Basic Set cover by Erol Otus (left), Gnoll by Tony DiTerlizzi (centre), Forgotten Realms ‘grey box’ cover by Keith Parkinson (right)

Eye of the Beholder: The Art of Dungeons & Dragons is available for purchase from a wide variety of streaming services, including: Amazon Video, Google Play and Vimeo. Head to the Eye of the Beholder website or Facebook page to find a complete list of exactly which video-on-demand services currently have the documentary available.

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