Turn 3D models into film-worthy digital animations by mastering mental
ray rendering once and for all. This must-have guide is the only book on
the market to focus exclusively on mental ray in Maya, 3ds Max, and XSI,
and it’s packed with techniques and insights you can’t get anywhere
else. Best of all, the book’s advanced rendering concepts apply to other
rendering software as well, including V-Ray, Brazil, Maxwell and
RenderMan. You’ll get a high-level look at techniques that usually take
professionals years to figure out.

URL: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0470008547/

Learning Autodesk 3ds Max 2008 | Foundation is your shortcut to learning
3ds Max quickly and effectively. Youll get hands-on experience with the
key tools and techniques through easy-to-follow, step-by-step
project-based lessons, while learning to model, animate, apply materials
and render in both the games & design visualization pipelines. By the
end of the book youll have a sense of the entire production process as
you work on real-life production examples. Whether youre a game artist
or a graphic artist, Autodesk 3ds Max 2008 has the tools you need to
succeed. Game Artists will gain in-depth knowledge of the world-class
Biped character animation toolset, unparalleled polygon modeling and
texturing workflow. Design Visualization Specialists such as architects,
designers, and graphic artists, will gain the power to visually inform
the design process through conceptual exploration, design validation and
visual communication.

With this official Autodesk training guide, you will also:
Learn about the user interface (UI) and work in 3D space Learn about
animation basics and key frame animation Character modeling with
editable poly Create rigs with biped Make morph targets with paint tools
Learn about unwrapping UVs Learn about motion mixer workflow Understand
& animate cameras Learn about light types and advanced lighting
techniques Rendering Techniques & Tools (mental ray & Render Effect)

URL: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0240809270/

Bring new realism to your visualizations with a command of the 3ds Max
toolset. Three step-by-step tutorials demonstrate exterior and interior,
day and night lighting scenes. You learn the nuts and bolts of importing
models from CAD programs, lighting, applying mr shaders and materials,
and optimizing your renders. Mental ray is made simple with an
accessible description of its tools.

* Color reproductions illustrate a wide array of subtle techniques.
* mental ray is made easy with accesible demonstations.

URL: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0240809122/

Realize your vision with stunning renders of your 3ds Max projects that
can only be achieved with a powerful engine like mental ray. Beginning
with a concise review of the essential concepts, you proceed to
step-by-step tutorials that teach you how to render scenes with indirect
light or with specific effects, such as depth of field and motion blur.
Contour line shading and various other mental ray features are presented
in detail, then you learn how to use the different light types of 3ds
Max inside mental ray and how to use mental rays own specific area
lights and its new daylight system. Finally, the book reviews mental
rayspecific materials and what effects can be obtained by using most of
the specific mental ray shaders. Key Features:

* Color reproductions illustrate a wide array of subtle techniques.
* Contains never-before-published information about how shaders work

URL: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0240808932/

“An excellent book for beginners as well as advanced 3ds Max users. A
valuable reference that covers everything you’d want to know.”
–Andre Surya, Award-winning Digital Artist A favorite of 3ds Max
artists from beginners to pros!

Why is 3ds Max Bible a perennial bestselling favorite? Because
whether you’re a beginner looking for a tutorial to get you up to speed
your first day or an expert needing a reference to Max’s advanced
features, it’s all here. Loaded with advice, professional tips, and more
than 150 step-by-step lessons, this is the most comprehensive
reference-tutorial on 3ds Max on the market, and the one you’ll turn to
again and again.

* Organize and blend sequences with the new Animation Layers feature
* Explore Sun and Sky, Car Paint, and other new mental ray shaders
* Combine and divide objects with ProBoolean and ProCutter
* Create more accurate dynamic animations with updated reactor tools
* Add greater realism with enhanced and integrated hair and fur tools
* Reference objects, materials, and controllers with XRef Animate a
dancing cartoon moose Isolate mapping surfaces with the Quick Planar map
button Add realistic motion to your model’s hairstyle.

URL: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0470100893/

Video game and feature-film artists have used 3ds Max to create Halo 2, King Kong, Myst V, and more. Now you can harness this popular animation software with the clear, step-by-step instructions in this easy-to-follow guide. This book breaks down the complexities of 3D modeling, texturing, animating, and visual effects. Clear-cut explanations, tutorials, and hands-on projects help build your skills and a special color insert includes real-world examples from talented 3ds Max beginners.
Note: CD-ROM/DVD and other supplementary materials are not included as part of eBook file.

URL: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0470097612/