Blockbusters: A Reference Guide to Film Genres Available to Purchase

These days everyone who purchases, or rents DVDs is familiar with film genres. Some may not find the word “genre” rolling easily from their lips, but they are, at least, familiar with the concept. All record and DVD stores, as well as video rental establishments, and libraries, divide their offerings with labels such as Drama, Comedy, Westerns, Musicals, Science Fiction, Horror, etc. Even a customer claiming to know absolutely nothing of film genre, when pressed, will still be able to suggest certain aspects that favourite films have in common. This is a start towards genre recognition.

In the introduction to...