Face To Face: An Amateur's Video Guide To Performance Makeup

David Payne is the host and instructor for this 5-hour series on performance makeup. Separated into 5 "acts," the programs cover how to create a character through makeup, applying basic stage makeup, special applications (such as creating the illusion of missing teeth, bad gashes, or a beard), fantasy makeup (with detailed instructions for several figures, including clown, vampire, zombie, mummy, cat, and werewolf), and clean-up. Overall, the close-up instruction is very good, and considerable time is spent teaching viewers the basics of blending highlights, lowlights, and shadows to create impressive-looking faces. There is a slight audio buzz during the make-up sessions, and the occasional background noise, from the production crew most likely. Too, the first tape makes a pitch for Mehron make-up kits right off the bat; however, throughout the instruction proper names are used for the tools of the trade, and therefore interested viewers could substitute non-Mehron products. We're not aware of a similarly comprehensive series on the subject, so despite a few faults, we recommend Face to Face. (Available from: Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., P.O. Box 22555, Denver, CO 80222; (800) 333-7262.)