Home Video Hits: Great Ideas for Creating Better Home Videos

If you're like me, when relatives call with an invite to watch home videos, you suddenly find you're very busy ("um...sorry Mom...I was going to remove the lint from my bellybutton this evening"). Well, here's a little present you can give them on (fill-in-the-nearest-holiday). Home Video Hits--though a tad bit corny--is a professionally produced guide to creating home videos that won't make your guests mimic a herd of wildebeests following the instinct to migrate. The program's exemplary home video torture artist, George, is turning out some real groaners until he is instructed by Captain Cam and an animated camcorder in the art of the "direct" approach, which boils down to being prepared, understanding basic camcorder concepts, and most importantly, realizing that videos which tell a story are inherently more interesting than those which don't. The second half of the program offers great tips and suggestions for shooting home videos in a wide variety of areas: travel, weddings, birthday parties, sports events, family histories, animals, self-improvement (as in studying one's golf swing, for example), and more. One of the best introductory guides we've seen, Home Video Hits will make home video night with relatives or friends a fun experience again instead of a poor alternative to having a root canal. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)