Lightyear has overseen a belated DVD release of the genre-mainstay series of workout and fitness videos starring Jane Fonda that practically defined 1980s gym-culture-at-home (okay, okay, Richard Simmons fans, him too). This is the 1985 follow-up to the smash Jane Fonda's Original Workout. Showing the effect of dance-exercises on physical fitness, it is a higher-energy affair this time, with elevated camera shots making the exercise routines at many moments resemble an MTV dance chorus. Once again, Fonda leads a young and beautiful co-ed ensemble to a nonstop soundtrack of 80s-tastic synthesizer music.
In some numbers (mostly the slower and mat-bound flexibility parts) Fonda narrates and directs you in every move; in others (mostly the upright aerobics) she does little more than count to the rhythm. The presentation (with a fresh introduction by Fonda) divides into two menu selections, a 35-minute routine for beginners, and a longer 55-minute one—which is a tiny bit more informal; Jane even banters at times with her fellow fitness fanciers—one of whom is a featured extra, Leslie Lilien, who had actually pioneered or RCA in the aerobics-video field with her own tape way back in 1979. Lilien's vocals are also heard singing the anthemic workout tune "Do It."
Fonda at one point admonishes the home viewers to do this stuff themselves; don't get carried away staring at the TV set. In contrast to the old VHS of yesteryear, the DVD format features sub-menu lists that helpfully take the viewer directly to specialty intervals to focus on arms, abs, stretches, etc. Recommended as a collections standard, especially where any fitness is involved. (Aud: J, H, C, P)