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Family movie reviews for "Language and Linguistics" sorted by average review score:
Erotic Heat, Vol. 4: Body Language
Released in DVD by Nutech Digital Inc. (29 January, 1999)
Average review score: 
Okay, for what it is. Hot, but dullA bunch of penthouse style models posing for an hour. Some nice looking women, some a bit too false/over made-up. Good detail, but not a DVD you'll watch often. Some of the models are reasonably known such as Sara st James and Lorissa McComas. It's not too trashy but not that classy either
EROTIC BURN !A REALLY BURNIMG VIDEO ! THE BEST OF ALL FOUR EROTIC HEAT VOLUMES. BUY IT ! YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT ! THOSE HOT AND SEXY WOMEN INSIDE, SHOW EVERY BIT OF THEIR BODIES, IN A WAY THAT WILL MAKE YOUR JUICES FLOW ! IT WELL DID THAT TO ME WITH NO EFFORT AT ALL !
The Standard Deviants - Habla Espanol? (Learning Spanish)
Released in DVD by Cerebellum Corp. (26 June, 2001)
The first hint that this isn't your normal, staid Spanish review course is the subtitle that's flashed across the screen: the "Salsa-riffic World of Spanish." The Standard Deviants, a cast of ebullient young performers who believe no joke is too bad as long as its memorable, bring their talents to a course in introductory Spanish in this video. Lots of flashy graphics keep things lively, but the course material itself is rock solid--it's been approved by an academic panel. Following some basic information on where Spanish is spoken, the real lessons begin with instruction on pronunciation and the Spanish alphabet (which, of course, uses some typographical symbols not used in English). A bit of vocabulary is imparted as the pronunciation lessons progress, and after some pointers on capitalization, simple lessons in practical conversation begin. The video proceeds to the inescapable bane of many language students, conjugating verbs. While this production won't be a substitute for an actual course in Spanish (and the cast specifically points out that it doesn't intend to be), the presentation is consistently energetic, with the lessons easy to remember. Someone who is interested in learning (or reviewing) basic material will no doubt gain from watching it. --Robert J. McNamara
Average review score: 
This may not work in your DVD player...I have a one year old Zenith 5 disc DVD player and it doesn't work for me.
Spanish-Sesame Street StyleI have taken college Spanish and tried to teach myself off and on, but have been unsuccessful. So since I was working graveyards and could view this on the DVD player on my laptop, I decided to give it a try.
Sock puppets, and insulting words that make for good jokes were the first vocabulary introduced. Loco, stupido, etc. Fast moving colors and lots of different people relaying information kept it entertaining.
By looking at the outline it didn't look like it covered much, but I would say that it covered in it's two hours what a student would be expected to learn in a week on a college campus.
I didn't know everything like I thought I might, so it will be useful to me. But the tests on the DVD don't seem to work half the time. It would show question one...then the answer and then the voice would say question two but wouldn't become visible until I hit the next button and then it would give me the answer as well. (could be a problem with my computer, but don't know)
I think it is a good purchase to stimulate former knowledge and a great introduction if you are looking to start the language.
I rated it four cause I would have liked to see more without having to buy another DVD...and I struggled with the tests working.
Thanks Standard Deviants, you are the only game in town for education on DVD's. I will be replaying this until I have it down. Good Job!
Very helpfulThis video is a great extra for leaning those tricky verbs, not to mention "las muy bellas!"
The Standard Deviants - Spanish, Part 1
Released in DVD by Cerebellum Corp. (17 August, 1999)
The first hint that this isn't your normal, staid Spanish review course is the subtitle that's flashed across the screen: the "Salsa-riffic World of Spanish." The Standard Deviants, a cast of ebullient young performers who believe no joke is too bad as long as its memorable, bring their talents to a course in introductory Spanish in this video. Lots of flashy graphics keep things lively, but the course material itself is rock solid--it's been approved by an academic panel. Following some basic information on where Spanish is spoken, the real lessons begin with instruction on pronunciation and the Spanish alphabet (which, of course, uses some typographical symbols not used in English). A bit of vocabulary is imparted as the pronunciation lessons progress, and after some pointers on capitalization, simple lessons in practical conversation begin. The video proceeds to the inescapable bane of many language students, conjugating verbs. While this production won't be a substitute for an actual course in Spanish (and the cast specifically points out that it doesn't intend to be), the presentation is consistently energetic, with the lessons easy to remember. Someone who is interested in learning (or reviewing) basic material will no doubt gain from watching it. --Robert J. McNamara
Average review score:
This may not work in your DVD player...I have a one year old Zenith 5 disc DVD player and it doesn't work for me.
Spanish-Sesame Street StyleI have taken college Spanish and tried to teach myself off and on, but have been unsuccessful. So since I was working graveyards and could view this on the DVD player on my laptop, I decided to give it a try.
Sock puppets, and insulting words that make for good jokes were the first vocabulary introduced. Loco, stupido, etc. Fast moving colors and lots of different people relaying information kept it entertaining.
By looking at the outline it didn't look like it covered much, but I would say that it covered in it's two hours what a student would be expected to learn in a week on a college campus.
I didn't know everything like I thought I might, so it will be useful to me. But the tests on the DVD don't seem to work half the time. It would show question one...then the answer and then the voice would say question two but wouldn't become visible until I hit the next button and then it would give me the answer as well. (could be a problem with my computer, but don't know)
I think it is a good purchase to stimulate former knowledge and a great introduction if you are looking to start the language.
I rated it four cause I would have liked to see more without having to buy another DVD...and I struggled with the tests working.
Thanks Standard Deviants, you are the only game in town for education on DVD's. I will be replaying this until I have it down. Good Job!
Very helpfulThis video is a great extra for leaning those tricky verbs, not to mention "las muy bellas!"
Tai Chi - 6 Forms, 6 Easy Lessons (Multi-Language Edition)
Released in DVD by Wellspring Media, In (17 December, 2002)
Starring: Paul Lam
Tai Chi: 6 Forms, 6 Easy Lessons moves at a steady and fluid pace that is accessible to all levels of fitness. The instructor, Dr. Paul Lam, condenses this practice into six lessons, taught with meticulous explanation and repetition. The constant recap of each form aids in creating an approachable and easy-to-follow learning environment. Each routine is added piece by piece, which makes comprehending the overall continuity easy. Although effective in practice, video instruction may not be ideal in theory because Tai Chi lacks the same calming effects when performed in front of the television set. But this method offers such practical and basic instruction that all levels will soon be doing Tai Chi in the atmosphere of their choice. Each of the segments can be put together to form a cohesive and continuous workout or performed separately if participants want to zero in on specific forms. In addition to Tai Chi, the DVD includes a 3-in-1 Qi Gong workout. Qi (or vital life energy) Gong is based on traditional Chinese medicine and acts as a complementary addition to the overall experience. This regimen is ideal for anyone who desires both a mentally and physically focused workout. Participants with compromised backs, joints, and muscles will find a safe and nonaggravating practice that can alleviate tension and increase flexibility and balance. Tai Chi: 6 Forms, 6 Easy Lessons extends a warm invitation to old and young alike with this safe and educational format. --Olivia Voigts
Average review score:
FRUSTRATINGAbsolute worst instructional video for a beninner I can possibly imagine. It may be fine for someone who knows the bare basics, but for someone who has never attempted Tai Chi, stay away from this one! Dr. Lam does, indeed, break down the forms, step by step - but he very quickly shows one step, very quickly you view the step with his assistant (from behind), and once more with "the class". That's it, move on, next step. Don't know how to *smoothly* get your hands from point a to point b because you were trying to pay attention to the feet? Don't know how to coordinate the feet & hands? Feeling completely akward? Too bad, next step! Definitely NOT relaxing and meditative.
It's okay...This DVD was a little hard for me to follow. The way it was filmed is kind of low budget too. I suppose that this DVD might be easier to follow if you're already familiar with Tai Chi but I would not recommend it for a complete beginner (like myself). The title says "6 Easy Lessons" but I had a hard time getting through the first "easy lesson."
To be fair...It's tough to teach OR learn tai chi by video. It's true that the production quality is amateurish, the movements can be hard to follow for a beginner (which I am), and the way in which the 6 lessons are presented is annoyingly choppy. On the other hand, Dr. Lam provides valuable details on proper form and common mistakes - and the warm up, cool down and qigong exercises are good. I'm glad I bought the video - it met my expectations and I've learned from it.
The Standard Deviants - Italian, The Basics
Released in DVD by Cerebellum Corp. (19 September, 2000)
Trust the Standard Deviants team to guide you into basic Italian gently, thoroughly, and with a generous splash of irreverence. This 90-minute tutorial runs through the Italian alphabet, including the all-important vowels; stress and cadence; the pesky consonants "c" and "g," which change pronunciation depending on what letters follow them; the accent mark; and lots of sample dialogue and common vocabulary. The Deviants tutors are as upbeat as any Italian speakers must be, and they pepper their nuts-and-bolts instructions with truly helpful tips on actually being understood ("When speaking Italian, remember: you'll move your lips more and the sound will be much brighter than when speaking English"). There are plenty of chances to practice your Italian "r's"--though you may find the distinction between the "single flipped" and "double rolled" to be a bit subtle on first exposure. The video also helpfully points out the occasions when the informal "ciao" is acceptable, and when the more formal "buon giorno" is preferable. As always, the Deviants structure the video with ample opportunity for review and note-taking. Before long, you'll be chatting up a storm. Bellissimo! --Anne Hurley
Average review score:
Not worth the moneyLearning a language is difficult enought without all the "cute" comments and bits in this DVD. You can learn as much, for a lot less money, from an Italian phrase book.
Back to work on this, kids ...It's simple and painless, but not perfection. In fact, as another reviewer noted, it often sounds as if no experienced Italian speaker was around for the final edit. The Deviants cast read the prompter well, but there are inconsistencies in pronunciation that might confuse a novice - and this really is beginner's level. I studied Italian with a native-speaking Italian tutor, and am a Spanish speaker, so I warn newbies that consistency is really important, and it's lacking here. With no expert was on hand to fix the mistakes, or catch simple nuances that are missing, you might learn a few things you have to unlearn later. Many of the company have no command of the language at all - it's funny to hear a guy say he speaks "only Italian" with a heavy American accent. To sum up, not a waste of time, but hardly a gem.
Standard Deviants is a DelightWell organized, entertaining and chock full of useful pointers in learning Italian. I recommend this to all new students of Italian.
The Standard Deviants - Parla Italiano (Learning Italian - The Basics)
Released in DVD by Cerebellum Corp. (29 May, 2002)
Trust the Standard Deviants team to guide you into basic Italian gently, thoroughly, and with a generous splash of irreverence. This 90-minute tutorial runs through the Italian alphabet, including the all-important vowels; stress and cadence; the pesky consonants "c" and "g," which change pronunciation depending on what letters follow them; the accent mark; and lots of sample dialogue and common vocabulary. The Deviants tutors are as upbeat as any Italian speakers must be, and they pepper their nuts-and-bolts instructions with truly helpful tips on actually being understood ("When speaking Italian, remember: you'll move your lips more and the sound will be much brighter than when speaking English"). There are plenty of chances to practice your Italian "r's"--though you may find the distinction between the "single flipped" and "double rolled" to be a bit subtle on first exposure. The video also helpfully points out the occasions when the informal "ciao" is acceptable, and when the more formal "buon giorno" is preferable. As always, the Deviants structure the video with ample opportunity for review and note-taking. Before long, you'll be chatting up a storm. Bellissimo! --Anne Hurley
Average review score:
Not worth the moneyLearning a language is difficult enought without all the "cute" comments and bits in this DVD. You can learn as much, for a lot less money, from an Italian phrase book.
Back to work on this, kids ...It's simple and painless, but not perfection. In fact, as another reviewer noted, it often sounds as if no experienced Italian speaker was around for the final edit. The Deviants cast read the prompter well, but there are inconsistencies in pronunciation that might confuse a novice - and this really is beginner's level. I studied Italian with a native-speaking Italian tutor, and am a Spanish speaker, so I warn newbies that consistency is really important, and it's lacking here. With no expert was on hand to fix the mistakes, or catch simple nuances that are missing, you might learn a few things you have to unlearn later. Many of the company have no command of the language at all - it's funny to hear a guy say he speaks "only Italian" with a heavy American accent. To sum up, not a waste of time, but hardly a gem.
Standard Deviants is a DelightWell organized, entertaining and chock full of useful pointers in learning Italian. I recommend this to all new students of Italian.
The Standard Deviants - Spanish 1 & 2
Released in DVD by Cerebellum Corp. (11 July, 2000)
The 2-disc set The Standard Deviants - Spanish Parts 1 & 2 contains:
The Standard Deviants - Spanish, Part 1
The first hint that this isn't your normal, staid Spanish review course is the subtitle that's flashed across the screen: the "Salsa-riffic World of Spanish." The Standard Deviants, a cast of ebullient young performers who believe no joke is too bad as long as its memorable, bring their talents to a course in introductory Spanish in this video. Lots of flashy graphics keep things lively, but the course material itself is rock solid--it's been approved by an academic panel. Following some basic information on where Spanish is spoken, the real lessons begin with instruction on pronunciation and the Spanish alphabet (which, of course, uses some typographical symbols not used in English). A bit of vocabulary is imparted as the pronunciation lessons progress, and after some pointers on capitalization, simple lessons in practical conversation begin. The video proceeds to the inescapable bane of many language students, conjugating verbs. While this production won't be a substitute for an actual course in Spanish (and the cast specifically points out that it doesn't intend to be), the presentation is consistently energetic, with the lessons easy to remember. Someone who is interested in learning (or reviewing) basic material will no doubt gain from watching it. --Robert J. McNamara
The Standard Deviants - Spanish, Part 2
In the opening jingle, the oddball lyrics "Careful or you're speaking Spanglish, then your grade will cause you anguish" provide a glimpse into the premise of this production from the Standard Deviants. In this, their second trip to the "Salsa-riffic World of Spanish," the energetic young cast performs skits and unleashes some clever and elaborate computer graphics while providing a reliable review course in the Spanish language. Starting with what's billed as "Really Basic Stuff," the cast reviews practical matters such as how to count, talks about what time it is, and discusses the weather. Moving into more advanced material, there are pointers on grammar, with a focus on the rules of particular verbs. It should be noted that the curriculum has been approved by a panel of professors, but the cast members tend to present the material in a relaxed format, which often involves the use of costumes and some bad (and hopefully memorable) jokes. Each major portion of the program is followed by a quiz, which the student can either take or skip, and the entire DVD concludes with an exam titled "La Tormenta." This DVD isn't a substitute for classes in Spanish, but as review material the unorthodox presentation would be helpful to a student. --Robert J. McNamara
Average review score:
Bad instructionThe DVD could be a great medium to teach spanish basics, but this is just plain silly. Even as a beginner, I spotted mistakes like in incorrectly accenting "esta". Who knows how they chose the vocabulary -- some words are presented that you really wouldn't ever use. They start to teach ser and estar, and then go into why it's OK to leave out the subject pronouns. Aside from my specific gripes, it's all too silly, aiming for a 4th or 5th grade slapsick level. DVD is 99% english (and even most of that is unneeded and a waste of time) and 1% spanish. Perhaps people would enjoy the silly images, but I'm sure that there's no spanish language teaching here.
Breath of fresh airI was struggling with Spanish, but these DVD's rock. They really slowed it down for me, and it was useful hearing other English speakers and Spanish speakers do it at the same time. Besides, the video parts are really funny. It's like Saturday Night Live decided to teach Spanish.
Phenomenal stuffIf you need to learn spanish and have no clue what you are doing, these Standard Deviants shows are for you. The Standard Deviants are made up of a group of young, fun guys and gals who explain the ins and outs of spanish. I was particularly pleased with the sections on the alphabet, ser and estar. I am following this up with a purchase of the advanced box set, but disappointed to see they dont make that on DVD.
The Standard Deviants - Italian 2-pack
Released in DVD by CEREBELLUM (29 October, 2001)
Average review score:
Speak Italian like an AmericanWhile watching the first DVD in this set (Italian Basics), I have discovered several inconsistencies (and I haven't even finished it yet). I was hoping to learn Italian in an entertaining way, and to learn to speak it like a native (with correct pronunciation and emphasis). They got it half right. The DVD effectively uses visuals, repetition, and dialogue to make learning some basic Italian easy and memorable. But in the first three lessons I have already found a multitude of words or letters that were pronounced in at least two different ways each, which is sloppy, to say the least. The problem for a new student is knowing which is the CORRECT pronunciation (and, YES, there IS a correct pronunciation). I will have to rely on OTHER sources to teach me which is the correct pronunciation. I wonder how much else they got wrong? Ultimately, there are some valuable tidbits of information on this DVD, but don't expect to sound like anything but an American speaking Italian.
It does have the basic grammar.I was satisfied with both VHS tapes as a grammar overview of Italian, but anyone wanting to "learn Italian" from them is bound to be disappointed. This was a review course only. Both tapes 1 and 2 were fast-paced run-throughs of the basics of counting, days and months, and the rules of grammar, construction, conjugation and word agreement. They teach very little actual Italian conversation. The viewer will see and hear less than 30 simple sentences on both tapes combined, and they are only used to illustrate a quickly stated rule of the language. Again, these tapes are a valuable review of the rules for already-established students of the language. They are not for teaching the language. It's too bad someone can't come up with a 20-volume set that would teach Italian from simple to complex, like the PBS French (Carpetz) tapes do so well.
Bravissimo!This has been one of the most helpful items I've used to learn a language. I recommend it to anyone wanting to learn Italian. These videos are modern and up-to-date. They're fun, and definitely not boring. I love the role playing that they do because it helps everything sink in and stay in your memory. What else can I say, but bravissimo!!
Baby Einstein: Language Nursery
Released in DVD by Buena Vista Home Vid (26 March, 2002)
If you've been around babies in the last few years, you've seen these newfangled toys that are abstract in color (or just black, white, and red) and make curious, crunching noises. Studies have shown that these types of toys stimulate newborns, expanding the capacity of their little sponge-like minds. That concept comes to the video age in Baby Einstein. This 30-minute tape is called a "video board book" and the creators instruct parents of 1- to 18-month-olds to use it that way: huddle around the TV often pointing out objects and interacting with the child as you would with a book. Bright toys, patterns, blocks, and the like move across the screen accompanied by natural sounds, music, and voices. English, Japanese, Russian, German, and other languages are heard telling nursery rhymes or counting to 20. Now the creators don't expect your baby to recite "Humpty Dumpty" in Spanish by the end of the tape, but, as they state in the introduction, hearing different languages invigorates a baby's mind. These educators went on to combine classical music with their program on Baby Mozart and Baby Bach. --Doug Thomas
Average review score:
Not what we expectedAfter all the review about baby einstein, we first bought our daughter baby bach and baby beethoven CDs, which our daughter seems to enjoy. So we finally decided to try the DVD series and this was our first choice. What a bad decision we made.
We were all ready to watch and enjoy the "Theatre" with our 4 1/2 month old. We saw a pop-up teddy and heard someone say Hello, then we saw some fish swimming in a tank, which our daughter loves, and then we saw a black and white shape and heard someones voice speaking in another language. We tried to go back to find where we could select to hear the DVD in the English language but we could not find that option. I knew that this DVD was supposed to include foreign languages but I didn't know that out of nowhere the video would jump from one language to another without any warning. I thought our copy of this DVD was broken. After trying to watch the entire DVD without any interruptions, I finally figured out that our copy of the DVD was not broken. The creator designed to have the different languages "jump around" all over the place. I also figured out that the different languages were dictating alphabets, numbers and nursery rhymes (not in that order). It is great to teach babies and children different languages BUT HOW DO WE PARENTS (THAT ARE NOT MULTILINGUAL) KNOW WHICH LANGUAGE IS BEING SPOKEN OR WHAT IS BEING SAID. It would be great to flash the language that is being spoken and what is being said. Or even, allow the parents to choose which language they would like to play the DVD in. Unfortuntely, our first baby einstein DVD experience was not that great or what we expected. Hopefully our next baby einstein purchase will not be the same, or it may be our last.
baby bored- not representative of the seriesthis is 1 of 5 baby einstien videos we have and the only one we don't like. Even though I noticed within the first 2 minutes that it was unlikely to 'teach' Sammy anything, I tried to be objective (because this time daddy was the one to choose it). And I suppose Ms. Clark's purpose was to EXPOSE babies to different languages, after all, teaching is really the parent's job. but this one seemed confusing- maybe just to me- Sam doesn't know that all those sounds aren't just sounds. I do find him imitating some of the inflections in the video as if he's trying to carry on a conversation in whatever language he thinks grown-ups speak, just as he imitates some of the sound effects in the other videos. I stand by the BE line- we enjoy all the other videos we've seen. And we do still use this one, but mainly to get Sam to take a nap.
really really boring.I bought this DVD last year, because my son loved baby mozart and baby shakespeare. But, he didn't even look at it for two seconds.
Now, he's 23 months old and still doesn't like it.
It has boring contents and pictures in foreign languages. I'm not sure whether my son might like it 2 years later..
Now, he's 23 months old and still doesn't like it.
It has boring contents and pictures in foreign languages. I'm not sure whether my son might like it 2 years later..
The Standard Deviants - French 1 & 2
Released in DVD by Cerebellum Corp. (29 August, 2000)
If you're looking to really learn the French language, as opposed to briefly memorizing a few phrases to help you find a bathroom or complain to the doctor of your traveler's stomach, the Standard Deviants have the video for you. Their French, Part I is a language lesson for the MTV generation. Short segments, funky graphics, and personable, youthful teachers make watching this tape entertaining, rather like Sesame Street for grownups. Using the "functional approach," making sure people can communicate and accomplish tasks in the new language, the video introduces French with phrases and full sentences, presenting ideas through demonstration. The point is to help you think in French. Dialogue is clearly transcribed on the screen, so you can see what the words look like, and two cards included with the tape give translations of some of the dialogues and useful vocabulary. Note, though, that all of the explanations are given in English, as opposed to an immersion program (meaning all in French, including explanations) such as French in Action. Which style works best is purely a matter of personal preference. Skits put the conversations into context and provide levity. Yet, as is clearly stated in the beginning of the lesson, this series is intended to be a supplement to a class, and French really needs to be practiced through speaking and writing. The benefit, though, of video is you can rewind as much as needed to master pronunciation and to let the concepts sink in. The tape opens with pronunciation, with close-ups of faces as they pronounce the alphabet to help you learn how to shape your mouth around the French letters. It then covers a range of topics including -er verbs, gender, articles, adverbs, être, adjectives, pronouns, avoir, numbers, aller, and faire. While the video could benefit from more native French speakers, this is a delightful introduction to the language, and a fun complement to a high school or college French class. Don't miss the flubbed lines during the credits. French, Part 2 is also available. --Jenny Brown
Average review score:
informative funny, not for learning accentIts two videotapes each about 80 minutes, progressing in both difficulty and knowledge.
They clearly teach you how to pronounce and conjugate verbs paying attention to tricky verbs ( nous mangeons, vous appelez, teach about adjectives, adverbs, reflexive verbs (to wash), how "the" is complex in French, such as le-la-les, ce-cet-ces, Etc,. each chapter was followed by review conversation that were all excellent. Also each tape came with very handy useful informative insert card.
I used this course to refresh my French, and recalled and regained good information, especially with humorous examples. Unfortunately some times as the other reviewer mentioned was "overly corny".
I did not at all like the idea of learning French from non native speaker, the French accent and pronunciation is difficult with those nasal voices and different "e, eaux..",. Despite the actor great effort but they remain far away from real French. This what force me to give it only three stars, rather it will be four, this is my only take on this informative fun to watch course.
They clearly teach you how to pronounce and conjugate verbs paying attention to tricky verbs ( nous mangeons, vous appelez, teach about adjectives, adverbs, reflexive verbs (to wash), how "the" is complex in French, such as le-la-les, ce-cet-ces, Etc,. each chapter was followed by review conversation that were all excellent. Also each tape came with very handy useful informative insert card.
I used this course to refresh my French, and recalled and regained good information, especially with humorous examples. Unfortunately some times as the other reviewer mentioned was "overly corny".
I did not at all like the idea of learning French from non native speaker, the French accent and pronunciation is difficult with those nasal voices and different "e, eaux..",. Despite the actor great effort but they remain far away from real French. This what force me to give it only three stars, rather it will be four, this is my only take on this informative fun to watch course.
Enjoyable French Review and RefresherAs a person who studied French in school but never mastered it, I loved the Standard Deviants' French 1 tape. It gave a brief but comprehensive review of all the basic important parts of speech. It also emphasized pronunciation, an aspect of French not properly represented in the classes I'd taken in high school and collage. The tape says it can't be used to learn French. It's correct. It really needs to be used with a French course, or some other method of learning the language. As a resource to aid in learning comprehension, or as a refresher course for folks like me, however, I give it full marks. Most of the actors and graphics are engaging. A few things were overly corny. I could have done without the weird, old-fashion cowboy guy yelling at me, or the girl talking out of her passport picture. But, these were minor momentary irritants that didn't take away from the effectiveness of the tape...besides the cowboy guy sort of grew on me after a while. The Standard Deviants' tape did one thing I really liked. Learning a foreign language requires repetition. Most tapes I've seen in the past either offered too much repetition for me, which left me bored and uninterested in continuing, or not enough repetition, which left me confused. The Standard Deviants' found a solution to this dilemma. At first, I was surprised at how quickly they covered each subject. Then, I realized why. It's a video tape. One can rewind it as often as one desires. They covered each thing once with nearly no review and then urged the viewer to rewind the section as many times as they needed. This left it up to each individual viewer to decide how much repetition they wanted. A very clever idea! Overall, I found the tape helpful and enjoyable.
Great StuffI bought this tape as a review before a vacation to France and found it both usefull and enjoyable. Though I have never taken a French class, the tape, and the actors, were helpful for me in learning some key phrases. I also thought the skits and humor were very entertaining and made the whole process more fun than sitting through a class.