TYPE: DVD
AUTHOR: David F. Bartlett (Mr. Rainbow)
GENERAL INFO: This DVD is a republication of Tapes 1 and 4 of Dave's "Basement Tapes"
GENRE: Tape 1 is for beginners. It contains both techniques and shapes and concentrates on the basics. Tape 4 is one of the "Quick and Impressive" series and contains shapes for the somewhat experienced twister.
COST AND AVAILABILITY: I found this available only at T. Meyers for $30.
CONTENT AND SUMMARY: Instructions include inflation, the leg twist, making pearls, loop twist and fold through (bird body), pinch twist, rolling the knot, shaping. Figures on tape 1: Turtle, Ladybug, Teddy Bear, Cat, Deer, Elephant and Aardvark. Tape 4 figures: Horses, Seahorse, Unicorn, Hound Dog with bone, Lion with mane, Dinosaur, Beaver, 2 balloon Penguins, and Elephant with tusks.
REVIEWER'S PERSONAL OPINION. Tape 1 is one of the best beginner tapes I have ever seen. Dave teaches by techniques, rather than specific figures. Anyone learning to twist can profit from this tape. "Quick and Impressive" says it all about Tape 4. I often use some of this stuff when I have more time.
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES:
Strengths: Great instructions for beginners, although he does drone on a bit. I have left copies of this one on loan in school libraries after teaching a class. Also, tape 4 has some great variations on standard figures.
WHAT I LIKED AND DIDN'T LIKE:
The Deer from Tape 1 is great. The Hound Dog is really cute. Dave's Seahorse is the best I have seen. If you are getting tired of one-balloon stuff, Dave's Quick and Impressive series is the best.
Dave bites off his balloons (he says he forgot his scissors) and tends to repeat himself a lot. Telling me once why he writes on balloons would be enough.
Ashes Test: (Would I replace this if the house burned down -- again)
Yes. In fact I have. This is the 3rd copy I have purchased. One was loaned out and never came back and one was lost in the fire.