Customer Reviews

Advanced Flash 4.0 [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

John Ulm and Lynda Weinman show great rapport in what must have been a daunting task. Josh presents ActionScript from a designer's point of view and not once is he weighed down in the jargon of a computer science report. Most aspects of Flash 4 ActionScript are shown by way of example and interaction between Lynda and Josh. If there ever was a non-threatening and wholly enthusiastic presentation of a topic, this is it.

Several times I wanted to stop the video and go back over materials covered, or better yet, get an .FLA file and look at what Josh was talking about. Even using a DVD, that was a little tricky. However, Josh and Lynda helpfully put a number of scirpts online for users to download, and having both the presentation and the .FLA files made a big difference.

The video showing Lynda and Josh talking was clear as a bell, but the live screen shots were always a bit blurry (that's why the downloads are essential), and since the bulk of the DVD video consisted of live screen shots, I would recommend it be taken in small doses.

While the live screen shots are running, Josh, and sometimes Josh and Lynda, are talking. The audio is very clear, so even if it is hard to read the script on the screen, I had no problem hearing the explanations. The technique of having Lynda, playing the role of the informed novice, ask Josh questions, is sometimes effective. I was hoping to hear questions that I was wondering about also, but I rarely did. However, since Lynda seems to have her finger on the pulse of those attempting to learn Flash, her queries are probably ones typical of her workshop attendees and more pertinent than that ones I had.

Since Flash 5 is on the near horizon, I am hoping that this video will be updated soon. Precious little is available on ActionScript, and Josh Ulm is a good person to begin learning how to use it effectively.

I must admit that for $150, I was very skeptical at first. After a weeks deliberation I broke down and got the video, and I don't regret it in the least. Not only is the video completely thorough from the bottom up, it teaches several techniques that I haven't found in any books. Actionscripting is hard enough to understand while reading it out of a book, but this step by step video gave me the knowledge and courage to confidently do most any actionscripting. I can easily say that the content of this video makes actionscripting not only understandable, but fully enjoyable.

It descript the Flash 4 action script in great detail. Especially the nameing of variable access and Movie clip instance. It also introduce the Action Clip's idea. It is the must have video, if you want to know more about action script.

I really enjoyed this video. It provided me with the insight that I need.