Customer Reviews

DVD Studio Pro 2.0 : The Complete Guide to DVD Authoring with Macintosh (Digital Video/Audio)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There is NO doubt in my mind, that Bruce Nazarian is literally the world's best lecturer, seminar leader, tutor, and evangelist for authoring DVDs, especially done on the video-geeks platform of choice: the Apple G5. If you have never attended one of his widely available seminars about how to author DVDs, you MUST find the time and money to do so... its a life affirming experinece.

Otherwise, THIS, his latest publication, DVD-SP2 is the next best thing to being there.

Why? because unlike anyone else whose job it is to take average folk from ignorance to professional competency, Bruce has that magical personality to put himself in YOUR shoes, to see the issues, problems and questions from YOUR perspective. NOT as some sales-puke trying to push something on you in a 30 minute presentation, but as a friend (and I consider him a good friend).

Specifically about this book... it is LOADED with screen capture pictures, more than I have ever seen in a "how-to" for DVD authoring.. Beyond the pictures, is his massive use of short paragraphs with very descriptive titles on almost every thought. The titles of each concept are often put in the format of a question that YOU would be asking yourself... I am certain that give the massive experience Bruce has had on the DVD authoring-training circuit world wide, he has heard them all. So READING this book, is almost like having a conversation with Bruce. TOTALLY UNIQUE.

Beyond that, the damn text is actually readable, even though the facts to be learned are about what DVDs are and how they can be used and what the details are for each of the authoring functions of SP2. I am a certified Illiterate. I have NEVER read a book, cover to cover, that was not required reading to pass a course. But when I cracked this three pound, 540 page boat anchor, I could NOT put it down... NOT because I needed to know what was in it, (since I have been playing in this sandbox since 1976)... but because of the common language style and very clear, errorless choice of words. The man has a gift. I know most of you who are considering to buy this book have almost NO time to read an "epic" on the subject, and you have other options which include turning on your computer and grinding through tutorials (both supplied by Bruce and Apple).

BUT... This book was a joy to review. I even learned stuff that I did NOT want to learn... and that brings me to another issue that should put this acquisition at the top of your Christmas list (but don't wait til then). Every page has some comment, that shows a personal viewpoint with judgement calls that come from his years of experience mastering the hardware and software from Apple and that of their competitors. The man has an attitude... it jumps off the page. ITS NOT BORING. He is never irreverent, but always truthful, even about those little hidden details that keep people, doing DVDs, awake nights. A straight shooter, no crap. Its surprising that this book ever got published.

And finally... the book, like others, has a DVD in it with all those extras that they cannot put on paper... Those alone are probably worth the purchase price... But the kicker is that what you get is to see is Bruce-on-screen... talkin to you as if you were a client or a new employee... Very much in command of the subject matter and of his own talents at doing all this. What you will see there is a personality that will make you want to get to this guy's next two day intensive seminar (or whatever is your opportunity). I have seen him perform in front of hundreds of people, playing the crowd like Sir Stevie Jobs... and when his time is up, usually a crowd forms around him to ask questions and to get to be a real industry associate of his. You are going to want to know this guy... and this DVD and book will get you half way there.

And a final "finally." I told him.. "rather than make them read this book (and the updates he is already working on)...you really should put out a DVD series so they can put Bruce on their $29 Apex DVD player next to that monster G5, and have you talk them through all the features of a "professional" authoring tool." Yes, with Bruce as your co-pilot... you TOO will be able to land this 747 sized task of making serious money off of Apple's ambitions to dominate the Video editing and DVD authoring world.

And for any of you who might question: who the hell I am. I am called: (by a few thousand people who know me as well as I know Bruce) DA Godfather... A title I have given myself for having spent the last 29 years trying to bring Erasable Optical Recording to the world in order to eliminate paper, film and that evil VideoTAPE that has preceeded DVD-RW type media. If you ever see some Yahoo, walking down the aisles of NAB, CES, COMDEX, etc... looking like a dirty old Chicago Mafiosi... with a black hat.. that's me (be nice to the guy if its NOT me, you want to keep your kneecaps)... I would be happy to meet you and tell you more about Sir Bruce and why I consider him Apple's greatest Evangelist for what you are about to learn.

Enjoy IT,... I certainly did.

Da Godfather
(sorry about any typos...two of my fingers are shorter than they should be...shades of the International DVD-Mafia convention in Japan a few years back. :-)

There's a lot behind these DVD authoring programs, and while I read and use the Apple manual, Bruce's book is better organized and answers many of my more advanced questions in a clear way. The enclosed DVD is full of useful things for both beginners and experienced users too. Don't sweat the DVDSP3 issue. The author is completely up to date with the new version and is releasing PDF files to fill in the not-enormous differences.

Excellent! John

Over 500 pages about DVDSP2 and DVD production in general.

It is well organized, has a very clear layout, and is very detailed. It offers valuable information for both the beginner, intermediate, and advanced user. Tips, tricks, important points, and notes throughout. 28 Contents pages at the beginning of the book helps you to navigate to where you want to go.

The beginner can start with chapter one and advance through the 17 chapters and 7 appendixes at their own pace. Intermediate or advanced DVDSP2 users can pick and choose the chapters as needed. Each chapter starts with a list of its goals.

A extensive DVD is included.

I particularly like the suggested settings (and explanations) for all the different setting options available in A.Pack.

I have 3 other DVDSP 2 books, and this one is at the top of the list

A Job well done, Bruce.

==Richard.ttt@verizon.net

Excellent DVD authoring guide for DVD authors and non-authors. Simple to follow guides and diagrams. The key to the book is it's simplicity. Easy to follow instructions plus all the technical DVD stuff that you may need for reference in the future. Also the enclosed DVD is packed with goodies and extras. We also get to see Bruce explaining things to us on camera. Buy this book!!!

I'm about 2 thirds through the book and am finding it very easy to read and very informative. I'd recommend it to newbies and olderbies.

Glad I picked this one out of all the possibilities!

This is a great book. Well written with accurate information and the content included applies to DVD Studio Pro 2, 3, and DVD authoring in general. If you are authoring DVDs, you should have this book.

Luckily I bought this book used and paid very little for it.

The content of the book is good and I keep it on the shelf as reference, it's nice to be able to look up specific topics and the sections are usually short and to the point.

My major complaint is that the much touted DVD that comes with the book is, for all intents and purposes, USELESS. In the book he references a file or where that file is on the DVD... and there is no such file or folder on the DVD. After my third attempt at looking for a file I realized this and had I not paid so little for the book I would have returned it instantly.

As I said, the content seems good but the disk makes you crazy and neither the author's website nor the publisher's make any attempt to apologize for this or give you the option to acquire the files on-line. I would only purchase this book used if at all.