I'd say my perspective is that of a kettlebell beginner. I began using kettlebells less than 4 months ago. Prior to that, I'd never even heard of KBs and my exercise routine consisted primarily of lifting a TV remote control and pushing a computer mouse around. I've never been an "athlete", and I have a bad shoulder. I am also not many years younger than Steve Maxwell's age of 54.
However, I am very glad that I took the chance on this DVD set. The first DVD gives very good instructions individually on each of the 18 exercises, with warnings about typical kinds of improper forms as well as some variations if the standard form is to difficult. This in itself is good beginner information. The second DVD is the actual workout, where you follow along with Steve as best you can for the 26 minutes of the routine. By the end of it, Steve is covered in sweat and even says with a smile "I know I won't be working out tomorrow....I'll be recovering!"
So, this workout is very hard, very intense. But all along the way, Steve points out that it is a *goal* to keep up with him; it is not a requirement. (Indeed, if you could already keep up with him the first time you did the routine then you probably have less of a need to buy this DVD.) Instead, he provides tips about how to rest if the reps become too much, how to use your other arm to steady the KB while you do the reverse lunges, etc. He also repeatedly recommends using a lighter KB because by the end of the workout even a light KB will feel heavy, and to pause and rest if your form starts to break down.
The point is that he *encourages* you to keep up, but he does so in a very positive way. He doesn't hide that he struggles a bit at some moments in the routine, that he pauses momentarily for an extra breath here and there. Because it is very hard. But this I actually find helpful because instead of it being intimidating, you feel like there is some camaraderie as you are struggling side-by-side with him.
The videos themselves are unapologetically simple (Spartan?) in their production, It looks like the same set location as in Steve's Encyclopedia of Joint Mobility DVD set (which I purchased at the same time). But the lighting is fine, the audio quality is good, and there is mercifully no background music. Likewise, Steve's presentation is unpretentious and down-to-earth; he is personable and informative.
If you are a beginner and have the mindset of realistic expectations for yourself and that doing the full routine at his pace is a goal, and you are willing to work your way up by (for example) doing 1 rep for every 2 of his at times, or pausing the DVD on occasion to catch your breath, then I recommend this DVD set very much. I'd imagine its a must-have for intermediates, and advanced folks probably would use it for variety...or to find out just how advanced they really are. :)