Holiday Lights - Review

[mrpackethead]

Ok, so i got my copy of Holiday Lights today in the mail.. Everything got stopped and the DVD's went in..

Firstly, The technical quality of the DVD is very good, considering the subject matter being very hard to video well.. The audio tracks are great... Delivery was excellent, just a week from order to delivery, and I'm on the other side of the world!

Theres 47 differnt shows, including our very own Brian's "Christmas in Shirley". The two DVD set show a wide variety of shows, some which are amazing, some are a little so so..
Some of the shows in my opinion are 'too complex' and loose their effectiveness because everything is flashing at the same time.. There is something to be said about beauty in simplicity and symmetry. However there are a couple of shows there which are just amazing as well.. Electric Splash, High Country Lights and Holdways Christmas are just fantastic. Overall a real mixed bag, and lots of variety... Just be prepared for some shows that are 2/10 and some that are 9.9/10. Many of the shows in the DVD are available on utube and other sources, however this is a good solid collection, and theres bound to be inspiration ( or just plain copying ) for ideas for every blinky enthusist. If you want a christmas light DVD, then this is probably the one to go for.

Priced at US$30, its available from www.youngschristmas.com.

[TERBObob]

Just curious ... if the ones listed (Electric Splash, High Country Lights and Holdways Christmas ) are on there ... why ? Thought this was for VIXEN and not LOR ? Maybe I'm wrong ?

[Josh]

I never heard or saw that being implied. It is just animated christmas lights. I see no difference in what software/hardware being used, the looks outcome is the same. Yes you have more pride if you build it yourself, but some poeple dont have the time nor knowledge. The same principal gpes for everything, how many people who complain about LOR users change the oil and plugs in thier car? im going to guess not very many. I could complain about you taking it to the shop, but in the end, the same thing gets done, an oil change and new plugs. Just like with Vixen or LOR, the lights flash to music.

I used to be able to say everyone on this forum did it for a few good reasons, the kids, and to celebrate what (Christ)mas is all about. But anymore with the new users, you can't really say that.

[mrpackethead]

Its dont' think its supposed to be any particular flavor of hardware or software!!

[Macrosill]

Most of the displays on the dvd set utilize LOR or AL. After all the set started out and in most noted over at Planet Christmas. So by default there will be more of them. 2 years ago I was the sole DIY guy on the set. Last year I think it was only Ernie and I. Maybe next year we can get more!

Its not about any particular hardware. You just have to take the initiative to request a place on the set before it is filled up.

Now I know my display does not compare to some of them others on there. Maybe I am just my own worst critic but thats how I feel. Maybe if I had a better camera the display might look a little better. With that said I am honored to be on the seires of dvds for 2 consecutive years now. Anyway just be proud of what you have accomplished and let Greg know you would like to be featured on the set when he announces the next series. Hopefully the Holiday Lights dvd sets will continue annually!!!

Greg, that was a request directly from me to you:D

[rlilly]

Greg,

What type setup do you recommend for recording these videos? What lends itself best to your work in compilation?

[Jeff Millard]

Due to the two threads that literally attacked Greg for offering his DVD up for sale here, he no longer visits this forum. If you would like to have your questions answered you will need to visit PC, ConstantlyChristmas.com or MyHolidayDisplays.com
Jeff

[Wayne J]

Due to the two threads that literally attacked Greg for offering his DVD up for sale here, he no longer visits this forum. If you would like to have your questions answered you will need to visit PC, CC or MHD.
Jeff


Way to go guys! :neutral:

[rlilly]

Due to the two threads that literally attacked Greg for offering his DVD up for sale here, he no longer visits this forum. If you would like to have your questions answered you will need to visit PC, CC or MHD.
Jeff

I've had a very pleasant discussion with him about this offline, so evidently he still visits from time to time. Greg is very knowledgable about this subject.

I hope he decides to continue his Holiday Lights series, but on the off chance that he doesn't, I decided to pick up a copy to get while the getting's good.

I hadn't heard about his work until Brian posted about how excited he was to receive his copy. I doubt many other 'new' people had heard of it either. I think you 'long timers' who have been familiar with this series for some time took it for granted that it would have been welcomed with open arms.

'New' people (me included) have been caught up in many discussions about bargain here, better price there, in trying to get the most we can with the resources we have available. It's unfortunate that this type of approach spilled over into Greg's initial visits.

The morale is that we need to resist criticism of a new member's work. Give them the benefit of the doubt for a least a couple of months. And then if you can't say something helpful, then just don't say anything.

P.S. What's MHD?