Simple Lighting in Softimage XSI

Rating:
Summary: Solid foundation of lighting!
Review: I found this DVD clear and straight to the point. This instructional DVD unlike others I have viewed is one to be watched over and over with out being annoying. This DVD is awesome for a 3D users getting started and for others 3d users maybe pros in one field and want to branch out into the world of lighting in SoftImage.
Oh yeah this would be 5 stars but hoping to have a little more interactive-ness with sweet beats on the intro main menu and maybe an Easter egg or 2. You know fun little DVD things.
I have read other advanced tutorials from this author. I hope in the future he produces a Mental Ray advanced topics in lighting DVD.
Anyways like I said straight to the point and great to watch!!!!

Rating:
Summary: A great lighting foundation!!!
Review: I found this DVD clear and straight to the point. This instructional DVD, unlike others I have viewed, is one to be watched over and over with out becoming annoying. This DVD is awesome for 3D users getting started and maybe pros in one field that want to branch out into the world of lighting in SoftImage.
I have read other advanced tutorials from this author. I hope in the future he produces a Mental Ray advanced topics in lighting DVD.
Anyway, like I said, straight to the point and great to watch!!!!

Rating:
Summary: great instruction in a straight-forward format
Review: If you're looking for a straight-forward explanation of how to light your 3D creations, this dvd is for you. Although the title of the video includes "... in XSI", the lighting principles it covers could apply to any 3D platform. Beyond the principles however, this video is directed specifically at new Softimage XSI users and perhaps those with a few years experience looking to refine their lighting skills.

If your familiar with the video-instruction realm, you'll know that many of these type of videos are little more than a screen capture as someone talks you through a certain process. Mesmer has actually done some judicious editing of the content to condense and focus the presentation. They also include some visual cues to direct your attention when required. I was initially bothered by having elements of the interface cut off the screen, but soon grew to appreciate this effect. It helps focus the video on the concepts and not the keystrokes (those are covered too). And to that point, that's what this video is all about... concepts. This is not a step-by-step tutorial. It lays out the principles of lighting and how to control the lighting interaction within your scene. Using those principles appropriately is up to you. Chapter topics include: render basics, light types, selective lighting, area lighting, lighting effects, 3-point lighting theory and final gathering (f.g. chapter also includes info on environmental lighting). Each chapter covers a lot of territory, so some rewinding during playback might be required to catch everything. Although the speed was not a problem, it did give a somewhat rushed feeling to parts of the video. In particular, the final gathering chapter felt like it barely skimmed the surface. I would like to have seen more time devoted here, as this seems to be one of the more difficult aspect of XSI lighting master. This is a more advanced lighting techniques though, so perhaps a following series of videos will cover this topic in more depth.

On the down side, one notable weakness of this video is the audio mastering. Although it did not interfere with the usefulness of dvd, the audio level varies noticeably from chapter to chapter, requiring occasional adjustment to keep up. Also, each chapter is punctuated by an extremely annoying audio sample that accompanies the Mesmer logo. This sample is considerably louder than the voice narration and will have you reaching for the mute button each time. Minor flaws, but enough to earn only 4 stars.

Overall, this an excellent resource for any Softimage XSI user. Although targeted at newer users, just about any user will find useful information here. Sound issues aside, the dvd is professionally produced and Anthony Rossano's instruction top notch. Anyone who knows Softimage, knows of Anthony and likely has at least one of his books on their shelf. I hope Mesmer continues the training with an advanced series of videos. Until then, there is also the Simple Rendering in XSI dvd. It is part of the same series and compliments this dvd very well.