Disclaimer: I am not an expert at instruction nor a professional pool player. I do not know the authors of the videos being reviewed and have never met them personally. I own most, if not all of their other combined works along with an additional 100 - 150 different instructional videos by a variety of other authors. I have purchased and viewed the entire VENT series and this review is based on my personal opinion/impression of the content.
VENT is a 5-disc instructional series narrated and presented by Dr. Dave Alicatore and Bob Jewett. It covers various principles and game strategy scenarios typically (and sometimes not so typically) encountered in the games of 9-ball and 10-ball. The primary topics covered are the break, basic game strategy, position play and English, safety play and advanced principles, shots and strategies. The cost can vary as you have the option to purchase the discs individually or as a set, which is nice for those with budgetary constraints or those who have a specific area of their game they want to work on. Also, if you are not sure about the product, you can purchase one disc to try it out and then purchase the rest later (and after having reviewed VENT, I have a feeling you will).
The material is very well laid out and follows a structured approach similar to that found in the other Video Encyclopedia products. The graphics and resolution appear to of a high-def quality and the sound is crystal clear. The video editing is nothing short of stellar. Many shots have close-ups and/or are repeated in slow motion where greater clarification is required. That coupled with graphics that outline ball directions, rebound angles and more go a long way in illustrating the effects of the shots. There are no obstructions, shadowing or extraneous noises that affect the viewer's ability to clearly see, hear and understand the information being presented.
The explanations of each topic at hand are given in a clear, detailed, yet to-the-point manner. However, at times it seems as though there can be information overload on concepts that are unfamiliar to the viewer. It can be difficult to absorb all aspects of the information being relayed in one pass. This isn't a criticism of the presentation, rather a compliment in that the level of detail is extraordinarily thorough. Fortunately the content is on disc and can be repeated as many times as necessary for the viewer to grasp the concept. On that same note, the manner in which the instruction is presented encourages the viewer to think for themselves and understand the principles of the shot. This follows the "give a man fish or teach a man to fish" principle, empowering the viewer to apply those principles to the myriad of various scenarios that come up in the games.
In a nutshell, this is a well-organized, professional production. There is breadth and depth with regard to the quantity and quality of the instructional information covered. Dr. Dave and Bob Jewett do an absolutely amazing job in their exceptional ability to explain it all in a clear and concise manner. I would HIGHLY recommend making this entire set a part of your instructional library.
In closing, I'd like to add a personal observation. Unfortunately, I never got to meet or know Robert Byrne, but many of his works are part of my library. Based on his material that I've seen and read, and based on things I have heard from people who knew him, I can only imagine how honored and pleased he would have been that his former table was used in the production of this video series. I cannot think of a finer tribute to one of the greatest ambassadors of pool and someone who loved the game as much as he did.
I hope you find this review helpful.
