Mastering Pool w/Mika Immonen

[nathandumoulin]

Nathan, please put me on the contact list for the 4th volume. I found some interesting bits on #3 (although they were basically different takes on what I already do), but #1 & #2 were frankly a waste for my money. Would no doubt be very good where they fit. I expect #4 would be of more real interest for me.

Yeah, if you're in the upper echelon of league players (or better), then the bulk content of the DVDs won't be of much use to you. Then again, if you're fairly skilled and play often, then even the few tid bits you could potentially learn will make the DVDs worth watching. Plus, they're kind of fun.

Anyway, the expert level volume is schedule to be filmed next winter, so it will be awhile yet. I have another project that I need to take care of in the meantime.

 

[dr9ball]

snipped...

Anyway, the expert level volume is schedule to be filmed next winter, so it will be awhile yet. I have another project that I need to take care of in the meantime.

Hey Nathan, Why not have Mika do his own voice overs for this next one? I think people would appreciate that instead of having someone else doing the talking.

 

[nathandumoulin]

Hey Nathan, Why not have Mika do his own voice overs for this next one? I think people would appreciate that instead of having someone else doing the talking.

lol, Have you ever heard how slowly Mika speaks? Not a good idea.

Having the player do the talking is not as easy as people think. To do that, the entire script and content has to be memorized by the player to ensure that the dialogue flows smoothly. Such things are easy for a professional voice actor, but difficult for the player. The script for these movies is 40+ typed pages, so it's just not realistic. The pace of the DVDs would be much slower, you'd hear a million "ummms", and the resulting slower dialogue would no longer fit the timings for the footage. The budget would also be increased as Mika's time is very valuable. Pretty tough to do when the DVDs already cost probably 5-10 times more to make than anything else on the market.

After all, as much as we'd like to hear Mika, the purpose of the DVDs is to teach pool in the most effective way possible. A professional voice actor is far better, as it's the best way to cleanly convey the information.

Anyway, I do appreciate the suggestion.

 

[Blackball75]

I have Vols. 1+2 of this series, and I reckon they are top-drawer. Even if you already know the stuff on them, I think they're worth getting just to see how a top player runs the table and be privy to his thoughts while he's doing it. Great quality and very instructional in many ways.

 

[Vahmurka]

Volume 4 (the expert level volume) will contain a high-run 14.1 with Mika's commentary in the special features section (similar to the other 3 volumes). Speaking of which, you just requested that Mika speak his thoughts out loud in the videos, but doesn't he already do that in the runout section?

yes, sort of. Frankly I was already thinking about 14.1 video talking about player's mind, but here it applies as well. What Mika does is a voice-over though I think it would have been better if he was miked and talked right out of his head (rather than doing it later). For 14.1 this might be crucial as the best position to estimate balls layout is right at the table (as opposed to commentary booth).
I watched Volume 3 of Mastering Pool again and Mika doesn't say anything for an entire video (8-ball runouts only). That's kind of unusual compared to other instructional tapes on the market. Gives an impression Mika is just a guest star and it could have easily been Thorsten or whoever. Not to take anything from the product - it is of very high standards and I believe you did it for good, selected the words and did a script; of course Mika couldn't narrate that memorising it. But at the same time I didn't hear anything Mika couldn't have described himself. After all, he well understands what and why he is shooting and can describe what English to apply or which stroke to use. A narrator can only introduce a certain position and then give word to a player (I figured out examples during playback so I may be more specific if you require). It may come handy to have a big board behind a camera with key points written down, so that a player performing (Mika) doesn't forget to mention important aspects of a given position. I met Mika and believe his English is fluent enough to handle such descriptive manner and not being slow.
It will look less professional than with a voice actor but more common and, my opinion, easier to follow. Maybe it was for my foreign English, but sometimes I had troubles following the story, the description went too quick which I doubt could have been if it was a player talking. But DVD running time is limited so I suppose it might be the reason also.

There is a new DVD by Ralf Souquet about 8-Ball, but it is available only in German language for the time being, and I can't watch it for that reason, just watched a trailer on YouTube. But I'm sure he himself talks about position and shots pretty much, so you might take a look as well to have an impression.

14.1 high run would be great, but even greater to add it to an instructional covering typical break shots and some hints Mika might have about this game. Because it is unlikely all variety of breaks and patterns could happen during any run.

Thanks for your DVDs, looking forward to Volume 4! So long to wait but it is worth waiting for sure.

 

[dmgwalsh]

yes, sort of. Frankly I was already thinking about 14.1 video talking about player's mind, but here it applies as well. What Mika does is a voice-over though I think it would have been better if he was miked and talked right out of his head (rather than doing it later). For 14.1 this might be crucial as the best position to estimate balls layout is right at the table (as opposed to commentary booth).
I watched Volume 3 of Mastering Pool again and Mika doesn't say anything for an entire video (8-ball runouts only). That's kind of unusual compared to other instructional tapes on the market. Gives an impression Mika is just a guest star and it could have easily been Thorsten or whoever. Not to take anything from the product - it is of very high standards and I believe you did it for good, selected the words and did a script; of course Mika couldn't narrate that memorising it. But at the same time I didn't hear anything Mika couldn't have described himself. After all, he well understands what and why he is shooting and can describe what English to apply or which stroke to use. A narrator can only introduce a certain position and then give word to a player (I figured out examples during playback so I may be more specific if you require). It may come handy to have a big board behind a camera with key points written down, so that a player performing (Mika) doesn't forget to mention important aspects of a given position. I met Mika and believe his English is fluent enough to handle such descriptive manner and not being slow.
It will look less professional than with a voice actor but more common and, my opinion, easier to follow. Maybe it was for my foreign English, but sometimes I had troubles following the story, the description went too quick which I doubt could have been if it was a player talking. But DVD running time is limited so I suppose it might be the reason also.

There is a new DVD by Ralf Souquet about 8-Ball, but it is available only in German language for the time being, and I can't watch it for that reason, just watched a trailer on YouTube. But I'm sure he himself talks about position and shots pretty much, so you might take a look as well to have an impression.

14.1 high run would be great, but even greater to add it to an instructional covering typical break shots and some hints Mika might have about this game. Because it is unlikely all variety of breaks and patterns could happen during any run.

Thanks for your DVDs, looking forward to Volume 4! So long to wait but it is worth waiting for sure.

I, too, look forward to the 14.1 section of your new video. I bought the first three volumes and the production values are outstanding.

I am with Mike in that although I would not mind a little commentary by Mika, I would prefer a full blown instructional by him. I enjoyed watching him pick apart the racks in New Jersey the last few world championships and will enjoy hearing his commentary on his runs, but an instructional similar to Sigel's and Rempe's that goes over break shots, how to hit them, what English, what result you are hoping for, and pattern play, key balls, table management, would be excellent.

 

[nathandumoulin]

I, too, look forward to the 14.1 section of your new video. I bought the first three volumes and the production values are outstanding.

I am with Mike in that although I would not mind a little commentary by Mika, I would prefer a full blown instructional by him. I enjoyed watching him pick apart the racks in New Jersey the last few world championships and will enjoy hearing his commentary on his runs, but an instructional similar to Sigel's and Rempe's that goes over break shots, how to hit them, what English, what result you are hoping for, and pattern play, key balls, table management, would be excellent.

Thanks for the suggestions. The market isn't very big for 14.1, but I'll still be sure to include as much information on it as possible. I'll definitely keep these suggestions in mind.

 

[gunzby]

I got this as a present a year ago and I have to agree with your review. I thought it was the best instructional dvd I have seen.

I would absolutely love it if they made a Mastering 14.1 dvd.

 

[gunzby]

Thanks for the suggestions. The market isn't very big for 14.1, but I'll still be sure to include as much information on it as possible. I'll definitely keep these suggestions in mind.

LoL see I'm not the only one wanting Mastering 14.1

 

[nathandumoulin]

I was with Mika in NYC for a few days after Valley Forge, and we discussed volume 4 a little more. It appears we're now planning a 5th bonus disc that will focus on 14.1 content.

I don't know the details yet or how involved it will be, but it does sound pretty promising thus far. I'll keep you all posted.

 

[Myrtle_04]

I liked them

I bought the the 3 volumes and the venom trickshot dvd in May while I was in vegas. I like the lessons. I learned a few things. My favorite part of the dvd is the runouts. I like seeing mika go for shots and hearing his commentary about how stupid it was and how you should never attempt it.

I would like to see more defense on the next volume or future volumes. A section on shot selection and decision making would be cool to. Have him do something similar to the runouts except have him play a race to 9 with someone like Hunter and then have them both do a commentary on the thought process or emotional roller coaster throughout the match.

just an idea

All in all I it was money well spent

 

[nathandumoulin]

Thanks for the comments everyone. I just answered a post in the main forum that was in regard to my DVDs, and just wanted to repost it here for anyone debating buying instructional DVD material. It explains my intent when creating these DVDs, and to which audience they will be most beneficial:

Mastering Pool with Mika Immonen:

PROS: It focuses on summarizing billiard concepts through strong visuals and production value.

CONS: The video omits the application process, meaning that it does not offer you many examples, in turn leaving that aspect of learning in your own hands.

CONCLUSION: If instructional content and repetition tend to bore you, then Mastering Pool is your best bet. It covers a lot of concepts quickly, while maintaining casual interest.

--

I will add that I am the fella who created the Mastering Pool series. I am however completely honest in my recommendations, as in the past I have many times recommended a competitors product over my own if I felt the customer would benefit from it.

As a pool enthusiast, even though dedicated, I still am unable to watch most instructional videos. I find them terribly boring, and my attention wanders. As such, I do not absorb the content as intended. To cater to like minded individuals, I created the Mastering Pool series. Although not perfect, they do offer a far more 'watchable' presentation.

If you are like me, Mastering Pool is the way to go. If however you understand most billiard concepts very well, and don't have a problem with dry content, then I would recommend VEPS. Also check out the IPAT series for drills and measuring/documenting your ability and progress (again, an entirely different type of product than VEPS or the Mika DVDs.

 

[mr5994]

nathandumoulin - I own these dvds and they are top notch. One part I enjoy the most is the 8, 9, and 10 ball runouts with commentary. Could you ever get Mika to do a full DVD with this type of material? You could even go into a little more depth with talking through how he analyzes the rack after the break, look at safety play, 2 way shots, etc. Most of the material out there in books and DVD's gets to be a little repetitive, but if you could put out a DVD where you get into the mind of a top pro and illustrate how they think their way through a rack, there would be a huge market for it from guys like me and others here on AZB.

 

[akrick]

This is a must for real students.

 

[Gogafem]

I totally agree... From all the demos from pool instructional videos I liked Mika's the most. And I am 100% satisfied with all 3 DVDs.

 

[Vikingfan129]

Just ordered this 3 DVD set as a Christmas present and from the previous reviews it sounds like this will be a useful learning tool. Looking forward to seeing it also.

 

[nobcitypool]

When are the Break & Run DVD sets going to ship? I purchased mine over a week ago, haven't received anything yet. I'll gladly buy the "Mastering Pool ..." if I actually receive what I've already paid for.

 

[icucybe]

This is supposed to be an unbiased review board, so I'll make this short and say just one quick thing.

The 3 volume series is directed at the main demographic of the sport, which tends to be league players. The 3rd volume 'Advanced' is targetted at the upper caliber of these players. It however is not intended for die hard players who have been playing for an extended period of time.

Mika and I are planning an Expert level DVD in the near future (probably next year). This new volume will address extremely advanced aspects of the game, so depending on your level of skill, you might be better off just waiting for this new volume.

I'm ruining my business by saying this, but I made these DVDs to teach people, and I'd hate like hell to disappoint anyone. Then again, if you're not a run out player, volume 3 might be just what you're looking for.

Is that Expert Level DVD out yet? I have Mika's DVD series and I have to say it is very good!!!! :thumbup:

 

[SLNegative9]

Thanks for sharing

[SNIP] They sell for I think $80 plus or minus shipping.

[edit] the only qualification I have and need is that I like to play pool and have watched these DVDs. I am perfectly capable of evaluating whether I thought something was valuable to me or not. But I definitely appreciate the good joking reference...

 

[oscargb13]

I have seen 3 chapters in you tube ,about this tutorial and I think is a fantastic tutorial, but my problem is I don't talk english I 'm from Spain.
Anybody know if exist the subtitles in english for this tutorial?


Do you know other good tutorial in spanish

Thanks

Enviado desde mi bestia negra P970