Dennis McBrides Yo-Yo Video Series
   
Featuring: Dennis McBride, others
Running Time: Vol. 1 - 50 min., Vol. 2 - 70 min., Vol. 3 - 65 min., Vol. 4
- 90 min.
1990 Homespun Video Productions
These four videos cover the basics of yo-yoing, from beginner tips and
tricks, to string tricks, and two-handed tricks. Dennis does a very good job with
the trick descriptions and demonstrations. Most tricks are repeated three or four
times, others more. At times I found it to be excessive. In three of the
videos Dennis makes use of what he calls the string analyzer, which is a big yo-yo
attached to a pipe. Using the analyzer, Dennis shows proper string postition for
certain tricks. It's a very useful tool. Overall, this is a good series for
beginners to learn from. What I like best about it is that there are many instances
where Dennis performs a variety of tricks, showing off his skills uninterupted, for
several minutes at a time. It's very enjoyable to watch this National Master at
work. This is lacking in his other video series (see review).
For trick lists and complete video details see photos below.
Dennis McBride's Introduction to Yo-Yo Play
This video begins with Dennis performing some two-handed looping tricks and some basic
tricks for about four minutes. Then Dennis introduces himself and discusses the
various types of yo-yos (wood, plastic, metal), as well as the different styles (imperial
and butterfly). After this Dennis goes over the basics of string length, tying the loop,
string placement, and winding the string. He gives a very detailed explanation about
tightening and loosening the string using the string analyzer. After this he
demonstrates a number of basic tricks.
Dennis McBride's Gallery of String Tricks Vol. 1
This video begins with a dedication to Barney Akers (a photo of Barney is shown).
Then the Bird in Hand Exhibition Team perform various string tricks which. Dennis
then introduces himself and explains that this volume deals with front mount tricks.
He gives some pointers, including the need to be careful when throwing a yo-yo, the
importance of throwing a yo-yo straight in front of you, and the benefit of using a
butterfly yo-yo. Dennis then gives a little speech about yo-yo names which aren't
politically correct and how he doesn't like to change names like atom bomb. He then
says he's not suggesting to go out and hurt animals when he mentions skin the cat.
He uses the string analyzer for several tricks. He performs brain twister variations
for five minutes. At the end of the video he introduces the SB-2 and does some
tricks with it. He also plugs his other videos.
Dennis McBride's Gallery of String Tricks Vol. 2
This video begins with a song sung by Carol McBride (lyrics by Dennis). Dennis
is shown riding in a 1940's Studebaker while doing two-handed loops. After this he
does ride the horse, whirly bird, more loops, and two-handed hop the fence. He then
does some string tricks with regenrations which are pretty cool. Dennis then
introduces himself and explains that this video deals with side mounts. Dennis then
goes over the design of Tom Kuhn yo-yos (Roller Woody and Sleep Machine) and explains how
the gap is adjusted. He also explains how to stretch the string to minimize
grabbing. He then demonstrates the tricks, using the analyzer for some of
them. At the end he demonstrates the "world's most difficult string
trick", the El Tangle Grande (it's really just Dennis wrapped up in a bunch of
string).
Dennis McBride's Gallery of Unbelievable Two-Handed Yo-Yo Tricks
This video begins with Dennis performing some two-handed tricks. He then
introduced himself. Dennis then gives thanks to Bob Allen for his contribution
to the yo-yo world. He also thanks Connie Scarlet for teaching him how to yo when he
was young. Connie was the California State girls champion for four years.
While Dennis is thanking them, a photo which was taken right after the 1958 Los Angeles
County Yo-Yo contest is shown. All three are in the photo. Another photo is
shown from the 1958 California State Championships. The three are also in this
photo, along with other contest participants. Dennis describes his experience at the
contest, shows us the contest score sheet, and reads the tricks list. After this
several demonstrators perform various two-handed tricks. Then Dennis does a few
tricks while a pretty bad song plays (lyrics DMB - sorry Dennis). After this the
tricks are demonstrated. My favorite part was when Dennis was demonstrating overhead
punching the bag. He commented, "Now you have a couple of things to overcome
here. First is the fear of getting hit in the face. Don't be too concerned
about that." I also liked it when Dennis performed riding the horse while
actually sitting on a horse. The video ends with some bloopers of Dennis messing up
tricks. He explains that even he isn't perfect, so someone just starting out
shouldn't give up if they can't do the tricks right away.
Trick List:
Click on the photo links below to see the tricks as listed on the back of
each volume's box. I would have typed them out, but I'm lazy.
   
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