dvd

I still get a kick out of those virtual flames fireplace DVDs, so when I saw the Colorlight DVD on Chip Chick I instantly thought — how great for a dinner/cocktail party! Once you pop in the DVD (which costs $25), eight different colors will slowly rotate and set the mood for your little soiree (or romantic nightcap). I've been in elevators (London), airports (Frankfurt), and in airplanes (Virgin America) that have all used this color rotation technique to enhance moods, so put it to use in your living room, and you may get rave reviews!

The other day, I told you about the Bring It Home Beauty DVDs, which were produced by a professionally licensed mother-and-daughter team. The premise? To help you save money by teaching you how to do beauty services at home, with the help of their instructional videos, of course.

Much like the Hair Edition Volume 1 DVD ($24.95), the Natural Nail Care DVD ($24.95), has a low-budget feel. However, the hour-long video is quite comprehensive, covering everything from basic (and spa) manicures/pedicures, a men's manicure, a French manicure, polishing, and repairing broken nails.

Is it glamorous? Uh, no. Super close-ups on toes and heel shavings might make you squeamish, but who said beauty is always easy on the eyes, anyway? For me, I suppose the drier nature of the material is somewhat like watching paint dry — literally. While I prefer their hair video much for its content and better overall value, I'd recommend this natural nail care DVD for anyone who really enjoys doing manicures and pedicures on yourself or others, or for anyone who wants a basic grasp on nail care.

Watching your beauty budget due to the rough economy? Didn't have time for that root touch-up appointment? Or maybe you've been thinking about becoming a licensed cosmetologist, and you want to get in a little practice first.

Whatever the case, the licensed professionals over at Bring It Home Beauty have put together a step-by-step instruction video that's easy to follow, with parts filmed in slow motion, so that you can better follow along to recreate salon looks at home. Their Hair Edition Volume 1 ($24.95) is like a crash course in cosmetology, without the weekly blue-hairs or state board tests, of course. To see what I thought of the DVD, read more

Own Mamma Mia! The Movie Now on two-disc DVD and Blu-ray. Get the DVD worth singing about. Join in the fun with the sing-along bonus feature! Watch the trailer below.

I've always wondered how animal trainers safely get pets to act as we see them on-screen – especially when what they're doing looks dangerous! Why am I not that surprised to see what the key variable is?! Find out for yourself in this exclusive behind-the-scenes clip from the making of Beethoven's Big Break (coming out on DVD on Dec. 26).