Compendium Films, Ltd.

Euro-Militaire 2006 Special (DVD)

Reviewed By  Michael Scott, IPMS# 43177

MSRP: $24.95, See source information below. This DVD covers the competition at Euro-Militiare in 2006, along with short 'features' on different modeling techniques. These features are really trailers for other DVD's sold by Compendium Films. The coverage of Euro-Militaire leans heavily on figure modeling, and on how the competition is judged. This is very different from IPMS/USA National judging practices in that the judges are free to award Gold, Silver and Bronze medals to as many, or as few, entrants in the various categories as they deem proper. One category might have four or five Golds, three or more Silvers and a slew of Bronze awards. It's a relative system, in which each model or figure is evaluated against all the others in that category. The judges spend a considerable amount of time going over the models and each is moved, handled, turned, replaced and generally given a thorough going over by each judge. No whining here about 'touching' models <g>. Interesting is the talk given to the judges about fairness and standards. I haven't heard anything like this at an IPMS event. (Ed. Note: I have - this is a standard process at the National Contest, and Aris Pappas delivers it). The photography is basically good, but not great. Lighting seems to be a little poor and some models were evidently shot from behind glass display cases, further obscuring the detail. Many models are, however, shot individually and run through a segment so that the viewer can get a better look, and stop the DVD if necessary for what the narrator calls a "lingering look". The most interesting part, to me, was the interview with the Best of Show modeler who explained the real-life events that led to the building of his model and the situation he depicts. Outside of this, I found the show coverage to be adequate, occasionally interesting, but not something I would want to watch a second time. The "features" depicting how other DVD's would teach modeling techniques, such as figure painting and landscape construction were slightly more interesting than the coverage of Euro-Militaire. An interesting look at our European cousins' modeling action but could be better with improved production values. This DVD (along with many other modeling-related titles, several of which will be reviewed here shortly), can be ordered from any of the following sources: Casemate Publishing 610/853-9131 {Tel} 610/853-9146 {Fax} 1016 Warrior Road, Suite C Drexel Hill, Pa 19026 Stevens International 706 N White Horse Pike Magnolia Nj 08049 Douglas Model Distributors (800-773-8208) 8385 South Allen St Suite 138 Sandy Ut 84070 Military Model Distributors (972-245-3504) 1115 Crowley Drive Carrollton Tx 75006 Thanks go to Tara Lichterman at Casemate Productions for the review copy.

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