Review of Phat Moves

Introduction

Surely the irony of releasing a keep-fit video entitled `Phat Moves` wasn`t completely lost on Presenter Andy Instone. He certainly uses the phrase `Let`s get Phat` on more than one occasion without even a trace of a sparkle in his eye.

Hot on the heels of the very succesful `Hip Hop Workout` DVD, `Phat Moves - Street Dance Grooves` has been designed to teach you the latest street moves and tone your body at the same time. It`s a perfect hybrid of dance instruction (Hip Hop Phat moves) with good old-fashioned aerobic exercise. And you know what - according to the blurb on the case, `every session will end in a fierce performance where you can show off what you got!`. Now, surely that has to be some enticement to join in!

Presented by Andy Instone, who is considered (by his publicists) to be one of the hottest choreographers on the UK scene. He started dancing at eight, apparently learning by watching Michael Jackson videos repeatedly, and by 15 had a reputation as the hip hop master - at his school. (Disappointed groan …). However, he then used this popularity to start what became an extremely successful lunchtime class for anyone who wanted to bust out the latest PHAT moves.

He then started choreographing for school productions and various national shows and by 18 had established his own dance company, Urban Strides. Urban Strides specializes in school workshops, dance academies, university classes, as well as community work throughout the country. (All that schoolwork mixed in with references in the video to `old school` and `nu-school` is potentially confusing).

He has worked with some of today`s best choreographers and dance organisations including Culture Shock Dance Troupe UK - a group who specialised in hip hop and have worked with Michael Jackson, Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and Missy Elliot.

And now me, courtesy of this DVD.
On this release, Andy proves himself to be an energetic and confident guide with an infectious enthusiasm for all things `Phat`. His instructions are clear and well demonstrated and he proves to be a natural with the autocue.

This DVD is all set in a souped-up Gym, with an array of `Chopper` bikes and coloured gels adding a streety-feel to the proceedings. Andy`s moves are supported by a team of participants that include a refreshingly diverse mix of body-types.

The session kicks off with a warm-up routine, followed by a series of workout modules that fall under the `Level One` category. It`s all good fun stuff, though some of the moves are hard to get first time through. Level 2, for more advanced `Phatties`, seems to step up the pace and complexity though nothing seems beyond the pale.

Video

Filmed on a digital video format (probably Digi-Beta) this is a sell-through that has had some reasonable production value applied. The camera-work (which is either genuinely multi-camera filming or nicely edited single-camera stuff) is all of a good professional standard and there`s even use of some tracking and/or steadicam which is unusual for this type of functional production, which generally takes a fixed camera approach. The picture quality is very good, and is embellished with reasonable graphics.

Audio

The sound is very good here. Despite being filmed in a spacious gym, Andy`s sound is close and rich. The mix between music and his instruction is also fine.

Features

Not much, but what do you need? There`s a little bit of extra instructional information and tips in the form of text, and that`s it.

Conclusion

Despite a glut of exercise videos on the market (they`re cheap to produce and attractive when compared to the costs of going to a gym; a win-win), `Phat Moves` stands out as being a cut above the average. Not only does it take a fun and fresh approach to fitness, it`s actually nicely produced and presented. For those with aspirations to become the next Justin Timberlake, the DVD is choc-o-bloc full of natty moves too. With a running time of 70 minutes, it provides a good aerobic workout that could be a good supplement to a fitness regime, and despite the fact that the video doesn`t feature anyone over 25, I found myself able to keep up, even if the moves might have been erring on the inelegant. Recommended for those who like the idea and have already tired of the `Hip Hop Workout` DVD.