Brief:
This video set has been much anticipated. This two disc set contains video footage from both the 2003 NYPOWER and NSL launches. Disc one contains high power footage from NYPOWER. Disc two contains some mid power footage from NYPOWER and the complete NSL footage.

Both discs were sprinkled with hummer, awesome slow-mo replays, pad cam shots and on-board video shots. Most of the flights have the motor size written in the corner of the screen. Some of them have comments or notes at the bottom of the screen. It really helps the viewer know what's going on while not being obtrusive. The best part of the videos is the intro. It's a music video segment with intense rapid succession highlight footage accompanied by equally intense music. The whole introduction segment really got my heart pounding.

NYPOWER X
The NYPOWER X footage has Ed Miller's 3-stage world record Monocopter flight and several level 2 and 3 certification flights. It also contains some very interesting CATOs including a flyer forgetting to put a Pro 38 in its motor case. There were many more hybrids at this launch. A few scenes show some WWII vintage aircraft taking off and landing at the adjacent airfield.

NSL 2003
The footage from the NSL is shorter than the NYPOWER footage because NYPOWER is a longer event, and the weather kept most rockets grounded at the NSL on Saturday. No footage from the Monday launch was included. The NSL footage contains several gliders, lots of level 1, 2, and 3 certification flights. There seemed to be more core samples at the NSL, and a few of these were shown. One of the highlights was an awesome long burn minimum diameter rocket that reached 7,000 feet. I never tired of seeing beautiful NEPA scenery.

Overall Quality
The editing is first class and professional, including DVD menus on both discs. These videos were clearly not a tape-to-tape basement hack job. The camera work is a little shaky at times, but it's much better than any home footage I've ever seen. The picture quality is superb, with great color, perfect contrast, and good framing. The sound quality captures the buzz of most of the hybrids and the roar of some of the bigger motors. The sound is good but is a little on the thin side.

You can pick up a copy for $24.95 plus $2.50 shipping at Hangar 11 or $25.00 plus shipping at Pratt Hobbies.

Summary:
This is how rocketry's done here on the East Coast!

PROs:

• These discs are great quality and contain some excellent footage.
• It concentrates on the high power end of the hobby but includes just enough low power to make everyone happy.

CONs:

• They could use more background music to fill the quiet times.
• The sound could be a little better.
• Does not have NSL Monday coverage.