Others say...

"The best use of a large TV, while not actually watching TV"
I've thoroughly enjoyed playing the Ambient Fire DVD as background while doing other things. Having a nice fire going while reading a book, relaxing with a loved one, taking a nap on a rainy day, or any other time you want to hear the crackles and pops of a fire. Having the choice of 8 different types of fireplace, including a campfire, really expands the use of this DVD. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a way to utilize their TV while not actually watching TV.

"Nice option for new HD TV"
Well, having a virtual fireplace is the height of something--I'm not sure exactly what--but I'm enjoying it. The different options are nice. I much prefer the longer-running, grate and simple fireplace options.
Music/sound OK but the music isn't that good. Sounds are ok but I tend to have audio turned way down. The shorter-running options/versions don't appeal to me.

"Perfect. Buys husbands more time."
Our big screen TV has been resting on the fireplace hearth for the last 2 years while I pick away at a basement media room. The wife has been pretty understanding about it, but really lamented losing the fireplace. Since I purchased this for her for Christmas, I've gained myself some extra breathing room for getting the project done.

The various fireplace viewing options range from classics (holiday themed, campfire, normal fire) to what can only be described as psychedelic. Nice "fire sounds" of crackling and popping can be chosen by themselves or mixed with music (or no sounds at all). The music tracks though leave something to be desired, and of course don't run very long before looping. Chances are you'll listen to them a couple of times before just using the fire sounds and your stereo for tunes.

HD is a misnomer. This isn't blue ray or HD-DVD, but it is shot very cleanly and looks great on my 61" TV with upconverting DVD player.

So if you have no fireplace, or your tech has taken over the fireplace, this is a great option.

"Nice Ambient background...with glitches"
I really enjoy the ambient DVD's. I have owned for two years (most if not all) the ambient series of DVD's. I have water, fire, sleep and calm. They all have wonderful visual definition and great music. I like that they allow you to customize the visual and audio, depending on your own mood. For example, the water one will allow you to have sound effects of the tank or reef with or without music or with or without sound effects...whatever. The fire has an option for music off/on and sound effects off/on too. It is good for Holiday party background and you will get both weird looks and questions from people. Especially if you are using this instead of a real fire (when you have an unused fireplace nearby). I also love that if there is a looping play, it is not noticable either because the loop is so long or because it is a wonderfully done fade.

I bought them looking for some night night videos for my children. Reading books seems to energize them and after about 5 bedtime songs, we were looking for something that might make them feel sleepy. I already had an old VCR tape called Solitudes that captures some video of Loon Country and my son would respond to that video by growing very sleepy. So, I started looking for some good cinematagraphy that might also accompany some soothing background music. At the time, my youngest son seemed attracted to fish tanks. I like them too so when I saw the ambient water, I thought ok, this is interesting. They have a website just do a quick search) that let you see clips and I liked what I saw. When I saw they had a calm and sleep DVD, I was hooked. After all, isn't that what I was looking for to begin with?

What I don't like is paying so much money (I think they were about $75 plus shipping) for all four DVDs only to find that there are glitches and snags in the play after only owning and playing them about a month. We are very meticulous about the way we handle our DVD's and most of our DVD's and CD's don't show anything more than barely discernable scratches. Our player isn't too blame either, as it plays everything else just fine. The play just freezes up or hangs for no apparent reason. Happens with every single one of the DVD's. I'm assuming it is a manufacturing detail. No, I didn't complain. That's really not my style and I don't have time. But, I do write fair and honest reviews. So, there you have it.

Over all, I think these DVD's have super potential. I love everything about them except for the freezing up. If your kid screams or throws a fit and has a hard time transitioning to bedtime or if you or a child just needs a little quiet time right before bed, then just turn out all the lights, snuggle up tight in a good chair (cause you will probably fall asleep too..don't want to drop baby) and turn one of these on.....BUT contact the company first and tell them you know about the issue and ask them to send you non defective copies. That way, there is a known issue as soon as you buy and a reason to return them later that wont sound made up after the fact. Hope you get some good copies!

P.S. Try Mindflo 3 for a wonderful experience (not customizable though) without the annoying glitches. I'm about to write a review right now. Awesome cinematagraphy. Awesome. Expensive, but worth every penny.

"Excellent"
This is an excellent dvd. Is as good as you said it would be.