Review by Rick Stringer
This is the
second “Missing Manual” by David Pogue that I've had the opportunity
to review. If you are trying to learn iMovie 2, then this is the book for you.
I don't like this trend by Apple and other companies of not including a printed
manual with their products. iMovie 2: The Missing Manual fills that void
for iMovie 2.
The book starts out telling you the basics of digital video and buying a DV camcorder to use with iMovie 2. He then gives the reader pointers to make home movies more professional looking. This foundation is great to get you ready for the next part of the book.
The second part of the book is where you really learn about the software. Pogue takes you through the process of transfering your footage into iMovie. He goes into depth how to edit your clips, putting them in the timeline. He teaches you about crossfades, titles, soundtracks, and more.
iMovie 2: The Missing Manual gives you step-by-step instructions for transfering your movie to your VCR or to Quicktime.
In the final part of the book, he shows you how to use QuickTime Player Pro to supplement the editing tools in iMovie. It also touches on more advanced video-editing software as Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premier, and EditDV.
David Pogue has an entertaining way of writing that makes if very easy to get through this book, and learn something in the process. Following along in this book makes it much easier to learn iMovie 2’s secrets than trying to use the electronic help or trial and error. It is well worth the $19.95.
It is very easy for me to give iMovie 2: The Missing Manual five cherrymugs.
Rating 5 out of 5 cherrymugs 
iMovie 2: The Missing Manual
By David Pogue
December 2000
ISBN 0-596-00104-5, 400 pages, $19.95 US
order@oreilly.com
1-800-998-9938
http://www.oreilly.com