In the paranoiac psychological thriller “The Game,” just out on video, Michael Douglas unwittingly signs up for the ultimate deconstruction of his impeccably well-ordered life. For those looking to play something more congenial, may we suggest a nice game of Hearts, Euchre or Rummy?
“The Card Game,” a three-volume series from Indiana-based Discover Images, recalls a bygone era of urbane suburban entertaining, when Rob and Laura Petrie would enter-
tain their guests with renditions of “You Wonderful You.”
With ’50s and ’60s vintage lounge music and martini culture making a comeback, it’s high time couples and harried families, whose leisure-time activities have gotten lost in the shuffle of busy schedules, got back to nights spent around the card table.
As with most independently produced special interest videos, “The Card Game” was created in response to a perceived need in the marketplace.
“The series came from our own family trying to learn new games,” said Vicki Kelcher, the series creator, “and the frustration of sitting around the table waiting to be taught or of not understanding the directions. I thought, `If we only had (an instructional) video, we’d be playing by now.’ “
But the videos seem to have touched a chord beyond families, Kelcher said, noting that about half of the orders are from men ages 45 and older, “who recall playing Hearts with their fraternity brothers or who played Euchre in the service and now want to teach it to their grandchildren.”
For beginners or lapsed players fuzzy on the rules, “The Card Game” videos, “Euchre,” “Rummy” and “Hearts,” are amiably informal in tone and easy to follow with step-by-step instructions (“For instance . . .” and “In other words . . .” are constant refrains), definitions of such terms as “trick” and “trump,” and periodic on-screen reviews that reinforce the basic concepts of the games. A reference pamphlet and “winner’s diary”
are packaged with each video.
Each 30-minute program then follows a game in progress, with each player discussing his or her strategy. Some of the table banter falls flat (there’s not really a joker in the bunch), but they are aces when it comes to making these popular games accessible.
“The Card Game” series retails for $12.97 each or $29.97 for all three videos. To order, Call 800-665-1451. The Web site is www.
discoverimages.com.
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“The Card Game”
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