If you don't know anything about playing the bass, this book / DVD set will get you going. This set is very well suited to it's intended audience. Beginners. If you have some experience with the bass, don't waste your time or money. Production quality on this video is far lower than I would expect from Warner Bros, and strongly resembles an industrial training film. But the tips and pointers are very helpful, and the closeups of the fretboard, and animated chord identifications help a lot.

I think this DVD is a very good place for absolute beginners. There are some good practice exercises in there and covers many different styles. But there is no theory whatsoever (Which might be a plus for some people who find it boring) and players with about a year of experience should be able to master it in about 2 days. Personally, I used it as a supplement to lessons, after I switched from guitar (played for about 3 years). Overall its not a bad purchase and I guess its worth the $25 (Don't tell anyone but I got hooked up for $19 at my local music store ;-).