Training materials for Max have been available for years on various topics and in different formats, from HTML and video tutorials to books and VHS tapes. The huge amount of tutorials found on the Internet alone points to the widespread use of Max around the world and its extended user base, but it's time consuming, rarely as in-depth and doesn't offer the step-by-step ease of training videos.

This series of Duber Training DVD’s by Loocas Duber, contains 3 DVD’s and over 18 hours worth of tutorials covering topics such as organic modeling, pelt mapping, classic mapping, painting maps (color map, bump map, specular map, reflection map) in English and Czech language encoded through DivX 6. Loocas Duber is a professional freelancer currently living and working in Prague, Czech Republic (Europe). The partners of this training set is pixel.cz and maxarea.com and aimed toward 3dsmax beginners who wish to learn the basics of organic modeling as well as delving into the advanced features of modeling, mapping & texturing. This training DVD’s cost USD $27.80 x 3 = $83.40 (Handling and postage included)

DVD 1: Organic Modeling | Portrait of a Girl

This DVD starts the series, logically, by showing you how to model a complex, organic model, demonstrated on a girls head with neat, clean and mainly correct topology in 3ds Max 8. The most important thing is, the entire DVD is uncut and contains everything from setting up the references to the final touches on finished model, so you don’t miss anything and all the chapters divided into logical chapters for faster navigation. This DVD contains over 9 hours worth of information. DVD was created for 3dsmax user but you can apply them to any 3D program out on the market today.

DVD contains all the girl references, anatomy references, initial setup scene, final model, DivX6, Windows Media Player 10 and the trial version of Orionflame v3.0.  After buying this DVD, you also entitled for a $30.00 USD discount from the original price of Orionflame.

Pros: Teach everything from scratch, Very Detailed

Cons: Some chapters become very lengthy, Extensive use of Orionflame (set of scripts)

Rating: (out of 5)

Sample Video: Download

DVD 2: UV Mapping | Portrait of a Girl

This training DVD teaches you how to effectively map your meshes through new pelt mapping technology, classic mapping and various alternate mapping methods. This training video also explains the right way of mapping the eyes. DVD contains over 4 hours worth of information and like previous one, this DVD is also uncut and divided into logical chapters. I highly recommend the purchase of this DVD to all beginners and professionals.

This DVD contains the finished model from the previous DVD, the custom UV map that helps tremendously viewing the UV layout on your meshes, DivX 6 and the Windows Media Player 10.

Pros: Detailed explanation of pelt and classic mapping, Do’s and Don’ts of mapping

Cons: None

Rating: (out of 5)

Sample Video:

DVD 3: Texture Painting | Portrait of a Girl

This training DVD explains how to paint textures from a photograph on your UV layout, what size of texture you need for your meshes, how to setup custom brushes and how to work with blending modes in Photoshop CS 2.  This DVD explain in detail the creation of color map, specular map, bump map, reflection map, eye textures and what points to keep in mind during texture painting. DVD contains over 5 hours worth of information and once again this DVD is also uncut [may be Mr. Duber don’t like doing editing :0)] and divided into logical chapters for better and faster navigation.

This DVD also contains all the texture maps in PSD and JPG formats, UV maps, custom brushes and DivX 6 and the Windows Media Player 10.

Pros: Painting textures through low-res pictures

Cons: None

Rating: (out of 5)

Sample Video:

It was a pleasure to view these training DVD’s. Duber training set of 3 DVD’s recommended for all the beginners and advanced users who want to learn something new. Must buy for everyone.

Related Links

Duber Website: http://www.duber.cz
Orionflame Website: http://www.orionflame.com