FINDING AND ENJOYING YOUR FAVORITE CIGAR

Hooks -- If you are just at the beginning of your cigar smoking experience, this is the right video for you. This film covers everything from picking the cigar to how to light it. There is also a section which shows how to distinguish a premium cigar.

Koules -- Despite being a little dry, this was a very informative video. It was very easy to follow and had good production quality.

For the novice cigar smoker who wants to learn more, this is the perfect tool. This video gives a good overview of all you need to know from start to finish.

THE HAVANA CIGAR

DIRECTOR: Brett Mayer
RUNNING TIME: 40 minutes

Hooks -- Well-made. Well-produced. Really gave you the flavor of the Cuban cigar tradition. Made me want to light up! Great music too. A guided tour through Cuba's greatest factories. Really gave me a tremendous appreciation for the care and pride that goes into each cigar. From the Montecristo brand to Hoyo de Monterrey and of course, my personal favorite, Cohiba.

Koules -- This is by far the most informative video. Meandering, but romantic in its love for fine cigars. It contains interviews with everyone -- from beginning cigar rollers to the head of Cubatabaco. This tape had a movie-like feel reminiscent of the Alfonso Arua film A Walk in the Clouds. Overall, this was the best video of the bunch.

Hooks -- The classical approach to cigar smoking explains how the term "stogie" came about. (How many of us knew that piece of trivia?) Very formal, but informative, presentation also covers Cuban cigar history. But not as detailed as "The Havana Cigar" video. Talkes about caring for cigars and the different sizes etc.

Koules -- I had problems both the content and style of this video. The narration was somewhat lifeless, which detracted from its content. The video also suffered from poor music and some moments that were almost hokey.

THE ART OF THE CIGAR

Hooks -- Very enjoyable look at the personal pleasure of smoking cigars. Interviews with