The English Today Multimedia Course is a video-based language course originally developed by Heinle Cengage Learning, one of the world’s leading educational publishers. The "Fullset 26 DVDs" is the complete collector’s edition, covering all 26 units (or lessons) of the curriculum.
Unlike traditional classroom recordings, this course uses a multi-angle, multi-speaker approach. Each DVD focuses on a specific thematic unit, combining:
The course is designed to replicate a classroom environment, but inside your living room. You watch, repeat, answer, and replay.
The 26-DVD set is designed for autonomy. A student does not need a teacher to guide them; the DVD acts as the instructor. This makes it ideal for busy professionals or those living in areas without access to language schools.
Beware of bootleg copies on eBay or torrent sites. Pirated versions often have missing chapters, poor audio sync, or corrupted files. The authentic English Today Multimedia Course Fullset 26 DVDs typically comes in a thick, glossy box with a printed index.
You can find official new or "like new" copies on: English Today Multimedia Course Fullset 26 DVDs
Price range: Expect $80–$150 USD for a new fullset. Used sets often sell for $40–$70.
The English Today Multimedia Course Fullset (26 DVDs) is a comprehensive language-learning program designed to take students from absolute beginner to advanced proficiency through immersive, visual-led instruction. Rather than relying on traditional rote memorization, the series uses a "sitcom" style format to contextualize grammar and vocabulary within real-world social and professional scenarios. Curriculum Structure
The course is methodically divided into six progressive levels, each containing four to five DVDs:
Beginner (DVDs 1–4): Fundamentals of the English language for those with no prior knowledge.
Elementary (DVDs 5–8): Basic conversational skills and essential daily grammar. The English Today Multimedia Course is a video-based
Lower Intermediate (DVDs 9–12): Expanding vocabulary and managing more complex sentence structures.
Upper Intermediate (DVDs 13–17): Refining fluency and understanding nuanced native expressions.
Advanced (DVDs 18–22): Mastery of complex topics, literature-inspired narratives, and high-level debate.
Business English (DVDs 23–26): Specialized modules focusing on workplace communication, presentations, and "win-win" language for negotiations. Educational Methodology
The program's core strength lies in its multimedia approach, which maximizes the DVD format to engage multiple senses simultaneously. The course is designed to replicate a classroom
Episodic Narrative: Each DVD typically begins with a video episode—either a live-action story or a cartoon—that introduces new linguistic concepts through natural dialogue.
Teacher-Led Lessons: Following the narrative, a dedicated lesson clarifies the specific grammar and vocabulary used in the episode.
Interactive Workshops: Most versions of the course include supplementary "workshop" sections or physical booklets (often 40 pages each) that provide interactive exercises, grammar tables, and progress checks. Role in Modern Learning
While physical DVD media is becoming less common, the "English Today" curriculum remains popular on platforms like YouTube and in digital archives because of its structured, self-paced nature. By moving away from purely academic materials toward authentic-feeling multimedia content, the course helps learners connect language skills directly to real-life situations, which is a hallmark of modern communicative teaching. ENGLISH TODAY the 26th DVD - Full & Subtitles
by tisunov