I'm a beginner who started as very sedentary and obese. I wouldn't recommend this tape immediately for those beginning at this point (I tried it after the first month of exercising and found it challenging and still do to a lesser degree). Still, I feel it's worthwhile and I've seen more rapid changes with this video than any other and it's now a regular part of my exercise schedule. More active beginners can probably use it immediately.
What I don't like about it: (which are all superficial complaints)
The endless commercials for "20 Questions about Fitness". I think that they should be at the end of the tape, after the Video Coach. The sometimes "holier than thou" tone. The credits appear *before* the workout. I usually fast forward to the workout that begins 8 minutes into the tape.
The fixed smiles and super fitness of the cast (look like they are all instructors). Although some people may find the fact the cast are all very fit, it is discouraging to those of us with overweight, less than perfect bodies. The smiles seem kind of plastic and they don't seem very real. (Although Tracy seems more genuine.) I also don't like that the Firm overstresses physical appearance (in Video Coach, they actually say that if you're more fit, you'll have more friends... I would hope my friend's interest in myself was not solely based on appearance.) I prefer the emphasis on health.
Closeups of Tracy's ample bust.
Transitions are very quick. For a beginner who is signoficantly overweight, you have to put the tape in pause as they don't allow you enough time to get up and down off the floor.
The "rodeo" step is dorky.

What I do like:
The use of a dowel is helpful for maintaining your balance so you can do the correct form for squats, dips and lunges. As you get stronger, you can phase it out. (I now longer use it for squats.)
Lots of variety, as they are many changes, it keeps the workout interesting and it goes by relatively quickly.
Tracy gives lots of pointers for correct form. She also gives some modifiers ("cheats") for those just beginning.
She introduces each combination of movements slowly (first feet, then adds arms), so they are easy to learn. The combinations make it more interesting than just stright weight lifting. Some of the more advanced reviewers have commented on her "that's tough" comments - for beginners like myself, those sequences are tough!
The video coach segement at the end is helpful for motivation.
It works! I've seen relatively fast changes in my strength and flexibility (I'm using other videos to improve my cardio endurance) and I'm not up to 10 sessions yet.

Serious, gives lots of form tips. Although she's quite stern, (I prefer an instructor who looks like she/he is enjoying themself) she seems caring.

Anne MacL