Maybe that pesky SFAR73 by those FAA guys, eh? You're supposed to view that and be suitably scared before even manipulating the controls,
No mention of DVDs in SFAR73 (I just checked), just a list of the things you're required to be trained on. Of course the DVD (referred to by my instructor as "the death video") is quite a good way to get your attention.
There's also nothing about requiring SFAR73 signoff before manipulating the controls, except in the case of "A person who holds a rotorcraft category and helicopter class rating", or to act as PIC - i.e. it is not a pre-solo requirement for students.
n5296s