I have a "Japanese For Dummies" book but I would like a CD or DVD with some useful learning software in it to help with pronounciation and to hold my interest. Anything that people can recommend to help me start from a beginner stage would be much appreciated.

Try http://www.japanesepod101.com .

Japanese for Busy People, text book, work book and the cds used in combination are very effective.

these videos are really helpful.

http://youtube.com/profile_videos?p=r&user=Aploosh&page=3

this site too.

http://www.thejapanesepage.com/news.php

hope this helps :)