Hooked on Phonics

I have heard that the "Your Baby Can Read" is really a joke because the kids only learn the whole word style which means they don't really comprehend, just memorize. 

This one though has got great reviews and is from a pretty trusted company, Hooked on Phonics, but just curious if anyone has actually used it before....

Would love some feedback.  It is on sale for $19.99 on the Hooked on Phonics site (reg price is $59) and thinking about incorporating this into our "School Time" for fall.