You can put mini DVDs in a normal DVD player or computer.
However, the DVD has to be "finalised" first - you normally do this on the Camcorder. If the person who sent it to you finalised it then you will be able to watch it.
I think the author is referring to 'minidv' cassettes used in a lot of camcorders.
I had a look for you Criger, but can't find a solution. MInidv cassettes can't be converted to play in a VHS player (as far as I'm aware) because the tape is thinner in width than VHS tapes.
You should be able to pick up a cheap camcorder from ebay.