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Return to Current Children's
Video/DVD New Releases
Family movies coming to home video and DVD:
Robots
is in stores on September 27th. We're looking forward to the
November 15th release of Madagascar , a film that surprised us with humor on
multiple levels, and the November 8th release of the funky and
sophisticated Charlie and the Chocolate Factory .
Herbie - Fully Loaded
was a feel-good, laugh out loud movie, although somewhat
predictable, and it's coming to home video and DVD on October 25th.
 Last year, the CGI-animated, full-length feature
Care Bears: Journey to
Joke-a-Lot was a hit. On October 18th, a follow-up title, The
Care Bears Big Wish Movie will be available. We've had the
chance to preview the full-length feature, and it's adorable. The
story line is all-new, and brand new characters in the Care Bear
family (ones who are much like delinquents at the outset!) are introduced. The DVD is available for pre-order now: Care Bears:Big Wish Movie .
Very cute, and, unlike the old cartoon, the focus is more on fun
than on fighting "evil".
 Raggedy Ann & Andy are back with re-released stories to
celebrate the 90th anniversary of a beloved children's classic.
The new DVD titles--The Adventures of Raggedy Ann & Andy: The
Mabbit Adventure and Other Exciting Tales and The
Adventures of Raggedy Ann & Andy: The Pixling Adventure and Other
Exciting Tales--are culled from the '80's Saturday morning
vaults. They are definitely 80's style--complete with ghosts and
villains. They're certainly not like the tamer children's fare of
today, and remind me a lot of the old Care Bears (not the newer,
more politically correct Care Bears movies as above). In one episode, the
dolls find a crowned baby. Is he trouble with a capital "T", as
Grouchy Bear insists? The dolls need to get him to Pixling Castle
before the Full Moon, and evil enemies stand in their way.
For more information or to buy: The Adventures of Raggedy Ann & Andy - The Pixling Adventure...and Other Exciting Tales or The Adventures of Raggedy Ann & Andy - The Mabbit Adventure... and Other Exciting Tales
Some new children's movie
releases that we have reviewed include: The exciting release of The
Incredibles on DVD and VHS, Robots
released in movie theaters, a special "on location" Barney:
Let's Go to the Farm, a new release from the Baby Einstein
series of videos for babies: Baby
DaVinci, a children's "signing" video Signing
Time, the hilarious British children's series Brum:
Snow Thieves and Other Stories starring a car with
personality, and two videos/DVDs designed to keep kids active and
healthy: Sesame
Street: Happy Healthy Monsters and Denise
Austin's Fit Kids.
 This
new release by A&E is going to make a lot of people happy. The
Wind in the Willows: The Complete First Series is a 2-disc DVD set
that includes all 13 episodes from the award-winning classic for
children. These episodes recreate Toda Hall, Mole End, and Wild
Wood from Kenneth Grahame's classic book. A bonus episode from
Series 2 is included.
For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Wind in the Willows - The Complete First Season
Thomas the Tank Engine fans
won't want to miss Thomas and Friends: Thomas' Sodor
Celebration! It's a 60th Anniversary home video release
featuring seven classic stories culled from the Thomas television
series. While supplies last, each DVD and video includes an
on-pack limited edition gold Thomas Engine. The DVD includes some
bonus feature games and a read-along story. Stories include Thomas
Saves the Day, Halloween, Spic and Span, Thomas & the Circus,
and more.
For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Thomas & Friends: Sodor Celebrate W/Train
(DVD) or
Thomas & Friends: Sodor Celebrate W/Train
(VHS)
 We've
enjoyed the CGI-animated Barbie direct-to-video movies to date,
and Barbie Fairytopia didn't disappoint. Set for release on March
8th, Barbie Fairytopia stars Barbie as Elina, a flower fairy who
wishes she had wings. Set in a vibrantly colorful world called
Fairytopia, this movie uses a common theme (evil vs. good), yet
delivers an enchanting experience for any Barbie fan and children
enchanted by fairies. Barbie as Elina has an adorable, fuzzy litle
sidekick named Bibble. Together, they determinedly venture off on
a number of quests after discovering that the fairies are
weakening and some of them cannot fly. Laverna and her evil
minions have kidnapped fairy guardians, silenced the Enchantress
(who also happens to be Laverna's good twin sister), and invaded
all seven regions of Fairytopia. Laverna hopes to become the new
Queen of the land. The movie thrilled our little viewers with its
compelling characters, interesting story line, and gorgeous
"eye candy". See our
review of Barbie Fairytopia, along with pictures from the movie,
here.
For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Barbie - Fairytopia (DVD) or
Barbie:Fairytopia
(VHS)
 Angelina borrows her mother's
precious silver locket without asking in this new video/DVD, the
second title in the three-act Big Performance trilogy, an
inspirational series that offers little girls a how-to-kit for
staging their own big performances. Angelina Ballerina: The
Silver Locket tells the story of Angelina's frantic
search for the locket she has lost, as well as 3 more all-new
episodes. This special release (the DVD) includes a locket as well
as an instructional poster that features Angelina demonstrating
five new dance steps. The moves correspond with a live-action
segment on the DVD for an interactive experience. Bonus features
on the DVD include a read-along book and a couple of games. Very
high quality, and highly recommended!
For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Angelina
Ballerina: Silver Locket
(DVD) or Angelina
Ballerina: Silver Locket
(VHS)
 There is a fabulous children's
DVD (and audio CD) on the horizon by They Might Be Giants
and Disney Sound entitled Here Come the ABCs. We had a
sneak peek at the DVD, and we have fallen in love with it. Set to
be released on Feburary 15th, both the DVD movie and audio CD are
now available for pre-order. Here Come the ABCs DVD
features songs about letters set to fun animated scenes that will
entertain the whole family, and educate preschoolers. They
Might Be Giants (John Flansburgh and John Linnell, an
alternative rock musical duo who first ventured into the kids'
music market with the album, No!, a recording that debuted
at #1 on Billboard's Children's Music Chart) had complete creative
control on the DVD, and employed graphic artists, illustrators,
and puppeteers from around the globe in order to create this funky
and charmingly out-of-the-ordinary project. TMBG recently wrote
the theme song for the animated series, "Higglytown
Heroes", on Playhouse Disney, and twelve of the Here Come
the ABCs videos will begin airing on Playhouse Disney
shortly. One video claims that "LMNO" are sometimes
confused for one letter, but they're not! Others include, "C
is for Conifers", "F is for Fake-Believe", "ZYX",
and "QU". The DVD is hosted by John and John as puppets.
This DVD
is distinctive, highly "edutaining", and a must-own for
families with young children. Whether kids are deciding which
squiggly lines are letters (and which are not), or visiting the
Alphabet Lost and Found, kids receive an amazing, creative lesson
in alphabet/letter recognition with plenty of reinforcement.
Fabulous! Our Full
Review of Here Come the ABCs can be found here.
For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: They Might Be Giants - Here Come The ABCs (With Exclusive Amazon.com Content)
(DVD) or Here Come The ABCs (With Exclusive Amazon.com Content)
(audio CD)
 Three animated Rudyard Kipling
classics by the legendary Academy Award winner Chuck Jones are now
available on DVD. These animated stories are rather short
(approximately 30 minutes long), but a bonus episode is included
on each DVD along with the featured story. These are fabulous family movies:
Rikki-Tikki-Tavi,
narrated by Orson Welles, is based on Rudyard
Kipling's story about a mongoose who saves his family from cobra
snakes. This mongoose, Rikki, is an adopted pet of a British
family living in India. After they save him from near death, he
returns the favor—more than once! Note that very young
children may be frightened by the cobras. For those old enough, the story is exciting and the mongoose is full
of personality. The DVD features a bonus episode, Yankee Doodle
Cricket.
 Mowgli's
Brothers is based on
stories from The Jungle Book. The special story features Mowgli, a
small child who is raised in the jungle by a pair of wolves, and
stays rather true to the Kipling story. Mowgli's Brothers is narrated by Roddy
McDowall. Baloo the Bear is here, as well as Shere Khan, and Akela,
the leader of the wolf pack. The DVD features a bonus episode, Very Merry
Cricket,
featuring the voice of Mel Blanc (the voice of Bugs Bunny!).
 White Seal is a treat.
This story is also based on stories from Kipling's The Jungle
Book, and follows the adventures of Kotec the Seal through the
waters of Nova Scotia. Again, Roddy McDowall narrates. Kotec wants
to be a leader, but he faces challenges along the way, not the
least of which are humans! The DVD features a bonus episode, A
Cricket in Times Square.
All three of these DVDs include a
"direct play" feature, which is very handy with
children's DVDs. These classic animated stories have been
available on VHS for years, and will finally be available on DVD
on January 25th.
For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Rikki Tikki Tavi/Yankee Doodle Cricket
(DVD), Mowgli's Brothers/Very Merry Cricket
(DVD), or White Seal/A Cricket in Times Square
(DVD).
 The Wiggles LIVE Hot Potatoes!
is now available on video and DVD.
Greg, Anthony, Murray, and
Jeff perform in concert before a live audience for the first time.
The Wiggles favorites, like Hot Potato, The Monkey Dance, and Red
Car, are all here. The best thing is that there is plenty of drama
and humor in the performance, in addition to fantastic
songs—The Wiggles truly put on a show, and little kids are
likely to sing and dance along. This is a high-energy, intelligent
performance that families with young children won't want to miss. Approximate running time is 140
minutes, including bonus features (DVD). See our full
review.
For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Wiggles:
Live Hot Potatoes
(DVD)
 A live-action full-length
movie adaptation of Alice Through the Looking
Glass is now available. Alice travels to The Looking Glass
Land, where she finds Wonderland characters like Tweedledee and
Tweedledum and becomes a white pawn on a giant chessboard. On her
journey towards becoming a queen, she has all the odd and charming
conversations and adventures that you come to expect with author
Lewis Carroll. The movie is enchanting, although we found some
fantasy sequences a tad dull. For the most, however, Alice
Through the Looking Glass is
entertaining and quirky, with plenty of humor and visual interest
to capture the attention of the whole family.
For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Alice Through the Looking Glass
(VHS) or Alice Through the Looking Glass
(DVD)
 Two
new videos/DVDs from Leap Frog have been released, and they are
impressive. Following the excellent Leap
Frog: Talking Word Factory, Leap Frog Code Word Caper
explores more advanced word-building concepts, such as the change
a silent "e" makes to the vowel sound of a simple word
(cap becomes cape, for example). Catchy songs, enthusiastic
characters, and a fun storyline catch and maintain children's
interest. At the same time, valuable phonics lessons are offered
in a thoroughly digestible manner.
 Leap Frog: Math Circus
was also released on the same day, and it is fantastic. (See our full
review of Math Circus). With visual demonstrations of addition
and subtraction, Math Circus helps children understand early math
concepts with a format that is unique and evocative. We love both
videos, and recommend them enthusiastically for children ages
5-7.
For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Leap Frog - Talking Words Factory 2 - Code Word Caper
(VHS) or Leap Frog - Talking Words Factory 2 - Code Word Caper
(DVD)
Leap Frog - Math Circus
(VHS) or Leap Frog - Math Circus
(DVD)
Top Family Movies for the Holidays:
- Shrek 2
The lovably ugly green ogre returns with his green bride
and furry, hooved friend in Shrek 2.
- Elf
Elf is a smartly written, skillfully directed, and
well acted story of a human being adopted by Christmas elves
who returns to the human world to find his father.
- Spider-Man 2
More than a few critics hailed Spider-Man 2 as
"the best superhero movie ever," and there's no
compelling reason to argue.
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Some movie-loving wizards must have cast a magic spell on Harry
Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, because it's another
grand slam for the Harry Potter franchise.
- Looney Tunes - Golden Collection, Volume Two
Yes, here on four discs you'll find 60 more of the finest,
funniest, "bestest" Golden Era cartoons from the feverishly bent
artistic minds at Termite Terrace.
 Impressive talent is behind the world's most famous sailor's first
CGI-animated full-length feature: Popeye's Voyage: The Quest
for Pappy was written and produced by Paul Reiser, comedian
and actor ("Mad About You"), and features voice talents
of Academy Award winner, Kathy Bates, as well as The Ren and
Stimpy Show's Billy West. Popeye is on a quest to find his
long-lost father, Pappy, in time for the holidays. With Olive Oyl,
Swee'Pea, Bluto, and Wimpy in tow, Popeye sets sail through the
Seas of Mystery. The VHS runs for 44 minutes, and the DVD's
special features (animated behind-the-scenes interviews with the
cast, four classic television episodes, and a trailer gallery)
bring the length to 66 minutes. Release date: November 9th.
Available now for pre-order. Full review coming soon.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to pre-order: Popeye's Voyage - The Quest for Pappy
(VHS) or Popeye's Voyage - The Quest for Pappy
(DVD) at
Amazon.com]
 Barbie
fans can look forward to another CGI-animated direct-to-video Barbie movie,
Barbie As The Princess and the Pauper. This time around
it's a musical, featuring seven original songs. Like Barbie of
Swan Lake and Barbie as Rapunzel, the graphics are rich
and the story is a modern re-telling of a classic tale. The DVD
and video were released on September 28th. We had a chance to view the
final product: see our full review here.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Barbie As The Princess and the Pauper
(VHS) or Barbie As The Princess and the Pauper
(DVD) at
Amazon.com]
 A
new line of BabyFaith developmental videos and DVDs by Sony Wonder
has just been released.
 God Made Me and God Made Animals
are the first two titles in the Baby Faith series. The videos'
soothing narrations are by Jodi
Benson (the voice of the Little Mermaid). Inspirational songs,
hymns, animation, live-action scenes, and parades of puppets are featured in the
videos, designed to encourage both developmental and spiritual
growth. God Made Me features a simple version of creation,
while God Made Animals offers a child-friendly story of
Noah and the ark.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: God Made Me
(VHS) or God Made Me
(DVD); God Made Animals
(VHS) or God Made Animals
(DVD) at
Amazon.com]
 Available now is a direct-to-video Sesame Street feature
starring "lovable, furry old Grover": Sesame Street:
A Celebration of Me, Grover. Big Bird, Elmo, Zoe, and the gang
celebrate some of Grover's most memorable moments, treating
viewers to vignettes in which the multi-talented monster takes on
some of his many roles, including Super Grover, a frustrated
waiter, a confused marshal, and more.
What better time than Labor Day to celebrate this hard-working
Muppet? Available on DVD and video. See our full review.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Sesame Street - A Celebration of Me, Grover
(VHS) or Sesame Street - A Celebration of Me, Grover
(DVD) at
Amazon.com]
 This
feature adaptation of the popular Clifford series includes the
voice of the late John Ritter as Clifford. The graphics are rich
and appealing, offering parents, as well as kids, something fun to look
at.
Musical scores, a comedic storyline, and plenty of visual treats
are featured in Clifford's Really Big Movie. John Goodman
is one of the guest stars. Fun! Available on VHS and DVD August
24th.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Clifford's Really Big Movie
(VHS) or Clifford's Really Big Movie
(DVD) at
Amazon.com]
 Boohbah has arrived on video and
DVD. Five colorful atoms of energy star in this intriguing PBS
series for young children, designed to encourage movement,
imitation, and academic skills. Each Boohbah has a name and is of
a different color: Humbah is yellow, Zumbah is purple, Zing Zing
Zingbah is orange, Jumbah is blue, and Jingbah is pink. The
Boohbahs live in a large ball of light, called the Boohball. The
Boohball is called by children, and it travels to kids all over
the world. Laughter of children provides energy to the Boohbahs,
who "recharge" in their respective pods within the
Boohball. Two-dimensional characters, called StoryPeople, are
available for children to create stories with, and include
Grandmamma, Grandpappa, Mrs. Lady, Mr. Man, Brother, Sister,
Auntie, and Little Dog Fido. The episodes begin with an energetic
Boohbah warm-up that is sure to get little viewers laughing, or at
least amused, from the start. Boohbahs don't speak, yet they
"say" a lot about getting up off the couch and enjoying
life. Licensed Boohbah merchandise is now available, including
videos and DVDs: Boohbah Comfy Chair and Boohbah
Squeaky Socks.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Boohbah - Squeaky Socks
(VHS) or Boohbah - Squeaky Socks
(DVD); Boohbah - Comfy Armchair
(VHS) or Boohbah - Comfy Armchair
(DVD) at
Amazon.com]
In Canada, Boohbah Squeaky Socks
(VHS) or Boohbah: Squeaky Socks
(DVD); Boohbah Comfy Armchair
(VHS) or Boohbah: Comfy Armchair
(DVD) at
Amazon.ca]
 Two classic Sesame Street titles
are now available on DVD: Learning About Letters and Learning
About Numbers. In Learning About Letters, Big Bird leads
Snuffy (and little viewers!) through the alphabet, letter by
letter. Skits, fun animations, and educational vignettes are
featured. Plenty of visual and audio reinforcement of each letter
of the alphabet is featured, including the classic "C is for
Cookie" Cookie Monster song. Lena Horne guest stars. A
must-own classic, now available on DVD. Big Bird and the Count (of
course!) lead Learning About Numbers. See our full review of
Learning About Letters here.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Sesame Street - Learning About Letters
(DVD) or Sesame Street - Learning About Numbers at Amazon.com]
 "Meet
George Jetson...Jane, his wife...daughter Judy...his boy
Elroy..." The Jetsons fans will love sharing the
complete first season of this 1960's cartoon series with their
kids. The Jetsons: The Complete First Season is now
available on DVD. Set in the future, The Jetsons series revolved
around a family with all of the "future" conveniences of
flying cars, handy gadgets, and androids! 24 episodes of this
hilarious classic are included in the 4-DVD box
set--commercial-free, of course. Plenty of entertainment for the
whole family!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: The Jetsons - The Complete First Season
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 The turtles are back! Teenage
Mutant Ninja Turtles Volume One (Season One) has been
released, and includes the first five episodes from the animated
series produced in 1987, as well as bonus features on the DVD
edition: four never before seen episodes. This DVD
premiere features 110 minutes of full screen Ninja Turtles action. What
fun! See our full review.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 Those
chunky Little People characters toddlers love come
"alive" with fascinating claymation in a new line of
videos and DVDs. The first two Fisher Price collections are being released on
April 20th and are now available for pre-order: Little People
Friendship Collection serves as an introduction to the Little
People characters, with themes revolving around the importance of
friendship. Stories  include meeting a new girl,
Sonya Lee,
adventures in Discovery City, acquiring a new pet as a friend, and more surprises. Little People Creativity Collection (Volume 2)
features stories that explore art and music.
Each volume in the series
includes 10 mini-episodes each approximately 5 minutes long.
Designed with the target audience in mind, these videos/DVDs
feature simple, easy-to-follow story lines as well as fun
characters and settings. Very cute! (See our full
review of this video/DVD we rated A+).
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Little People:Friendship Collection
(VHS) or Little People - Friendship Collection (DVD);
Little People:Creativity Collection
(VHS) or Little People - Creativity Collection
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 Disney's
latest coming of age theatrical release is now available on VHS
and DVD. Set in prehistoric times, Brother Bear tells the
story of a young hunter who is changed into a bear and is hunted
by his still-human brother. Kenai, this man-turned-bear, meets an
orphaned bear cub along the way, and it is their developing
relationship--and the hilarious moose duo voiced by Rick Moranis
and Doug Thomas (of SCTV's Bob & Doug McKenzie fame)--that
forms the bulk of the story line. The movie includes some intense
drama that may disturb younger viewers, but for the most part,
this adventure is a humorous and warm one.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Brother Bear
(VHS) or Brother Bear (DVD) at Amazon.com]
 Children
still love the Care Bears! Two new DVDs featuring episodes from
the classic television series were released in February:
Kingdom of Caring (pictured here) and Adventures in
Care-A-Lot. Both titles incorporate the new FHE
"pop-n-play" feature--kids don't need to handle the DVD
remote with this handy feature. Together, these DVDs include 10
episodes from the popular 80's TV series. See our full
review of Kingdom of Caring here.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Care Bears - Kingdom of Caring
(DVD) or Care Bears - Adventures in Care-a-Lot
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 We love the Scholastic
Video Collection series, and new installments in this
educational series are here. Each video and DVD retells
classic and contemporary children’s stories, keeping the joy of
storytelling alive. New editions in the series include Corduroy…and
More Stories About Friendship, Is
Your Mama a Llama?…and More Stories About Growing Up, Red Riding Hood…and More James Marshall Fairy Tale Favorites, and The
Scrambled States of America…and More Stories to Celebrate Our
Country. The DVD editions are packed with bonus stories and
extra features.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Is Your Mama a Llama?... and More Stories About Growing Up (Scholastic Video Collection) (DVD); Corduroy... and More Stories About Friendship (Scholastic Video Collection) (DVD);
The Scrambled States of America
(DVD); or Red Riding Hood... And More James Marshall Fairy Tale Favorites (Scholastic Video Collection)
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 Now available on VHS and DVD: An
exciting new edition in the popular Elmo's World series, Elmo's
World: Elmo Has Two! Hands, Ears, & Feet, has been
released. This fun new video teaches body awareness as Elmo
explores how to use the different parts of his body to run, jump,
and more, with help from faithful pals Baby Bear, Dorothy the
goldfish, Rosita, and Mr. Noodle.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Elmo's World - Elmo Has Two
(VHS) or Elmo's World - Elmo Has Two
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 Fisher Price has launched a new video/DVD line that recognizes the important early stages of baby's development.
Fisher Price Musical Baby and Baby's Day kick off the series.
Baby's Day begins with a friendly "wake up, good morning!" with live-action video of babies opening their eyes in the morning, stretching, getting dressed, kissing their parents, and more. Eye-popping, colorful puppet sequences add visual interest and humor to the video, and
the video also features live-action video of animals and nature. Waking up in the morning, playing, eating, and going to bed are the familiar activities that young viewers follow as the video demonstrates a typical day in baby's world. Children learn new vocabulary
words in a gentle, low-key environment. Full sentences are used, including poems, so that children are exposed to words used in context. These first two videos/DVDs, featuring superior production values,
were released on January 27, 2004.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Fisher Price - Musical Baby
(VHS) or Fisher Price - Musical Baby (DVD); Fisher Price - Baby's Day (VHS) or Fisher Price - Baby's Day
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 What fun is this? Rescue Heroes
fans will love the first movie of their favorite show and toy
line, featuring CGI-animation that lends an extraordinary new look
to the popular Fisher Price toy and television series. The direct-to-video movie is packed with
excitement--there are volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, avalanches,
and other outrageous emergencies for the team (including Billy
Blazes, Wendy Waters, and other elite rescue team personnel) to
deal with. Easily more exciting than any of the episodes in the
cartoon series, Rescue Heroes: The Movie is sure to please
little fans. Interesting story lines, such as an overconfident
member of the team who takes too many risks, add depth to the
movie, and the CGI animation brings added visual interest and
creativity to the mix. The movie will attract a slightly older
crowd as a result. Recommended!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Rescue Heroes: The Movie
(VHS) or Rescue Heroes: The Movie (DVD) at
Amazon.com]
 It certainly doesn't look like
the Land Before Time series of movies is anywhere near extinction.
Land Before Time X: The Great Longneck Migration is the
tenth installment in a wonderful series that boasts lush
animation, engaging story lines, and a little food for thought for
youngsters. This time around, the theme might hit home for
many children who have to deal with separation and divorce when
Little Foot, who was raised by his grandparents, must make a difficult decision after meeting his
father. This is a captivating movie that kids will want to
revisit over and over again.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: The Land Before Time X - The Great Longneck Migration (VHS) or The Land Before Time X - The Great Longneck Migration (DVD) at
Amazon.com]
 Unusual?
Definitely. If you're a fan of Rowan Atkinson's Mr. Bean comedies,
there's a good chance you and your family will enjoy the animated
version of Mr. Bean and his silly antics. In Mr. Bean: The
Animated Series Vol. 1 & 2, the character transfers
seamlessly to animation--Bean's hilarious look, expressions, and
foibles are captured well by animators. In fact, his exploits and
misadventures are often more fantastical because of the nature of
the medium, but for the most part, the stories have the same
silliness as the original series. Teddy, Bean's stuffed teddy bear
friend, appears in many of this 2-DVD set's 18 episodes, as well
as other series regulars like his landlady Mrs. Wicket and his
girlfriend, Irma. Fortunately, Rowan Atkinson does the
voiceovers--Bean's trademark grunts, although often unintelligible
in the strict sense of the word, are always full of expression.
The episodes include Bean's adventures with spring cleaning, a
bout of homelessness after a misunderstanding with his landlady,
and a birthday party for Teddy. Kid testers and their parents
alike thoroughly enjoyed the collection.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Mr. Bean - The Animated Series, Vols. 1 & 2
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 One of our favorite children's
music artists, Ralph Covert of Ralph's World, came to
video and DVD on September 23rd. We had a chance to see the DVD,
called Say Hello!, and it's great fun! We have a full
review of this new video/DVD offering here.
(See our reviews of Ralph's World
CDs here: Ralph's World,
Ralph's
World At the Bottom of the Sea, and Ralph's
World Happy Lemons).
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Say Hello!
(VHS) or Say Hello!
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
From the Big Screen to the
Little Screen
New this
summer, and available now are:
 Piglet's Big Movie
(VHS) July 29th
Piglet's Big Movie
(DVD) July 29th
Stuart Little 2 (VHS) August 5th
Stuart Little 2
(DVD) August 5th
Also, Stitch! The Movie,
which is a direct-to-video Disney release and sequel to Lilo &
Stitch, was released on August 26th.
This movie is shorter (about an hour) and the graphics are not as
intricate as the original film, but kids will nonetheless want to
"meet" some of the other experiments that came before Stitch
(otherwise known as Experiment 626).
NOTE: Our kid testers enjoyed
Stitch! The Movie up until the end: they were disappointed as they
felt the movie was a big tease for the new Family Channel series.
Unless kids subscribe to the Family Channel, they could be quite
disappointed that they only meet a couple of the mischievous
aliens.
Available on VHS:
Stitch! The Movie
and DVD:
Stitch! The Movie.
 Sesame Street: Three Bears
and a New Baby explores the ups and downs, and the ins and
outs of welcoming a new baby into the family--Sesame Street-style!
When Baby Bear has a sister, he adjusts to the new family dynamic
and the idea of not being the baby in the family. This video/DVD
was released on August 5th and is just right for children who are
expecting a sibling. It's cute, sensitive, and funny--kids will
love it, and parents will appreciate it!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Sesame Street - Three Bears and a New Baby
(VHS) or Sesame Street - Three Bears and a New Baby (DVD) at Amazon.com]
Video and DVD releases:
Arthur's Tasty Treats and Arthur's Best Friends,
released June 10th. Each title includes three animated episodes and
retails at lower prices: $7.98 for VHS and $12.98 for DVD. The
three episodes on Arthur's Tasty Treats have a common
"tasty" theme. In Arthur's Best Friends, D.W. befriends
a deer, Arthur's buddy is moving to live with his dad, and then
comes back in the third episode with a new worldly attitude.
On the same date, two new-to-DVD
titles were released: Arthur's Baby deals with both
Arthur and D.W.'s reactions to their new siblings, as well as an
episode in which Arthur has a quite an experience babysitting the
Tibble Twins! The Tibble Twins reappear to arouse D.W.'s
competitive spirit in Arthur Writes a Story. Also, Arthur
spins quite a tall tale for his writing assignment, and he gets
locked in the library with Francine.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Arthur's Best Friends,
Arthur's Tasty Treats,
Arthur Writes a Story,
and
Arthur's Baby
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 It's a double feature! And not
just any double feature--it's a silly, rhyming double feature with
Dr. Seuss classics. Dr. Seuss The Cat in the Hat Comes Back/Hop on
Pop is available on DVD for a low suggested retail price of $12.98
on June 3rd. The stories re-tell some of the classic Random House
Beginner Books--there are six stories in all. If kids already own
the books, they can attempt to read along (or just turn the pages)
to The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, There's a Wocket in my Pocket!,
Fox in Socks, Hop on Pop, Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go
Now!, and Oh Say Can You Say? The
rhymes are hilarious
("there's a nink in the sink, and a zamp in the lamp"). These are
not cartoon-style animations: the stories feature stills of images
pulled directly from the books.
A second Dr. Seuss "double
feature" DVD is being released at the same time: One Fish Two
Fish Red Fish Blue Fish/Are You My Mother?. Besides the title
stories, children can enjoy Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!, The
Foot Book, Go, Dog, Go!, and The Best Nest. How fun!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy/pre-order:
Dr. Seuss - The Cat in the Hat Comes... and
One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish /...
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
New release: In Elmo's World:
The Great Outdoors, Elmo embarks on quite an adventure. Wild
animals, ocean life, and weather are the themes of this new DVD
that is being packaged with a bonus CD sampler of three tracks
from the Best of Elmo album. Elmo's World is such a sweet and safe
"world" for children to learn about the world, and this
episode takes kids out into the world, so to speak, with a
favorite and fuzzy friend. We'll have a full review of this new
release in the hit series soon.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Sesame Street - Zoe's Dance Moves
(VHS) or
Elmo's World - The Great Outdoors
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 We were pleasantly surprised that
Zoe's Dance Moves (Sesame Street) is such a rich video/DVD for little ones.
Although aspiring dancers might be the logical audience, all of us
have an inherent love of dance. And what this video does is
celebrate dance in all of its forms! An Asian welcoming dance, an African celebration
dance, and even Zoe's impromptu silly dance--all are presented as
fantastic, natural, and fun. The video is also outstanding for
presenting seemingly complex concepts (like "fluidity") in a totally
child-friendly way. Paula Abdul stars--she is teaching Zoe how to
dance. This video/DVD is fantastic!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Sesame Street - Zoe's Dance Moves
(VHS) or
Sesame Street - Zoe's Dance Moves
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 He's
big and he's red, and on time for Valentine's Day. Clifford the
Big Red Dog: King Clifford and Be My Big Red Valentine were
released on January 21st to DVD and video. The DVD is big--it contains
both King Clifford and Be My Big Red Valentine--and each
title is available separately on video. Each title contains 4 fun
episodes (so you'll get 8 episodes on the DVD -- approximately 90
minutes). There are also bonus features, called Big Fun Features,
on the DVD. See our full review.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Clifford - Be My Big Red Valentine
or
Clifford - King Clifford (VHS) or
Clifford - King Clifford/Be My Big Red...
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 On February 4th, a new Dora video and DVD will be released,
entitled Dora the Explorer Map Adventures. Although Dora is
generally rather dependent on Map for guidance, she learns how to
navigate nonetheless when Map is taken by a bird! Two episodes are
featured in this video and DVD.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Dora the Explorer - Map Adventures
(VHS) or
Dora the Explorer - Map Adventures
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 Also due February 4th is brand-new Baby Looney Tunes
videos! The adventures of Bugs, Tweety, Daffy, Sylvester, Taz, and
Lola are chronicled before they grew up into the characters
we know so well--when they were toddlers. And these toddlers are
not quite like the irreverent stars of the classic Looney Tunes
animations. Preschoolers will meet Tweety, the kind-hearted Taz-interpreter,
the pint-sized troublemaker Daffy, the rather self-assured Bugs,
and the rest of the gang in Baby Looney Tunes Backyard
Adventures (a nature-themed video, pictured here) and Baby
Looney Tunes Musical Adventures. See our
full review of Baby Looney Tunes Musical Adventures.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Baby Looney Tunes: Backyard Adventures (VHS) or
Baby Looney Tunes: Musical Adventures
(VHS) at Amazon.com]
It's a re-launch of the Strawberry Shortcake
property, and besides seeing the dolls in toy stores, both videos
and DVDs became available in March. Four never-seen titles, with the first two, Meet Strawberry Shortcake
and Spring for Strawberry Shortcake, released March 11, 2003. The Strawberry Shortcake "look" will
be revamped -- a fresh new look from the 1980's look many of us
are familiar with. The DVDs will feature English, French, and
Spanish options. We are looking forward to reviewing these titles!
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Strawberry Shortcake - Meet Strawberry... (VHS) or Strawberry Shortcake:Meet Strawberry
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
[For more information, or to buy:
Strawberry Shortcake:Spring for Straw
(VHS) or
Strawberry Shortcake:Spring for Straw (DVD) at Amazon.com]
Video/DVD Releases Archive
Some
of summer's exciting children's movies have arrived on video and
DVD. Stuart Little 2 (see our feature
article) is a real family charmer; Lilo & Stitch (see our review)
is a unique story with plenty of ups and downs; and Ice Age is the
humorous adventure of three prehistoric mammals.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Stuart Little 2
(VHS)
Stuart Little 2 (DVD) at Amazon.com]
[For more information, or to
buy: Lilo & Stitch
(VHS) or Lilo & Stitch
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Ice Age
(VHS)
Ice Age (DVD) at Amazon.com]
Exploring Christmas with Dora
Snow, ice, and Santa are themes in
Dora the Explorer: Christmas. Kids will enjoy two episodes starring Dora and her
sidekick Boots the monkey...and they'll learn a few basic concepts
and Spanish to boot. This video is extra cute and entertaining--anytime of the year,
actually.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:
Dora the Explorer - Christmas
at Amazon.com]
Schoolhouse Rock!
 The Best of Schoolhouse Rock!
is the show's 30th
anniversary edition, featuring 25 of what fans have voted the best
mini-videos from the series. This video covers the subjects of
history, grammar, geography, and math with hard-to-forget musicals
that will help to cement a variety of rules and other essential
tidbits of information into the unsuspecting brains of a new
generation of kids.
Buena Vista Home Video is running a special offer that
allows teachers to order the DVD for $9.95 (half the
retail price)--and the VHS is 50% off as well. Click here
for more details.
You can listen to samples and VOTE for your favorite
Schoolhouse Rock songs by clicking here.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: The Best of Schoolhouse Rock! - 30th...
(VHS) at Amazon.com]
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, Let Down Your
Hair!
Barbie as
Rapunzel
will be Barbie's second full-length animation
feature. Like the successful debut movie, Barbie in the
Nutcracker, CGI animation is used to capture
Barbie in a magical story that has her "painting" her
way to freedom! Who better than Barbie, with her glorious golden
locks, to play as the fairy tale character, Rapunzel? Children will be treated to works of
art from the likes of Leonardo DaVinci and more legends. The movie
features voice acting from Anjelica Huston, Kelly
Sheridan, and Cree Summer. The DVD edition features nice extras:
an interactive art gallery that introduces children to art
history, a "Dress Up Rapunzel" game in which kids use
the remote control to choose ball gowns and hairstyles for Barbie,
"The Artist In Me" documentary, and more. See our
full
review.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Barbie as Rapunzel
(VHS) or Barbie as Rapunzel
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
We Scare Because We Care
Of course, the much-anticipated video/DVD release of Monsters Inc. is
out. Billy Crystal and John Goodman did
fabulous voiceovers for this computer-animated extravaganza. Both
adults and kids enjoyed the movie in the theaters, and we'll bet
that the home version will please as well with its extra shorts
and outtakes on the video version and extra goodies (like a Pixar
tour and more) on the DVD. See our full review
of Monsters, Inc.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Monsters, Inc.
(VHS) or Monsters, Inc.
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
The Backstreet Boys Are Animals?
In
the world of Arthur, the Backstreet Boys are coming to town in 4
weeks, 6 days, and 57 minutes. But who's counting? Muffy is! In
fact, she's got quite a crush on Nick Carter. Francine, on the
other hand, thinks the Backstreet Boys are "sell-outs",
and she's bent on proving that if she had a rock band, she would
never sell out. Her new band, U Stink, turns out to be an
overnight sensation. This fun video, entitled Arthur It's Only
Rock n Roll, features animated versions of
the Backstreet Boys sporting animal ears à la Arthur, and two
exclusive songs performed by the "boys" themselves! Both
the DVD and VHS editions include the bonus featurette, The Making
of It's Only Rock n Roll, which features the real-life Backstreet
Boys. Release
date: October 1st. See our full review.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy:Arthur - It's Only Rock & Roll (Starring...
(VHS) or Arthur - It's Only Rock & Roll (Starring...
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
New Scholastic
Video/DVD Series
 Does your child have a favorite
book? It just might be available on video. Four videos are being released
this fall to start a new series of children's video adaptations of
popular books. Do your kids love Kevin Henkes? Well, Chrysanthemum...and
Other Kevin Henkes Stories is on the horizon. Featuring 4
wonderful adaptations of 4 equally beautiful books, this video
will delight children. Believable predicaments, touching
conclusions, and heartwarming family interactions characterize the
stories, read by the likes of Meryl Streep and Sara Jessica
Parker, on this new release. The DVD version has extra treats --
kids can read along to the stories and enjoy a couple of bonus
animated shorts.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Chrysanthemum and More Kevin Henkes...
(VHS) or Chrysanthemum and More Kevin Henkes...
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
 Many children are familiar with
Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are. Now they can
enjoy a video adaptation of the wildly popular book, plus a few
more stories by the author. The title story, adapted
to video in Where the Wild Things Are...and Other Maurice
Sendak Stories, earned the author a Caldecott Medal in 1964.
The DVD version includes a Spanish version of the title story, a
read-along option, and a feature called "Getting to Know
Maurice Sendak". Note that the narration for the title story
may be a little too gruff for some sensitive little viewers.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Where the Wild Things Are and other...
(VHS) or Where the Wild Things Are and other...
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
Other titles in the series
include Chicka Chicka Boom Boom (featuring 4 stories on
the VHS edition and 3 extras on DVD) and The Night Before Christmas and
More Christmas Stories.
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Lots More...
(VHS) or Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and Lots More...
(DVD); The Night Before Christmas and More...
(VHS) or The Night Before Christmas and More...
(DVD) at Amazon.com]
A New Joe
in the Neighborhood
Steve is out, and Joe is in--the new host of
Blue's Clues is now featured on video in Blue's Clues Meet Joe!
Veteran Blue's Clues fans will notice some similarities to Steve
(Joe's enthusiastic and fresh), and will marvel at the new shape
of the Handy Dandy Notepad, but will likely stop comparing by
the time the video's 2 episodes are done. The series did a
good job of transition (they don't simply plunk in a replacement),
and kids enjoy watching as Joe learns the ropes (like skidooing
and the like!).
[For more information, user
reviews, or to buy: Blue's Clues - Meet Joe!
(VHS) at Amazon.com]
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