Description - Enjoy the second volume of the second season of The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! follows the adventures of 6-year-old best friends, Sally and Nick, as they are whisked off on extraordinary voyages of scientific discovery with the Cat in the Hat. Thanks to the Thinga-ma-jigger and our friends, exploring has never been more exciting! In this volume set, kids will learn the answers to questions like what is the Earth s atmosphere, why do we need bones, and how is paper made. The discoveries don t end there! We learn how polar bears survive the arctic winter, how our ears work and so much more! So let s go, go, go, go on an adventure, we re flying with The Cat in the Hat today!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I'm a big fat of The Cat in the Hat! I have been since I was a little girl. Now, as an adult, I'm still a big fan! This DVD does not disappoint! It has 20 episodes! Directed by Tony Collingwood, the Cat in the Hat (Martin Short) definitely shows us that he knows a lot about many things from names and locations of the planets in our solar system to how animals walk with more than two legs. It is entertaining, engaging and great for preschool and school aged children, as well as their parents. Children will enjoy watching the Cat in the Hat and his friends Sally & Nick as they go on adventures to learn new things. One of my favorite episodes is about the solar system as the Cat in the Hat teaches Sally & Nick the order of the planets and their names. Martin Short as the voice of Cat in the Hat is perfect! I just love him. I also enjoyed the theme song. I give this 5 stars out of 5 stars, because I think it is a perennial hit. It's engaging, entertaining and educational What more could you want! I recommend it for ages 3 to 12. Reviewed by Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Here we go, go, go, go on an adventure! I love this DVD because it is bursting with awesomeness. You find stories with snappy songs, wildly creative graphics and colorful animation. The voices of all of the characters work in perfect harmony, which makes each episode very engaging. In The Cat in The Hat Knows a Lot About That: Season 2, Volume 2, the two, adorable 6-year-old best friends, Sally and Nick set out on many quests for knowledge. Nick and Sally learn a lot about why tummies grumble and how to walk on more than three legs. They also learn to name the planets in a splendid trip to space (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune). In another adventure they learn how cloth is made. The DVD has 20 different stories averaging a little more than 10 minutes each.
Martin Short is the voice of the Cat who does a remarkable job! The creativity in The Cat in The Hat Knows a Lot About That is so very clever, including the names of the Cat's friends, the places that Sally, Nick and the Cat go, and of course, all of the things that the thinga-ma-jigger can do. My favorite character is The Cat in The Hat because he has loads of fabulous and brilliant friends from all over the world. They are always happy to educate and teach Sally and Nick all they know. And something I also really like is that The Cat in The Hat's friends seem to always have wild and wacky hairstyles. They are really funny. My favorite part is when Sally, Nick, and the Cat go to space and how the thinga-ma-jigger transforms into a space thinga-ma-jigger.
There are many positive messages throughout the DVD including teaching kids to want to learn, be curious, and the value of friendship. The Cat in The Hat Knows a Lot About That has no bad language and there is nothing risky or dangerous that children might try to imitate. It promotes positive behavior and they treat everyone appropriately.
I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend this DVD for ages 3-8 and adults might also enjoy watching this with their kids. The DVD is currently available.
Reviewed by Katherine S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Calling all Dr. Seuss fans! Here's two discs, 20 episodes, fully loaded of extraordinary voyages of two best friends. Not only is this a fun Dr. Seuss cartoon for all, but it is also educational. Have fun while learning about the earth's atmosphere, the human skeleton, how paper is made and much more! So, let's jump into our imaginary Thinga-ma-jigger and go go go on an adventure with Nick, Sally and The Cat in the Hat.
In each episode, I learned something I never knew before. In each of the 20 episodes, a lesson is taught through the journey of two best friends. It had me saying "wow, how interesting !" In one episode, I learned how paper is made. Who would have thought a tree, that I see every day in my young life, is chopped down to make paper? I use paper everyday. This is what I liked about this DVD. I learned something new in each episode.
What is less appealing about this show are the settings and colors. It felt like this film was created back in the 80s. I thought it needed to be modernized to capture the attention of today's young viewers.
My favorite characters are Sally and Nick. They are six years old and best friends. I like the bond they share in each episode. They communicate and work well with each other - team players, if you ask me. They have tons of fun and experience their journeys together. It truly shows the true meaning of best friends. I have a best friend and she and I love to take pretend voyages together.
Each episode has a different message, but the one thing they have in common are the lessons that are being taught through Nick and Sally's voyages. In each show, you learn scientific knowledge. This is a neat way to gather your children together to sing along while taking an amazing educational journey. Knowledge is key and there's no better way to learn but through a cool Dr. Seuss show.
I give this DVD 4 out of 5 stars. It is very educational and fun. The music had me bopping my head along with it. I would like it even better if it was more modernized. I recommend it for ages 3 to 14. My baby brother is three and he sung along with Nick and Sally. My mom is 39-years-old and she learned something about the human skeleton, that she never knew about before. This DVD is available now so, look for it.
Reviewed by Sev'n S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9
This is a delightful animation adaptation DVD collection with the Cat in the Hat and friends! It is very creative with catchy songs to sing along to and, of course, the famous rhyming. It teaches many different things in each episode.
When I was around 6 years old, I read the books and watched this show. I was really excited to see the new episodes. This Season 2, Volume 2 has 20 episodes, each taking you on another adventure. The Cat in the Hat is an anthropomorphic character that escorts the kids on adventures in the Thing-a-ma-jigger, a contraption that can fly, sail and do so much more.
In every episode, Sally and Nick ask their Mom for permission to go on an adventure. Of course my mother likes that part. Then Sally and Nick are off to learn many new things about animals, insects, our solar system, constellations and even recycling.
The storytelling is great and so creative. Every adventure takes them to a new place - the Arctic, dessert, beach or jungle. The fish always tags along and ends up in some sort of trouble, which is funny to watch. Sally and Nick also learn physical things like swimming, balance, wrapping and digestion.
The storyboards and drawings are very colorful in this film. The characters' outfits change and go along with the storyline. The characters are interesting to watch. They really hold your attention. In some scenes, new characters appear like Doctor Giggles. He helps them explore science and the body. They use the shink-a- bobber to shrink themselves and explore the ear. I enjoyed the singing and rhyming in this film and all the catchy phrases. Thing 1 and Thing 2 make an appearance to assist and they always make me laugh. The voice-over for The Cat is Martin Short who is fantastic at portraying The Cat. I like one of the episodes when they go to the beach and Pirate teaches about how glass is made and all its many uses. It can be recycled and used over and over. One catchy phase they use is "glass can change the way you see things."
This DVD offers so many ways for kids to learn. Parents will like it because it teaches children about safety, listening and buckling up every time they go exploring in the Thing-a- ma- jigger. I really enjoyed this and I think you will too! I recommend it for ages 3 to 8 years of age. I give this DVD 5 out 5 stars. It is mostly for younger children, but adults will enjoy it too. You never know where you will end up at with Cat and the Hat!
Reviewed by Ivey H., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Runtime: 220 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 4-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.96
Media: DVD
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SONIC BOOM: HERE COMES THE BOOM - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 7-11
Description - It's a Sonic you haven't seen before - an ensemble comedy that pokes fun at action-adventure storytelling, but still manages to deliver plenty of adrenaline! Wherever he goes and whatever he's up against, Sonic is aided by his sidekick, Tails, and his friends Knuckles, Amy, and Sticks and, of course, attacked by his arch nemesis, Dr. Eggman. The series is set in a wide-open world, where most of the characters live in and around an unnamed village. Just over the horizon is a vast landscape filled with beaches, jungles, mountains, undersea civilizations, cloud cities, frozen lakes, and more! Includes 8 Action-Packed Episodes!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This DVD is a compilation of episodes from Sonic Boom, an animated (CGI) kids' show based around the Sonic the Hedgehog video game franchise. Let me frank, I have seen better kid's shows. That's not to say that it is not a good show, it just isn't as great as the video game that it originates from. Aesthetically, it is a fairly good looking show, certainly above average your standard kiddie show in that regard. The voice acting is pretty good, but I have other concerns. The dialogue seems as if it is intended for preteens or adolescents, but it is not nearly clever or funny enough for that audience. Although it's based on the Sonic franchise, there is not a lot of on-screen action to keep little one's eyes trained on the screen. That said, I believe that any young kid who is a fan of the game will be very excited to see Sonic on screen. I recommend this for ages 7 to 11 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Rachel V., KIDS FIRST! Reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - This action packed series is very educating. The morals taught in the episodes are valuable for the target audience. I love how they are able to teach important lessons in a very entertaining way. The show follows the characters Sonic, his friends and Dr. Eggman. Sonic and his friends always have some conflict with Dr. Eggman. The different schemes that Dr. Eggman comes up with are amusing and I watched till the end to see if Sonic and his friends were be able to solve the problem.
Mike Pollock voices Dr. Eggman in a very interesting way. Pollock can sound like a villain in one scene and in another he could be your grandfather. Dr. Eggman is a character with two personalities and it is great that Pollock voices both of them.
The characters in this series are unique in their appearance. Sonic and his friends are animals, but they only have a few features that are recognizable as animals. I like that they vary their appearances from other films and series. It keeps the audience interested and intrigued.
My favorite part about this series is that they always find a way to make it humorous and add some plot twists. Every episode is different and that makes the audience want to watch the whole series all at once.
There are many underlying messages in each episode. The ones that stand out are to find the goodness in people and to work together. Sonic and Dr. Eggman will forever be rivals, but they do enjoy each other's company. Sonic realizes that Dr. Eggman is desperate for attention and uses that to his advantage to be able to get to the good side of Dr. Eggman. This is how Sonic is always able to calm Dr. Eggman down and stop him from continuing his crazy, sometimes evil, ideas - for a while. Sonic and his team of superhero friends have to work together to come up with a plan to stop Dr. Eggman. Sometimes, when Sonic leaves, they fight over what to do and who should be the leader. In the end, they resolve their problems and learn the right thing to do for the next time a similar situation arises.
I loved how this DVD teaches valuable lessons that are usually overlooked in other children's shows. I give this series 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 6 to 9. Sonic Boom: Here Comes the Boom is out now on DVDs so check it out!
Reviewed by Jolleen M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
I like this show because it has lots of characters from the classic Sonic Video games and TV shows. It shows their personality and fighting techniques. This is a good introduction to the characters to anyone that wants to play the Sonic games. If you want to try Sonic games, but you don't know any of the characters just watch this show.
Sonic Boom - Here Comes the Boom is about Sonic (Roger Craig Smith) and his friends facing challenges usually involving Dr. Eggman (Mike Pollock), where they must work together to either escape a temple or destroy a robot. Sonic can't fight off Dr. Eggman by himself, so he gets help from his friends and sticks the completely wild badger that uses a boomerang as her weapon of choice. Amy Rose is a pink hedgehog who fights with her hammer and keeps everyone at peace. Rounding out the team are Knuckles the echidna with a love of fighting and Tails Sonic's tech-loving fox sidekick that can use his two tails to help him fly around.
My favorite episode in this DVD is "Just a Guy." In this episode, Sonic accidently calls someone "just a guy" and everyone gets angry at him. I like this episode because it is funny and has a good message. That message is "don't stereotype people." Another good episode is "CowBot," which is about when Dr. Eggman sends a robot that looks like a cow after Sonic. After a bit of fighting, Sonic gets the CowBot to go after Dr. Eggman. He goes to save him, but the CowBot is incredibly slow so they do loads of funny stuff while they wait. This episode is hilarious in how they solve the problem in the end.
My favorite character is CuBot because, whenever his partner OrBot says something smart about something he just says the real meaning without knowing what OrBot wants. For example, in the episode "The Meteor." OrBot says, "Perhaps it is time we bid our foes "adieu." CuBot doesn't know what that means so he just says, "No time, we have to leave," which means the same thing. I find these parts funny.
The main message of most of the episodes is, you must work together to complete a challenge. I rate this DVD 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 7 because it has good messages in every episode that younger kids will like.
Reviewed by Damon F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Runtime: 90 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 7-11
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: DVD
NATURE: SUPER CATS - PBS DISTRIBUTION
Series: DVD, AGES 8-18
Description - Stalking in the shadows, prowling almost every continent, cats are one of the world's most diverse and successful predators. Filmed over 600 days in 14 countries and featuring 31 species of cat, this groundbreaking three-part miniseries uncovers the secret lives of wild cats and introduces behaviors captured on film for the first time, using the latest camera technology and scientific research.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This film is an amazing view of the life of big, and a few small, cats that will leave you in awe! It is filmed over 600 days and features 31 species of cats. I love that it is filmed in different countries and I learned so many remarkable facts about these amazing creatures. In the first episode, I saw the amazing cheetah and was amazed at how fast these creatures move. They can go 50 mph and switch directions instantly. They are the fastest animals on land and the groundbreaking filming techniques in this DVD are just amazing! Watching this DVD, I learned about cat species that I have never heard of before such as the rusty spotted cat. It is so cute and looks like a little pet kitten, but it's not your average cat and is a very daring one indeed! If you love cats like I do, this DVD is a must! I recommend this for ages 8 through 18 and many adults will enjoy it also. I give this 5 stars out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - See adult reviews
Runtime: 180 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 10-18
Suggested Retail Price: $ 24.99
Media: DVD
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PBS KIDS: 20 INCREDIBLE TALES - PBS DISTRIBUTION
Series: DVD, AGES 2-5
Description - It's a bird ... It's a plane ... It's your favorite PBS KIDS friends! In this action-packed collection, watch as Oscar and Dr. O save the day when all of Odd Squad comes down with a case of the jinx, Sheep becomes WordWorld's first superhero and saves the day with the letter S, and lots more! Join these PBS KIDS characters as they jump to the rescue and have several superhero adventures along the way! This DVD features 20 stories from 13 different PBS KIDS series. Children can watch as their favorite PBS KIDS characters take on problems and save the day. In the DANIEL TIGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD episode, Super Daniel!, kids follow Daniel Tiger as he pretends to be the superhero, Super Daniel. In the ODD SQUAD episode, Jinx, Oscar and Dr. O save the day when all of Odd Squad comes down with a case of the jinx. And Sheep becomes WordWorld's first superhero while saving the day with the letter S, in the WORDWORLD episode, Superhero Sheep.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I have always loved PBS Kids. Everything they make is wonderful, fun and educational. My toddler is a picky media viewer. He has a very specific taste in animation and music. Having the chance to review something like 20 Incredible Tales has been fantastic! There are thirteen different shows included in this collection. Some of these shows were around when I was a kid such as Arthur and Caillou. Having this wide a variety to see what your child does and does not like is a godsend. All of the episodes teach different lessons, encourage polite behavior and several have musical numbers. I found out that my three-year-old really likes Super Why!, WordGirl and Peg + Cat. Somehow, I have a feeling that it's because they are all superhero related. I highly recommend this collection, not just for picky viewers, but for a great variety of wholesome, family-friendly adventures! This collection is great for ages 3 to 7 and I give it 5 out of 5 stars! Reviewed by Rachael V., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult review
Runtime: 299 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 2-5
Suggested Retail Price: $ 6.99
Media: DVD
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SESAME STREET: CELEBRATE FAMILY - SHOUT! FACTORY
Series: DVD, AGES 2-7
Description - Celebrate your family with this fun-fest of five family stories from Sesame Street! First, Abby's family has dinner at Elmo's house, where Abby learns that different families can have fun working together to make a meal. Then, Cookie Monster realizes he's forgotten a gift for his mommy for Mother's Day what should he do? For Father's Day, Rosita wants to make a video for her dad, but she needs some help from her friends. Next we meet Rudy, Abby's new stepbrother! And finally, Hooper's Store is throwing a special party for kids and their grandparents.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This delightful DVD carries the Sesame Street legacy of learning and fun, mixed with new characters, updated theme song elements and scenery. The various segments included here celebrate family, including Mother's and Father's Day and introduces one of the main character's new stepbrother.The storylines have meaning and there is nothing threatening about them. One can rely on Sesame Street for great live action cinematography, great characters and thoughtful stories. I always enjoy the uniqueness of the Muppet costumes along with the Sesame Street set. The characters bright colors stand out and help hold the attention of younger viewers.
As to the characters in this show, I like seeing the older characters along with some new ones. We see Oscar, Elmo, and Abby meeting and learning about new human fraternal twin siblings.
Another favorite part for me is the segments where they sing about different types of families. In one segment, the human twin siblings argue over music until they find common ground with jazz. That's fun!
Sesame Street excels at presenting humor in their sketches, effectively making kids and older viewers laugh along. I enjoy that this DVD celebrates all different aspects of family. It is geared primarily for young children and they will benefit by learning about sibling rivalry and other aspects of family that may be unfamiliar to them.
There are no unsavory aspects to this show. Sesame Street has a long-standing reputation, since 1969 of creating conscientious programming for preschoolers and this DVD is reliably thoughtful, educational and fun. The DVD is 140 minutes in length and can easily be enjoyed by watching it in segments. I truly enjoyed it and give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it for ages 2 to 5, as well as adults. It is available now on DVD, so look for it.
Reviewed by Kimberly M., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I absolutely love each episode of Sesame Street: Celebrate Family, because the characters are so colorful and cute. Each episode has an abundance of vibrant energy and many great lessons for families. This DVD is a great place to learn about the importance of family.
Sesame Street: Celebrate Family has five parts covering different topics with all of the different Sesame Street characters. The stories include Abby and her stepfamily visiting Elmo for a fun "father/kids' night" learning about the different things families do together. We get to see the challenges that Cookie Monster has trying to make something for his mom on Mother's Day. He just likes to gobble everything up because it reminds him of cookies (surprise!). For Father's Day, Rosita makes something special for her dad since he's away from home. We also get to see a grandparent's party and learn about different grandparents such as Baby Bear's grandpa.
The main characters are, of course, Elmo, Abby, Rudy (Abby's step brother) and Rosita. The puppeteers are fabulous with all their actions and different voices. The songs are so stinking cute, catchy and easy to follow along with. My favorite part is when Cookie Monster eats the locket he planned to give to his mom because the picture reminded him of how they eat cookies together. You probably guessed that my favorite character is Cookie Monster. If so, you guessed right.
There are several positive messages throughout the DVD. My favorite is that family is so very important, and you should take time to celebrate with them. Family is important no matter what you do or how different yours is. These episodes also touch on ways to have self-control, acknowledge your differences and give love to your family and friends. They also show that it is okay to be nervous about meeting new people, and that you can still celebrate even if your special person isn't there. Each episode makes me want to celebrate family even more.
Sesame Street: Celebrate Family is very kid friendly. It promotes positive social behavior and treating one another appropriately. There is no bad language and nothing risky or dangerous that children might imitate. I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 through 11. Adults will also enjoy this this show. This DVD is available now, so look for it. I recommend it.
By Katherine Schell, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
The DVD Sesame Street: Celebrate Family is incredibly adorable! It is absolutely amazing to watch, focusing on positive messages that teach kids about family values. It also shares terrific lessons about kindness and many other uplifting messages. What I really love and appreciate is how each character highlights a different point of view that all relate back to friendship and family. This film is filled with catchy music, comedy, valuable lessons, and features funny and adorable characters.
The DVD is centered on five family stories from Sesame Street! The first adventure is about Abby and her families' dinner with Elmo's family. She discovers that not all families are the same; each has their own way of doing things. The second story involves Cookie Monster and Mother's Day. He is great at creating gifts, but always ends up devouring them. He finally is able to restrain himself from eating the cookies he gives his mom as a gift for Mother's Day. The next story is about Father's Day and how Rosita wants to make a special video for her father. In order to complete the video she needs help from her friends. Then there's a story about Abby and her new stepbrother Rudy! The last adventure shows happiness through a special celebration held for grandparents at Hopper's store.
The characters we see here include Elmo (Kevin Clash), Abby (Leslie Cadabby), Rudy, Rosita, Cookie Monster (David Rudman), Oscar (Caroll Spinney), Slimy, Prairie Dawn (Fran Brill), Elmo's Father (Bill Barretta) and Abby's Father. I love all the messages that are taught in the different episodes. Each gives cute and warm fuzzy feelings as it focuses and draws attention to the importance of family relationships, family support and having family right by your side.
My favorite moment on this DVD is when Elmo Face Times his grandparents. It is a simple gesture and form of communication, but their reaction of joy and happiness is priceless. It teaches us an important lesson that, even if distance separates us from family, there is always a way to keep in touch, especially in the world of modern technology.
I rate this DVD 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 11 and adults as well. This DVD is so adorable, with meaningful lessons and teachable moments. I'm sure that anyone that watches it will truly enjoy it! It is available now so look for it!
Reviewed by Nancy F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Runtime: 140 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 2-7
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.96
Media: DVD
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YO-KAI WATCH: SEASON 1, VOLUME 1 - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD AGES 4-12
Description - Remember that time you passed gas in that super crowded elevator? Or when you lost your sock in the dryer? That was just bad luck, right? Wrong! That was the work of Yo-kai; the invisible Yo-kai all around us that are the cause of our daily annoyances!! Nate is a just a regular boy struggling to be above average at school. One day when he receives the Yo-kai Watch, he gets the chance to see and communicate with these mischievous Yo-kai. With the Yo-kai Watch on his wrist, Nate starts to form friendships with them and learn of the things that make life so complicated. There's just one problem: they're everywhere and they love to cause mischief!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I feel that Yo-kai Watch definitely owes a good deal of its model to Pokemon. That isn't necessarily a bad thing, mind you. But you'll quickly notice how Yo-kai are collectible creatures who are varied and around virtually every corner. However, unlike Pokemon, these creatures speak an intelligible language and have strong personalities. What are Yo-kai" Well, they are trans-dimensional spirits that travel to the human world in order to make mischief for people. This often manifests in things such as affecting people's mood, pick-pocketing candy and things of that nature - nothing horrible. Also, unlike Pokemon almost no one can actually see these Yo-kai, as they are impossible to see without the titular Yo-kai Watch. The watch is a device that allows a human to both see, AND summon Yo-kai. All of these stories on the DVD are extremely lighthearted and are done with a ton of humor with younger kids in mind. From these episodes, the ideal audience for this anime is around the 5-year-old mark, but I can certainly see even younger kids enjoying the show for its lively art and regular silliness.This Limited Edition Gift Set comes bundled with an American comic book in digest size. It certainly keeps the tone and art of the series intact and is smaller and more durable than a standard comic book, something that is certainly ideal for its target audience. Though it's not geared at adolescents, I can see some of them enjoying it as well. I recommend this for ages 5 to 10 and give it 5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Rachael V., KIDS FIRST! Adult Reviewer
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I have vague memories of Yo-kai Watch from when it first came to the states. I never beat the first game and I ended up forgetting about it for a few years. However from what I remember, the show reflects the game and the world pretty well.
The story follows a kid named Nate who finds Whisper, a Yo-kai, who gives him the Yo-kai Watch. This watch allows him to see Yo-kai, mischievous spirits that are invisible without the watch. The show mostly follows Nate's adventures as he helps and befriends Yo-kai. This seems to be the main plot of the show. There doesn't appear to be any overarching story or conflict. Remember, these are only a few episodes from the first season. So maybe there eventually is a set goal or conflict. However, there are a lot of positive lessons. So parents, this show is a good one to watch with your kids.
Nate, the protagonist, doesn't seem particularly invested in the world of Yo-kai. He's essentially forced to solve everyone's problems and he seems to reluctantly just accept it. For example, when he first meets Whisper, a literal ghost, he tries to walk away from the conversation three times and he barely seems to care that he is talking to a magical ghost that appears from a capsule machine. That isn't exactly a good way to introduce your main character.
Also, the structure of the show is rather confusing. At first I thought the show had the "two 11 minute stories merged into one 22 minute episode" type of structure that many cartoons have, but no. Sometimes it's one really long story combined with a story that's really short. Sometimes it's THREE stories in one episode. It's really inconsistent. The show also seems oddly inconsistent in its tone. The show is mostly comedic, however one story has no comedy and is entirely serious. It just feels really random, but maybe it ties in with Season 2. It is entertaining overall and a series I would have probably watched when I was younger.
I give this show 3 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 12. This DVD is already out, so look for it.
Reviewed by Calista B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
This is a very interesting and cool DVD to watch! It has all the qualities that make a good animated series - interesting plots, vivid and clear animation, a fun mix of humor and action all in one! I really like when the action in the story, because it makes me feel more excited and enthusiastic to watch what is going on in.
The story is about Nate, a normal boy, except he has a Yo-kai Watch which gives the person who has the watch the power to see Yo-kai. Yo-kai are things that cause your daily annoyances such as, when you have bad luck and fall or, you really have to go to the bathroom but there is a really long line, or you have a song stuck in your head that you hate or dislike. The Yo-kai are mischievous and you never know when they might show up or what they might do. Also, the Yo-kai are invisible, so you can't see them unless you have the Yo-kai Watch. This DVD reminds me of Pokemon a bit so, if you like Pokemon I recommend this for you! I am pretty sure the creators of this film got inspired or got the idea from Pokemon.
The show is well produced and made me want to keep watching. Sometimes though, I was a little confused as to what was happening. I wished for more details. For example, the film kept switching to other subjects which are a little confusing about what is happening. Sometimes the story is not so specific. Besides that, I really enjoyed it!
This show does have some mature humor. Even my mom and dad laughed at some of the jokes! But for the most part, the series is really kid-friendly and younger audiences will enjoy it or appreciate this DVD! In my opinion it is a really awesome series for kids!
I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, because anyone can enjoy it. This DVD is already available so look for it!
Reviewed by Ava L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
I've been a fan of the Yo-Kai franchise for a while, but I had never watched some of the episodes featured on this DVD. Yo-Kai Watch Season 1, Volume 1 is an awesome addition to your collection if you are already a fan of Yo-Kai! And, if you are new to the Yo-Kai stories, then you are in for a treat!
The Yo-Kai are funny little spirits who are responsible for all of life's daily annoyances. Yo-Kai are all over the place, but no one knows they are there. Humans can't see them unless they have the special Yo-Kai watch!
Nate is the main character, along with Whisper who is his Yo-Kai butler and Jibanyan, his Yo-Kai cat. Nate is a kid who seems to be about 13 years old. Whisper is a proud, yet annoying sidekick. And Jibanyan is Nate's playful pet, who helps with his knowledge of Yo-Kai and also brings a comedic element.
In this series, we learn a lot of back story about the Yo-Kai. They are all interesting, but I must say that some of them are a bit dark. After all, these spirit creatures were once alive, which would mean that something happened to them to make them not alive anymore - aka disease.
The animation is classic simple Japanese anime. It's easy to watch. It held my attention from start to finish. The music is catchy and original. The theme song gets stuck in my head all day whenever I hear it!
I give Yo-Kai Watch Season 1, Volume 1, 5 out of 5 stars! This series has so many good episodes. A viewer will probably watch for hours - like me!
In my opinion, this series is good for ages 9 to 18. I don't know if adults would like it. They may get bored or not understand it. But for a kid, it's great! Get it where your favorite DVD's are sold or on Digital. It's available February 26, 2019.
Runtime: 286 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 4-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 14.99
Media: DVD
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THREE BEARS AND THE PERFECT GIFT, THE - THREE BEARS MOVIE LLC
Series: DVD, AGES 5-10
Description - When Baby Bear steals a turnip from the wicked Boo-Hag's garden - she transforms him into a human. Unless he finds the perfect gift before Christmas morning, he will remain a boy forever and Mother Nature will banish him from the Enchanted forest.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - A loving heart can be the greatest gift of all. The Three Bears: The Perfect Gift is sure to be a holiday favorite. It revisits the classic Three Bears story, adding a modern twist filled with suspense and thought provoking circumstances. Can humans, animals and make believe characters find the courage within to help each other on Christmas? We take a journey through an enchanted forest where multiple tragedies take place. Boohag, a wicked witch who lives in a secluded space called black hollow, is to blame. She is a mean old witch that will ruin the lives of anyone that crosses her path. Find out what happens when two loving fathers join forces to rescue their family. Goldie, Benny the Beaver and Baby Bear travel along an amusing journey of danger, mystery and magic. Most importantly, we find out if spells are cast and if wishes really do come true. Curious children decide to collect gifts on Christmas Eve, but find much more than they bargain for.
I enjoyed the actor's performances, the graphics and the storyline. The message is about learning to be brave and put differences aside to problem solve. I really liked seeing a new version of this childhood classic with a holiday theme that appeals to kids and families. I had to stream the video on a different device because the first one kept pausing. But, once I got it working, it was entertaining and held my attention immediately after the first few minutes. The film progressively gets better. The story is a little predictable, but the ways in which problems occur is unexpected. The costumes are also quite charming.
The production quality is very good, although some scenes and graphics don't match the actual settings. But, all images are clear. The sound is great. I enjoyed the bonus features and bloopers at the end. It gives us a chance to see the actors without their costumes on.
I give this film 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to ages 5 to12. This is available now on DVD so, keep a look out for it, especially for the next holiday season. Reviewed by Elle Stewart, KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I really like the adventurous plot, the realistic and detailed costumes and the character personalities in this remake of the class Three Bears story.
This film tells about how Baby Bear sneaks out on Christmas morning to find the perfect gift for his parents, Mama and Papa Bear, only to cross paths with the evil Boo Hag who transforms him into a human. It is the prefect mixture of action, sadness and silliness. It is 100% live action, with the animals being people in costumes instead of being CG.
The characters that stand out the most to me are Bedilia Beaverton (Maile Flanagan) because she's hilarious and Madame Rosa (Elissa Dowling) because I like her accent. They are very realistic and yet they also have human characteristics as well. They are always in one forest or another. My favorite setting is the scene where they are walking through the woods and all of the trees are lit up with Christmas tree lights.
I like the song in the beginning a lot. It reminds me of barn dance music. All of the songs are good, but the singing could have been better. There are only two special effects. One is a kind of scary banshee. The other is a fairy that is a glowing pink orb half of the time.
The message of the film is that a perfect gift doesn't always have to be something big and extravagant. Sometimes, the perfect gift is something small but meaningful. Some things to be aware of are that first, we see Baby Bear, Benny and Goldie sneaking off without telling their parents where they are going and then, they talk to and trust a stranger. There are some scary images that would make it unsuitable for younger kids.
I give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. It will be available November 15, 2019 so look for it.
By Kayenta C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Runtime: 84 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $
Media: DVD
Click above to view YouTube video of CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! SEASON 3, VOLUME 1
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CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! SEASON 3, VOLUME 1 - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 5-10
Description - Enjoy the first volume of the third season of The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! The award-winning television show follows the adventures of 6-year-old best friends, Sally and Nick, as they're whisked off on amazing voyages of scientific discovery with the Cat in the Hat. Thanks to the Thinga-ma-jigger and our friends, exploring has never been more exciting! In this volume set, kids will learn how accidents and mistakes can lead to discovery, how the shape of an object impacts the way it bounces, and how changing the direction of a force can make heavier things easier to move. But the discoveries don't end there! We learn how mirrors reflect and bounce images, how to change the volume and pitch of a sound, and much, much more! So let's go, go, go, go on an adventure - we're flying with The Cat in the Hat today!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - In this DVD, the Cat in the Hat, along with 6-year-old best friends Sally and Nick, Thing #1 and Thing #2 and Fish go on numerous adventures dealing with scientific discoveries. The separate stories include dealing with the phenomenon of shadows and how they are made, why a slide loses friction, why accidents can be a positive thing and why some magnets attract and others do the exact opposite. The stories are approximately 15 minutes each. The set consists of two discs and is approximately 220 minutes long. The DVD consists of 20 episodes plus a bonus section with five snippets around two to three minutes each, all of which reinforce the scientific facts in the stories. Also available is a Spanish language sub-title option. The Cat in the Hat is voiced by well-known comedian Martin Short.
The segments are short enough to hold the attention of the target age group. Children will most likely want to see more than one story at a time. Thus, they can absorb science information in an exciting way. I like the separate adventures that deal with science facts. I could relate to the story about the children's slide because I recall being at a popular amusement park as a child, where one of the popular attractions was a gigantic slide. When I was younger, I was able to slide down gracefully. Years later, as a pre-teen, I was not able to slide down the slide without becoming stuck at some point because of the friction issues. This was probably because of the bumpiness in the aging attraction. After many complaints, it was dismantled. Another story segment I found interesting was the opposites magnets attracting. I enjoyed when they were streaming down the river in red and blue boats and have to match the color of the boat with the same color of the oncoming rock in order to keep from crashing into it.
I recommend this DVD for ages 5 to 9 and give it a 5 out of 5 stars. It is available on DVD now, so check it out!
Reviewed by Kimberly M., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - To start off, I want to comment on how The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That: Season 3, Volume 1 and the rest of this series impacts children in a positive way due to the vocabulary and other lessons taught in each episode. This series is very enjoyable for kids to watch since the plots are well prepared in a way that kids can both understand and relate to. I didn't follow The Cat in the Hat when I was younger, but I feel it is very attracted to its target audience. The way the show is made, with all the colorful objects and the plots that draw you in is quite interesting.
The episodes on this DVD contain different stories and plots, but the format and the meaning are consistent. All the adventures have different plots and all the characters are inquisitive and enthusiastic about learning. This motivates kids' curiosity about the natural world and encourages them to follow the positive examples.
My favorite scene is at the end of when episode when The Cat in the Hat, his cat cousins, Nick, Sally, Fish and all his family gather together for a great musical finale where they are celebrated as true adventurers. I like this scene because it is a very creative with great songs and how the it is organized. It definitely gets children's attention in every way possible.
The important message that this show teaches is in encouraging kids' curiosity about the natural world. The series answers questions about natural science in a kid-friendly way. They learn about the seasons, animal behavior, habitats and more - learning to appreciate the wonder of exploration and discovery. The day and night concept, animals, plants, planets, gravity and a lot more are taught in fun ways and make kids catch it fast. I recommend this for ages 5 to 8 and give it 4 out of 5 stars.
By Alejandra Garcia, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
The Cat in the Hat is superb! I love the Cat in the Hat because he makes me laugh with his made up words and his corny jokes. The first episode that I watched was about Sarah the Inventor. This series has been around since 2010, but every time I watch it, I see something new. I think it is for everyone. The family can learn lots of lessons from each show. Sarah is an inventor like me. I create masterpieces on canvas, but Sarah invented the paint fall. When Sally hits the paint fall, all the colors get mixed up and start forming a color that one of the characters needs for his mountain. This episode is called "Accidents Happen if You're Lucky." As we get older, we learn that sometimes the things we plan don't go the way we want them to, but can still have a good outcome. Different doesn't always mean better and that is something we should understand about people. All people do not look alike, but we are all important in our own ways.
The second episode is called "Play Ball." It is a funny story about Sally getting a new ball and a boy loses it when he throws it up and it gets caught in the tree branches. Cat then takes them to a really cool ball palace with lots and lots of cool balls. They try to find the right bouncy ball for Sally. Cat gives her a tool that helps her look closely to see if the balls bounce. They finally find a ball she likes. Sometimes, things can be replaced and sometimes they can't. One thing is for sure, we will always lose stuff, even people. We have friends and sometimes they might lose our belongings and we get mad. Sometimes friends do stuff to hurt our feelings. We have to decide if the object is more important than our friend or is our friend more important. Losing anything is not fun, but it happens.
The third episode is "Gravity Drop." This is my second favorite episode. It is about a boy getting his plane stuck in a tree. They go to a valley that allows you to have more or less gravity. It looks fun because they are floating through the air when there is less gravity. It reminds me of going on a rollercoaster and going up into the air and then getting dropped back down. This is like a learning video because it teaches the viewer about gravity.
The last episode, "Design Time" is my favorite of all. It is my favorite because Sally makes a vase for her mom and the boy makes a robot for his dad. Sally has trouble making the vase so Cat takes them to blueprintia where they learn how to create blueprints of what they want to make. They learn that they must have a plan in order to do something correctly. That is like life, too. You have to have a plan. You have to think before you do something or make something. If you want things to go right, plan it first. I give this DVD 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 12. This is available on DVD now so, be sure to look for it.
By SaniyaRain F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Runtime: 220 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 12.99
Media: DVD
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OCTONAUTS: REEF RESCUE - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 5-10
Description - The Octonauts are a team of adventurers who explore the world's oceans, rescue aquatic creatures and protect their habitats - from the bustling eco-system along the Amazon River to the deepest depths of the Mariana Trench. Deploying a set of aquatic vehicles, Captain Barnacles, daredevil ex-pirate, Kwazii, medic Peso and the rest of the crew embark on missions around the globe before returning safely to their home base, the Octopod. On this exciting DVD, join the Octonauts as they journey to a colorful coral reef to rescue the creatures that live there! Come along with Dashi as she saves a pair of surfing snails. And when poisonous sea snakes get stranded on a beach, Peso must figure out a way to get them back into the ocean. Enjoy these adventures and more with the Octonauts!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - The Octonauts are a group of anthropomorphic animals that go on maritime adventures which often include educational experiences with undersea creatures and locations. Despite how cutesy this series may look on the surface, it has a decent amount of depth in its premise, with the characters going on adventures that feel like something you might find in Star Trek. Though, this may be a little too slow and difficult for younger ones, this show is best enjoyed by kids ages 4 to 8. As for the adults watching along, it is certainly entertaining for them too. In my opinion, that is quite a compliment for a children's television program that is so very cutesy. Bottom line, I definitely recommend this and give it 5 out of 5 stars! I thoroughly enjoyed it while watching with my preschooler.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - I surprisingly really enjoyed watching the loveable Octonauts: Reef Rescue. The character animations are very simple and that works for me. Also, they have the most adorable little personalities and vegetable helpers. The stories on this DVD are about a polar bear, cat, a penguin and their friends that explore, rescue and protect underwater sea creatures and their habitats. In these episodes, we learn about baby sea turtles, sunfish, tiger sharks and more. There is always a conflict in every episode and they manage to come up with the cleverest ways to save the day.
The series stars voice-talent actors Ross Breen, Teresa Gallagher and Simon Greenall and is produced by Adam Idelson. I really like the animation and give props to the animator Willian Muir. He keeps it very simple so that all ages can enjoy watching it. It is not just the main characters that I enjoyed. Oh, no no no, I really enjoyed the animated sea creatures as well. A lot of these sea creatures have very hard textures to mimic, so they make it through very nicely, plus we get a little sneak peak of the actual animals themselves at the end and that's pretty cool.
This is the kind of where they make learning fun, which they succeed at. There is not really a moral, but I it definitely promotes a love of ocean life. This show is great at teaching kids marine life and their habitat. When I was younger, I was obsessed with animals of all sorts and I adored this show. Watching it again reminds me why I loved it so much! There are not a lot of other shows that are dedicated to teaching kids about ocean life, so that's a plus.
I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 9. Reviewed by Lukas L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12
Runtime: 90 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 4-10
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: DVD
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FRONTLINE: THE FACEBOOK DILEMMA - PBS DISTRIBUTION
Series: DVD, AGES 12-18
Description - Early warnings about Facebook's impact on privacy and democracy in the U.S. and around the world. Dozens of original interviews and rare footage show how the company faced claims of misuse while becoming an unprecedented global power.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This two-hour Frontline episode offers a fascinating and much-needed critical look at the influence and effects of Facebook. From its gathering of users' data to the website's open forum being manipulated by propagandists, the fast-paced program portrays the dangers inherent when a company does little to verify the information being disseminated on its platform. Emphasis is placed on Facebook leaders identifying the company as a technology provider, rather than a media organization, which led to a focus on growth and profitability and little attention given to controlling the content being posted. The result was a proliferation of misinformation and "fake news," used insidiously by foreign governments to sow discontent and influencing the 2016 Presidential election. The hard-hitting program includes frank interviews with former Facebook staff who describe the failure of the company's leadership to take action when faced with the reality of the weaponization of the site as well as current high-level staff who defend their response as "slow." The issues raised here affect every user of social media and should be required viewing for anyone using Facebook. Recommended for ages 14 to 18, as well as adults. 5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Mike F. KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult review
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $ 12.99
Media:
Click above to view YouTube video of CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT CHRISTMAS
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CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT CHRISTMAS - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 5-12
Description - 'Twas the day before Christmas and all through the yard the Cat in the Hat and his guests partied hard. When the party was over, and the guests all departed one poor baby reindeer was left broken-hearted! Can the Cat in the Hat, Sally, Nick and the Fish help make come true little Ralph's Christmas wish? to be with his family, in far-off Freeze-Your-Knees. Will you help see him home? Come be our guests, please!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Looking for an original family fun DVD to watch with the younger kids during the Holiday Season? The Cat In The Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas is the one to watch This is a great addition to the other Cat In The Hat Knows A Lot About That shows. Like the others, it features Martin Short as the voice for the Cat, is colorfully animated, has very catchy music and is just fun to watch. It starts out at the Cat's big Christmas party with all his various creature friends, from elephants to a very little mouse. We learn that a caribou is the same as a reindeer. There is a delightful story about finding Ralph the Caribou and taking him home for Christmas. I highly recommend this for children ages 3 to 8, and their parents too. I give it 5 stars out of 5 for its terrific entertainment value. Reviewed by Denise A. B., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Cat In The Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas is filled with excitement, adventure and teamwork. The setting takes place on Christmas Eve and is based on the struggles of an inquisitive reindeer, Ralph, who needs to get home in time for Christmas. We travel through a town called Freeze Your Knees, a waterhole, and even Christmas Island where the crew faces lots of mysterious circumstances. There are creative moments of learning, laughter and problem solving. The climatic moments of this film teach us not to give up, no matter where we end up. The holiday season is most known for caring and sharing and this film focuses on that message. There are lots of surprise appearances from family members and animal friends of the Cat, Nick, and Sally. There are many moments of music the encourage you to sing along. Every character has a helpful role that contributes to the journey to save Christmas. Opportunities for education are surely part of this film. This is a great film to view with friends and family, especially during the holidays. The story has messages about being brave, working together and finding your way back home. I recommend it for ages 5 to 13 and give it 5 out of 5 stars. By Elle Stewart, KIDS FIRST! Juror
Runtime: 60 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 5.99
Media: DVD
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SNOWMAN, THE - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 5-18
Description - One crisp, winter morning, a young boy wakes up to find a thick blanket of snow has covered the ground as far as the eye can see. Filled with excitement, the boy decides to build a snowman using a tangerine for his nose, coal for his buttons and eyes, and tops him off with a hat and scarf. Later that night, at the stroke of midnight, the snowman comes to life! The young boy and the snowman embark on a magical adventure of discovery where the snowman explores the young boy's world and in return he takes him flying to his home in the North Pole. Upon arriving at the North Pole, the two join a party as the guests of honor to a very special person. Based on Raymond Briggs book, THE SNOWMAN is a family classic for generations to enjoy.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This classic animated film, based on the Raymond Briggs book, is one of my all-time holiday favorites. I have seen it shown with a live orchestra accompanying it, which was an incredible event. I'm so that that NCircle is celebrating its 40th anniversary as I firmly believe it belongs in everyone's holiday film collection, to be shared with youngsters and family members annually. Reviewed by Julie S., KIDS FIRST! Adult JurorThe Snowman (1982) harkens back to a more pure form of animation: hand-drawn, nearly wordless and not a pop culture reference in sight. The story of a boy whose snowman comes to jolly life unfolds in bursts of warm color, the images flowing into each other in a mesmerizing effect. Based on the popular children's book by Raymond Briggs, this 30-minute short was made for British television, earning a BAFTA TV Award and an Academy Award nomination. The texture and tremulous nature of the hand-drawn animation is of a piece with the author's original drawings, truly a book brought to life in a swirl of images and music, most notably the ethereal "Walking in the Air." This DVD release, celebrating the film's 40th Anniversary, includes two excellent bonus features: an alternate opening with David Bowie created for the 20th Anniversary and a 25-minute "making of" that goes into great detail about how the animation was done. Recommended for ages 4 to 18 and older. 5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Michael F., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
Winter is a magical time for children, especially when the snow falls. Every child looks forward to that one giant snowfall of the season. You know the one, where the whole world looks like it's engulfed in a comfortable, soft blanket. It makes even adults reach into their soul for their inner child and go outside to make snow angels, forts and of course... a snowman. The reality of the wonder of a heavy snowfall is what makes The Snowman such a wonderful story. The Snowman is based on the 1978 wordless picture book of the same name. The story is about a young boy who goes outside on a particularly snowy day to build himself a snowman. To his delight, at midnight the snowman comes to life! James and the snowman have all kids of fun together and even go on a little adventure to the North Pole! This story differs a bit from its source material, but it is a wonderful adaptation. The Snowman received a sequel called The Snowman and the Snowdog. This 40th anniversary DVD has some great special features, including an alternate introduction by David Bowie. This story has aged very well and the animation is still breathtakingly beautiful. This story is great for children ages 2 to 12, but anyone in the holiday spirit will really enjoy watching this! I give it 5 out of 5 stars for being so wonderful! Reviewed by Rachael V., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Snowman is a masterpiece that will bring families closer together for the holidays. The film is based on the classic UK picture book by Raymond Briggs, which has sold more than 8.5 million copies since it was first published in 1978.
In The Snowman, a young boy James wakes up one morning and finds snow on the ground. He quickly gets dressed and runs outside. He then builds a huge snowman. He gives it eyes, a nose, a scarf and a hat. He even gives it a big smiley face. After building the entire snowman by himself, it is time for James to go to bed. When he wakes up he notices that the Snowman has moved a little, so he runs downstairs and out the door. He then notices that the Snowman is glowing, moves some more and then, totally comes to life. James is flabbergasted to see a live Snowman. The Snowman and James introduce themselves and become great friends. The rest the film shows the two flying around having so much fun and adventure throughout the day.
The Snowman book was adapted for the screen in 1982 and earned a nomination for an Academy Award for best animated short film. The animation of the drawings is just amazing, bringing to life so many memories from the days of movie shorts. There is no dialogue, which makes it even more beautiful and somewhat old-fashioned. The music by Howard Blake, Peter Auty and the Sinfonia of London is amazing. It fits perfectly with everything the boy and the snowman are doing. Each song tells a story, with each pluck of a string or push of a piano key. The songs in the movie are catchy and addicting to sing along with. I am sixteen and I sung along with the songs!
The Snowman is directed by Dianne Jackson and produced by John Coates. This extravagant film has a little touch of magic which will keep you on your toes with excitement. I recommend this for ages 1 to 12 and give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Reviewed by Clayton P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
This heartwarming film about the winter season never ceases to amaze me. It reminds me of myself during the holidays. For example, when the boy has to scrounge up snow for his snowman, I thought about when I tried to do the same thing!
In the film, a young British boy in a classic 1950s English rural home builds a snowman on Christmas Eve. At midnight, the snowman comes to life and takes the boy on a flying trip around the world! The scenes become grander and grander until you think nothing more can happen! After all of this is over, they travel back home. The next morning, the boy...well, you'll see. The ending brought meaningful tears to my eyes!
The detail in this movie is stunning! Even though there is no talking, the artistry makes up for that. Each scene is hand-drawn, which must have been a technical pain for the scenes in motion! These movies are based on Raymond Briggs' classic picture book. Besides young children, adults who have read this book in their youth will also appreciate this quality film. The unexpected ending is truly memorable!
I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for kids ages 2 to 6, as well as adults. This movie is available both on DVD now so check it out. Enjoy this winter delight!
Reviewed by Eden T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
Holiday movies are one of my favorite forms of entertainment. Especially those that have adorable characters and a heartwarming tale. That is what this short film is all about. Add magnificent hand drawn animation and you have the perfect Christmas movie.
I love that this film has no words is both beautifully illustrated with animated images. The orchestra for the original film is Sinfonia of London. Their performance is stunning. Each piece of music fits the scene perfectly because it made me feel as if I was in the scene myself. Also the music is superb to relax to. So grab a hot cup of cocoa and put your feet up.
The images in this film are hand drawn with pastels and pencils, which make it special and unique. I like having a break from all the CGI we see and seeing animation as it was made years ago. This is something that many other kids will appreciate as well. This movie never gets old and people from all over the world will absolutely adore it. This DVD has become one I have added to my holiday collection and will watch it every year. Even really young children can watch it because it is so beautiful and the message is all about friendship, love, cheer and what the holidays are all about. I give this DVD 5 out of 5 golden stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 18, as well as adults.
Reviewed by Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Runtime: 30 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-18
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: DVD
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LLAMA LLAMA RED PAJAMA - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 2-5
Description - Adventure and learning await in these heart-warming tales based on the award-winning book series by author and illustrator Anna Dewdney. Join Llama Llama, Nelly Gnu, Luna Giraffe, Euclid the Sheep and Gilroy Goat as they explore their safe, friendly hometown and make childhood memories. On this DVD, watch Llama Llama at his first sleepover with friends! Learn how to share on a play date with Nelly Gnu! Discover what makes Llama Llama's red pajamas so lucky and so much more! Learn and play with Llama Llama and pals!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I found this DVD quite appealing. I like Llama and the other characters, especially Mama Llama. As a mom, even though my son is now a teenager, the first episode on the DVD brought back memories about a young child not wanting to go to bed. I also like the catchy rhyming. It's a fun series of shows. There are eight different episodes on the DVD featuring Llama Llama and his mama and friends. All are engaging and have different storylines and are appropriate for young children and some may even teach children how to share. I like the story lines because they are fun to watch. They are engaging with likable characters and perfect for preschoolers. The shows are all animated with bright colors and different scenes. I like that there are different types of stories and not all based on the same theme. The characters are unique because - well, how many cartoons feature llamas? I especially like Mama Llama because she is easy to relate to and is a good mom character. The costumes fit with the characters. Most of the scenes take place where in Llama and Mama's neighborhood and in their house. They may not be memorable per se, but they fit the story lines. The music sticks out, especially the theme song which is catchy. I can imagine young children singing along.
There is a message to the shows about being kind to others and learning how to share and be a friend. Young children will learn things such as being a friend and how to share. I give this DVD 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 5 years old. It is available on DVD now from NCircle Entertainment so look for it.
Reviewed by Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Wow, this series is so adorable and imaginative! This series is adorable and imaginative because the characters are so curious and always find a new adventure! Llama himself is very, very curious.
The series is about Llama, his mama (Mama Llama) and one of Llama's best friends, his favorite stuffed animal Fuzzy! In each episode, the characters face a problem and always seem to find a way to get around them! Llama loves his friends and cares about them a lot. Llama and his friends go through almost everything together. Llama and his friends are inseparable!
I like the way Noelle Wright wrote this series! It has a good plot, a very curious Llama which kids love and finds a way to put humor into the story. I also really like the intro music. It gets me in the mood! My favorite part of each episode is when Llama finds a problem because it gets me more into the story or scene.
This series is perfect for kids and has no bad actions or bad language. The message this show is trying to teach is that whenever there is a problem, you can get past it. Also, it reminds you that you can do anything if you put your mind to it!
I give this 4 out of 5 stars, because I like the lesson they are teaching. I wish there had more challenges for Llama and his friends though. I recommend this series for kids ages 2 to 18. It is available on DVD now, so look for it!
Reviewed by Ava L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
Are you ready to join the adventurous characters Llama Llama, Luna Giraffe, Nelly Gnu, Euclid the sheep, Gilroy Goat, Mama Llama and more? This kid- friendly, adventurous, funny and teachable series, created by Anna Dewdney, will have you laughing and giggling throughout most of the episodes. It is intriguing, attractive, hysterical and mirthful.
Adventure and learning awaits in these heart-warming tales based on the award-winning book series. The stories follows Llama Llama and his five friends as they explore their friendly hometown and make childhood memories. They face different problems, but always find a way to get around them. You get to see Llama Llama's get-go sleep-over with three of his friends. You also get to watch Llama Llama as he learns to share at his play-date with Nelly Gnu, which involve his new car his grandparents give him.
My favorite part is when Llama Llama learns how to be separated from his adorable bear named Fuzzy Llama, who is his best friend and who he can't sleep without. I love this part because it's unquestionably relatable. Fun Fact: I also have my very own Fuzzy Llama, who I can't bear being separated from. When I'm away from home, it's my bear CJ and my blanket Cozy.
My favorite character is Mama Llama, because she is such a kind, peaceful and loving mother and definitely proves that throughout the series. This DVD's message teaches you valuable life experiences. It is fantastic for kids and has no bad actions or bad language.
I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 through 10. It is available January 29, 2019. So, look for it! By Nathalia J., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
Llama Llama Red Pajama, based on the book by Anna Dewdney is cute, relatable and playful. You get to meet llama llama's adorable friends such as the adventurous Nelly Ngu, the fashionable Luna Giraffe, Euclid the Genius sheep and the Bully who becomes a friend of Gilroy the Goat. I love how these friends become closer through service, sleepovers and playdates!
In the episode "Noisy Neighbor," Llama Llama and his friends take up community service where they have to clean up the yard of a scary neighbor. They are interrupted several times by the neighbor and can't finish their work. Eventually, they figure out who the scary neighbor really is. To find out who the neighbor is you've got to watch this DVD.
I have so many favorite parts, but if i had to pick one, it would be from the episode "Time to Share." Nelly Ngu accidentally rips off Llama Llama's favorite teddy bear's arm. Mama Llama saves the day by sewing the arm back on and their friendship is saved. In that moment, they realize that sharing is really caring. Luna the Giraffe is my favorite character. Besides the fact that she's so fashionable, she's also silly and crafty. In the episode "Lucky Pajama," Luna helps Llama Llama spread the luck with their friends. She does this by making accessories out of the red lucky pajamas. The music is lighthearted and made me feel like I wanted to be apart of their town. Llama Llama lives in a little peaceful town where he bike rides almost everywhere with Mama Llama. In this little town everyone knows each other.
There are many messages that I took away from this, but the most important is to be kind, practice patience and realize that your actions can effect others in a positive and negative way. I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8. This DVD is available January 29, 2019 so look for it.
Reviewed by Milika L., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
Runtime: 90 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 2-7
Suggested Retail Price: $ 6.99
Media: DVD
SHAKESPEARE UNCOVERED SERIES 3 - PBS DISTRIBUTION
Series: DVD, AGES 14-18
Description - Series 3 includes six films with new hosts as they weave their personal passions with history and analysis to tell the stories behind the stories of Shakespeare's famous works.: Much Ado About Nothing (Helen Hunt); The Merchant of Venice (F. Murray Abraham); Measure for Measure (Romola Garai); Julius Caesar (Brian Cox); The Winter s Tale (Simon Russell Beale); Richard III (Antony Sher).
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Are you a fan of Shakespeare plays? If you are, then you will find this series engaging and educational. This series is hosted by six different hosts and shows what actually sparked Bard to create some of his greatest plays. I was intrigued and found this a very interesting series. One of my favorite parts of the series is that there are interviews with some of the actors and there are clips from some of the television adaptations. My favorite of the six hosts is Helen Hunt and she shares with us much of the meaning behind Much Ado About Nothing. Other hosts include F. Murray Abraham, Romola Garai, Brian Cox, Simon Russell Beale, and Anthony Sher. I enjoyed learning about the stories behind these great plays. I give this series 4 stars out of 5 stars for both its educational and entertainment aspects. I recommend for ages 14 through 18 years old and also for adults as well. Reviewed by Denise B. KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult review
Runtime: 350 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 14-18
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.99
Media: DVD
OBAMA YEARS: THE POWER OF WORDS - PBS DISTRIBUTION
Series: DOCUMENTARY, AGES 12 - 18
Description - Barack Obama launched into our national consciousness at the 2004 Democratic National Convention and ever since, he's delivered messages of patriotism, unity, and hope through the power of words. Interviews with eminent historians and key figures in his writing process give rare insights into these iconic speeches, as well as the Obama presidency and the man himself.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I have to admit that watching this DVD made me cry as I watched Obama's defining moments as President of the United States. This DVD shows how powerful and how heartfelt his words were, before he became President and during his eight years as President. In the beginning, his use of powerful words is compared to Martin Luther King Jr. and Abraham Lincoln. All three inspirational men used words in their speeches that moved people. I also cried when Barack Obama became President, but they were happy tears. This DVD shows Barack Obama and how his powerful speeches were filled with hope and unity. He often tells a story. I really enjoyed watching some of his most powerful speeches that are included in this documentary. The narration is so engaging. I enjoyed learning about his speechwriters and how seriously Barack Obama took his words. He is a true inspiration and one of my favorite Presidents. This show made me realize how much I wish he was still the President. He is truly missed! I give this DVD 5 stars out of 5 stars because it is entertaining and very powerful. I recommend for ages 12 through 18 years old as well as adults. Reviewed by Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 46 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.99
Media: DVD
NATIVE AMERICA - PBS DISTRIBUTION
Series: DVD, AGES 12-18
Description - This new series from Providence Pictures, weaves history and science with living indigenous traditions. The series brings to life a land of massive cities connected by social networks spanning two continents, with unique and sophisticated systems of science, art and writing. Made with the active participation of Native American? ?communities and filmed in some of the most spectacular locations in the hemisphere, "NATIVE AMERICA" illuminates the splendor of a past whose story has for too long remained untold.? Narrated by Robbie Robertson (Mohawk and member of the famed rock group The Band), each part of "NATIVE AMERICA" explores Great Nations and reveals cities, sacred stories and history long hidden in plain sight. In what is now America's Southwest, indigenous people built stone skyscrapers with untold spiritual power and transformed deserts into fertile fields. In upstate New York, warriors renounced war and formed America's first democracy 500 years before the Declaration of Independence, later inspiring Benjamin Franklin. Just outside of Mexico City, the ancient city of Teotihuacan is home to massive pyramids built to align with the sun and moon. On the banks of the Mississippi, rulers also raised a metropolis of pyramids and drew thousands to their new city to worship the sky. And in the American West, nomadic tribes transformed a weapon of conquest -- the horse -- into a new way of life, turning the tables on European invaders and building a mobile empire. ?
The producers of the program were given remarkable access to Native American communities, going behind the scenes at special events, including a pilgrimage to ancestral ruins at Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, a trek across lost territories in the American West and an investiture ceremony for a chief in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by cedar totem poles and centuries of tradition. Numerous Native American musicians provided music for the series and tribal members and descendant communities, whose ancestors built this world, share their stories, revealing long-held oral traditions as the thread that runs through the past to these living cultures today.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This impressive four-part PBS series, narrated by musician Robbie Robertson (himself a Mohawk), delves deeply into the history, culture, lifestyles and rarely discussed accomplishments of Native Americans. From excavated ancient cities to an appreciation of their contribution to the concept of democracy, the filmmakers utilize brisk editing, roving camerawork and animation to produce a moving, yet entertaining exploration of the original inhabitants of the Americas. The program provides an in-depth look at Native American rituals, scientific accomplishments and wall art that should prove enlightening to many viewers. Ceremonies rarely filmed are given welcome context and the detailed overview of their deep connection to the environment and the natural world make for an at-times startling program. New light is shed on their perseverance in the face of colonization and conquest. Recommended for ages 10 to 18, as well as adults. I give this 5 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Michael F., KIDS FIRST! Adult reviewer.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 216 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $ 29.99
Media: DVD
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Click above to view YouTube video of NEW ADVENTURES OF GUMBY, THE: 1980S VOLUME 1, PLUS BENDABLE
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NEW ADVENTURES OF GUMBY, THE: 1980S VOLUME 1, PLUS BENDABLE - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 5-12
Description - Limited edition includes bendable Prickle and Goo figures. Two DVD set. Welcome back Gumby and Pokey in this wild, wacky and inventive collection of '80s episodes. Featuring 50 clay-animated episodes, fully remastered from their original camera rolls and soundtracks. Also making appearances are Prickle, Goo, the Blockheads, Professor Kapp, Dr. Zveegee, the Moon Boggles, and Gumby's parents Gumbo and Gumba. New characters include Gumby's sister Minga, Denali the Mastodon and Tilly the chicken!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This lovely collector's edition comes with two bendable toys that are two new lovable characters from this Gumby DVD. The characters are Prickle, a cute yellow dinosaur/dragon and Goo, a green gooey mermaid. Having been a fan of the original Gumby series, I enjoyed seeing my favorite characters rejuvenated on screen with better film quality and sound. The stories are always so eccentric and fun-loving and this collection is no different. My favorite episode from Vol 1 is Birthday Party in the Middle Ages. During this story, Gumby and friends are invited to King Ott's birthday party from the middle ages book. I love seeing all of these characters brought to life in true Gumby form; the shapes and colors are fantastic. This DVD is captivating for the younger ages. I recommend it for ages 3 to 7 and give it 5 out of 5 stars for its timelessness. Reviewed by Rachael V., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The New Adventures Of Gumby: The 80's Series is a good show that retains the groundbreaking animation and immense amount of creativity at the forefront of past iterations of Gumby. This DVD contains over 40 episodes that follow the vivacious chunk of green clay named Gumby and his friends - Pokey, Prickle the little yellow dinosaur and a blue flying mermaid named Goo. Gumby can go anywhere, including inside books, and turn into anything. The crew goes on lots of fantastical and quirky adventures together. One of the things I enjoy about this DVD is its diverse set of characters. This collection has all the favorite characters from the previous series such as The Blockheads and Professor Kapp.
My favorite character from this collection is Gumby. This altruistic do-gooder is a character whose values are something kids can aspire to adopt. Gumby is one of the few characters that, if we all aspired to be, the world would be a better place. He is very likable and consistently fights for the common good. I also really like Gumby's friends. This collection also highlights how pivotal these characters were to the series' success. I really enjoy Gumby as a character, but without Prickle, Goo and Pokey as foils and characters for him to interact with, this series just wouldn't be as good.
I really have to give credit to the animators for using Claymation and not going with another type of animation. When such a specific brand like Gumby is been created and such dynamic characters are established, it's difficult to divert from the Claymation style. The difference here is I can tell that the character models and the environments have improved from the 60s, but the show doesn't lose the charm of the Claymation format.
I recommend The New Adventures Of Gumby: The 80's Series for ages 6 to 8.These are short cartoons that match younger kids' attention spans. The episodes are extremely colorful, but I think kids under age 6 won't understand the jokes. I give it 3 out of 5 stars. I didn't find this collection as compelling as the 60s series, but it carries the torch of the Gumby legacy well. You can find this collection on DVD now.
Reviewed by Benjamin P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
This lovely two DVD set comes with limited edition bendable Prickle and Goo figures. How awesome is that! The 1980s show was a hit when mom was growing up and it bought back so many memories for her. Welcome back Gumby and Pokey in this wild, wacky and inventive collection of 80s episodes, created and written by Joe Clokey.
My favorite character is, by all odds Gumby, because he is always so energetic and happy. I enjoyed watching how Gumby and his genial friend Pokey take an adventure through an Ice Cave. I enjoyed this mirthful episode because it made me laugh. I really enjoyed seeing the characters come to life. The colors also really bring a sense of enjoyment.
The characters in this series are Gumby, Pokey and Prickle, an adorable yellow dinosaur that looks like a dragon. Also making an appearance are Goo, the Blockhead, Professor Kapp, Dr. Zveegee, the Moon Boggles and Gumby's parents Gumbo and Gumba.
I have to tell you about the story behind this release. Did you know that each episode and song was fully re-mastered from the original camera rolls and soundtracks? How cool is that! Here's a chance to see Gumby as it has never been seen before.
I give this DVD 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 7, as well as adults. This series is certainly unique and will definitely bring back memories if you grew up watching Gumby. This DVD is available now so, check it out.
Reviewed by Nathalia J., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
What I like about this collection is that each episode is different and each character is made differently. The clay figurines are all unique and super cute. It is a different type of show than what I am used to seeing. I don't often see animated clay shows like this. The claymation is a little old school, like in my parents' days. In some episodes it seems a little slow moving, but according to my parents, Gumby was a pretty hip and legit cartoon to watch when they were young.
Gumby, Pokey and friends make a major comeback in this re-mastered collection. The characters are all made of clay and delivered in "claymation" on this two disc DVD. You do not want to miss out on this wacky, wild and original 50 episodes. One of my favorite episodes is "Gumby's Circus," where you see this circus almost flip upside down by the Blockheads.
My favorite character is Goo, because she is blue like my favorite color and very cute. I love mermaids and it so happens that Goo plays a mermaid. Her powers are extremely awesome! She has the power to fly and spit balls of clay. Pretty awesome! Girl power!
My favorite part of "Gumby's Circus" is when Gumby allows his sister Ming to be part of his circus show. Gumby's parents, Gumbo and Gumba attend the circus show to check out Gumby and Ming's performances. They are definitely proud of their children.
The message of this show is about Gumby being kind-hearted by allowing his sister to join his circus act. Although the Blockheads try to ruin the circus show, by destroying the tent, they are captured by a Good Samaritan cowboy and put into a cage until authorities arrive. Everyone helps save the circus from becoming a huge disaster.
I give this DVD 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 3 to 9, as well as adults. It's great animation for a child starting to recognize persons and things. It's available on DVD now, so check it out.
Reviewed by Sev'n F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9
Runtime: 250 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 24.99
Media: DVD
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OCTONAUTS, SEASON 2 - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 2-7
Description - Dive into adventure with your favorite underwater explorers, the Octonauts! Join brave Captain Barnacles, daredevil ex-pirate, Kwazii, medic Peso Penguin and the rest of the crew, as they explore the world s oceans, rescue the creatures who live there and protect their habitats - above and below the waves!Based on the richly imaginative books by Meomi, this series combines immersive visuals and 'submersive' humor to transport young children into a world that is both real and fantastic, full of mysteries to unravel and surprises around every corner.
In this season set, encounter all types of creatures from the Great White Shark to Lionfish and more! The adventures don't end there! Embark on an Amazon adventure with the Octonauts as they travel down the Amazon River in search of a lost city and Kwazii's long lost grandfather, Calico Jack! So come aboard the Octopod for 24 exciting missions!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - It's the Octonauts to the rescue! Well, they actually do more than just rescue, but I really enjoyed the rescue. They also explore and protect and I can add another one - they educate young children. The characters are extremely likable and engaging. There are so many different adventures in this season's collection. I especially enjoyed the one about the Great White Shark which the group needed to rescue and at the same time had to be very careful so they didn't end up as the Great White Shark's lunch! The underwater scenes are fun to watch. The dialogue is creative. I highly recommend for ages 3 through 7. One of my favorite things is how, at the end of each show, they give facts about sea animals such as the Great White Shark and Sea Snakes. I give this 4 stars out of 5 stars for its entertainment and educational aspects. Reviewed by Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - The Octonauts: Season Two is a very cute children's television series animated in Ireland and voiced by British actors. The show is based on American-Canadian children's books by Meomi Design Inc., which make it ideal for young kids! The series is very entertaining and educational. It contains lots of information and if you love the ocean, I definitely recommend this series for you.
You don't need to watch Season One to understand Season Two. From the very first episode, you are immersed in a colorful underworld, discovering the adventures of the very likable characters. The intrepid Octonauts travel in nautical space ships and the Octopod and will remind parents of Star Trek and the expeditions of French oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. I like that they work as a team and how they respect each other. Each character brings something different; they have different specialties and each one is unique.
My favorite characters are Peso, the penguin and Barnabas the polar bear captain which I found very classy. But, all six adventurers are fun to watch - Kawazii (the cat), Inkling (the Dumbo octopus), Shellington (the sea otter), Tweak (the rabbit), Dash (the dog) and Tunip (half animal, half vegetable). They are not only adorable, but it is easy to relate to them. They all have different accents and, by the sound of their voices, they are different ages too.
Everything is very interesting in this show. Each episode follows a different mission where you learn fascinating information about the ocean and marine life in a very fun manner. Each episode is based on one particular sea creature or animal and the Octonauts not only explore the ocean but also protect their habitat. The technology in the series is imaginary, but the creatures are based on real ones.
The show's color palette is beautiful with lots of light blues and greens. It's quite refreshing and calms you down, which I think is ideal for little ones. I really like the animation, especially the graphic transitions at the end of each episode as it gives a recap (Creature Reports) to the episode and additional information about each animal. Each episode is also focused on a particular conflict or problem, but you can enjoy them individually since there's no sequence between them.
Season Two comes with two discs, with 12 episodes each and 12 Creature Reports, which are music videos about the animals featured in that episode. This gives a nice recap on that segment. The message series is "explore, rescue, protect." There's a whole ocean out there to discover, but we have to care and preserve our nature for future generations and ourselves.
I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 2 to 8, but parents watching with their little ones will enjoy as well. It's available on DVD now, so look for it. Reviewed by Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
In this animated deep-sea adventure series, Captain Barnacles and his group of explorers roam the oceans in search of finding a creature that needs help. The Octopod is home to Kwazii, Shellington, Dashi, Captain Barnacles and Tweak. Throughout this season 2 collection, the Octonauts save many sea creatures including sharks, manatees, bowhead whales and many more.
This show is great for any kid over the age of 3. It's a wonderful way to learn about different types of sea animals. One episode starts with the Octonauts finding a sea animal needing help and, as the episode continues, the problem is solved. As they solve problems throughout each episode, we learn lots of information about the creature they save.
This really is a terrific show. It is well produced with excellent and colorful animation, has great informative content and it's fun! I recommend this for ages 3 to 7 and give it 5 out of 5 stars. It's available now on DVD so look for it. Reviewed by Cimre C., KIDS FIRST! Juror
I like the Octonauts series because it teaches kids about sea creatures. I also like how cute the animation and the characters are.
This series is about a bunch of underwater explorers that research sea animals. It is based on the books by the author Meomi. The Octonauts are led by Captain Barnacles. The three main characters are Captain Barnacles, Peso and Kwasii. Every episode is a fun adventure of learning about sea animals such as the Great White Shark, Long Armed Squid, Lionfish and more!
The animation in this show is adorable. The animation looks just like the book version. I love how colorful everything is and appreciate that they put a pop of color in every scene. They use colors to show how vivid the ocean is.
The characters in Octonauts are adorable. My favorite is Kwasii because of how funny he is. I love his stories about his days as a pirate. I also love how much of a daredevil he is. It's very thrilling to see him barely getting away from a shark or fighting with Swordfish. I also love his accent because he truly does sound like a pirate. I also like Peso. I love how knowledgeable he is about sea animals. He loves to help sea creatures and I think that's great.
I'm glad that this show teaches children about sea animals. It's important that kids know about animals. A lot of kid shows do not teach kids about meaningful things, but this show does. It's refreshing to see that kids are being taught things that can help them in the future. It is so important that kids learn about the oceans and marine life. It's important to learn about the necessity of protecting the ocean and its creatures.
I give Octonauts: Season Two 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 8. This is available now on DVD so look for it.
Reviewed by Carla P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 14
Runtime: 286 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 3-7
Suggested Retail Price: $ 14.99
Media: DVD
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LITTLE WOLF'S BOOK OF BADNESS - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 5-10
Description - All Little Wolf wants to do is stay at home with Mum, Dad and his brother, Smellybreff. However, Mum and Dad are worried that their precious son, Little Wolf, is not as bad as a small wolf should be. So they decide to send him off to Cunning College in Frettnin Forest to learn the Nine Rules of Badness from his Uncle Bigbad. Uncle Bigbad is a hopeless teacher, but armed with determination and native wit, Little Wolf thinks things out for himself. Sent out by his Uncle to round up a troop of boy scouts to eat for supper, Little Wolf discovers that the scouts have many useful skills that Little Wolf can learn from them. In the end, Little Wolf decides not to follow outdated rules of proper wolf behavior but to be true to himself. As a result, he inherits his Uncle's fortune and becomes master of Cunning College. Based on a world-famous series of best-selling Little Wolf story books, this one-off is a treat for the whole family!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is one of the absolutely cutest stories I have ever seen. I have read several of the short stories that spawned this movie and loved all of them. In this Little Wolf Adventure, his family is concerned that perhaps Little Wolf isn't as big, bad and tough as he should be. Their reaction to this is shipping him off to Cunning College to learn the Nine Rules of Badness from his Uncle Bigbad, whom is voiced perfectly by Michael Gambon (Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter film series). During his time at the college he continuously struggles with the ideas of being such a bad wolf, but at the same time he just wants to make his family proud. At one point his uncle gives him the terrible task of fetching some unsuspecting boy scouts to gobble up. Little Wolf sees all of these things that the scouts do and decides he wants to learn to do all of these amazing things himself. He may not be a bad wolf, but he sure is a big wolf now! I love the fact that this is a little story where we actively see a child decide who they want to be and being so proud of themselves. This is the kind of feel good story that every child needs to watch. This is great for ages 7 to 11 and I give it 5 out of 5 stars for being so cutely inspirational. Reviewed by Rachael V., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Little Wolf's Book of Badness, directed by Karsten Kiilerich, is unique and unexpected! With its spiral of surprises, I never could predict what would happen in the next scene. The story also puts a twist on common fairy tales such as Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood.The story follows Little Wolf (Alexander Pownall), who is not bad enough for his family. So his Mum (Lucy Whybrow) and Dad (Richard Hope) send him on a journey to Cunning College to learn from his Uncle Big bad how to be a true bad wolf. On his quest, he learns the 'Nine Rules of Badness.'
Alexander Pownall, the voice actor for Little Wolf, creates personality through his voice. His voice is high, making it sound like that of a young child. As Little Wolf ventures through the woods to reach Cunning College, I heard the fear in his voice and sympathized with him. When he writes letters back to his family and reads them, I heard the unwillingness to be where he was and the sense of defeat just through his voice. Michael Gambon, voice actor for Uncle Big bad, has terror in his voice that gave me goose bumps. For example, when he is first introduced and he speaks, I knew Little Wolf was going to have a tough time in Cunning College.
The animation is dark but appealing. It sets the tone of the movie as it reflects Little Wolf's feelings. For example, when Little Wolf feels that his trip was a waste of time and nothing good will come out of his journey, the scenery is dark, it is raining and there are shadowy clouds looming above him. The costume designs add to the personalities of each character. For example, Little Wolf has simple clothes that are similar to a schoolboy's outfit, reflecting what his purpose is in the movie. Uncle Big Bad wears a grey suit, with a yellow shirt and blue tie which reflects his personality as an evil wolf but also one who has the potential to have color or goodness in his life.
My favorite part of this show is the animation. The type of animation that is used made me feel as if I was watching my own imagination. The message here is that goodness will always outshine darkness. I give this DVD 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 15. This is available on DVD now so check it out.
Reviewed by Sahiba K., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15
Little Wolf's Book of Badness is a very odd type of film. It's not your typical Dora the Explorer type of kids' show, which is good because there are too many of those types of shows out there. This is a story and a good story at that. It teaches kids through a wolf who is supposed to be bad, but wants to be good.
The storyline is about Little Wolf who just wants to stay at home with his family, but his parents don't think he's bad enough to live up to the Wolf family name. So, they send Little Wolf to Cunning College to learn the Nine Rules of Badness from his Uncle Big Bad. But it turns out Uncle Big Bad isn't such an amazing teacher after all.
As I said, the show is pretty great. The animation is wiggles a bit, even when they are standing still. This is probably intended, but it is kind of distracting. One of the things I really like about this show is its plot and the simple way it shows the lessons they are trying to teach without even saying so. This is what makes it a different type of kids' film. It is also very slow paced. There isn't very much action. One thing I wondered about the whole time is why Little Wolf always sneezes when he's around Mr. Twister. Is he allergic? Michael Gambon, the voice talent for Big Bad is really cool. David Thewlis voices Mr. Twister, which is pretty awesome. I know and like both Gamgon and Thewlis from the Harry Potter films. Another thing I really enjoyed about this film is how scary they make Big Bad. I really was kind of scared when the character Big Bad came on and yelled at Little Wolf. That is probably my favorite scene because it really shows who Big Bad truly is.
The message this film teaches is that, even if you're bad or scary, that doesn't mean that you are happy. I rate this film 4 out of 5 stars because it has a cool, different way of teaching kids. I recommend this film for ages 2 to 6. This film is available now on DVD so, go check it out.
Reviewed by Jolleen M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11
I really enjoyed this animated short film! Little Wolf is charming throughout the film. The whole concept of Little Wolf's Book of Badness is also keen.
Based on the book written by Andre-Morgan and directed by Karsten Kiilerich, the show is about a wolf named, Little Wolf and his perceptions about being bad. His family is disgusted as they watch Little Wolf comb his hair and brush his teeth because, being a wolf you must be unclean and rude. Little Wolfs' Dad and Mom can't put up with his behavior any longer, so they send him to his uncle Big Bad. Big Bad is the head of Cunning College where Little Wolf is taught the nine rules for being bad. In reality though, Big Bad doesn't care about teaching his nephew, he only cares about how much food Little Wolf can give to him.
Big Bad is voiced by Michael Gambon who puts a 'great bad wolf' in his voice. Little Wolf is voiced by Alexander Pownall. Smellybreff, Little Wolf's younger brother is voiced by Matthew Gillespie. Smellybreff knows that Little Wolf isn't acting like a terrible wolf like their parents raised them to be. Lucy Whybrow voices the mom and Richard Hope, the dad.
I enjoyed watching the story come to life. The animation looks like drawing from the book which is very delightful. My favorite part is when Little Wolf tries to warn his uncle of the effects of eating baked beans too fast, but Big Bad just waves his comments away. As he gobbles up all the beans, Little Wolf continues to warn his uncle when he stands to close to the fire. Big Bad once again doesn't listen and toots right in front of the fire, making an explosion at Cunning College. This was my favorite part because it brought some great humor to the climax of the story.
The message of the film is to be yourself by being good, even if being good is bad. I give this 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 4 to 9. This DVD is available now so, be sure to check it out. Reviewed by Kamryn B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 16
Runtime: 30 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 5-8
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: DVD
GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW, THE - PBS DISTRIBUTION
Series: DVD, AGES 12-18
Description - The delectable baking competition that has grown into a beloved international phenomenon returns for a fifth season. The program features the original cast of Mary Berry, Paul Hollywood, Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, in a season never before seen in the U.S. Viewers will meet twelve of Britain's best amateur bakers who will don their aprons, enter the iconic tent and tackle culinary trials that increase in difficulty as the competition unfolds. Vying to be crowned star baker, challengers prepare three creations in each episode: a signature bake, which tests their creative flair and baking ability; the devilishly difficult technical challenge, in which contestants have to bake creations using only ingredient lists and minimal instruction; and finally, the showstopper, designed to fully showcase each baker's skill and creativity.Contestants face the demanding but endearing judges Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood, two icons of British baking who are now household names in America. Comedy duo Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc are the series hosts, providing the bakers with much-needed emotional support and comic relief. Offering viewers the perfect sweet summer escape, this program features unforgettable contestants attempting some of the series most difficult challenges, from bagels to strudel, treacle tarts to choux gateaus.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Ready, set, Bake! This series of shows follows 12 amateur bakers, all of whom are hoping to win the competition and become Britain's best. There are two main judges - well-known Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood. It starts out with one of my favorite baked items - CAKE and at the end, someone is eliminated. Obviously, the worst of the 12 is axed. Each show focuses on a different baked item such as bread, tarts, pies and more. This is a very addictive show, meaning that you want to continue watching. It has humor and is quite intense. I also like that they give a little back story on each contestant. I found myself rooting for one or two of them, but I won't say which one because one of them wins. It is simply fun to watch and, if you actually love to bake (as I do), this is a must-see! I actually learned a few helpful tips. There are ten episodes, including the finale. I give this 5 out of 5 stars for its entertainment and educational value and recommend it for ages 12 to 18. Younger children who are interested in backing will also enjoy it, as well many adults. Reviewed by Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult comments
Runtime: 550 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.99
Media: DVD
ENDEAVOUR: SEASON 5 - PBS DISTRIBUTION
Series: DVD, AGES 10-18
Description - As 1968 dawns, a year of change promises to disrupt the private and professional lives of Endeavour Morse (Shaun Evans) and his colleagues. Endeavour's recent promotion leads him to reluctantly mentor new recruit Fancy (Lewis Peek), while Thursday (Roger Allam) is beginning to think about life after the police. But in Oxford, crime never sleeps, and the team continues to be challenged by mysterious and intriguing cases of murder, greed, and deception. Meanwhile, the rise of organized crime in the city promises to change Oxford forever. When 1968 comes to a close, will things at Cowley Police Station ever be the same again?
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This is definitely not for young kids, but it is full of action and mystery. Adults who enjoy crime mysteries will find it entertaining and engaging. I really like the characters in this complete fifth season. My favorite is Endeavour Morse, of course. I like that he is paired up with a new rookie (recruit) and seems to be a bit bothered by the fact. The exchange between them adds to the entertainment factor. This series includes six mysteries and I like the 1960s time frame and how the mysteries are solved. There is definitely some violence and sexual content so I do not recommend it for children or young teens. I recommend it for ages 16 to 18, as well as adults, especially those who like crime mysteries. I give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult review
Runtime: 540 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 10-18
Suggested Retail Price: $ 49.99
Media: DVD
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KINGDOMS OF THE SKY - PBS DISTRIBUTION
Series: DVD, AGES 7-18
Description - This landmark three-part series, presented in partnership with the BBC, reveals the extraordinary animals and remarkable people who make a home on the iconic mountain ranges of the world, including the Himalaya, the Rockies, and the Andes. Episodes for this program include: HIMALAYA - Meet the extraordinary wildlife and people of the Himalaya--the highest mountain range on earth, where the air is the thinnest, the wind the strongest, the storms the fiercest. The higher you climb, the tougher it gets to survive. See snub-nosed monkeys, snow leopards on the prowl, and Tibetan monks performing ancient rituals high in the mountains. ROCKIES - The Rockies stretch 3000 miles across a beautiful wilderness of snow-capped peaks and hidden valleys. It is home to cougars, wolverines, wolves, and grizzlies, and where daredevil wingsuit fliers jump from high peaks and Native Americans compete in breakneck horse races. ANDES - The longest mountain range on the planet holds dozens of hidden worlds, from the driest desert on Earth to cloud forests teeming with life. Pumas hunt guanaco, shape-shifting frogs hide in remote forests, and the descendants of Inca build bridges of grass. Magnificent snow sculptures, huge salt lakes, and spectacular peaks are all found in these rugged peaks.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - This amazing DVD has three main themes: Himalaya, Rockies and Andes. It shows amazing scenes which includes wildlife and people. I love the Himalaya and learning about the snub-nosed monkeys and the snow leopards. My favorite things about all three places was learning about all the amazing animals. The scenes are absolutely breath-taking and you can really imagine what it is like to be there. This DVD is educational and very entertaining. I learned so much about all three places. I recommend this show to anyone who loves to watch nature films and learn about different places and wildlife. I recommend it for ages 7 through 18, as well as adults. I give this 5 out of 5 stars for its educational and entertainment value.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult review
Runtime: 159 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $ 24.99
Media: DVD
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GAMECHANGERS: DREAMS OF BLIZZCON - 0
Series: DVD, AGES 12-18
Description - GAMECHANGERS: DREAMS OF BLIZZCON enters the unexplored realm of professional eSports, as told through the eyes of two of the world's best StarCraft II players. Together with striking visuals and a mesmerizing original score, go behind the scenes and experience the high-pressure, high-stakes lifestyles of professional gamers. DVD includes: 5.1 Surround, Stereo, English and Korean with English subtitles for the deaf and hearing-impaired.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - GameChangers: Dreams of BlizzCon focuses on the world of e-sports and the game StarCraft 2, which is a military science fiction, real-time strategy video game. The world of StarCraft has become a competitive one and this documentary follows two of the world's best StarCraft 2 players and their journey from South Korea to BlizzCon, located in Anaheim. I was not expecting this film to be in-depth at all, but it is shockingly informative and entertaining. We learn about their life experiences and how it has shaped them into the well-known players they are today. It is absolutely enthralling watching them discuss the difficulties keeping up with the younger players and the personal challenges they face in their own lives. The idea of becoming wealthy because of becoming successful at StarCraft is shocking and fun. My children were intrigued about the idea of becoming professional gamers. The production value is really good and I really enjoyed watching this. While I believe that this film is more interesting for adults, I believe that children ages 15 to 18 will really enjoy it. I give it 5 out of 5 stars for being super interesting! Reviewed by Rachael Vickers, KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - see adult review
Runtime: 91 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 12-18
Suggested Retail Price: $ 19.95
Media: DVD
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FLOOGALS: PROJECT BIRTHDAY CAKE - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 3-7
Description - Each day, Captain Fleeker, First Officer Flo, and Junior Boomer encounter something that sparks their curiosity, setting in motion the day's research "project" and triggering an exciting adventure! In Project Birthday Cake, Boomer's built a little fizzerific food finder attachment for his Fizzer controls.�It's supposed to be able to sniff out food - a subject close to Boomer's heart.�Flying by a massive birthday cake the food finder goes out of control and Boomer crashes. The Floogals have to work out how to re-make the frosting and in the process find out what a birthday cake and decorations are for.
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - Small alien life forms, the Floogals, explore life in an everyday home setting with a particular family, where they discover certain human objects such as birthday cake, ice (for beverages), roller skates and a record player. The most fascinating and unusual part of this series is the background setup - the house is life action as well as the family members (mother, father, and kids). Think of this as a family sit-com. The Floogal characters are done in claymation. They take interest in particular objects located upstairs, downstairs, in the basement, the bathroom, kitchen and elsewhere. I like the originality of having the real-life backgrounds juxtaposing with the animated characters. The episode with the record player is particularly funny, since it is an older generational way of listening to music. Young children might be as clueless as the Floogals with regards to this "strange object," more so than any other object they explore.
This DVD consists of approximately nine, 8 minute episodes. I recommend this for ages 3 to 6 who will find it really fascinating for expanding their imagination (with every room the Floogals explore) and keep their attention with the pastel-type colors. Curious slightly older kids might tune in for the same reasons. I give this DVD 5out of 5 stars.
Reviewed by Kimberly M., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - These educational episodes are great for younger kids to learn practical things. The animation is colorful, detailed, and the characters, besides the "hoomans" or humans, are unique looking creatures. It is also interesting to look at the human household and human items, from their smaller point of view.
In these episodes, there are three main alien-like characters. Their names are Captain Fleeker, Junior Boomer and First Officer Flo. They live hidden inside the hooman's house. Fleeker, Boomer and Flo explore around house and try to learn more about the hooman ways. They encounter a birthday cake, some ice, a mirror, a banana, a toothbrush, sand, roller skates, a record player and a jewelry box.
Jules de Jongh voices Flo with authority and wisdom. Even though Flo isn't the Captain, you can tell that she knows what she is talking about and that she is more mature than the other two boys. Junior Boomer is the complete opposite of Flo. His name fits him as he has a lot more to learn than Flo and Fleeker. Hugo Harold-Harrison aptly portrays, through his voice, that Junior Boomer is a lot younger and more immature.
They use a mix of animation and live camera shots for these episodes. This brings the Floogals to life as they venture outside their ship. It is interesting to look at the world we know so familiarly from a completely different point of view. To Fleeker, Boomer and Flo everything looks weird and abnormally large. It's like entering a modern giant's house.
My favorite scene is when they first discover the birthday cake. Their facial expressions are so in awe of this great smelling piece of art in front of them. The birthday cake is based on outer space and looks very delicious and colorful. This is my favorite scene because it really is where the Floogals come to life.
There isn't a moral or message in these episodes. Their main purpose is to educate younger viewers about the properties of everyday items and how to use them. For example, in the episode "Project Ice," the Floogals teach viewers that ice can be used to keep things cool, but when it gets hot, it melts back into water.
This DVD offers great learning tools for younger viewers. I recommend it for ages 3 to 5 and give it 5 out of 5 stars for the effort put into it. It is available on DVD now, so check it out!
Reviewed by Jolleen M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
Runtime: 90 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 3-6
Suggested Retail Price: $ 9.99
Media: DVD
Click above to view YouTube video of CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! SEASON 2, VOLUME 2
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CAT IN THE HAT KNOWS A LOT ABOUT THAT! SEASON 2, VOLUME 2 - N CIRCLE ENTERTAINMENT
Series: DVD, AGES 4-12
Description - The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! follows the adventures of 6-year-old best friends, Sally and Nick, as they are whisked off on extraordinary voyages of scientific discovery with the Cat in the Hat. �Thanks to the Thinga-ma-jigger and our friends, exploring has never been more exciting! Enjoy the second volume of the second season of The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That! In this volume set, kids will learn the answers to questions like what is the Earth's atmosphere, why do we need bones, and how is paper made. The discoveries don't end there! We learn how polar bears survive the arctic winter, how our ears work and so much more!
KIDS FIRST!® Adult Jurors say - I'm a big fat of The Cat in the Hat! I have been since I was a little girl. Now, as an adult, I'm still a big fan! This DVD does not disappoint! It has 20 episodes! Directed by Tony Collingwood, the Cat in the Hat (Martin Short) definitely shows us that he knows a lot about many things from names and locations of the planets in our solar system to how animals walk with more than two legs. It is entertaining, engaging and great for preschool and school aged children, as well as their parents. Children will enjoy watching the Cat in the Hat and his friends Sally & Nick as they go on adventures to learn new things. One of my favorite episodes is about the solar system as the Cat in the Hat teaches Sally & Nick the order of the planets and their names. Martin Short as the voice of Cat in the Hat is perfect! I just love him. I also enjoyed the theme song. I give this 5 stars out of 5 stars, because I think it is a perennial hit. It's engaging, entertaining and educational What more could you want! I recommend it for ages 3 to 12. Reviewed by Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror.
KIDS FIRST!® Kid Jurors say - Calling all Dr. Seuss fans! Here's two discs, 20 episodes, fully loaded of extraordinary voyages of two best friends. Not only is this a fun Dr. Seuss cartoon for all, but it is also educational. Have fun while learning about the earth's atmosphere, the human skeleton, how paper is made and much more! So, let's jump into our imaginary Thinga-ma-jigger and go go go on an adventure with Nick, Sally and The Cat in the Hat.In each episode, I learned something I never knew before. In each of the 20 episodes, a lesson is taught through the journey of two best friends. It had me saying "wow, how interesting !" In one episode, I learned how paper is made. Who would have thought a tree, that I see every day in my young life, is chopped down to make paper? I use paper everyday. This is what I liked about this DVD. I learned something new in each episode.
What is less appealing about this show are the settings and colors. It felt like this film was created back in the 80s. I thought it needed to be modernized to capture the attention of today's young viewers.
My favorite characters are Sally and Nick. They are six years old and best friends. I like the bond they share in each episode. They communicate and work well with each other - team players, if you ask me. They have tons of fun and experience their journeys together. It truly shows the true meaning of best friends. I have a best friend and she and I love to take pretend voyages together.
Each episode has a different message, but the one thing they have in common are the lessons that are being taught through Nick and Sally's voyages. In each show, you learn scientific knowledge. This is a neat way to gather your children together to sing along while taking an amazing educational journey. Knowledge is key and there's no better way to learn but through a cool Dr. Seuss show.
I give this DVD 4 out of 5 stars. It is very educational and fun. The music had me bopping my head along with it. I would like it even better if it was more modernized. I recommend it for ages 3 to 14. My baby brother is three and he sung along with Nick and Sally. My mom is 39-years-old and she learned something about the human skeleton, that she never knew about before. This DVD is available now so, look for it.
Reviewed by Sev'n F., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9
The Cat In The Hat should be the highlight of every child's childhood. It's extremely fun and exciting to watch and you learn some problem solving techniques along the way. If you've watched season 1 season, season 2 is as good or better.
The show follows the great adventures of The Cat, Sally, her brother, Thing 1, Thing 2 and the Fish on the Super Luxurious Omnidirectional Whatchamajigger. The season starts with the two brothers and sister wanting to learn how to walk on three feet. As that episode continues, we are introduced to a couple of different insects until we find one with three legs. In the end, they can't find one with three legs, but the kids notice that to walk on three legs they need a pattern to walk in. At the end of the season, the kids and the cat have solved any problems they had and learned things they didn't understand before. Each episode is better and more exciting than the last.
This show is great for kids between the ages of 3 to 8 and I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars. This season is available now on DVD so look for it.
Reviewed by Cemre C., KIDS FIRST! Reviewer
Runtime: 220 minutes
Juror Recommended Age: 4-12
Suggested Retail Price: $ 14.99
Media: DVD
