Reviews
"Cinderella II: Dreams Come True":
Direct-to-video "sequel" to "Cinderella" that explores Cinderella's "happily
ever after" life as a princess. With help from the Fairy Godmother, mice Jaq and
Gus explore how life has changed for the young princess and her friends:
Cinderella's awkward first days at the palace, when she tried so hard to fit in
that she forgot to be herself; how Jaq felt so left out that he wished to be a
human -- a wish that came a little too true; how Cinderella taught one of her
nasty stepsisters how to smile -- uncovering a hidden well of kindness that
leads her to her own true love. Released February 2002. Disney,
2001, $26.99 VHS suggested retail price, DVD day and date.
"Rugrats Easter":
Double-length Rugrats animated special (to air in
March on Nick) has love in the air as Spike and Fifi, the Rugrats' dogs, start a
springtime affair. Led by Angelica, the Rugrats decide to stage a wedding for
the love struck pets, but the real surprise occurs when Fifi delivers puppies at
the Finsters' Easter brunch. Explores the symbols of Easter, including the
symbolism of the egg as a representation of rebirth. In paper sleeve or
clamshell packaging. Paramount, 2002, $12.95 VHS suggested
retail price. Released February 2002. Approved by
Lizzie.
"The Princess Diaries":
Second surprise hit of the summer revolving around the trials and tribulations
of young women trying to find their way in the world (the other being "Legally
Blonde") that shows that there is always a large audience for innocuous comedy
sans explicit sex and bathroom humor. This typical Disney comedy (a throwback to
the 1960s/1970s) stars Anne Hathaway as a clumsy 10th-grader in San Francisco
who discovers she is in fact the heir to the throne of the small country of
Genovia. With the aid of her grandmother Queen Clarisse (Julie Andrews) the ugly
duckling is turned into a lovely, poised princess. A delightful film for young
girls that has found a much wider family audience.
Director: Garry Marshall. Stars: Julie Andrews, Anne Hathaway, Hector Elizondo,
Heather Matarazzo, Caroline Goodall, Robert Schwartzman, Kathleen Marshall,
Sandra Oh. Buena Vista, 2001, MPAA rating: G, $22.99 VHS
suggested retail price. DVD: Day & Date. Released December 2001.
"Shrek":
Delightful story about the adventures of an odious ogre, Shrek (Mike Myers), who
is definitely not the hero of your run-of-the-mill fairy tales: he's got bad
breath, he's green and ornery, and he just wants to be left alone. His warm,
isolated swamp becomes overrun by a host of fairy tale creatures -- blind mice,
pigs, a wooden boy with a long nose, a big, bad wolf (DreamWorks' spoof on
Disney) --banished from an antiseptic kingdom by a pint-sized king (John
Lithgow). To get his swamp back, Shrek teams up with a talking donkey (Eddie
Murphy) to rescue a princess (Cameron Diaz) from a fire-breathing dragon.
Somewhere along the line there's love and revenge (as in most fairy tales) and
plenty of satire and just plain fun. Voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy,
Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, Vincent Cassel. DreamWorks, 2001,
MPAA rating: PG, $15.95 minimum advertised VHS price. DVD: Day & Date. Released
November 2001. Approved by Lizzie.
"Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole
Christmas!":
Dr. Seuss' classic Christmas tale comes to the big screen in an overdone,
bloated production that drains the story of its life and meaning -- exacerbated
by another scene chewing performance by Jim Carrey. But the kids really loved it
and audiences flocked to director Ron Howard's outing to the tune of $260
million -- and the prospects of a video blockbuster awaits in the wings.
Universal, 2000, MPAA rating: PG, $24.98 VHS suggested retail
price. DVD: Day & Date. Released November 2001. Approved by
Lizzie.
"Santa Who?":
Disney telefilm has Santa, played by Leslie Nielson, taking a tumble from his
sleigh just days before Christmas and developing a case of amnesia. While his
panicked elves try to find him, an ambitious, Christmas-hating reporter latches
onto Santa and helps him land a job in New York City. Soon it's up to a
dedicated little boy to bring Santa to his senses and save Christmas.
Stars: Leslie Nielson, Tommy Davidson, Steven Eckholdt, Max Morrow.
Disney, 2000, MPAA rating: PG, $22.99 VHS suggested retail
price. DVD: Day & Date.
"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs":
Digitally remastered and
restored, with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. Two-disc set with four-hours of bonus
material, including a music video of Barbra Streisand singing "Someday My Prince
Will Come," recorded for the DVD; commentary by Walt Disney pieced together from
hours of archival recordings; "Still the Fairest of Them All: The Making of Snow
White"; "Dopey's Wild Mine Ride" game; "Goddess of Spring" animated short; "Snow
White's Wishing Well" (Walt Disney biographical timeline, Snow White production
timeline, Brothers Grimm original version of Snow White, storyboard-to-film
comparisons); "The Queen's Castle" (Virtual gallery 3-D animated environment of
the queen's castle, early camera tests, character voice talent); "The Queen's
Dungeon" (abandoned concepts, restoration of Snow White featurette); "The
Dwarf's Mine" (deleted scenes including the cut song "Music in Your Soup"); "The
Dwarf's Cottage" (Los Angeles theatrical premiere, eight decades of trailers,
two black and white shorts: "A Trip Through the Walt Disney Studios" and "How
Disney Cartoons Are Made," publicity materials, vintage audio programs); more.
Disney, 1937, MPAA rating: G. Released October 2001.
Released to DVD only. Approved by Lizzie.
"Dumbo Special 60th Anniversay
Edition": Behind-the-scenes features, production materials, more.
Disney, 1941, MPAA rating: G, $22.99 VHS suggested
retail price. Released October 2001. DVD: Day & Date. Approved by Lizzie.
"Cats & Dogs":
Delightful family-friendly live
action/animatronic/computer assisted comedy about the age-old battle between
cats and dogs. Except here the dogs -- fitted with enough super high-tech
gadgets to make James Bond envious -- are the centuries long protectors of
human kind against a world takeover by cats. Enter Mr. Tinkles, a white Persian
on his own mission, who wants to thwart human professor Brody (Jeff Goldblum)
from perfecting an antidote for human allergies to dogs. To stop this evil
gambit, the dogs send in a green-behind-the-ears beagle puppy to protect the
family, and the action begins. This one belongs to the special effects, as the
humans are here strictly for window dressing for the special effected cat and
dog antics. Director: Lawrence Guterman. Stars: Jeff Goldblum, Elizabeth
Perkins, Alexander Pollock, voices of Tobey Maguire, Alec Baldwin, Sean Hayes,
Susan Sarandon, Joe Pantoliano, Michael Clarke Duncan, Jon Lovitz, Charlton
Heston. Warner, 2001, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 88 min., Family, Box
Office gross: $93 million, $22.98 VHS suggested retail price. Released
October 2001. DVD: Day & Date. Approved by Lizzie.
Dr. Dolittle 2:
The good doctor who talks to animals is back, and
this time out he's making house calls -- or should we say forest calls. Doctor
Dolittle (Eddie Murphy) is called upon by the furry denizens of the wilderness
to help save a forest about to be strip-cut by a nasty developer. It turns out
that a judge will prevent the destruction, if it can be proved that there's an
endangered species living there. So it's up to Dolittle to persuade a city-
dwelling circus bear to head out to the wilds to woo the last remaining female
of his species and prevent the destruction. That's pretty much the story line,
though there are side trips with Dolittle's daughter (Raven-Symone) who's
embarrassed by dad's animalistic conversations. There's plenty of cute animal
jokes (including a standing gag about a chameleon who has trouble blending in)
and lots of animal potty humor, but in the long run its just for the kids.
Director: Steve Carr. Stars: Eddie Murphy, Kristen Wilson, Raven-Symone, Kyla
Pratt, Lil' Zane, Kevin Pollak, Jeffrey Jones. Fox, 2001, CC,
MPAA rating: PG, 88 min., Comedy, Box office gross: $114 million, $22.98
VHS suggested retail price. Released October 2001. DVD: Day & Date. Approved by Lizzie.
Scooby-Doo and the Cyber Chase":
Latest in the Scooby-Doo franchise. Here Scooby and the gang face their most
electrifying case ever when they're zapped into a high-tech computer game based
on their own Mystery Inc. adventures. While pursuing the Phantom Computer Virus
through the 10 levels of the video game, the gang travels from prehistoric past
to space-age future and even manages to meet up with their own digital doubles
along the way. Director: Jim Stenstrum. Voices of Joe Alaskey, Bob Bergen, Grey
Delisle, Scott Innes, Tom Kane, Mikey Kelley, Gary Sturgis, B.J. Ward, Frank
Welker. Warner, 2001, CC, Animated, $19.96 VHS
suggested retail price. Released October 2001. DVD: Day & Date.
"Spy Kids":
At last! A kids action adventure that the whole family can really enjoy -- and
from the pen and camera of Robert Rodriquez, known more for his bloodletting
epics ("El Mariachi" and "From Dusk Till Dawn") than for his gentle touch. This
surprise spring hit, pushing past $100 million at the box office, follows a pair
of kids -- the children of retired, married spies who gave up their life of
danger for parenthood -- as they embark on a wild adventure to rescue their
folks from a nefarious villain and save the world from an army of robots.
There's plenty of action, gadgets and gizmos, and wholesome laughs to appeal to
the kids in us all. This one works for ages 6 to 60. Director: Robert Rodriguez.
Stars: Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara, Alan Cumming,
Tony Shalhoub, Teri Hatcher, Cheech Marin, Robert Patrick.
Miramax, 2001, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 85 min., Family Action
Comedy, Box office gross: $113 million, $15.95 VHS suggested retail price.
Released September 2001. DVD: Day & Date. Approved by Lizzie.
"When Good Ghouls Go Bad":
New made-for-video/TV kids horror film based on a book by the prolific R.L.
Stine ("Goosebumps"). Twelve-year-old Danny moves to a new town with his Uncle
Fred, only to find out that the town is haunted by a curse that prevents it from
celebrating Halloween. All hell breaks loose when a series of pranks and a fatal
accident leading to Uncle Fred's death unleash the curse of the town legend,
Curtis Danko. As Danko's prankster ghouls arise from the ground to terrorize the
city, Danny teams up with uncle Fred (back from the grave for a visit!) to prove
that Halloween is not cursed. Stars: Christopher Lloyd, Joe Pichler.
Fox, 2001, CC, MPAA rating: NR, 60 min., Kids, Fox, $14.98 VHS
suggested retail price. Released September 2001. DVD: Day & Date.
Approved by Lizzie.
"Recess: School's Out":
Disney's Saturday morning animated series
comes to the big screen in this feature-length adventure about a group of
elementary schoolers who uncover a plot by a discredited ex-principal to
eliminate summer with the help of a super, moon-shifting laser beam. It's the
kids versus the grown-ups at the schoolyard corral. Director: Chuck Sheetz.
Stars: Voices of Andy Lawrence, Ashley Johnson, Ricky D'Shon Collins, Courtland
Mead, Jason Davis, Robert Goulet, Melissa Joan Hart, Dabney Coleman, April
Winchell, James Woods. Disney, 2001, CC, MPAA rating: G, 84
min., Animated, $24.99 VHS suggested retail price. Released August 2001. DVD:
Day & Date. Approved by Lizzie.
"See Spot Run":
Really stupid, vulgar comedy about a dog hating
mailman who gets hooked up with an FBI pooch while trying to impress the girl of
his dreams. When the canine cop bites off one of the testicles of mob boss Paul
Sorvino, a hit is put out on the mutt and he's sent into the doggie protection
program. Naturally the dog hooks up with Arquette and the son of the woman he's
enamored of, and, after plenty of slapstick involving flatulence, ca-ca and an
electrified doggie collar activated by a TV remote, our hero comes out smelling
like ... a rose? A true example of the lowest common denominator of American
moviemaking, where bathroom humor comes to the fore and the only intelligent
mammal is a dog. Avoid at all cost.
Director: John Whitesell. Stars: David Arquette, Michael Clarke Duncan, Leslie
Bibb, Joe Viterelli, Paul Sorvino, Angus T. Jones, Anthony Anderson.
Warner, 2001, CC, MPAA rating: PG, 94 min., Comedy, $22.96 VHS
suggested retail price. DVD: Day & Date. Released August 2001.
"Pokemon 3: The Movie":
Another repurposing of the Japanese Pokemon
for the American market, this edition a far cry from the first and second
outings. The convoluted storyline has new characters (first introduced in the
Pokemon Game Boys) known as the Unown (Symbol Pokemon) that resemble letters of
the alphabet and can read human dreams, transforming them into a special kind of
reality. When Pokemon trainer Ash's mother is kidnapped by the Unown and made
the mother of a little girl they have previously put under a spell, Ash must
come to the rescue. Is this fad over yet? Director: Kunihiko Yuyama (Japanese
version), Michael Haugney (American version). Voices of Veronica Taylor, Eric
Stuart, Rachael Lillis, Maddie Blaustein, Ikue Otani. Warner,
2001, CC, MPAA rating: G, 91 min., Animated, $14.95 VHS suggested retail price.
DVD: Day & Date. Release August 2001.
"The Emperor's New Groove":
Thoroughly enjoyable animated
adventure about the arrogant ruler of a South American kingdom who's turned into
a llama by his devious advisor and her hunky henchman. The ruler -- who
selfishly once had it all -- must form an unlikely alliance with a peasant to
find a way to become human (literally and figuratively) again to regain his
throne. Fast-paced action and comedy will delight kids and adults alike -- while
imparting a good lesson about the virtues of kindness and understanding.
Director: Mark Dindal. Stars: Voices of David Spade, John Goodman, Eartha Kitt,
Patrick Warburton, Wendie Malick. Disney, 2000, CC, MPAA
rating: G, 78 min., Animated, $26.99 VHS suggested retail price. DVD: Day &
Date. Released May 2001. Approved by Lizzie.
"102 Dalmatians":
Sequel to 1996's "101 Dalmatians," Disney's
live-action remake of its classic animated film. Here Cruella De Vil, played
again by Glenn Close, is released from a London prison after serving a
three-year dognapping sentence -- and she's supposedly cured of her fixation on
dog fur. But surprise -- the ringing of Big Ben sends her back to her old ways
and, with the help of a French furrier (Gerard Depardieu), she goes after canine
capes. More of the same slapstick and doggie tricks of the original prevail.
Director: Kevin Lima. Stars: Glenn Close, Gerard Depardieu, Joan Gruffudd, Alice
Evans, Tim McInnerny, Ben Crompton. Buena Vista, 2000, CC, MPAA
rating: G, 99 min., 24.99 VHS suggested retail price. DVD: Day & Date. Released
April 2001. Approved by Lizzie.
"Winning London":
"Winning London" is the latest direct-to-video feature film adventure of the
ever popular Olsen twins (The duo have sold more than 20 million videos, and
have projects in film, television, music, fashion dolls and accessories, sports,
publishing and fashion). Here 'tweens Mary-Kate and Ashley travel to London to
participate in their high school's Model United Nations competition, taking in
the sights, surveying the culture, meeting guys and learning that winning isn't
everything. Stars: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. From Warner,
rated G, $19.96 VHS suggested retail price. No DVD. Released March, 2001. Approved by Lizzie.
"Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School""
Latest Scooby-Doo adventure, featuring the upright dog and his human pal Shaggy.
Here Scooby, Shaggy and Scrappy take jobs at Miss Grimwood's Academy for Girls,
leading them into an eerie adventure: the students are daughters of the world's
most famous monsters. When a sinister sorceress tries to kidnap the girls --
Elsa Frankenstein, Winnie the Werewolf and Sibella Dracula -- the boys move in
to save the day. From Warner, not rated. 93 min., $14.95 VHS
suggested retail price. DVD: No. Approved by Lizzie.
"Rugrats in Paris: The Movie":
The Rugrats invade Paris in this delightful tale that once again showcases the
mixture of fantasy, comedy, slapstick and tenderness that are the hallmarks of
the animated kids (and adults) show. The entire Pickles clan and friends are
whisked to Paris when Stu Pickles' mechanical Reptar -- the highlight of the
EuroReptarland amusement park -- goes on the fritz and he's summoned to repair
it. Throw in a conniving park manager who will do anything for a promotion, a
new love interest for Chuckie's dad, and a lot of the patented Rugrats humor,
and you have another hit for kids of all ages. From Paramount,
rated G, 86 min., $22.99 VHS suggested retail price. DVD day & date ("Who Let
the Dogs Out" Baha Men music video, 17-minute making-of featurette, two
alternate endings, sound effects showcase on the "Chuckie Chan" sequence,
DVD-ROM interactive games). Released March 2001. Approved by Lizzie.
"The Little Vampire":
Delightful and whimsical tale about an American boy (Jonathan Lipnicki) who
moves with his family to the sprawling Scottish countryside, where he makes
friends with a family of vampires whose lasting wish is to become human. The
vampire family includes a cool teenage daughter and pre-teen son, the latter
who comes to the American's aid when he's picked upon by more burly Scottish
schoolmates. And the American, in turn, helps the vampires overcome a
centuries-old curse. Suitable for all but pre-schoolers. Also stars Richard E.
Grant, Jim Carter, Alice Krige. From New Line, rated PG, 94
min.), $19.96 VHS suggested retail price. DVD day & date (Three animated
menu-based games, jokes, recipes, DVD-ROM extras). Released March, 2001. Approved by Lizzie.
"Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's
Adventure": The folks at Disney sure know how to milk a franchise: The
company has released a sequel to one of their best-loved aminated features,
1955's "Lady and the Tramp." In "Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure," Lady
and Tramp's son Scamp leaves the safety of the Darlings' home to see the world
outside. The mischievous pup takes up with the Junkyard Dogs, a group of strays
who seem to represent the free and easy lifestyle. Despite meeting and falling
for Angel, a lovely stray, Scamp must put up with the constant bullying of the
group's leader, Buster, forcing the youngster to decide between an uncertain
life on the street or the unconditional love of his family. Features the voices
of Scott Wolf, Alyssa Milano, Jodi Benson, Jeff Bennett, Chazz Palminteri, Cathy
Moriarty. From Disney, rated G, 70 min., $26.99 VHS suggested
retail price, $29.99 DVD suggested retail price (DVD extras include "Making of
Lady and the Tramp II: The Adventure Behind Scamp's Adventure" featurette,
commentary by director Darrell Rooney and producer Jeannine Roussel, interactive
Tramp's Hide and Seek Game, classic Disney cartoon shorts, DTS surround).
Available February, 2001. Approved by Lizzie.
"The Adventures of Rocky and
Bullwinkle": Jay Ward's famous animated heroes make it to the big
screen with mixed results. When baddies Natasha Fatale (Rene Russo), Boris
Badenov (Jason Alexander) and Fearless Leader (Robert De Niro) somehow morph
from animated characters into the real world -- with a mission of world
domination and destruction of moose and squirrel -- Rocky and Bullwinkle are
called back into action to save the planet. Joined by a rookie FBI agent (Piper
Perabo) the dynamic duo blunder their way on a wild cross-country journey to New
York to foil the evil plot. The uneven humor is generously spiced with
inside-Hollywood jokes. Voice of June Foray (Rocky), Keith Scott (Bullwinkle),
Rene Russo, Jason Alexander, Piper Perabo, Robert De Niro, Kenan Thompson, Kel
Mitchell, Randy Quaid. From Universal, rated PG, 86 min., no
suggested retail price. DVD day & date. Released February, 2001.
"Disney's The Kid":
Delightful -- if somewhat sentimental -- fairy tale of a story about a Type A
image consultant (Bruce Willis) who -- through some quirk of time -- suddenly
comes face to face with the 8-year-old boy he used to be. The boy's first gripe
about his future life: "I grow up to be a guy with no dog? What a loser I
become." For his part, the harried 40-year-old has trouble coming to grips with
the boy he used to be and that he's tried to forget -- overweight, insecure and
weak. The two eventually help each other to come to grips with both the past and
present, paving the way for a much better future. A fine family film --
though the time warping may confuse younger viewers. From
Disney rated PG, 102 min., no suggested retail price. DVD day &
date. Released January 2001.
"Dinosaur":
Disney's incredible CGI film about life in the age of dinosaurs, following the
adventures of Aladar (a 30-foot-long iguanodon) raised on an island by lemurs.
When the island is destroyed by a meteor shower, Aladar swims for the mainland
(with his lemur buddies on his back) and joins a herd of dinosaurs heading for
the safety of an inland valley. The herd's trek is not without problems
--they're faced with hunger, thirst and predators -- but in the end cooperation,
tolerance and bravery save the day. Visually stunning and a lot of fun. From
Disney, rated PG, 82 min., VHS $17.95 suggested retail price.
DVD day & date. Released January, 2001. Approved by Lizzie.
More reviews and
listings
|
| Other Releases
- February 2002:
Universal will release on February 19 "Balto II: Wolf Quest," a direct-to-video
sequel to 1995's animated "Balto," which was loosely based on a true story about
a half-wolf, half-dog who -- against all odds -- brings a sled of needed
medicine to a town in Alaska to save sick children. $13.95 VHS suggested retail
price with DVD day and date.
On February 5, Artisan will release "Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story,"
the Jim Henson company's TV miniseries take on the fairy tale. Directed by Brian
Henson and starring Matthew Modine, Vanessa Redgrave, Mia Sara, Daryl
Hannah, Jon Voight and Richard Attenborough. $14.98 VHS suggested retail price
with DVD day and date.
For preschoolers: Columbia TriStar is releasing to VHS and DVD
the first set of adventures of "Jay Jay the Jet Plane," a Public
Television series that features a perky 6-year-old jet plane that
introduces kids to the wonders of nature and science and teaches
children valuable life lessons through engaging stories of
discovery. Due February 5 are "New Friends, New Discoveries,"
"Fun to Learn" and "Nature's Treasures" on VHS ($12.95, with
three episodes per tape) and "Adventures in Learning" on DVD
($19.95 with five episodes). ... Also due February 5 is "Dora
Saves the Prince," featuring two activity filled adventures in
which animated Dora the Explorer and friend Boots help a prince
and a special frog reach their destination. Dora, a spirited
Latina heroine, is bilingual and teaches viewers a Spanish word
or phrase in every interactive episode; $12.95 from Paramount.
... Back on video this month to tickle the little ones are three
kids standbys: Barney, in a new video, "Barney: You Can Be
Anything!" set in a costume shop and featuring 19 songs, $14.95
VHS from HIT Entertainment; animated Little Bear in his latest
outing, "Little Artist Bear," with four "picture-perfect"
episodes, $9.95 VHS from Paramount; and the latest learn-
along/play-along from Nick's Blue's Clues, "Telling Time With
Blue," $9.95 VHS from Paramount.
For kid fans of anime come two new adventures from Pioneer
Entertainment: "Sherlock Hound -- Case File 1," the first of an
animated series based on the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle detective
(here with humanlike dog characters), directed by acclaimed anime
director Hayao Miyazaki ("Totoro," "Princess Mononoke"), for ages
seven and up, $29.98 DVD only, due February 26; and "Adventures
of Mini-Goddess," based on the popular characters from the "Oh!
My Goddess" Dark Horse Comics, a comedy about three pint-sized,
charming goddesses who explore the world in search of adventure,
for ages 13 and up, $24.98 VHS, $29.98 DVD, due February 12.
For healthy kids: A new trilogy of fitness and wellness videos
has been created for kids ages 3 and up by American Gladiator
champion Cheryl Ann Silich. Titled "Adventures in Oz With
Cheryl," the videos use the story of Dorothy in the land of Oz as
a springboard for kid exercises and lessons on fitness, health
and self-esteem. The live-action videos are loaded with music,
adventure, computer-animated special effects and animatronics.
The three volumes (VHS only) are "Munchkidland" (for beginners),
"Yellow Brick Road" (intermediate) and "The Emerald City"
(advanced); $9.95 each from OZsome Enterprises (888-850-7547 or
www.ozercise.com); due February 12.
- January 2002:
Columbia TriStar will release on January 2 "Rodgers and Hammerstein's
Cinderella," a 1965 TV musical adaptation of the fairy tale classic, set to a
Rodgers and Hammerstein score. Considered one of the best versions of Cinderella
ever mounted. Stars Lesley Ann Warren, Stuart Damon, Walter Pidgeon, Ginger
Rogers, Celeste Holm, Jo Van Fleet and Pat Carroll. $14.95 VHS suggested retail
price with DVD day and date.
For preschoolers, HIT Entertainment will release on January 15
the newest title in the Kipper series, "Kipper: Imagine That!",
chronicling the playful animated adventures of Kipper the curious
hound and his animal friends, $9.99 VHS. The folks at Disney will
release on January 8 three Valentine's Day videos: "The Book of
Pooh: A Valentine for Eeyore," "Winnie the Pooh: Un-Valentine's
Day" and "Rolie Polie Olie: Happy Hearts Day"; each VHS sells for
$12.99 and comes with a Valentine card.
For older kids Urban Vision Entertainment will release on January
22 the first four episodes of the anime series "Strange Dawn" --
about two school kids mysteriously transported to a world where
everything is half their size -- on one cassette ($22.95, in
English) and one DVD ($29.95 in English and Japanese with
subtitles).
For the pre-teen set, Disney has released four Disney Channel
movies to VHS: "Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century" and "Zenon the
Zequel," featuring the adventures of a mischievous intergalactic
teen starring Kirsten Storms; "Miracle in Lane 2," starring
Frankie Muniz as a wheel chair-bound 12-year-old who perseveres
against all odds to enter the soapbox derby national
championships; and "Motorcrossed," about a family of motorcross
bike racers.
- December 2001:
Universal has released "Beethoven's 4th" with more of the slobbering St.
Bernhard and his outsized antics. Here the Newton family's Beethoven gets sent
off to obedience school but a mix-up at the park switches Beethoven with his
dead-ringer look-alike and well-mannered Michelangelo. The Newtons think that
the school has done the trick, while Michelangelo's Sedgewick family is in for a
surprise. Stars Judge Reinhold and Julia Sweeney. $19.98 VHS SRP.
Small Fry Productions will release on December 11 eight
educational The Brainy Baby Company DVDs for the diaper set: "The
Brainy Baby Company Presents "French," "Spanish," "Shapes &
Colors," "ABCs," "123s," "Animals," "Left Brain Learning" and
"Right Brain Learning." Each DVD sells for $19.98 and offers a
multitude of visual and auditory experiences for children ages 1
to 5, and features interactive storybooks (which can be printed
out for coloring), interactive games and puzzles, sing-alongs and
parent's guides. (www/small-fry.com or 800-521-5311).
For older kids there's "Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of Fire," a
new Christmas tale about a lazy, chubby and lovesick Robbie the
Reindeer who's unfit to join Santa's team until he learns that
there is no easy route to success and that hard work and talent
get rewarded in the end; $19.98 DVD and $14.95 VHS. Released to
DVD for the first time is the animated "Grandma Got Run Over by a
Reindeer," about a young boy who goes on the misadventure of a
lifetime to find his grandma, save the family store and prove
that Santa is real; $19.98. Both are from Warner Home Video.
For kids of all ages, A&E Home Video has released VHS and DVD box
sets of the fabulous "Supermarionation" futuristic cult classic
British TV series (1965-1966) "The Thunderbirds." The puppet
heroes of International Rescue save the world (over and over) in
"Thunderbirds Set 3" (with three one-hour episodes, "Vault of
Death," "Operation Crash Dive" and "Move and You're Dead") and
"Thunderbirds Set 4" (with three one-hour episodes, "Martian
Invasion," "Brink of Disaster" and "The Perils of Penelope." Each
three-VHS set sell for $29.95. The DVD editions differ from their
VHS counterparts: "Thunderbirds Set 3" includes all six episodes
from the VHS 3 and 4 sets while the DVD edition of "Thunderbirds
Set 4" includes episodes "The Impostors," "The Man From M.I. 5,"
"Cry Wolf," "Danger at Ocean Deep," "The Duchess Assignment" and
"Attack of the Alligators." Each DVD two-disc set sells for
$39.95.
For Pokemon fans, Warner has released the all-new direct-to-video
animated "Pokemon: Mewtwo Returns," a sequel to the Pokemon
theatrical feature films, in which Ash and the Pokemon protect
Mewtwo's psychic powers from the evil Team Rocket. $14.95 VHS and
$19.98 DVD; the DVD edition has such extras as the uncut version
of "The Story of Mewtwo's Origins" and the new TV show opening
theme song.
- November 2001:
For pre-schoolers: Paramount has released "Rugrats: Kwanzaa,"
a 46-minute videocassette in which America's favorite babies
learn about Kwanzaa and the holiday festivities, $12.95; and the
50-minute "Blue's Clues: Blue's Big Holiday," in which young
viewers join Blue and real-life host Steve Burns to explore the
winter holidays, $9.95.
On November 27 Columbia TriStar will release two "Jim Henson's
Bear in the Big Blue House" DVDs: "Potty Time With Bear," a self-
explanatory video with three episodes and three sing-alongs; and
"Visiting the Doctor," with three episodes and four sing-alongs
exploring the theme of health, $24.95 each.
Pioneer Entertainment has released two more episodes of the
animated "Miffy," based on the series of books by dutch artist
and author Dick Bruna (the adorable white bunny turns 47 this
year, and has been featured in more than 100 books, with 80
million copies sold worldwide, translated into 40 languages). In
"Miffy Tell Me a Story," episodes have Miffy and family and
friends telling such fairy tales as Cinderella, Little Red Riding
Hood, Snow White and Hop 'O My Thumb; "Miffy at School" includes
episodes that introduce cuddly characters such as Boris Bear, his
girlfriend Barbara, Kitty Nelly and Poppy Pig; $12.98 each VHS.
"Newton in a Bottle: Physics for Kids" is the first early
learning video that combines stimulating and entertaining
programming with demonstrations of scientific principles. The
27-minute 3-D animated video features an inquisitive cat named
Max who interacts with spheres and other objects that move in
ways that demonstrate various physical principles -- simple
mechanics, leverage, gravitation, momentum, projectile motion and
light. Music ranges in style from Strauss waltzes to African
rhythms. It's all handled in ways that the little ones (ages
three months to three years) will relate to. There's even a
parent's guide to the video, which is available free online.
$14.95 VHS; for more info: 800-840-4460.
For older kids there's "Whispers: An Elephant's Tale," a
live-action adventure about a lost baby elephant who joins up
with a fiercely independent older elephant on a bickering,
laughing and singing journey in search of his mother, with the
voices of Betty White, Joan Rivers and Angela Bassett, from
Disney, $22.99 VHS, $29.99 DVD. Also from Disney comes the
animated "Recess Christmas: Miracle on Third Street," featuring
the Recess kids and their teachers as they experience a special
Third Street School Christmas and learn to believe in the true
spirit of the holiday: when Principal Prickly's car gets stuck in
the snow, he and his marooned passengers, Miss Finster and Miss
Grotke, start to relive their students' outrageous escapades and
come to the conclusion that the kids are both naughty and nice;
with the voices of Dick Clark, Robert Goulet and James Earl
Jones, $22.99 VHS, $29.99 DVD, due November 6.
Pioneer Entertainment keeps kids anime hopping with new additions
to their "Pokemon: The Johto Journeys" series ("Azalea
Adventures" and "Buggy Boogie," $14.98 VHS and $24.98 DVD) and
the "Gatekeepers" series ("Gatekeepers: New Fighters - Volume 2,"
$24.98 VHS and $29.98 DVD), as well as releasing a "Sailor Moon
DVD Box Set" featuring three adventures, "Sailor Moon R," "Sailor
Moon S -- Hearts in Ice" and "Sailor Moon Super S," $69.98 on
DVD.
For the dancer in your kid, Kultur Video has released three
instructional programs: "Baby Ballet," "Tot Tap" and "Junior
Jazz," for ages four through six, $12.95 each (800-718-1300 or
www.kultur.com).
This is the time of the year that holiday videos for kids
start to trickle into the marketplace: Disney's offerings (in
addition to the aforementioned "Recess Christmas: Miracle on
Third Street") include "Rolie Polie Olie: A Jingle Jangle
Holiday," featuring four adventures of Olie and his friends as
they explore a magical, all-robot world where everything is
round, $14.99 VHS; "The 12 Days of Christmas Sing Along Songs"
featuring Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and friends,
$9.99 VHS; "Spot's Magical Christmas," featuring the delightful
dog and his adventures on a surprise-filled journey that takes
him all the way to Santa's workshop at the North Pole, $9.99 VHS;
"Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse," a
direct-to-video adventure in which Mickey Mouse joins other
Disney characters (Belle, Ariel, Snow White, Mulan, Pooh and
others) to celebrate Christmas, $22.99 VHS, $29.99 DVD, due
November 6; and "Santa Who?" (2000), starring Leslie Nielson,
Tommy Davidson, Steven Eckholdt and Max Morrow, a TV movie about
Santa developing amnesia and forgetting about Christmas, $29.95
VHS. ... Columbia TriStar will release to DVD on November 6
"Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas," a made-for-TV Jim Henson
movie that features Emmet Otter as he joins a jug band to raise
extra money to buy Christmas presents, featuring Henson (as
Kermit the Frog) and Frank Oz, $19.95; as well as Jim Henson's
delightful 1987 made-for-TV movie "A Muppet Family Christmas,"
$19.95 ... Warner has released "Robbie the Reindeer: Hooves of
Fire," featuring the animated adventures of Robbie the Reindeer,
who's a bit lazy, a bit chubby and totally lovesick, but still
determined to join Santa's sleigh team, $9.99 VHS, $14.98 DVD;
and "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer," an animated adventure
about an outrageous case of hit-and-run that starts out as a tale
about a missing grandmother and ends up proving that Santa is
indeed "real," new to DVD at $19.98.
- October 2001:
Columbia TriStar will release on October 23 the first two volumes
of the Kids' WB! Saturday morning cartoon "Jackie Chan
Adventures": "The Power Within" and "The Day of the Dragon," with
two episodes each, for $12.95; a DVD, "The Search for the
Talismans," featuring three episodes, will be available for
$19.95.
Barbie gets the CGI animation treatment this month in "Barbie in the
Nutcracker," a feature-length made-for-TV movie in which she's cast in two roles
in a modern adaptation of the classic Nutcracker -- as Clara and the Sugarplum
Princess. For girls only. From Artisan, available in VHS and DVD.
- September 2001:
Fox Home Entertainment has added three new titles to its Family
Features video line: "Ping," about a Chihuahua, adopted by a hip
grandmother, that foils a robbery, starring Shirley Jones, Judge
Reinhold and Clint Howard; "To Walk With Lions," starring Richard
Harris as George Adamson, a man who rehabilitates lions born in
captivity in spite of poachers, politics and his own personal
demons; and "Mom's Outta Sight," about an invisible mother who
must save her husband's atomizing ray from an unscrupulous lab
assistant; $9.98 VHS and $19.98 DVD, available September 4.
On September 11 Warner Home Video and PBS Kids Home Video will
release the debut videos of PBS' hit preschool cartoon series
"Caillou," about a very adventuresome little boy and his friends.
"Caillou" videos are already a hit in Canada and are now making
the foray into the States. First out are "Caillou's Furry
Friends" and "Caillou the Explorer"; $12.95 each VHS.
Anchor Bay Entertainment has scheduled two interesting releases
for preschoolers (2 to 5), both due September 25. "Baby Songs
Silly Songs" is the latest outing in the Baby Songs series,
featuring singer/songwriter Hap Palmer in renditions of 10 songs
that demonstrate his talent for integrating music and movement
into preschool education while celebrating a child's natural
enjoyment of silly situations and wordplay; $12.98 VHS. The other
new release is "The Best of Thomas," featuring eight Thomas the
Tank Engine episodes; $12.98 VHS; the $19.98 DVD version includes
a "Thomas and the Dinosaur" read-along story, interactive games,
sing-alongs and a "Howard the Helicopter" CD-ROM game.
Madacy Kids has launched a new line of kids videos, the "Mommy &
Me" series, which feature real moms and their children inviting
viewers to participate with parent-child interaction and
activities, encouraging parents and kids to have fun through
songs, dance, visual and musical patterns, stories and nursery
rhymes, and other multi-sensory segments. The first three videos
are "Fun & Friends," "Splish Splash" and "Lullaby & Goodnight."
Suggested prices are $14.98 VHS, $19.98 DVD. Info: 800-784-0991.
- August 2001:
Remember Benji? That floppy-eared dog that won the hearts (and
pocketbooks) of family moviegoers when "Benji" was released in
1974. Well, he's back, this time on VHS and DVD. Ventura
Distribution will release on August 28 the original "Benji" film
(directed by creator Joe Camp and starring Peter Brock, Deborah
Walley and Edgar Buchanan) for $14.95 VHS and $19.95 DVD; two
primetime specials, "Benji at Work" and "Benji at Marineland,"
will also arrive on that date for $14.95 on VHS. Ventura says
that 17 other Benji titles will soon follow.
Warner Home Video will release new VHS and DVD editions of candy
classic, "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971), starring
Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum and Roy Kinnear. The
VHS includes a new documentary "Pure Imagination: The Making of
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (featuring behind-the-scenes
secrets, script changes, special effects techniques, all-new
interviews with Wilder and the now grown-up Wonka kids) for
$22.96; the DVD includes the "Pure Imagination" documentary as
well as commentary by the Wonka kids, sing-along Wonka songs, and
the original theatrical featurette; both due August 24.
For preschoolers, August is a hot month.
· On August 7 Paramount will
release the direct-to-video
premiere of "Maurice Sendak's The Little Bear Movie"; Columbia
TriStar Home Entertainment will release three new "Dragon Tales"
VHS videos: "Dragon Tales: Do the Right Thing," "Dragon Tales:
Let's Be Friends" and "Dragon Tales: School Is Cool," $12.95
each; the second "Dragon Tales" DVD, "Dragon Tales: Let's Share!
Let's Play!" featuring five episodes, will also be released on
that day, $19.95; Nick Jr.'s "Bob the Builder" comes home with
its third video on August 7, with "Bob the Builder: Pets in a
Pickle" for $14.99 VHS.
· On August 14 HIT Entertainment
will release the latest music
video from Australia's No. 1 kids entertainment group, the
Wiggles: "Wiggly Play Time" will be available on VHS for $14.95.
Also on August 14 Warner Home Video will release an exclusive-to-
video VHS based on the PBS series "Zoboomafoo" (a mix of live-
action, puppets and animation, created by the Kratt brothers,
celebrating wildlife): "Zoboo's Scary Tails," $12.95.
· On August 28 Disney will release
"Rolie Polie Olie: A Spookie
Ookie Halloween," $12.95 VHS; the Teletubbies finally come to DVD
with the release of "Baby Animals" for $19.98 (also on VHS for
$12.95) on August 28; and Barney goes on location for the first
time ever in "Barney, Let's Go to the Zoo," $14.95 VHS on August
28.
For slightly older kids there's two Rugrats compilations,
"Rugrats: Decade in Diapers, Volumes 1 & 2 (each featuring six
episodes), $12.95 each or as a 2-pack Gift Set for $25.90, as
well as a new video, "Rugrats: All Growed Up," in which the
Rugrats travel 10 years forward in an imaginary time machine,
$12.95; all from Paramount on August 7.
And for really "growed up" kids there's the latest compilations
from "tweens" Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen: "The Amazing Adventures
of Mary-Kate & Ashley," "Mary-Kate & Ashley's Favorite Parties"
and "Mary-Kate & Ashley's Vacation Parties," each containing
three episodes, $9.95 each from Warner.
- July 2001:
"The Trumpet of the Swan" is a charming animated tale of a mute swan
who takes extraordinary steps to find his own voice, including enlisting the aid
of a young boy to learn how to read and write and then embarking on a journey to
become a world-class trumpet player. Based on the children's novel by E.B.
White. Director: Richard Rich. Voices of Jason Alexander, Reese Witherspoon,
Seth Green, Carol Burnett, Mary Steenburgen, Joe Mantegna. From Columbia
TriStar, $19.96 VHS suggested retail price. DVD: Day & Date.
"The Book of Pooh: Stories From the Heart" is a brand new Pooh
adventure using a unique combination of life-like puppets and computer
animation. Pooh and his friends return in a new story that invokes the classic
feel of A.A. Milne's book but offers a new look at Pooh's charming world: Pooh,
Tigger and their pals uncover Christopher Robin's treasured collection of
stories from the Hundred Acre Wood. Features six original songs. From Disney,
$24.99 VHS suggested retail price. DVD: Day & Date.
Warner Home Video has added three new titles to its Cartoon
Crack-Ups Collection: "The Jetsons Meet the Flintstones";
"Cartoon Crack-Ups," with seven cartoons featuring The
Flintstones, The Jetsons, Scooby-Doo, Yogi Bear, Huckleberry
Hound and others; and "Dexter's Greatest Adventures," a compilation of
the cartoon boy genius; under $15.00 each, available now.
"Families of the World" is a new video series that takes
youngsters to other countries and cultures for a glimpse at how
other children live. Featuring kid narrator/hosts, the series
kicks off with "Families of Korea" and "Families of Israel";
$19.95 each from Master Communications (800-765-5885 or
www.familiesoftheworld.com), available July 31.
The Little Fiddle Company has launched the new multimedia "Mini
Maestro" series for toddler and preschoolers designed to promote
learning through visual and aural stimulation via bright colorful
images, animated characters and classical music. The first title,
"The Clocks Symphony" (presented on video, music CD and storybook
formats), uses a rainbow-haired instructor to take kids through a
fun-filled day of activities to learn about numbers and the
concept of time. Other titles in the series will explore creating
stories and reading. The video has a $14.95 price tag; a
"Tic-Toc" storybook and CD sells for $16.95; and a gift set with
the video, CD and book sells for $28.75; available now from
800-678-5636 or www.minimaestro.com.
Old standbys: "The Best of Percy" is the latest addition to the
award-winning "Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends" series,
featuring nine stories of the green tank engine and his railroad
friends from the land of Sodor (narrated by George Carlin and
Ringo Star); $12.98 from Anchor Bay Entertainment, available now
... Warner has added two new videos to its animated Scholastic
line of "The Magic School Bus" adventures: "The Magic Schoolbus
Makes a Rainbow" and "The Magic Schoolbus Gets Planted"; $9.95
each ... Fox has released new episodes of the ever-popular Power
Rangers: "Power Rangers Time Force 2 -- The Quantum Ranger,"
available August 1 for $14.98, and "Power Rangers in 3-D,"
available now for $9.98 ... and Pioneer Entertainment will
release on July 31 the latest Pokemon adventures, "Pokemon: The
Johto Journey, Flying Ace" and "Pokemon: The Johto Journey,
Fire Power," each $14.98 VHS or $24.08 DVD.
- June 2001:
Every pre-schooler's favorite characters from the popular Disney
Channel children's series "Jim Henson's Bear in the Blue House"
return once again with two new videos from Columbia TriStar:
"Sharing With Friends," featuring two episodes on the virtues of
sharing, and "Safe and Sound," with two episodes on overcoming
fears; both sell for $12.95 each VHS and are available now.
Lyrick Studios, the home of Barney, has premiered a new
children's video line for preschoolers starring a curious,
considerate hound named Kipper with canine pals Tiger and Jake,
and Pig and Pig's baby brother Arnold, compiled from the Nick Jr.
TV series. The show puts a premium on gentleness and simple
wisdom. The first two VHS videos -- "Pools, Parks and Picnics"
and "Tiger Tales" each contain seven episodes and sell for $9.99.
WGBH Boston Video will release on June 12 two videos from the
"Between the Lions" PBS children's series about a family of very
special lions who live in a library where characters pop off the
pages, vowels sing and words take on lives of their own. In "The
Lost Rock" a lost rock is reunited with its lost book; in "The
Lucky Duck," the feathered hero doesn't want to be cuddly and
cute anymore so a special story is written that turns him into
The Big Bad Duck, where he learns a lesson about being oneself.
$12.95 each VHS. <800-949-8670 or www.wgbh.org>.
Sony Wonder's latest entry in the kids video sweepstakes is "Mega
Babies," culled from the Fox Family Channel series about three
rambunctious babies who were ordinary toddlers at the Perfect
Angels Orphanage until a cosmic bolt of lightning turned them
into the powerful force of the Mega Babies! With the help of
their gadget-packing nanny, these super heroes use their
mega-strength to ward off every menace of the universe --
including mutated alien villains and fully loaded diapers. The
first two releases -- "Nursery Slimes" and "Destructive Nature"
each contain four episodes and sell for $9.98.
- May 2001:
"Blue's Clues: Playtime With Periwinkle" invites young viewers to
join host Steve Burns in his computer-animated storybook world in
two episodes of the Nick (and now CBS saturday morning) kids
show, available on VHS for $9.95, from Paramount ... Four full-
length episodes of the award-winning "Arthur" animated series
arrives on one video from Sony Wonder on May 8 on VHS: "Arthur's
Celebration" (titled in honor of 25 years of "Arthur" books)
features "Arthur's Birthday," "Grandma Thora Appreciation Day,"
"Arthur's New Year's Eve" and "D.W.'s Perfect Wish" ... Also from
Sony Wonder on May 15 comes "Elmo's World: Birthdays, Games &
More," a compilation of episodes starring Sesame Workshop's Elmo,
due May 15 on VHS ... Nick Jr.'s new hit pre-school "Bob the
Builder," a stop-frame model animation series that follows the
adventures of an ever-friendly and helpful builder and his crew
of fun-loving action machines, designed to reinforce
developmental skills such as keeping a positive attitude, working
together and solving problems, comes to home video in two VHS
volumes, each containing four episodes: "Can We Fix It?" and "To
the Rescue," available May 22 on VHS at $14.99 each ... Two
standby kids franchises increase their home video reach this
month: Pioneer will release "Pokemon 41: Mission Spinarak" and
"Pokemon 42: Snow Rescue" to VHS ($14.98) and DVD ($24.98) on May
29, and Fox will release the home video debut of three episodes
of the new Fox Kid's series "Power Rangers Time Force" on VHS
($14.98) on May 22.
- April 2001:
Kids, get ready to rock. Warner Home Video has released two all-
new video releases of the early 1970s animated TV series "Josie
and the Pussycats" (just in time for the theatrical release of
the live-action version). The series, which was adapted from the
Archie comic book (with more than 60 issues having been
released), was picked up by the Cartoon Network, which re-aired
the original series in 1998-99, and is now in reruns on the
Cartoon Net's new cable network, BoomerangTV. Each VHS contains
four episodes that follows the adventures of the crime-busting,
groovy girls. "The Melody Memory Mix-Up" features the title
episode plus "The Great Pussycat Chase," "Never Mind a
Mastermind" and "Strangemoon Over Miami"; "Chile Today, Hot
Tamale!" includes the title episode plus "Spy School Spoof," "The
Midas Mix-Up" and "The Secret Six Secret." Suggested retail
price: $14.95 each.
Also from Warner and the Cartoon Net this month comes VHS and DVD
releases of episodes from the animated "Powerpuff Girls": The
"Boogie Frights" VHS contains five episodes, plus the never-
before-seen "Helter Shelter" episode, a special Cartoon Net bonus
'toon of "Courage the Cowardly Dog," a sneak peek of the Net's
new "Samurai Jack" series, and a "Powerpuff Girls" music video;
the "Twisted Sister" VHS contains five episodes plus the never-
before-seen "Power Lunch" episode, a bonus 'toon of "Dexter's
Laboratory," the sneak peek of "Samurai Jack" and the girls'
music video; both for $14.95 each. The DVD, "The Mane Event,"
contains 10 episodes, plus two never-before-seen episodes, the
original "Powerpuff Girls" cartoon with alternate angle versions,
commentary, video bios of the girls, the music video, interactive
games and DVD-ROM extras; $19.98.
On April 24 Columbia TriStar will release to DVD two live-action
kids films: The first Dr. Seuss live-action film, "The 5,000
Fingers of Dr. T" (1953), starring Tommy Rettig and Hans Conried,
with the bonus cartoon "Gerald McBoing Boing's Symphony" and a
photo gallery; and "The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking"
(1988), starring Eileen Brennan and Tami Erin; $24.95 each.
More animation: On April 10 Pioneer Entertainment will release
two more volumes of the Japanese animated series "Sailor Moon":
"Sailor Moon S: Labyrinth" and "Sailor Moon S: Birthday Blues,"
on VHS for $14.98 each. Fox has released another volume of
"Digimon" adventures: "Digimon 5: Battle With Piedmon," featuring
three episodes from the second season of the Fox Kids series,
$14.98 VHS.
For preschoolers: Lyrick Studios has released the newest direct-
to-video VegieTale animated adventure from Big Idea Productions,
"Lyle, the Kindly Viking," a high seas musical adventure
featuring Junior Asparagus as a small Viking convinced that the
profession of pillaging and plunder is not quite right, causing
him to set out to prove that friends are the most valuable
commodity of all. This edition of the popular VegieTales is the
first to be released simultaneously on VHS and DVD: the DVD
features an interview with the franchise's creator and director
as well as a widescreen version of the company's popular "Silly
Songs with Larry"; $12.99 VHS, $14.99 DVD ... Also from Lyrick
comes the sixth title in the ongoing series of music videos from
The Wiggles, Australia's No. 1 kids entertainment group: "The
Wiggles Dance Party," which features 15 tunes that help kids
practice counting skills, engage in creative play, and learn
Irish clog-dancing; $14.95 VHS ... Anchor Bay Entertainment has
released three titles in the "Mighty Machines" series that take
children on a front-row tour of how big machines do their
impressive work: "At the Airport," "At the Train Yard" and "At
the Demolition Site"; $9.99 each VHS.
- March 2001:
For the pre-schoolers Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment has released two
cassettes of the colorful and thoroughly delightful "Dragon Tales" PBS TV
series, which features the adventures of 6- year-old Emmy and her 4-year-old
brother Max and their travels to a fantastical world of kid dragons, showing
children new strategies for dealing with the challenges of growing up. "Dragon
Tales: Keep on Trying" helps children develop a sense of confidence as the
characters meet the physical challenges of tying a knot, jumping rope and
catching a ball. "Dragon Tales: Let's Play Together" focuses on developing the
social skills of patience, controlling anger and taking turns. Each $12.95
cassette features three episodes; due March 6 ... WGBH Boston Video's "Between
the Lions" revolves around a family of special lions who live in a library where
characters pop from pages, vowels sing and words take on a life of their own.
The lions share their favorite stories with the audience through a combination
of live action, puppetry and animation. The first three videos from the program
-- which received an Outstanding Achievement in Children's Programming award by
the Television Critics Association -- are "The Ram in the Pepper Patch,"
"Little Big Mouse" and "Red Hat, Green Hat," due March 6.
Sony Wonder has released an unusual Sesame Workshop video: "Elmo's Magic
Cookbook," which features Elmo, Telly Monster, Jean the Genie and other Sesame
Street friends cooking up a storm in a magic kitchen when they discover a
jewel-covered cookbook filled with tasty recipes. The gang is joined by master
chef Emeril Lagasse (to make pizza) and by Broadway star Heather Headley, who
teaches the gang how to make pocket food. The delicious video will be available
for $12.98 on March 13 ... More old standbys: Columbia TriStar will release on
March 6 two new episodes in the Berenstain Bears series (each with three
episodes): "The Berenstain Bears: Making Friends Everywhere" and "The Berenstain
Bears: Bears to the Rescue," $9.95 each; pre-schoolers should enjoy the latest
two episodes in the Zoboomafoo wildlife series (featuring the Kratt brothers and
a nice mix of live-action, puppetry, animation and clay animation):
"Sense-Sational Animal Friends" and "Look Who's Home!" from PBS Kids Home
Video/Warner Home Video, due March 20 at $14.95 each; Barney is back in
"Barney's Magic Castle Live!", a concert video of the stage show of the same
name that has been touring the States since the fall of 1999, due March 6 at
$14.95 from Lyrick Studios; the Teletubbies put on their sweats in "Go! Exercise
With the Teletubbies," an interactive video created to get even the very
youngest of children movin' and groovin' with their favorite characters, $12.95
from Warner due March 13.
For older kids there's "Power Rangers: The Queen's Wrath," which features four
episodes from the popular TV show: "Wrath of the Queen," "Rise of the Super
Demons," "The Fate of Lightspeed, Part 1" and "The Fate of Lightspeed, Part 2,"
$14.98 from 20th Century Fox on March 13; the "Power Rangers Double Feature
DVD," also from Fox, features two full-length adventures: "Mighty
Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie" and "Turbo: A Power Rangers Movie," $24.98 due
March 13; and two volumes of Pokemon adventures, each with three TV episodes:
"Pokemon: The Johto Journeys -- A Brand New World" and "Pokemon: The Johto
Journeys -- Midnight Guardian," $14.98 each VHS or $24.98 each DVD, due
March 23 from Pioneer.
- February 2001:
For preschoolers Paramount has released two additions to the Nick Jr. staples
"Blue's Clues" and "Little Bear" series: "Blue's Clues: All Kinds of Signs"
features two episodes helping kids learn about "Signs" and "Geography"; "Maurice
Sendak's Little Bear: Little Sherlock Bear" features four episodes ("Little
Sherlock Bear," "Duck Loses Her Quack," "Exploring" and "Detective Little
Bear"); both videos sell for $9.95 each ... Universal has released two new
episodes in the adventures of Maisy the mouse and her band of upbeat animal
friends: "Maisy ABC" and "Maisy Springtime"; each video contains five episodes
from the Nick Jr. show ... Anchor Bay will release the latest installment of the
adventures of Thomas the Tank Engine: "Thomas' Trackside Tunes & Other Thomas
Adventures" features six sing-along songs and two Thomas stories ("Gordon and
the Gremlins," narrated by Alec Baldwin, and "Trucks," narrated by George
Carlin), $12.98; a Special Limited Edition of the video features the cassette
packed with a Toby the Tram Engine wooden toy, $14.98.
For older kids (teens and up) comes two Japanese animated series that have been
getting extended airplay on the Cartoon Network: Volumes 2 and 3 of "Tenchi
Muyo!" about a high-school student dragged into space battles by beautiful
extra-terrestrials, $14.98 each VHS from Pioneer Entertainment; and "Sailor
Moon: The Heart Collection," featuring the adventures of Sailor Moon and the
Sailor Scouts as they battle an assortment of villains, available as a two
volume set on VHS ("Pure Hearts" and "The Love War," $14.98 each in three
versions: a Cartoon Net dubbed version, an uncut version, and a subtitled
version) or a one-disc DVD for $29.98 (uncut version with Japanese audio,
English audio and English subtitles); also from Pioneer.
- January 2001:
For preschoolers: Columbia TriStar will release two new videos in the Disney
Channel's "Bear in the Blue House" series: "Storytelling With Bear" and "Early
to Bed, Early to Rise," $12.95 each VHS, due January 23 ... Sony Wonder will
release on January 16 "Elmo's Musical Adventure: The Story of Peter and the
Wolf," featuring Elmo and friends and conductor Keith Lockhart and the Boston
Pops Orchestra, $12.98 VHS, $19.98 DVD ... Lyrick Studios has released "Be My
Valentine -- Love, Barney," a straight-to-video Valentine's Day celebration
featuring the purple dinosaur and his friends, $14.95 VHS, and "Toot Toot,"
the fifth title in the ongoing series of music videos from the Wiggles,
Australia's No. 1 kids entertainment group, here featuring 18 fancifully
choreographed numbers, $14.95 VHS ... For older kids, Pioneer Entertainment will
release on January 23 two more volumes of the "Pokemon" television series:
"Pokemon 25: Round One!" and "Pokemon 26: Friends & Rivals," each containing
three episodes, $14.98 VHS and $24.98 DVD.
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