DVDs Keep Kids Cozy at Home

By TDmonthly Staff
June 2005

Article Synopsis
"Straight to DVD" can be a bonus for kids.
Learning videos still rank high.
Personalization makes videos extra-special.
This year, home video and DVD creators have come up with even more intriguing ideas to keep little ones busy at home. Now kids don´t have to wait for quality footage to close in the theater — they can have the entertainment they crave direct on their TV screens first. The following 2005 releases will keep children truly engaged.

Let´s Make a Splash! by BABYPRO LLC

The BabyPro “Let’s Make a Splash!” video provides a charming and playful introduction to swimming, diving and surfing. Captivating images of little mouths blowing bubbles, babies splashing and children riding waves are synchronized with lively compositions from composers such as Handel, Hayden, Bach and Sousa to create a motivating introduction to water play for babies and toddlers. Curious minds are exposed to language development through the repetition of action words and phrases such as “Pull with your arms” “Splash with your hands” and “Kick with your feet.” 2/15/2005

Googol Power Multiplication Vacation by GOOGOL LEARNING

Nena and the GoogolKids are having trouble learning their times tables! Send in the Googols, who use their powers to make multiplication an exciting adventure that journeys "from the jungles deep in Africa, to the icefields of Antarctica" and even into outer space! Follow Azatara, Cozmo, El Mundo the Great Wizard, and their friends Mr. I and Gary Q, as they use music and exploration to learn all about multiplication. ( Watch Video) 5/4/2005 (MSRP: $19.95; Age: 3 and Up)

101 Things for Kids to Do by MAESTRO TOYS

101 Things for Kids to Do by MAESTRO TOYS Shari Lewis uses her puppet friends Lamb Chop, Hush Puppy and Charlie Horse, along with other cuddly pals, to show kids how to make crafts, do magic tricks and play games. The fun lasts long after the film runs out of time, as the lessons learned can be employed by kids on their own. 5/11/2005 (MSRP: $9.98)

Personalized Children's Videos by Kideo.com

Your child is the star in these personalized videos featuring Dora the Explorer, Arthur, and other popular characters! Each video is photo- and audio-personalized. The character of your choice will appear alongside your child and speak your child’s name throughout the full-length episode. These videos make the perfect birthday present, and are often featured at children’s birthday parties for added excitement. Current titles include “Whose Birthday Is It?” featuring Dora the Explorer and friends, and “Arthur’s New Friend.” Children cannot believe their eyes when they see themselves on the screen with their favorite stars! 1/5/2005

The Shushybye Dream Band Live On Tour by WGBH BOSTON VIDEO

This is the debut DVD based on the new Shushybye preschool entertainment brand. WGBH Boston Video will release the 50-minute DVD to stores in August 2005. Singers Michael North and Randi Soyland are backed by the 5-piece Shushybye Dream Band performing 20 original songs along with onstage costume character appearances by lead Shushies Snoozles, Dozie, Zeez, Conductor McCloud and the Shushybye King. The DVD will also feature animated segments of the Shushies dancing in Pillow Park, Snoozles in Nap Valley, Conductor McCloud driving the Shushybye Train and more. 5/11/2005 (MSRP: $14.95)

Mister Rogers' Neighborhood: A Day at the Circus by ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT

Communicating at a pace and tone that is comfortable for young children, Mister Rogers helps his television neighbors understand their feelings, respect others, feel valued, develop inner controls and appreciate the world around them. Check out this DVD featuring Mister Rogers and Betty Aberlin as they visit the circus. They see performances by trapeze artists, acrobats, elephants and more. Extra features include a pretzel factory tour, a recipe for soft pretzels, a sing-along and read-along, three games and other activities. Included with the DVD is a limited edition Speedy Delivery bonus truck. 5/17/2005

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by SCHOLASTIC

“Sylvester and the Magic Pebble” is a video adaptation of the award-winning, classic children’s picture book by William Steig. In this tale, Sylvester finds a magic pebble that can make wishes come true. But when a lion frightens him on his way home, he makes a wish that brings unexpected results. Also included on the DVD are three additional stories – “Possum Magic,” “Princess Furball” and “The Wizard.” The DVD includes a Spanish version of Steig’s tale, a read-along option and interactive menus. 5/17/2005

All About John Deere For Kids Part 1 by TM BOOKS AND VIDEO

See the biggest John Deere tractors, implements and construction equipment in action in this captivating, live-action video set to the award-winning music of James Coffey. For vintage tractor buffs there are plenty of "Johnny Poppers" — including the rare Spoker "D" from 1925 — plus the limited production 8020, of which only 100 were produced in 1960. There´s even a fun segment on John Deere toys, along with Otto, the befuddled farmer, who keeps working the wrong field. Everyone loves the reverse action when he has to go back and "put that field back the way you found it." — Aire Norell 12/29/2004

Stir It Up by IMAGINATION MOVERS

Stir It Up by IMAGINATION MOVERS Four-piece kids´ rock superstars the Imagination Movers are here to inspire kids of all ages with their debut DVD. Fifteen songs cover such joys as cleaning your room and making it through the night on your own without calling out to mom. You can´t miss the blue coveralls on these guys, or the fact that they´ll even use a trashcan as a drum if it´ll get kids to dance. — Melissa Kaplan 12/23/2004

The Wind in the Willows (The Complete First Series) by NEW VIDEO GROUP INC. / A&E HOME VIDEO

Kenneth Grahame’s classic adventure continues with the first video series of "The Wind in the Willows." With amazingly detailed sets that recreate Mole End, Toad Hall and the Wild Wood, these episodes capture the spellbinding stop-motion genius of Cosgrove Hall Productions. With music and song, the gentlemanly quartet of Toad, Mole, Rat and Badger finds a way to traverse life’s ups and downs. 5/18/2005