TDmonthly's ToyFair 2006 Preview--Videos & DVDs Product Category

Cartooning: Shortcuts, Formulas, & Cheap Tricks by HAMMINATION

This DVD offers 23 lively and informative lessons on comic strip drawing. Scene selection and lesson brevity make this DVD perfect for short drawing lessons in the classroom. A slideshow of guides and blank comic strips accompany the DVD. "It always bothered me when I watched artists on TV showing you how to draw. Their hand was always in the way," Gene Hamm, cartoonist and president of Hammination, told TDmonthly. "I designed this DVD so the line draws itself, so you can always see how the drawing develops." Launch date: June 25, 2007. ( Watch Video) 5/25/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Kids Love Spanish Volumes 1-7 by BROCK SISTERS PRODUCTIONS LLC

This fun DVD series teaches basic Spanish that children can use in everyday life. They’ll love watching Brock and his friends say the words and learn proper pronunciation from Krisse and Julie, who have taught bilingual education. “Kids Love Spanish” teaches essential building blocks for future language acquisition. Parents and teachers rave about how fun, easy and useful this DVD series is for children of all ages. “We believe the combination of children saying and illustrating the words along with Krisse, Brock and myself introducing them is unique. Kids love watching other children!” Julie Brock Campbell told TDmonthly. Launch date: September 4, 2006. 5/24/2007 (Price: $99.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Good Kids, Bad Choices by CWK NETWORK INC

“Good Kids, Bad Choices” features real kids telling their real stories — about consequences of drinking and driving, having sex and doing drugs — and offers expert advice about warning signs and how parents can set limits. Each DVD includes a Family Guide with facts and questions to help parents start a conversation with their kids. “Connect with Kids’ peer-to-peer format features real kids sharing their true stories. That format resonates with teens and adolescents and helps parents start a conversation that can improve communication, attitudes and behavior,” Teresa Stier, director of marketing for CWK Network, told TDmonthly. The product received a 2007 Parents' Choice Award. Launch date: September 2006. 5/24/2007 (Price: $14.95)

Aprendiendo Tempranito by A LA VIBORA DE LA MAR

This 30-min. DVD, entirely in Spanish, fosters language development through beautiful Hispanic nursery rhymes and lullabies, as well as lovely poems by great Hispanic writers of all times. Attractive images of children, toys, animals and color patterns introduce concepts including color, numbers, texture, size, cause and effect and abstract thinking. It is soothing and captivating at the same time. The product received a spring 2007 Parents' Choice Approved Award. Launch date: October 2006. 5/23/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

123 Cuéntame un Cuento by A LA VIBORA DE LA MAR

This 30-min. DVD, entirely in Spanish, introduces toddlers to a second language by teaching the numbers 1 through 20 and fostering language development through five short stories, nursery rhymes, catchy songs and charming sound effects. It presents beautiful images of children, toys and animals, and featured vocabulary includes days of the week, fruits, weather and more. The DVD “combines beautiful traditional Hispanic nursery rhymes and poetry by great Hispanic writers, as opposed to English nursery rhymes translated into Spanish,” Co-owner Teresa Rivera of A la Víbora de la Mar told TDmonthly. It received a spring 2007 Parents' Choice Approved Award. Launch date: September 19, 2006. 5/23/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Do Re Mi Niño by A LA VIBORA DE LA MAR

Featuring music by Mozart, Vivaldi, Chopin and Bach, this 30-minute Spanish DVD helps toddlers learn about musical instruments and sound as it fosters language development through beautiful Hispanic nursery rhymes and poetry, classical music and attractive images of children, toys, animals and orchestral instruments. It is part of a collection originally designed to provide quality learning opportunities for Spanish-speaking babies, and now serves to introduce babies to a second language. It received a spring 2007 Parents' Choice Approved Award. Launch date: September 2006. 5/23/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Los Colores de Rufino by A LA VIBORA DE LA MAR

A la Víbora de la Mar brings forth a captivating collection of DVDs originally designed to provide quality learning opportunities to delight Spanish-speaking babies — and now available as a means to introduce babies to a second language. This 30-min. DVD, in Spanish, helps toddlers learn colors as it fosters language development through art, Hispanic nursery rhymes and poetry, and classical music by Beethoven and Mozart. It features beautiful images of children, toys, animals and Mexican art. The album features only native speakers and is “truly Latin American,” Co-owner Teresa Rivera of A la Víbora de la Mar told TDmonthly. It received a spring 2007 Parents' Choice Approved Award. Launch date: September 2006. 5/23/2007 (Price: $14.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Bully 911 by THE ILLUSION FACTORY

“Bully 911” is a one-of-a-kind DVD that addresses a variety of bullying issues, threats and concerns with easy-to-learn self-defense techniques for the times when "using your words" or running away does not work. With step-by-step instructions on defense against chokeholds and arm grabs, Johnny and Noel Gyro demonstrate techniques that allow children of all ages to escape bully abuse and stop becoming a victim in order regain their confidence and self-esteem. “It reaches both parents and children and helps them to combat a heart-breaking issue,” Fawn Vu of The Illusion Factory told TDmonthly. This product received a spring 2007 Parents' Choice Approved Award. Launch date: November 2006. 5/23/2007 (Price: $24.95)

What Did You Say? A Guide to Speech Intelligibility in People With Down Syndrome by WOODBINE HOUSE

This one-of-a-kind DVD features an expert on Down syndrome and speech intelligibility along with children conversing or working on speech issues. It provides an overview of understandable speech and difficulties for children and teens with Down syndrome. It can be used to understand and improve speech intelligibility at home, school and in the community, and provides “practical and parent-friendly info for families of children with Down syndrome,” Beth Binns of Woodbine House told TDmonthly. It includes a bonus section with tips on writing effective Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. The DVD received a 2007 Parents’ Choice Approved Award in the Small Screen Category. Launch date: July 2006. 5/23/2007 (Price: $29.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

A Treasure in My Garden by THE SECRET MOUNTAIN

Extraordinary tales, unforgettable melodies and catchy nursery rhymes abound in this animated DVD.  From Tooncan Productions, producers of the Academy award-winning film “The Triplets of Belleville,” these 13 animated music videos will visually delight both young and old.  The music videos feature songs beautifully crafted by celebrated Québec poet Gilles Vigneault and performed by Hart-Rouge and Connie Kaldor.  “A Treasure in My Garden” introduces kids and adults to a world where little girls plant light bulbs; lion-taming, mice-fearing men like Marshmallow Stan talk fast; and a little boy sets off to see if the world is truly round.  The DVD is also available in an Amaray case. Launch date: April 25, 2007. 5/21/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Red Sox Baby DVD by TEAM BABY ENTERTAINMENT LP

Narrated by Ben Affleck, the Red Sox Baby DVD allows young children to share in the love, loyalty and excitement many families feel toward the Red Sox. Red Sox Baby uses officially licensed footage of the Red Sox sports to expose children to the Red Sox in an exciting, playful and educational manner. It is a fun-filled, colorful and stimulating visual experience that will encourage young sports enthusiasts. Launch date: April 2007. 5/15/2007 (Price: $19.95)

Reading Test-Taking Strategies by ROCK 'N LEARN INC.

Marko, the animated pencil (voiced by 2007 American Anime Best Actor Award winner Vic Mignogna), provides students with test-taking strategies.  When students know they have the tools to do their very best on a standardized reading test, they will be able to stay calm and relaxed during the test.  Students learn the tricks to help them read a passage for meaning, underline key words, eliminate poor choices, and determine the best answers.  Infused with kid-friendly jokes, this DVD runs approximately 46 minutes. 5/15/2007 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

NASCAR Baby DVD "Raising Tomorrow's NASCAR Fan Today" by TEAM BABY ENTERTAINMENT LP

Pulse-pounding racing highlights spotlight racecar driving’s top competitors, tracks and teams and is interspersed with extensive imagery of adorable kids decked out in NASCAR gear. "NASCAR Baby introduces kids to the sights, sounds, colors, shapes, numbers and superstars of NASCAR,” said Greg Scheinman, CEO and Creator of Team Baby Entertainment. The footage is tied together through the narration of Jay Leno and an engaging storyline by celebrated children’s author Jim Buckley. Launch date: January 2007. 5/15/2007 (Price: $19.95)

Emily's First 100 Days of School…And More Great School Time Stories by SCHOLASTIC

This animated DVD, by the award-winning children’s author, Rosemary Wells, is perfect for the upcoming school year. Kids can watch and read along as Emily and her classmates count down the first 100 days of school while learning and growing along the way. In addition to the main title, this DVD includes two stories about the challenges of school (“Read to Your Bunny” and “Will I Have a Friend?”), as well as an exclusive interview with Rosemary Wells. The running time is approximately 50 minutes. Launch date: July 2007. 5/15/2007 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

So Smart! Musical Instruments DVD by SO SMART! PRODUCTIONS

Winner of Parenting Magazine’s Video of the Year Award, this DVD features classical instruments matched to different animals.  An elephant lumbering to the sound of a guitar and a frog hopping to the sound of a clarinet are just two examples.  The colorful images build in a unique, puzzle-like fashion as each scene progresses, at a pace developed specifically for young children.  The DVD includes interactive story cards that can be played on a television set with a remote control.  This movie runs approximately 30 minutes. 5/15/2007 (Price: $16.98)

Arnie the Doughnut…And Other Fantastic Adventure Stories by SCHOLASTIC

Tag along with Arnie and his friends as they live, work, and play, having adventures big and small. In the title story, based on a book by Laurie Keller, a young doughnut realizes that he is destined to be eaten and does everything he can to avoid it. Other adventurous stories on the DVD include “Roberto the Insect Architect,” That New Animal,” “Hondo & Fabian” and “Swamp Angel.” The running time is approximately 50 minutes. Launch date: June 26, 2007.
 5/15/2007 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Hellsing Ultimate Series II by GENEON ENTERTAINMENT

An unusual new breed of vampires terrorizes England while increasing at an alarming rate, making it impossible to conceal their presence from the public for much longer. Furthermore, the attacks seem organized, which makes the situation even more ominous. While Sir Integra reports her findings to the members of the Round Table, the Hellsing mansion gets blitzed by an army of indestructible ghouls led by the Valentine brothers, a vicious and hedonistic duo who claim to have all the vampiric powers of Arucard and beyond. Indeed, the night has only just begun. A Series II Limited Edition with an extra disc, a SteelBook case and a production art collection book is also available (MSRP: $49.98). 5/15/2007 (Price: $29.98)

Hellsing Ultimate Series I by GENEON ENTERTAINMENT

For over a century, the Hellsing Organization has been secretly protecting the British Empire from the "freaks." When Sir Integra Hellsing succeeded as the organization head, she inherited the ultimate weapon against these undead enemies, a rogue vampire named Arucard. Armed with an "anti-freak" gun and possessing mysterious and frightening powers, Arucard is forced to shoot Seras Victoria, a policewoman held hostage by a vampire. "Do you want to live?" he asks Seras, whose answer changes the course of her existence. Reborn as Arucard's servant, Seras is torn between her humanity and vampire urges. Series I is also available in a limited edition with an extra disc (MSRP: $49.98). 5/15/2007 (Price: $24.98)

Curious George: Rocket Ride and Other Adventures! by UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT

The DVD includes eight shows from the hit PBS KIDS TV series, and is filled with non-stop adventures that allow kids to explore science, engineering, math and the world around them. Narrated by William H. Macy, the DVD also includes companion segments starring real-life kids, as well as bonus games and printable coloring pages. Launch date: May 15, 2007. 5/15/2007 (Price: $16.98)

Eloise Goes to School by STARZ MEDIA

In this 45-minute DVD, Eloise’s tutor has quit and she’s on her way to the prestigious Hawthorne Academy. She learns there’s more to school than she had planned — mean girls, strict teachers and lots of rules. She’s on mission to make school fun by teaching her new friends to stand up to bullies, helping her teacher be nicer and learning a few lessons along the way. Can she fit in and stay the same fun Eloise? Bonus features include a Spanish language track, a DVD-ROM memory game, coloring pages and more. Launch date: July 24, 2007. 5/15/2007 (Price: $14.98)

The Powerpuff Girls: The Complete First Season by WARNER HOME VIDEO

This two-DVD special edition set features 13 episodes from the first season of Cartoon Network’s “The Powerpuff Girls.” Launch date: June 19, 2007. 5/15/2007 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Highlander: The Search for Vengeance by STARZ MEDIA

In this gripping adventure, lone warrior Colin MacLeod is searching for the immortal despot Marcus Octavius, who long ago murdered his beloved Moya. With the wise-cracking ghost Amergan, he discovers New York in ruins, with one monolith fortress dominating a city ravaged by a deadly virus. MacLeod can save the survivors, but his sword hungers for Octavius’ blood. Can he finish what he started centuries ago? “‘Highlander: The Search For Vengeance’ is a Japanese anime feature made specifically for the American market by the director of Ninja Scroll and the producers of TMNT and the original Highlander films and series,” Kevin Carney, director of marketing for Starz Home Entertainment / Manga told TDmonthly. Launch date: June 5, 2007. 5/15/2007 (Price: $19.98)

Ambient Space: The Best of NASA Photos: Vol. 1 by JUMBY BAY STUDIOS

Viewers can enjoy the best images from NASA's archives in this amazing 2+ hour video slideshow. Vat19's exclusive playlist technology allows users to control the order of scenes and the music for each scene. Additionally, educational captions can be toggled on and off for all scenes. “‘Ambient Space’ lets kids combine two of their favorite things — outer space and television — with enough educational features to let parents feel good about giving it to their kids,” Marketing Director Stefanie Hutson of Jumby Bay Studios / Vat19 told TDmonthly. Launch date: July 2006. 5/2/2007 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

James Marshall's Cinderella … and More Beloved Fairy Tales by SCHOLASTIC

Children’s fairy tales spring magically to life with this collection of treasured classics and old favorites … with a twist. In addition to “Cinderella,” the DVD includes “Hansel and Gretel,” “The Three Billy Goats Gruff,” “The Elves and the Shoemaker,” and a bonus story, “The Fisherman and His Wife.” It features narration by Kathy Bates, Patrick Stewart and others. “Like other Scholastic Video Collection releases, this new production by Weston Woods Studios introduces classic tales in a colorful, carefully animated format,” Beth Blenz-Clucas of Sugar Mountain PR told TDmonthly. Launch date: April 24, 2007. 4/23/2007 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Ozie Boo! Volume 3 by ALLUMINATION FILMWORKS

This third installment of the animated French television series is about five pudgy penguins who teach valuable life lessons. Ned, Ted, Ed, Fred and Nelly are the best of friends and must band together to survive in their environment. With help from a host of characters from throughout the animal kingdom, including Leo the Leopard and Orca the Whale, these tiny heroes must keep all of their wits about them and think fast to help each other in their times of need. The 60-minute DVD includes eight cuddly episodes. Launch date: May 29, 2007. 4/23/2007 (Price: $14.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]