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

Wee Sing King Cole's Party by WEE SING PRODUCTIONS

In this DVD, children are invited to King Cole's party. They will join Jack and Jill, Little Boy Blue, and Mary (with her lamb) on their journey to the castle to celebrate 100 years of peace in the kingdom. Kids will meet the Six Little Ducks, Humpty Dumpty, and a host of other endearing nursery rhyme characters. This charming, fully orchestrated tale will have children everywhere singing and dancing to over 20 of their favorite nursery rhyme songs as they learn that gifts from the heart are the most special gifts of all. Running time: 54 minutes. 8/29/2006 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wee Sing Train by WEE SING PRODUCTIONS

Children everywhere will clap, hop, and sing along to the exhilarating song and dance numbers of the Wee Sing Train. In this magical story, Casey and Carter have finally finished creating their make-believe land when, magically, they become a part of it. Children will join Casey and Carter, and their curious toy elephant, as loveable guides Chug-a-Long the Engine and Cubby the Caboose take them on a wonderful adventure complete with musical cowboys, dancing paper dolls, and a singing vegetable patch. Packed with 20 memorable songs, colorful characters, and a special lesson about thinking before they act, the Wee Sing Train is a charming way to put kids on the right track. 8/29/2006 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Wee Sing Together by WEE SING PRODUCTIONS

It's Sally's birthday, and she's in for a big surprise when her favorite toys, Hum Bear and Melody Mouse, magically come to life to throw her the best party ever. Sally and her brother Jonathan are whisked away to Wee Sing Park, where they are met by a merry marching band and lots of friends with special presents. Children will love learning new dances while singing along with 21 familiar songs in this inviting story that's sure to provide hours of quality entertainment. Running time: 59 minutes. 8/29/2006 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Roald Dahl's The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) by ART & ENTERTAINMENT

A little girl, Sophie, is snatched from her bed in the orphanage by a ... well, big friendly giant, who spirits her off through the sky and to a fantastical Country of Giants.  She joins the Big Friendly Giant that night in his rounds of giving dreams to children, but the mean giants follow them, planning to eat the children. Sophie enlists the help of the Queen, by making up a dream for her, and with the backing of the armed forces, they defeat the mean giants. It’s based on a Roald Dahl book. 8/24/2006 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tina Tickle-ini Gets Giggles and Goosebumples DVD by TINA TICKLE-INI COMPANY

Created just for young children ages 3-8, “Tina Tickle-ini Gets Giggles & Goosebumples” is a newly released DVD, featuring a 28 minute program full of music, dance moves and storytelling fun. Kids will quickly learn all the songs by heart, but more importantly, have fun while learning about the body, health and science. 8/22/2006 (Price: $12.99)

Baby's Favorite Places by BABY EINSTEIN

Baby's Favorite Places provides a playful, interactive introduction to first words from around town - spoken and in sign language. Special guest Marlee Matlin introduces little ones to the concept of nonverbal communication, which provide a strong foundation for early literacy and stimulate intellectual development. 8/22/2006 (Price: $19.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

By Design by COLORCALM INC.

Following the release of Colorcalm Skies, by Design brings together several of the world’s most creative designers and musicians. Inspired by the idea of finding new uses for the television, these legendary designers have created ambient design to add atmosphere to the home. Featuring the work of Irma Boom with music by Michael Nyman, John Maeda with music by Ryuichi Sakamoto and Peter Saville with music by New Order/Terranova. 8/14/2006 (Price: $19.99)

"It's Story Time" – Story of Adam and Noah by ONE ISLAM PRODUCTIONS

“It’s Story Time” is a combination of animations, live children, quiz time and a cappella songs.  Zaky, the main character, appears in the story along with the Biblical characters. It’s a fun way for children to learn about the prophets Adam and Noah. 8/1/2006 (Price: $19.99)

Eyecandy, Exploring My Sense of Sight DVD by BRAINCANDY

Bruce Brain, Ivy Eyes and the rest of the sense gang puppets discover a visual world filled with butterflies, bubbles and boats. Children will see colorful, real-world objects in ways that capture their imagination and stimulate new ideas. Braincandy styled classical music gets kids up and dancing along with our energetic Braincandy Kids! "Eyecandy, the newest video in the award-winning Braincandy "5 Senses" series truly helps turn learning about the world into a sweet, fun adventure.  ( Watch Video) 7/28/2006 (Price: $17.99)

Thomas & Friends - Thomas, Percey and the Dragon by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

George Carlin narrates the 37-minute "Thomas, Percey and the Dragon," featuring seven tales arriving on DVD for the first time. Even the bravest of engines get scared on the Island of Sodor. Percy says he's not scared of anything ... should he be believed? A toy Chinese Dragon train featured in the episode is also available. Bonus features are a DVD game, sing-along, read-along and character gallery. 7/28/2006

Thomas & Friends - On Site With Thomas by HIT ENTERTAINMENT

Thomas and his new construction friends on gon site for more Island of Sodor adventures. Oliver makes an exciting discovery at the construction site for the new school. When Patrick announces that he is the most important engine, not eeryone agrees .... So how does the team decide who is the most important? This 35-minute DVD features a limited edition on-pack toy Jack with a movable scoop, one of Thomas' new constrcution friends featured in the title episode. Also included are 2 Bonus DVD games, a DVD-ROM game, 2 Sing-Along Songs, a Read-Along Story and a Charactery Gallery. 7/28/2006

Baby Road Trip JUNGLE by BABY ROAD TRIP LLC

Baby Road Trip JUNGLE engages your child through sight and sound on an amazing adventure through the jungle! While on the journey, your child will discover animals, children at play, stimulating toys and captivating real world images. Your little one will be excited to see a friendly puppet friend, Road Trip Ryan, as he pops in and out along the way. Baby Road Trip Jungle focuses on a basic learning principle — the wonder of COLOR. The originally composed music includes safari symphonies, jungle foot-tapping rhythms, and melodic sounds of the wild. This foray into the jungle is truly the journey of a lifetime for your baby.

VHS $14.99
DVD $18.99 7/26/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Baby Road Trip BEACH by BABY ROAD TRIP LLC

Baby Road Trip Beach brings all of the familiar sights and sounds of the beach to your home in unexpected, playful ways. Join us and Road Trip Ryan on a spirited journey filled with real life sunshine and surf, children at play, unusual toys and delightful puppets. Vivid color, entrancing movement, word associations and counting principles will help capture your little one's imagination. A new genre of island, surf and reggae music orchestrated for young ears will make Baby Road Trip Beach a getaway from traditional classical music your child will want to visit again and again.

VHS $14.99
DVD $18.99 7/26/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Baby Road Trip CIRCUS! by BABY ROAD TRIP LLC

Introducing the magical and dazzling world of Baby Road Trip CIRCUS! Featuring delightful and originally composed, big-top band, carnival and traditional circus music, as well as unique circus toys, children clowning around and little ones performing amazing circus acts --a trip to Baby Road Trip CIRCUS! is like no destination ever before! Under the big top at Baby Road Trip CIRCUS! , you will find real life circus and carnival footage, and of course, Road Trip Ryan, your always entertaining ringmaster for the event. Children will also learn about shapes via the art of claymation and graphic imagery.

VHS $14.99
DVD $18.99 7/26/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by SCHOLASTIC

This video is narrated by Oscar nominee Jake Gyllenhaal and based on the lyrical Caldecott Award-winning book by Mordecai Gerstein. It tells the true story of Philippe Petit, a French man who walked a tightrope between the Twin Towers at the World Trade Center in 1974. Directed and animated by Michael Sporn, with music by Michael Bacon, the production values are certain to impress parents, while engaging children. The videos, produced by Weston Woods Studios, were previously only available to schools and libraries. 7/24/2006 (Price: $14.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

FIFTEEN MINUTES: Of Mice and Mops by AMALGAMATED PUPPETWORKS LLC

Amalgamated Puppetworks' irresistible puppets broadcast live from Global Puppet News headquarters in FIFTEEN MINUTES, a series that combines the best in puppetry with fresh, funny, sharply-written scripts. In the first episode, Of Mice and Mops, Senior News Anchor Owl Capone abandons the newsdesk in the face of runaway speedboats, lovestruck mice, waltzing mops, and ninja chefs. Can Global Puppet News' Reporter Wes Naxman hold the show together with post-it notes? It's family entertainment that kids, parents, and grandparents can enjoy. 7/24/2006 (Price: $9.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Choose Your Own Adventure: The Abominable Snowman by Goldhil Home Media International

Based on the popular series of books that has sold more than 250 million copies, Goldhil Entertainment is introducing the first ever animated interactive DVD. The first in a series of Choose Your Own Adventure interactive animated DVDs, this innovative format lets kids choose from more than 11 exciting storylines and features the celebrity voices of Felicity Huffman (Desperate Housewives, TransAmerica), William H. Macy (Fargo, Thank You for Smoking), Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle, Spy Kids) and Lacey Chabert (Party of Five, Mean Girls). The Abominable Snowman chronicles the adventure of three daring siblings who travel to the Himalayas to find their missing uncle, and along the way encounter natural disasters, dangerous animals and evil inhabitants. The success of their mission is in your hands! Synchronized with the release on July 25, Choose Your Own Adventure: The Abominable Snowman will also be featured on over 15 million boxes of Life® cereal, with expected impressions approaching 50 million. Launch date: July 25, 2006. 7/24/2006 (Price: $19.98) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Jack, the Cuddly Dog - Colors and Shapes by HELLO BABY PRODUCTIONS

"Jack, the Cuddly Dog - Colors and Shapes" is a fun, soothing and educational video about a puppy who lives in New York City's Central Park. It's also designed to be pleasant for the adults watching the DVD. According to co-creator and co-producer Max Reynal, the fact that Jack is not computer generated “makes him very special, very unique.” The accompanying music, he added, is recorded from live instruments as opposed to synthesizers, creating an organic video. “People who are looking for new things and are interested in trying new things will love our product. We've just gotten great reviews.” Launch date: September 2005. 7/20/2006 (Price: $15.99) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Tot-a-Doodle-Do! - School by TOT-A-DOODLE-DO!

This fun-filled 30 minute live-action DVD helps prepare young ones for school by  engaging them in a variety of activities that enhance their creativity and imagination while stimulating their developmental skills. Fun activities include meeting a real school teacher, making a nutritious snack, learning the proper way to behave in school, and singing and dancing to the original music. One of the newest episodes, "Tot-a-Doodle-Do! Transportation" (as well as Animals and School) were selected as a Top DVD Pick for children age 3-5 years in the January 2007 Parenting Magazine. The series has also garnered favorable reviews from a variety of national press including the American Library Association’s Booklist and School Library Journal as well as endorsements from Kids First (Coalition for Quality Children’s Media) and the Dove Foundation (Animals). 7/18/2006 [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Adventures in Storytelling: Christmas by STORYWATCHERS CLUB

The multi-cultural club of puppet friends — Cody, Jada, Juan, Jordan, Kelly, Booker the Book and Riley the Bookworm — again enchantingly and humorously lead viewers from one story to the next. Featured storytellers share engrossing Yuletide yarns that embrace the season and will have even the youngest of viewers eagerly awaiting the holidays. This 45-minute program features bonus extras including interviews with each storyteller, children telling their own stories, a sing-along music video and the making of the movie. It will be released on July 11, 2006. 6/27/2006 (Price: $19.95)

It's a Beautiful Thing by GENIUS PRODUCTS INC.

Hip Hop Kidz is a real life dance troupe founded in 1991 by fitness expert and dance instructor Suzy Stone. They have performed as the opening act for such groups as Jessica Simpson, Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees and Destiny’s Child. In this 60-minute fictional tale, the Kidz attempt to create a hip-hop video for a competition that could land them a record deal. Alison, the newest member of the Hip Hop Kidz professionals, is the daughter of a conservative businessman who disapproves of any involvement in hip-hop music, let alone a hip-hop dance troupe. She is torn between loyalty to her friends and the approval of her father. 6/27/2006

Fun Tunes for Kids DVDs by FUN TUNES FOR KIDS

"Bear Tunes for Kids," "Moose Tunes for Kids," and "Sea Tunes for Kids" are now available on DVD! 6/22/2006 (Price: $19.95) [Add to my Inquiry Basket][?]

Popular Mechanics for Kids: Firefighters and Other Life Saving Heroes by KOCH VISION

Kids watch Elisha and Tyler as they explore the thrilling world of life saving rescues, travel side-by-side with firefighters trying to contain a blaze, learn how a S.W.A.T. team handles a hostage situation, and train with the L.A.P.D. Episodes include "Emergency, Emergency Rescues," "Life Savers" and "Police Force." 6/20/2006 (Price: $14.98)

Popular Mechanics for Kids: Lightning and Other Forces of Nature by KOCH VISION

Kids learn how powerful Mother Nature can be as she unleashes her spectacular natural phenomena. They witness the inner workings of Niagara Falls, a lightning storm and an avalanche. Episodes include "Ice," "Water," "Earth Power" and "Electricity." The video “stands alone as an entertaining program that answers many questions posed by children as they learn about our world and how things work,” Dan Gurlitz, general manager of KOCH Vision, told TDmonthly. It received the 2007 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. 6/20/2006 (Price: $14.98)

A Christmas Carol by GENIUS PRODUCTS INC.

This is a brand new, all-animal feature film based on the classic much-loved story by Charles Dickens, retold in stunning CGI animation. The film is scheduled to be a limited promotional theatrical release on the Screenvision platform by SD Entertainment in the USA in November 2006 and will be released on DVD November 22, 2006. All the familiar characters are included: Ebenezer Scrooge, the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present and the Ghost of Christmas Future along with Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and their family. 6/15/2006