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 Beyonce gives voice to Shine (right), a young pop idol with a message for kids in Wow! Wow! Wubbzy: Wubb Idol. |
When pre-schoolers and early graders come inside from splooshing in mud puddles, they need to be cleaned up and plonked down in front of good entertainment.
I have suggestions, all new to DVD. Every title involves animation or puppetry. Some are old, such as The Alvin Show, or old-school, like the latest Sesame Street. Some are brand new. Our survey:
Wow! Wow! Wubbzy: Wubb Idol: Wubbzy, the latest sensation for youngsters, returns with a 93-minute movie featuring a superstar. An energetic, obviously bemused Beyonce Knowles plays a pop idol named Shine, lead singer of the Wubb Girlz. The lively story chronicles what happens when Wubbzy gets caught up in being a star, too, temporarily losing his wide-eyed wonderment. Wubb Idol encourages kids to do fun stuff while respecting their friends.
Barbie and the Three Musketeers: While the digital animation is clunky, the characters are great for girls who revel in the female spirit. Barbie plays Corinne, a peasant yearning to become a French Musketeer, like her late father, D'Artagnan. In Paris, the men spurn her ambitions but other brave young women join her noble quest.
Sesame Street: Bedtime With Elmo: After 40 years, the Sesame Streeters still know how to tell a good story with humour, happiness and good information. The bonus is Andrea Bocelli singing Time to Say Goodnight.
Mr. Men/Little Miss: Mr. Tickle Presents Tickle Time Around Town! The kooky cartoon characters here seem simplistic, but there is an undercurrent of intelligent commentary in their misadventures. Life lessons abound, even in comedy. A separate DVD from the collection -- Little Miss Sunshine Presents Fun In the Sun! -- is just as much fun.
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Nickelodeon Big Box of Play Dates: The Nickelodeon roster includes Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Wonder Pets!, Blue's Clues, Ni Hao, Kai-Lan and other kiddie favourites. This three-disc box set gathers 18 episodes of various shows, each group linked by a theme. Meanwhile, the entertaining Asian series Ni Hao, Kai-Lan has two new separate releases: Kai-Lan's Carnival and Celebrate with Kai-Lan. Among extras, Chinese culture is explored and Mandarin words are introduced.
The Strawberry Shortcake Movie: Sky's the Limit: Our "very berry heroine" returns in a 69-minute movie about a storm that threatens Berry Bitty City's water supply.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Very First Alvin Show: Go back to 1961, when mischief-maker Alvin first became a TV star. The Bagdasarian family has kept the spirit of Alvin alive for 50 years, so it's fun to re-live this early television entry. Out separately is another Alvin and the Chipmunks release, Star Wreck, a satire of Star Trek.
Baby Einstein: World Animal Adventure: Toddlers learn about real animals in a stimulating visual way, with live footage and animated interludes.
VeggieTales: Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella: Bible stories are ingeniously re-told in an unusual way through cartoon vegetables.