The Mystery Of Eels An Unexpectedly Interesting Feature From PBS’ Nature

Courtesy: PBS

Documentarian James Prosek notes in the closing moments of the new PBS Nature documentary The Mystery of Eels that it’s good that some things remain a mystery.  Taken in the context of the moment, this makes sense.  In the case of this latest feature, it doesn’t do much in terms of eliminating the mystery around eels.  But it does present these largely misunderstood creatures in a much more positive light, thus generating more respect for them as part of the world’s ecosystems.

The Mystery of Eels clocks in at nearly an hour long.  Over the course of the feature, audiences see different groups of people around the world and the different views that different cultures have regarding the eel.  From being revered for their capital value in Japan to a means of living in another region and being held in high regard as past relatives in another culture, viewers see just why the eel is so important.  There are those who would look at this episode of Nature as coming from something of an environmentalist standpoint.  It is true that there are some slightly activist leanings here.  But when it comes to the case of eels, this can be forgiven much as the case is with sharks, bats, and other animals in danger of being wiped out.  Just as sharks and bats have bad reputations, so do eels.  Misconceptions have been made by cartoons and television in general.  But as one will see in this program, the views that people have about eels are just that; misconceptions.  They learn that eels mean humans no harm, and that they are just as important to the world’s ecosystems.  This is something very valuable especially for younger viewers to learn and just as important of a reminder for older audiences.

Understanding the importance of the eel in various cultures is interesting in itself.  Understanding that they are not just the monstrous creatures that have been caricatured by the media is even more important and interesting.  And that is exactly what audiences will understand in this feature.  Audiences will see here that there is no electricity shooting off of the body of an eel.  And while they are carnivores, they have been proven to be anything but the killer creatures that they have far too often been made out to be.  Rather, they are quite tame.  As viewers will see late in the program, they are so tame that humans in one part of the world are able to go up to them in their natural setting and run their hands along the body of the fish.  These same people see the eel as the spirit of past relatives just as Native Americans have seen certain animals as the spirits of their past relatives.  Who would have ever thought that an eel could play such an important role in the culture of a given people?

While some peoples of the world hold the eel in high regard spiritually and religiously, others still use the fish as a food product.  Because of that, they see the importance of protecting eels, as they are being overfished.  Prosek takes viewers to the Catskill Mountains and to Japan to examine the importance of the eel in both regions and what is being done to protect them and help them flourish.  As odd as this may seem, it is truly an eye opener and will create a wholly different view on this misunderstood fish just as with the understanding of its cultural importance.           

The Mystery of Eels is one of the most interesting episodes of PBS’ long-running Nature series.  Eels have a bad reputation.  And maybe that’s why it has taken so long for someone to come to their defense, so to speak.  But it’s a good thing that someone finally has.  Because James Prosek has done so, viewers will hopefully now see that much like other misunderstood creatures of the world, these creatures deserve just as much respect as any other creature.  They may not be the most beautiful or graceful.  But as this documentary feature shows, they are creatures that are just as important to the world as any other.  And understanding this will hopefully create more understanding and respect for the eel.

The Mystery of Eels will be available Tuesday, May 21^st.  It can be ordered direct online via the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=19729726&cp=&kw=the+mystery+of+eels&origkw=The+Mystery+of+Eels&sr=1#Details.

To find out more about this program and all features from PBS’ Nature series, audiences can “Like” the Nature Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/PBSNature.  Audiences can also get the latest Nature news on the program’s official website, http://www.pbs.org/nature and on Twitter at http://twitter.com/PBSNature.

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Science Channel DVD Makes A “Splash” In The Classroom And The Living Room

Courtesy: Gaiam/The Science Channel

The Science Channel is everything that its sister network, The Discovery Channel, used to be.  Where The Discovery Channel has shifted largely to reality programming, Science Channel provides the more educational content that The Discovery Channel once ran in the mid to late 1990s.  It is a network for anyone that has any love of all things science and for anyone that loves everything that The Discovery Channel once was.  And the recent DVD release of the network’s documentary, Aquarius: Living Beneath The Sea is proof of that. 

The recently released DVD contains five episodes, beginning with the title episode.  From there, viewers are taken on a journey into the depths of the season over the course of two documentaries.  Next up is a piece that examines the robots that help scientists study the creatures that inhabit the depths.  It all closes out with the story of one of New England’s most infamous shipwrecks.  The wreck in question is that of the steamer, Portland.  The dual paddles wheel ship went down off the New England coast in a bad storm.  Now thanks to a group of scientists, audiences finally get to see the last resting place of what is considered by many to be the Titanic of New England.  A lot of work went into bringing audiences the final product in these episodes.  It was that work and the order of episodes that makes this final product so enjoyable for anyone that has any love of the marine sciences or for science in general.  It’s just as enjoyable for anyone that has any love for all things nautical.

The first thing that audiences will notice in watching “Aquarius: Undersea Lab” is the beautiful undersea cinematography.  Sure, the program is obviously dated.  But seeing the reef that has grown on Aquarius over the years and the fish that inhabit it are incredible.  The lab itself is based off the southern coast of Florida.  The footage looking up from beneath the waves as the sun shines down into the water, scuba divers swimming by is beautiful.  As impressive as the footage for this program is, viewers will also be impressed by the fact that while it does note the impact of humans on the environment—specifically a coral reef—it isn’t preachy about it.  The discussion on human impact centers on global warming as the biggest factor on the survival or lack thereof coral.  It doesn’t get preachy, trying to say this or that needs to be done.  It only points out that humans have played a role and in turn so has global warming.  So that in itself is sure to create some level of discussion among viewers, considering that such factors are always and will always be hot button issues. 

The footage in the main feature and the discussion on human impact is certain to entertain viewers.  The feature doesn’t stop there though.  Also discussed are the dangers of living and working at such depths.  It includes footage in a story of one diver who died decades ago who had worked on Sealab III.  Also discussed is the effect of what is called Nitrogen Narcosis or “beer buzz.”  This happens from living undersea for extended periods of time.  It’s just as entertaining as other portions of this feature.  It is also very eye opening, as it shows how dangerous living beneath the sea can be.  Along with the program’s other interesting facts and impressive footage, it makes for a fitting opening piece for this new release from The Science Channel.

Where “Aquarius: Undersea Lab” ends, the other features that follow are sure to keep viewers engaged.  Audiences go from inside the Aquarius to the open sea in the next trio of features, “Mid-Water Mysteries”, “The Hostile Deep” and “Robots of the Deep.”  The first two features center on the creatures that live around coral reefs and other regions of the sea, while the latter of the trio focuses on the machines created to help make investigating that sea life easier.  They also help to make investigating things like a shipwreck easier, which makes the transition into the DVD’s final feature, “Wreck of the Portland” all the more fitting. 

“Wreck of the Portland” is a roughly hour long feature that tells the story of the ill-fated journey of the Paddle Wheel Steamer, Portland.  It expands on the use of the robots of the deep as it examines what eventually led to the ship’s demise.  Much of the time is spent focusing on the design of the ship, much as those documentaries on the Titanic have done.  It incorporates CG models of the ship’s final journey as well as pictures of the captain to illustrate what likely happened that dark and stormy night.  When the wreck is discovered, audiences get to see what it looks like now, covered in barnacles and more, serving as a home to so much undersea life.  Viewers get to see images of the original boat, undisturbed superimposed over the sunken relic.  This helps show how the ship settled after sinking.  In its own way, showing the ship’s final resting place, and comparing it to what it looked like brings the entire DVD full circle.  Those who discovered the wreck pay tribute with a wreath, and the narrator notes that for its protection, the location of the ship has been kept secret to this day.  While it may be a secret, there will always be other ship wrecks and other undersea phenomena to investigate.  Knowing this serves as solid closure for viewers.  With this closure, audiences—whether in the living room or the classroom—will agree that this latest release from The Science Channel makes quite the splash and will with each watch.  It is available now and can be ordered online at http://store.discovery.com/detail.php?p=445899.

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Wild Kratts’ New DVD Even More “Wild” Fun For Families

Courtesy: PBS

Martin and Chris Kratt are back again with another new DVD that’s loaded with fun for the whole family.  This latest DVD features two more episodes for parents and kids to enjoy.  It also boasts a pair of activities that parents can do with their kids or that teachers can use in the classroom.  One of those activities offers kids the chance to make their very own passport.  The other, a bat box project, is more closely relevant to this latest DVD.  It teaches kids and adults like how to build an actual bat box and where to best place them in order to offer bats a place to live.  Also included is a link to a website that teaches about a fungus that is killing off the bat population.  Together with the two episodes included in this latest disc, it makes for more fun for the whole family.

The first of the two episodes included in this disc is titled “Rainforest Stew.”  Sounds like an odd name, yes.  But it’s this episode that is most closely linked to the bonus family friendly bat box building activity.  “Rainforest Stew” teaches in large part, the importance of how every member of a given ecosystem works together, and the impact that the loss of even one member of said ecosystem can have.  The lesson is taught when the Kratt brothers have to go up against Gourmand once again.  This time they have to stop him from trying to make a “rainforest stew” from animals in the rainforest.  Of course, the brothers Kratt come out on top.  The episode as a whole continues that tradition of offering plenty of entertainment and information for audiences.  And there is also the continued original animation style that sets the show completely apart from other animated and CG-based shows out there.

Gourmand isn’t the only villain that Martin, Chris, and their friends have to face off against in the Kratt brothers’ new DVD.  They also have to face off against Zach Varmitech again. This time, Zach is after a rare Black Jaguar in South America.  Chris and Martin have to intervene and protect the young jaguar from Zach as he intends to use it for his own evil reasons.  Just as with “Rainforest Stew”, “Shadow: The Black Jaguar” offers audiences even more entertainment and information expertly balanced.  The show’s writers are yet again to be commended as young viewers especially won’t even know that they are learning about biology through this episode.  They learn about the difference between dominant and recessive traits in this episode.  That this lesson is made so viewer friendly is more tribute to the work put in by the show’s writers to keep kids entertained while also teaching lessons that could be referenced in the classroom.

The writers behind this wonderfully entertaining show did an outstanding job of mixing entertainment and information in both of the disc’s featured episodes.  And the artists behind the show continue to play their own part in making Wild Kratts stand apart from all the other kids’ shows out there today, both on PBS Kids and on mainstream television.  This all comes together to make this latest DVD just as enjoyable as previous Wild Kratts DVDs.  The bonus activities included on the disc make this new disc even more enjoyable.  Parents, kids, students, and teachers alike will especially appreciate the “Bat Box” activity.  It teaches how to build a “bat box” that bats can use for a home away from home of sorts.  And thanks to the link included in the activity, everybody can learn more about a fungus called “White Nose Syndrome” that is killing bats.  There is also a listing of books and other websites that parents and teachers can use to help learn even more about bats and their impact on different ecosystems.  The information on the page raised via the link explains in depth what “White Nose Syndrome” is.  It’s definitely interesting, and will interest viewers, too.  As in depth as it is, it’s still easy enough for the average viewer to comprehend, and then understand the importance of trying to help the bat population in one’s own region.

As one should be able to note from all of this, while this new DVD may boast only two more episodes, those two episodes  alone have more than enough entertainment and educational content to please both adults and children alike.  The same can be said of the bonus activities that can be accessed simply by putting the disc in one’s computer and opening by going to “My Computer.”  By the time kids and their parents—or teachers—have taken in everything that this disc has to offer, they’ll agree that it’s proof that one should never judge a book—or a DVD—by its cover.  It is available in stores and online now, and can be ordered online direct via the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org.

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Decoding Neanderthals A Good Companion To What Makes Us Human

Courtesy: PBS

Decoding Neanderthals is a welcome companion piece to the recent release of What Makes Us Human? from PBS’ NOVA ScienceNow.  This recent episode of NOVA was released to DVD in late March.  It expands greatly on the concepts raised through the previously mentioned program.  It keeps the concepts discussed simple enough for casual viewers to understand, too.  It does this through interviews with scientists and academics as well as filmed segments used to help illustrate the concepts discussed.  Among the concepts discussed in this program are: what is believed to have actually happened to Neanderthals, how Neanderthals survived the ice age, and the effect of Neanderthals’ fate on modern humans.  Decoding Neanderthals isn’t What Makes Us Human? But considering that it expands so well on the aforementioned program, it is a program that any student of the anthropological sciences will appreciate, as will even the most casual viewer.

Decoding Neanderthals picks up pretty much right where What Makes Us Human? left off.  The latter of the two programs discussed how physical and natural factors set us apart from Neanderthals.  The connecting thread though, is that of genetics.  Where What Makes Us Human? offers a casual glimpse at the genetic connection between modern humans and Neanderthals, Decoding Neanderthals goes into more depth, explaining that genetics has proven that perhaps humans didn’t wipe out Neanderthals, but actually interbred with them, thus leading to the eventual assimilation of Neanderthals into the much larger population of humans that originally came from Africa.  It’s just one concept on which this program expands from the prior program.  Of course, the genetic sciences are just the tip of the iceberg that makes this episode of NOVA so interesting.  Students of the social sciences will appreciate this program in its discussions of Neanderthals’ use of makeup and even social behavior such as burying their dead.

Scientists and academics interviewed for this program reveal in their discussions that Neanderthals actually used makeup and other items of personal decoration.  Even more interesting to note is the theory that just as sports fans use face and body paint at events, so did Neanderthals use face and body paint to determine who was friend and who was foe.  This could perhaps serve as more proof of the genetic interbreeding of Neanderthals and humans as such a behavior would have been passed down through that interbreeding.  The same can be said of the discovery of what is believed to be a burial site for Neanderthals.  That they would take part in such a social behavior as we do serves as even more solid proof that said theory of interbreeding has even more ground on which to stand.  And along with the expanded discussions on the tools used by Neanderthals, viewers get in this episode of NOVA, a program that answers a lot of questions about mankind’s past.  It’s a piece that crosses scientific lines, resulting in a product that makes for a wonderful addition to any college level biology and anthropology course as well as the home library of anyone that has even the most fleeting of interest in this subject.  It’s available now on DVD and can be ordered online at PBS’ online store at http://www.shoppbs.org.

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NOVA ScienceNow Latest Another Enjoyable Episode

Courtesy: PBS

NOVA ScienceNOW is one of the best series that PBS has.  Whereas NOVA is more documentary style programming, NOVA ScienceNOW is more accessible to average viewers.  Host David Pogue introduces topics that would have otherwise been presented mainly as a documentary in NOVA, and makes it easier to understand in this series, thus really making science fun.   And the program, What Makes Us Human?  Is proof positive of that fun.

In this latest presentation from NOVA ScienceNOW, Pogue asks the question, what is it that sets humans apart not only from other animals, but from our ancient ancestors.  He examines our differences from the noted categories first by studying the factors that made early humans and Neanderthals different.  This first investigation is a wonderful tart to the presentation.  Audiences will laugh out loud as Pogue is first turned into a Neanderthal by a group of art students.  The makeup and prosthetics used to turn Pogue into a Neanderthal were based largely on a discussion that Pogue had with a scientist who has studied the cranial differences between humans and Neanderthals.  This mix of entertainment and educational content are just the first step in the enjoyment of this feature.  Viewers will also love watching Pogue try his hand at making a primitive hand axe. 

From the ability to make primitive tools and natural adaptations, Pogue notes more factors that set us apart from both Neanderthals. One of those factors is the ability to communicate vocally.  He examines how something as simple as a bone and the ability to laugh set us apart from our Stone Age ancestors.  This is examined through the comparison of the “vocal abilities” of baby primates and baby humans.  As Pogue notes, who doesn’t love the sight and sound of a baby laughing.  Footage of babies laughing in various situations from YouTube are included to help highlight this portion of the discussion on what sets humans apart from the rest of the animal kingdom.  Again, something as simple as this make this feature much more relatable and accessible to audiences, and thus more enjoyable.

The content of What Makes Us Human? makes it another wonderful addition to PBS’ Nova ScienceNow series.  On a more level, the manner in which each section of the feature is separated is another positive.  Rather than just going from one topic to another, the near hour long feature—it actually runs just over fifty-three minutes not counting credits—is broken up using slates introducing each section.  These momentary breaks make the program that much easier to follow for audiences of all ages.  And it is also another way in which the Nova offshoot separates itself from its “parent” product yet makes itself just as enjoyable, if not more enjoyable.  Along with the viewer friendly content, it shows once again the value of not only Nova ScienceNOW but of programming in general on PBS.  This program is available now online and can be ordered via the PBs online store at http://www.shoppbs.org.

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Henry Ford An In-Depth Look At The Life of An American Auto Pioneer

Courtesy: PBS/Liberty Mutual Insurance/Alfred P. Slaon Foundation/National Endowment For The Humanities/CPB/WGHB

PBS’ documentary on auto pioneer Henry Ford is an interesting piece for anyone that has or has ever had any interest in the history not only of Ford but of the auto industry.  Its release was rather well timed what with the American auto industry trying to make a comeback after the troubles that the industry has had in recent years as a result of the economy.  While it is somewhat lengthy—it clocks in at two hours—it offers a glimpse of a man that likely few have ever known.  And it has something that will any car enthusiast will find interesting.  It offers an in-depth look at Ford’s life from his early childhood living on a farm to his later years.  Audiences will see Ford as a man who was driven throughout the better part of his life.  He wanted to be the best in the game both in business and even in racing.  Because of his drive (no pun intended), he was also a very shrewd businessman.  Audiences will be shocked to learn that as driven and respected as he was, Ford apparently started going downhill later in his life.  He began to show anti-Semitic leanings.  And his family life started to take a hit, too as he got older.

The story told through this documentary is enlightening for anyone that has any interest in the history of America’s very first automobile industry.  It even includes an item of interest for fans of auto racing, too.  As noted early in the documentary, Ford actually raced his car in the nation’s very first auto race in Michigan.  It notes that he won that race in a come-from-behind win after the car of one of his competitors broke down.  From there, he would go on to a handful of other wins, and would later incorporate Ford Motor Company.  This goes back somewhat to the recent discussions in NASCAR centered on the new “Gen 6” car as it was made to look like street cars so as to encourage buyers to go out and buy cars on Monday that win races on Sundays.

Ford’s life and his influence on America and its economy is eye opening in so many ways as seen through this program.  Making it even more interesting is the inclusion of actual photos and video of Ford’s life and accomplishments.  They are excellent visual aids that help to move the story along over the course of its two-hour run time.  Audiences get to see firsthand, footage of the workers on what would become the country’s first assembly line and pictures of the nation’s very first race.  Also included are pictures of the very first two-seater created by Ford (essentially the country’s very first sport coupe).  The pictures and footage of Ford later in his life are just as interesting to see as those of the empire that this once great man had created early in his life.  The images and footage together fit very well with the story told by various academics to make a story that anyone with an interest in the auto industry will enjoy.

From the garages of America’s auto enthusiasts, to the garages of NASCAR, and from the assembly lines to conference rooms of today’s auto industry, Henry Ford will interest anyone who has anything to do with cars.  Because of its history, it’s a tool that could even be used in the classroom for anyone studying auto technology or related courses at colleges and tech schools across the nation.  It is available now to order online.  It can be ordered direct via the PBS online store, http://www.shoppbs.org.

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PBS’ Wrestling Documentary A Champion Of A Feature

Courtesy: PBS

Professional wrestling is one of the most popular spectator events around the world.  Wrestling events are attended by millions every year and watched on television by just as many.  The history of professional wrestling goes back many decades.  And the history of its Mexican counterpart, Lucha Libre, goes back just as far.  Now thanks to PBS, fans of this popular theatrical event finally get a thorough look at what makes this decades old entertainment so popular even today.

Tales of Masked Men: A Journey Through Lucha Libre is a win for PBS.  It’s a win because rather than simply looking at Lucha Libre as some pop culture phenomenon among Hispanic communities, it examines it from a purely historical and sociological vantage point.  Perhaps one of the most intriguing comparisons made in the feature is that of the wrestlers in Lucha Libre being real life superheroes of sorts, pulled right from the pages of a comic book.  With their flashy in-ring attire (masks included) and their personalities, they become subjects for whom audiences can either root or boo.  As noted in one interview, Lucha Libre presents its audiences with a definitive good guy and bad guy.  It’s made obvious through the noted attire and personality.  This alone makes for a rather interesting discussion point.  Everybody needs a hero.

The need for a hero leads into another interesting aspect of this near hour long program.  Audiences will be introduced to wrestlers the likes of “El Santo” and others for whom Mexican audiences have cheered through the history of the “sport.”  “El Santo” is a prime example as he showed in both life and death, he was a national hero.  He proved to be a fan favorite because he exemplified everything for which his fans did.  That applied to his persona both inside and outside the ring.  As noted, he knew his success was the result of his fans.  So he showed that inside and outside the ring throughout his life.  So when he died, his funeral became essentially a national event.  That shows how important these real life superheroes are to their fans, which lead to yet another interesting discussion raised in the program.  It’s more of a sociological discussion.

The wrestlers of Lucha Libre are obviously very important to their fans.  That connection to the wrestlers leads to the discussion on the fans themselves.  While there is a general stereotype of wrestling fans even in Mexico, the reality of this world and its fans is quite different as audiences will see.  Director Carlos Avilla presents with this feature a spectacle that is rooted in Mexico’s working class.  Fans root for their favorite wrestler because he (or in some cases, she) emulates the same standards for which they themselves stand.  That fans have always been able to relate to a given figure makes it more personal for them, thus making the “sport” that much more special for its legions of fans.

As one can already see, Tales of Masked Men: A Journey Through Lucha Libre offers fans a very thorough look at what makes Lucha Libre so popular among its fans to this day.  The discussions raised in the course of its near hour-long run time are expertly assembled throughout the presentation, making it easy to follow. They are just part of what makes this presentation an interesting feature whether one is a fan of wrestling or not.  There is also the mention of professional wrestling’s roots in actual Greco-Roman wrestling, despite the largely theatrical nature of the event today.  Along with that, Avilla and company also include actual photos of past Lucha Libre greats and interviews with professionals with quite the insight into Lucha Libre.  To sweeten the deal, PBS has offered the entire presentation not just in English but in Spanish as well for Spanish speaking audiences.  Combined all together, everything that went into bringing this documentary to life makes it one that any wrestling fan and social scientist will enjoy.  It’s available now and can be ordered online direct via the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org.

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PBS’ DUCKumentary Feathered Fun For The Whole Family

Courtesy: PBS

PBS’ Nature has always been one of its best shows.  And compared to so many other shows of its ilk that are out there it is the cream of the crop.  Its latest release, An Original DUCKumentary proves yet again why Nature is the prime example of a wildlife show done right.

An Original DUCKumentary takes viewers into the lives of some of our fine-feathered friends from birth to adulthood.  This is a wonderful program for the entire family and for ornithologists and those studying aviary sciences.  General audiences will love simply watching the feature’s outstanding cinematography while those with a deeper interest in the different species of ducks will appreciate both the cinematography and the more scientific explanations of each species’ general body construction and habits.  The subtle narration by acting veteran Paul Giamatti (Sideways, The Illusionist, Cosmopolis) is a nice touch, too.  There’s something about his delivery that is perfect for just such a setting as this.  Both Lenny Williams and Chris Biondo are also to be commended in this new feature from PBS.  The pair was responsible for the music used as a bed throughout the show.  Just as Giamatti’s delivery was a perfect fit for narration, the control of the music by Biondo and Williams’ gentle musical touch added its own extra subtle nuance to the presentation.

The narration and music definitely play their own part in the success of An Original DUCKumentary as already noted.  This is something that far too often, documentarians get wrong in crafting their presentations.  Together, the pair have come together to make a presentation that will keep audiences engaged and entertained.  One example of that match comes in a scene in which a number of different species of ducks had come together at a stopping point on their migration.  Giamatti describes almost as if he were right there in person how each group actually works together in its own way to protect all of the ducks from predators while others rest and look for their mates.  There’s something oddly humorous about Giammati’s delivery as he talks about the male ducks’ attempts to lure a female.  There’s almost a certain slightly dry wit about his narration as he talks about the birds’ mating habits.

Along with the narration, music, and cinematography, there is one other aspect of An Original DUCKumentary that makes it enjoyable for both general audiences and those more deeply interested in studying ducks.  That factor is the inclusion of a listing of each duck featured throughout the feature at its end.  Audiences are presented with a collage of different ducks that is highlighted, one duck at a time, complete with its name.  It serves as one more way to get audiences who might have otherwise not had any interest in studying ducks interested for the first time.  For those who are more seasoned birders, it’s just one more bonus as it specifically highlights each species featured.  Along with the other noted aspects of this feature, it’s one more reason for any viewer of any level of experience to check out this stand out dock…er…DUCKumentary.  It’s available now on DVD and can be ordered online direct via the PBS store at http://www.shoppbs.org.

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New Dinosaur Train DVD Offers Kids More Undersea Fun And Facts

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Kids

It’s time to get back on the Dinosaur Train again!  Tiny and the gang are back for more adventures in the latest release from Craig Bartlett’s hit PBS Kids show.  This time out, Tiny and the gang are headed back underwater for four more adventures in which they discover even more new species of dinosaurs.  They discover the hydro dynamically designed undersea dino, Otto Opthalmosaurus.  Because of his tear drop shaped body, Otto can swim really fast through the water.  He also has very good eyesight.  It helps him both in hunting and to get away from predators.  He’s just one of the prehistoric pals that the kids meet in this new collection.  In the set’s second episode, they meet another new friend named Shoshana Shonosaurus when they travel to the Triassic ocean.  Shoshana looks similar to Otto, except her body is more elongated instead of rounded.  And her long nose helps her when she tries to hunt smaller fish.  Even more interesting to learn is that Shoshana has to surface every now and then, much like today’s dolphins and whales.  She has to surface so that she can breathe.  Along the way, they learn how the undersea environment changes as they travel deeper.

Otto Opthalmosaurus and Shoshana Shonosaurus are just two of the new dinosaurs that the Pteranodon family gets to meet in the adventures included in this new DVD.  The kids also get to meet Maisie Mosasaurus and a group of baby sea turtles, too.  Kids will love the facts taught by all four episodes thanks to the easy to understand delivery of facts about each dinosaur.  Just as with previous Dinosaur Train DVD releases, those easy to understand facts and catchy tunes will have kids watching and singing along over and over again.  Adding to the enjoyment of this new release is an interactive DVD game that parents and kids can play together.  There are also downloadable coloring pages and other activities for kids and parents.  And what episode of Dinosaur Train would be complete without extra information from Dr. Scott the Paleontologist?  His segments are included, too as bonus features.

Dinosaur Train: Submarine Adventures offers so much enjoyment for both parents and kids in just four episodes.  It’s proof of the old adage that big things come in small packages.  From its easy to understand science lessons to its catchy songs to even the bright colors that will entertain and educate young viewers at the same time.  It’s one more fun DVD to add to any family’s Dinosaur Train library.  It will be available next Tuesday, February 19^th and can be ordered online via the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org.  And for more games and fun from Dinosaur Train, kids can log on to the Dinosaur Train website with their parents at http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/.  Kids can learn about even more dinosaurs, play more games and lots more here.

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New Clifford DVD A True Celebration For Every Fan

Courtesy: Lionsgate/Scholastic/PBS Kids

Clifford the Big Red Dog is turning fifty years old.  Unbelievable!  Everyone’s favorite oversized furry friend is celebrating his birthday with a brand new DVD release next month.  Celebrate with Clifford is the first new Clifford release in two years.  It will be available in stores and online February 5^th.  The new release is a special double disc release loaded with lots of fun, family friendly adventures from Clifford, his fellow canine friends, and his owner, Emily Elizabeth.  The two discs in this new release boast fifteen episodes from the hit series.  The set’s first disc, Celebrate with Clifford has seven of the show’s episodes included in the set.  All of the aforementioned episodes included in the first disc are full of family friendly fun and important life lessons that ring true for audiences of all ages.

Audiences learn a number of important lessons throughout the first seven episodes included in the set.  In the episode, “Clifford on Parade”, Emily Elizabeth (Grey DeLisle—The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy) and Charley (Gary Leroi Grey—The Cosby Show) both learn about working together and about compromise when they have to decide on an idea for the float that they’ll enter in the town’s annual parade.  Thanks to Clifford, they end up with one interesting float that even incorporates Clifford himself.  In another episode, “Team Sprit”, young viewers are introduced to the lesson of good sportsmanship and being kind to others.  The story here centers on young Vaz.  Vaz is friends with Emily Elizabeth and the other kids.  But he’s not the best soccer player.  And Jetta doesn’t help as she openly tells Vaz he’s not that great of a soccer player.  Of course she learns her lesson in the episode’s end.  Audiences can find out how she learns her lesson when they check out this new DVD set for themselves.

All seven episodes included in the set’s main disc offer plenty of enjoyment and lessons for viewers.  Luckily for viewers, they’re not all that viewers get in this new set. The eight bonus episodes included in the bonus disc also offer their own enjoyment.  Just in time for Valentine’s Day, there’s even a Valentine’s Day themed episode in “Clifford’s Big Heart.”  In this episode, Clifford is trying to make a Valentine for Emily Elizabeth, but things don’t exactly go as planned.  That is until he finally realizes the best idea for a special Valentine just for her.  His special gift will warm the hearts of both kids and their parents.  Still not enough?  How about the birthday and party themed episodes included in the set?  “Clifford’s Big Surprise”  sees Clifford getting his very own birthday surprise from Emily Elizabeth, her parents and his canine friends.  At first it seems like everybody is avoiding Clifford.  It leaves Clifford bored since there’s no one to play with.  Luckily he finds a way to play by himself.  Ironically, it’s right about then that Emily Elizabeth comes looking for Clifford so she and the others can surprise him with his birthday party.  It’s just one of a handful of birthday themed episodes included in the set’s bonus second disc.  The complete double disc set will be available February 5^th in stores and online.  It can be ordered online direct via the Lionsgate online store at http://www.lionsgateshop.com/product.asp?Id=28180&TitleParentId=8311.

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