PBS Kids, PBS Distribution’s New Season, Holiday DVD Sets Will Entertain, Engage Audiences Of All Ages

Courtesy: PBS Kids/PBS Distribution

The unofficial start of the annual holiday season is only days away.  For those who don’t know, that is a reference to Halloween.  As Halloween nears, many are already turning their attention to colder weather and Christmas, including officials with PBS Kids and PBS Distribution.  The companies are scheduled to release two new seasonal DVD collections Oct. 19 on DVD in the form of PBS Kids: 20 Snowy Stories and PBS Kids Christmas Collection.  The collections, one a double-disc collection and the other a single-disc set, are successful new offerings.  Their success comes in part through the episodes featured in the set.  This will be examined shortly.  While the featured episodes do plenty to keep viewers engaged and entertained, the sets are not perfect.  Each collection suffers in the way of their packaging.  This element will be examined a little later.  The sets’ pricing rounds out their most important elements and will also be discussed later.  Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the collections.  All things considered, they make the collections wonderful ways for families to get into the seasonal and holiday spirit.

PBS Kids and PBS Distribution’s upcoming DVD collections, PBS Kids: 20 Snowy Stories and PBS Kids Christmas Collection are mostly successful offerings from the companies.  Their success is due in large part to their featured episodes.  The episodes are culled from a variety of PBS Kids’ most beloved series past and present, such as Arthur, Splash & Bubbles, and Word World just to name a few.  Also featured are episodes from the likes of Let’s Go Luna!, Dinosaur Train, and World World just to name a few more.  For the most part, the episodes feature stories that match the collections’ titles, too.  The only episode that is out of place is the Dinosaur Train episode, “Cretacious Conifers.”  Featured in the 20 Snowy Stories collection, it has no snow or even ice.  Yes, there is a mention of the winter solstice at points throughout, but it also focuses heavily on more of a Christmas theme as the story progresses.  To that end, it seems more of a fit on the Christmas Collection set.  While the Ready Jet Go! episodes featured in the 20 Snowy Stories collection are a little bit of a stretch – they feature Jet and his friends bringing ice back from outer space to beat the summer heat in two separate ways and for two separate reasons – they do at least fit a little bit.

Courtesy: PBS Kids/PBS Distribution

In the case of the Christmas Collection, its episodes are more uniformly in line with its title.  One of the most notable of its episodes is “Luna’s Christmas Around the World.”  After getting stuck in Antarctica thanks to the captain of the ship on which they are riding, Andy, Carmen and Leo lean from the members of the Circo Fabuloso how Christmas is celebrated in different regions of the world.  By the episode’s end, the kids learn the most important lesson of all about Christmas as they finally get the boat working again and leave Antarctica.

WordWorld’s episode, “The Christmas Star” is another of the most notable of the Christmas Collection episodes.  The title sounds like something that might present a religious theme, but that could not be farther from the truth.  Rather, in this case, Duck is on a search for the Christmas star because it belongs on top of the Christmas tree that he and his friends have put up.  Duck wants to use the star as his present to his friends.  Of course it has a happy ending that also ties in a basic spelling lesson.

Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas has already been released on a standalone Wild Kratts DVD.  That aside, it is still welcome here.  In this extended episode, it’s up to Chris, Martin and their friends to save a group of animal babies from Zach Varmitech after he kidnaps the cute, cuddly creatures for use as ornaments on his own metal Christmas tree.  As with every other episode in which the guys face off against Zach, they come out on top and get the animals back to the wild and living free.  How it happens will be left for audiences to discover for themselves if they have not yet seen this special episode.  Between this episode, the others examined here and the rest of those in this set and in 20 Snowy Stories, the episodes in whole make for more than enough reason to add these collections to one’s home library.  This is the case even though at least one episode is a bit out of place in its collection.

While the episodes featured in these collections form a strong foundation for the sets, the collections are not necessarily perfect.  The lack of an episode guide anywhere in the packaging detracts from the presentations to a point.  The episode guides are obviously there when audiences put the sets’ discs into their DVD and/or Blu-ray players, but they are not printed anywhere within the packaging.  As a result, audiences are forced to figure out and essentially memorize which episodes are aligned with which discs.  Yes, this is an aesthetic issue, but it would certainly help the presentation because it would save audiences time and effort in trying to decide which episode(s) they want to watch.  Instead of the episodes, the packaging lists the episodes’ sponsors inside the case.  That could have been done on the back of each set’s case.  This is not enough to make the presentations failures, but certainly would have benefited the sets’ presentations.

Keeping in mind that the lack of episode guides in the set is not enough to completely ruin them, there is one more positive to address.  It comes in the form of the collections’ pricing.  The average price point for PBS Kids: 20 Snowy Stories is $7.95.  Rounded up, it is a mere $8.00.  That price is obtained by averaging prices listed through Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Books-A-Million, and PBS’ store.  Books-A-Million and PBS are the only retailers that exceed that price point, while the majority of the others list the double-disc collection at either $6.95 or $6.99.  Best Buy lists the collection at $7.99, which while a few cents over the average, is still right in line with the average price point.  Considering the amount of content featured across the set and the representation of the PBS Kids shows, that affordable price point definitely proves positive and money well-spent.

The average price point for PBS Kids: Christmas Collection is $11.33.  That price was reached by averaging prices at the noted retailers.  Amazon’s listing of $29.99 is either an anomaly or just outright incorrect, but for the most part, it is listed between $6.69 and $9.99, with a middle ground of $7.99, listed through Best Buy and Barnes & Noble Booksellers.  Books-A-Million and PBS each list the single-disc set at $9.99.  Walmart and Target each have the least expensive listing, at $6.69.  Yet again, these prices are mostly such that they will not break anyone’s budget.  Knowing how much content even this set features, that knowledge makes purchasing the set even more encouraging, too.  Keeping in mind the affordability noted in each set along with the content featured in each collection, those elements make the sets well worth owning and successes in their own right.  That is even with the issue of the lack of episode guides in mind.  One becomes one more of this year’s top new family DVDs and BDs while the other more than earns its spot among the year’s top new family DVD and BD box sets.

PBS Kids and PBS Distribution’s forthcoming seasonal/holiday DVD sets, 20 Snowy Stories and Christmas Collection are successful new offerings from the companies.  Their success comes in large part through their featured episodes.  The episodes largely follow the theme of each set’s title.  They also teach important lessons within the stories.  That education and entertainment that they offer is sure to keep audiences engaged and entertained.  While the episodes are the key point of the collections, the lack of any episode guide in either set detracts from the sets’ presentation to a point.  It is not enough to make the sets failures, but still does hurt them to a point.  Keeping in mind the breadth and depth of the content featured in each set, the sets’ pricing proves positive, too.  That is because their pricing proves so affordable for the most part.  Each item examined here is important in its own way to the whole of the collections.  All things considered, they make each set successful by themselves and collectively.

PBS Kids: 20 Snowy Stories and PBS Kids: Christmas Collection are scheduled for release Oct. 19.  More information on these and other titles from PBS Kids is available online at:

Website: https://pbskids.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PBSKIDS

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pbskids

More information on this and other titles from PBS Distribution is available at:

Website: https://pbsdistribution.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PBSDistribution.org

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pbsdistribution

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to https://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.  

‘Caillou Goes For The Gold’ Deserves Its Own Medal

Courtesy: PBS Distribution

The weather outside is frightful for most of the country right now, so the fire is definitely so delightful.  No, this critic doesn’t want it to just snow.  However, since there’s no place to go since most events happen during spring and summer, PBS Kids has a way for families to keep their kids entertained.  That resource is the latest DVD release from the network’s kid-friendly series Caillou, Caillou Goes For The Gold.  Originally released late last July, this DVD is just as useful in cold weather months as during the summer.  That is due in part to the episodes’ underlying theme.  This will be discussed shortly.  The lessons that are taught within each episode are just as important to note here as the episodes’ underlying theme.  The bonus material included with the DVD rounds out its most important elements.  Each element is important in its own right to the DVD’s presentation.  All things considered, these three elements together make Caillou Goes For The Gold its own gold medal winner.

When PBS Distribution released Caillou Goes For The Gold late last July, the company’s intent was to tie the DVD in to the 2016 summer Olympics.  That’s all good and fine, but even now six months later, the DVD has proven to be just as important for families to watch as when it was originally released.  That is due in part to the episodes’ underlying theme. The episodes were all sports-related as the DVD was, again, meant to tie in to the Olympics.  But in the bigger picture, each episode serves to support the push for physical activity.  Whether running in a race, learning karate, swimming or other activities, each episode promotes physical activity of some sort.  Obviously outdoor physical activity is difficult while old man winter has his icy grip on the nation.  But there are facilities out there that boast heated, indoor pools and indoor walking/running tracks.  There are even indoor batting facilities where young people can go to learn to hit a ball.  Heck, there are even bowling centers in almost every city across the country.  Considering the multitude of opportunities for families to get out and get active even in colder months, that underlying theme that runs through each episode makes this DVD a win by itself.  It is just one of the elements that gives the DVD such a solid score, too.  The lessons that are taught within each of the featured episodes are just as important for audiences to note as the episodes’ underlying theme.

The underlying theme of physical activity’s importance runs through all 11 episodes featured in Caillou Goes For The Gold.  While that theme is hugely important to the DVD’s presentation – since it gives plenty of inspiration for indoor activity even in cold months – it is not the DVD’s only important element.  The lessons provided within each episode are just as important to note as that underlying theme.  Young audiences are taught the importance of focusing on play rather than winning in the disc’s opening episode, “Everyone’s Best.”  “Caillou’s Big Kick” teaches an equally important lesson about perseverance in its short segment.  As if that isn’t enough for audiences, “Caillou’s Mini-Marathon” encourages families to get out and get active together and for children to try something that might be difficult.  Between these lessons and the lessons presented in each of the disc’s other episodes, it becomes clear in watching each program why their incorporated lessons are just as important as their underlying theme of physical activity’s importance.  Even with both elements in mind, they are only two of the key elements to note in examining this collection’s overall presentation.  The bonus material included with the disc rounds out its most important elements.

Caillou Goes for the Gold presents plenty of reason that it will earn its own awards through the underlying theme that runs through each of its 11 episodes.  The same can be said when placing the episodes’ separate lessons in place of their underlying theme.  While both elements are undeniably important to this collection both by themselves and collectively, they are only two of the disc’s key elements.  The bonus material that is included with the DVD is just as important to note in examining this collection’s presentation as its underlying theme and its lessons.  The bonus material in question comes in the form of three bonus activities that drive home both that underlying theme and lessons.  The first of the bonus activities encourages parents to hold backyard races in which the “contestants” can win ribbons.  The second activity is essentially a homemade ring toss game, and the third is a relay race that not only encourages physical activity but also teaches letter recognition for preschoolers.  It scores double for touching on not one but two different areas.  Each lesson is a positive in its own right.  Parents and educators alike will agree they are a wonderful bonus to this DVD’s viewing experience.  When they are set against the episodes’ lessons and their underlying theme, all three elements join to make the DVD well-deserving of its own award.

Caillou Goes For The Gold has been available in stores and online for about six months since its release in late July, 2015.  While the collection has been available for half a year, that does nothing to lessen its importance even now in the colder months of the New Year.  Its underlying theme promoting physical activity is a good start for discussions on physical activity among children and parents/educators before finding ways to get active indoors.  The lessons that are presented in each episode add even more depth to the disc’s presentation.  The bonus material included inside the disc’s case rounds out is most important elements.  Each element is important in its own way to the disc’s overall presentation.  All things considered, they make this collection a medial winner for every family whether in the year’s colder months or its warmer months.  It is available now in stores and online and can be ordered online direct via PBS’ online store.  More information on this and other Caillou collections is available online along with games, activities and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.caillou.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CaillouOfficial

 

 

 

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Caillou’s Latest Collection Will Entertain Audiences Of All Ages

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Kids/PBS Distribution

Caillou is officially on DVD again.  PBS Distribution and PBS Kids released the latest collection of Caillou’s episodes last week.  The DVD features thirteen more episodes from the Canadian import.  And in looking at those episodes in whole the episodes are just part of the collection’s presentation.  The writing within the featured episodes are just as important to note in this collection as the episodes themselves.  Last but not least of note is the work of the series’ voice cast.  More specifically, the work of the actors behind Caillou’s parents is especially of note.  Each element is important to the DVD’s presentation.  Altogether, all three elements make this DVD another welcome addition to any family’s home DVD library.

PBS Kids’ latest collection of Caillou episodes is another welcome addition to any family’s home DVD library.  This is thanks at least in part to the episodes that are featured in the collection.  It might not seem all that important.  But a closer examination and comparison to many other children’s compilation DVDs reveals that it is in fact quite important to the DVD’s presentation.  Older audiences with children will agree that there is any number of children’s DVDs out there whose titles hardly match their titles.  The compilations in question may bear a specific title.  But of its given episodes (regardless of how many) perhaps one or two might match up with the theme presented in the compilation’s title.  Viewers of all ages will be happy to know that in the case of this DVD, that is not the case.  All thirteen of the compilation’s featured episodes match up precisely and near precisely with the set’s title.  Each one is in fact centered on animals and how Caillou and his friends handle different animal situations.  There is no deviation from those central themes unlike so many other random children’s compilation DVDs out there.  Considering how rare this is (at least for children’s DVDs). it shows why the DVD’s featured episodes are in fact far more important to the set than audiences might think.  The episodes themselves are collectively just one of the DVD’s most important elements.  The writing within the episodes is just as important as the episodes.

The episodes that are featured in PBS Kids’ new Caillou DVD are important to the collection in their own right.  Unlike so many children’s DVDs before its thirteen total episodes actually remain largely in line with the theme presented in the DVD’s title.  This bears its own importance in the DVD’s overall presentation.  But it is not the DVD’s only important element.  The writing within the episodes is just as important as the episodes themselves.  What audiences get in terms of the episodes’ writing are very real situations to which children and adults alike will be able to relate in terms of children’s interactions with animals.  “Caillou is Scared of Dogs” is a prime example of that.  This episode presents Caillou in one of his early meetings with a dog.  Many children, in their first interactions with given animals, can be very cautious and even scared of said animals.  This is commonly the case with dogs for some odd reason.  The situation was presented very much as it would indeed happen in the real world.  This includes how the situation was handled, too.  “Follow That Sound” is another good example of the importance of the episodes’ writing.  This episode does center on an animal (which won’t be revealed here).  But in the bigger picture of the episode, it presents a situation in which Caillou has to use problem solving so to speak.  That is because he is searching for a mystery sound in his house.  He has to follow the sound throughout his house until he finally discovers the source of the sound.  So what audiences get here is a story not only centered on an animal but an episode that is also educational and helps promote children’s personal growth.  There is even a story that teaches an important lesson about responsibility in “Leo’s Hamster.”  The lesson here is taught as Caillou takes care of his friend Leo’s hamster “Buddy” over the weekend.   After accidentally letting Buddy loose in his house Caillou has to get his parents to help him catch Buddy and get him back in his habitat.  Caillou’s parents remind him that it is his responsibility to look after Buddy and keep him safe.  Once again this is a very real scenario that plays out every day across the country.  And the manner in which the whole situation unfolded is just as realistic.  It shows even more why the writing behind this episode is so crucial to the DVD’s overall presentation.  It is hardly the only remaining example of the importance of the episodes’ writing.  “Caillou Goes Birdwatching” sees Caillou going to the park with his grandmother to feed birds.  He learns about patience and even about respecting animals in this episode.  This is another important part of every child’s personal development.  Once more it is presented in a wholly realistic fashion, making it all the more believable and in turn engaging.  As if that isn’t enough for audiences, “Caillou Walks A Dog” teaches young audiences an important lesson about appreciating what they have rather than just being reactionary.  The lesson is taught as Caillou is walking a dog that belongs to Grandma’s friend.  He enjoys walking the dog so much that later he bugs his own parents about getting a dog.  But they remind him that he already has his cat Gilbert.  Parents will be able to relate to this situation all too well.  IT doesn’t have to necessarily be a pet in the situation.  It can be a child begging for a toy at the store even though he or she might already have loads of toys that he or she probably barely even plays with.  Children need to learn that they can’t always have everything that they want.  They need to learn that lesson about appreciating the things that they already have before just replacing them with more stuff.  It’s just one more example of how the writing proves so crucial to the overall presentation of Caillou’s new episode compilation.  Even with these episodes noted there are still plenty of other episodes that could be cited in proving the importance of the show’s writing here.  All things considered, the writing proves, regardless of the episode, to be just as important to this DVD’s presentation as the episodes themselves.  Even with its undeniable importance, it still is not the last remaining element that should be noted in examining this latest collection of episodes from Caillou.  The work of the show’s voice cast is just as worth noting.

The episodes that make up the body of Caillou’s Pet Parade and their writing are both key elements in the DVD’s presentation.  From start to finish each of the DVD’s thirteen total episodes never stray from the theme presented in the DVD’s title.  The writing is just as important because it presents real life scenarios.  What’s more, it does so in a fashion that makes it accessible to audiences of all ages.  While both elements are important in their own right to the DVD’s presentation, they are not the collection’s only notable elements.  The work of the show’s voice cast is just as important to note.  More specifically, the work of those behind Caillou and his parents is important to note.  Pat Fry and Jennifer Seguin voice the roles of Caillou’s parents while Annie Bovaird fills the role of the precocious preschooler after whom the series is named.  Fry and Seguin are impressive throughout each episode as they take a gentle approach with Bovaird’s Caillou every time.  It doesn’t even matter if Caillou has gotten himself in a really tight spot or done something really bad.  His parents are still completely calm with him.  It might not seem important on the surface.  But in this day and age it is an approach that so many parents should learn to take with their children rather than certain other methods.  In the same vein, Bovaird is just as engaging as Caillou.  There is a little bit of over the top here and there.  But in large part she presents Caillou in a fashion that most adult audiences will agree is pretty spot on.  Maybe that’s why so many parents can’t stand Caillou; Bovaird’s portrayal is just that precise.  Regardless, it can be said that between the three of them, their work in bringing to life Caillou and his parents will keep viewers just as engaged as the episodes’ stories and the episodes themselves.  Keeping all of this in mind, each element proves to be important in its own right, again, to the overall presentation of Caillou’s Pet Parade.  Collectively, they show the collection to be another welcome addition to any family’s home DVD library.  That is especially the case for those families whose children are fans of the series.

Caillou’s Pet Parade is yet another good addition to any family’s home DVD library.  This is especially the case for families whose children are fans of the series.  It proves to be such a welcome addition to families’ libraries in part due to its episodes.  The episodes stay in line with the theme of the collection’s title.  The stories contained within the episodes are just as certain to keep audiences engaged because of the fact that they are so real in their situations.  The work of the series’ core voice cast is just as important.  That is because it shows how parents should at least strive to handle their children.  In the same vein, Annie Bovaird’s portrayal of Caillou is just as precise as that of her cast mates.  Each element proves to be important in its own right to this latest collection of Caillou episodes.  Altogether they show clearly why it is another welcome addition to any family’s home DVD library; especially families whose children are fans of the series.  It is available now exclusively on DVD and can be ordered online direct via PBS’ online store.  More information on this and other Caillou compilation DVDs is available online now along with more information on the series, games, activities, and more at:

 

Website: http://PBSKIDS.org/caillou

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CaillouOfficial

Twitter: http://twitter.com/cailloudhx

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebok.com/philspicks and “Like” it.  Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

Your Family Can Win A PBS Kids DVD Prize Pack From Phil’s Picks!

Courtesy: PBS Kids

Courtesy: PBS Kids

Courtesy: PBS Kids

 

PBS Distribution recently re-issued a trio of DVDs from three of PBS Kids’ family favorite series. The DVDs—Dinosaur Train: Eggstravaganza, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Welcome To The Neighborhood, and Caillou: Caillou’s Garden Adventures—were all released Tuesday, January 13^th. Now thanks to Phil’s Picks, five lucky families out there will each receive not one, not two, but all three of the DVDs in question. All five winners of these prize packs will be announced Friday, January 30^th and will be mailed out to the winning families soon after. Winners will be announced that afternoon at 5pm ET.

Each of the DVDs are presented as in their original releases complete with episode listing and printable coloring pages and activities. What’s different with them this time around is that each DVD comes with its own detachable jigsaw puzzle for young viewers to take apart and re-assemble. It’s a great way to pass some time and build problem solving skills. Children can assemble it themselves or with their parents. The puzzles are covered with a sticker-type backing that is easily removed. And that backing

has a couple touches of rubber cement to attach the assembled puzzle to the case itself. This makes it simple to remove the puzzle both from its backing and from the case. It should be noted that parents should keep the puzzle pieces in bags or other containers so as to not lose them. That’s because it is very easy to lose them being that there are so few pieces.

Any interested families and entrants can get their name into the drawing for these prize packs simply by going to the Phil’s Picks Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and hitting the “Like” button. Once that’s done, all that’s left is to write on the timeline there, letting me know that they want to be entered for a shot at the PBS Kids’ DVD prize pack. It’s that simple. Again, the winning names will be drawn January 30^th at 5pm ET. It’s that easy. So spread the word and good luck. And to keep up with all of the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

PBS, PBS Kids Re-Issuing Compilations From Four Family Favorite Series

PBS Kids is starting off the new year with a bang.

On Tuesday, January 13^th, PBS and PBS Kids will release four new DVDs—Caillou: Caillou’s Garden Adventures, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Welcome to the Neighborhood, Dinosaur Train: Eggstravaganza, and Super Why: Jack and the Beanstalk. Each of the DVDs listed has been previously released. However, in their upcoming re-issues, each one will come with a bonus puzzle for kids to assemble.

Courtesy: PBS Kids

Caillou: Caillou’s Garden Adventure teaches young viewers about the importance of nature and ecological preservation. In this DVD, Caillou learns about the value of nature and the environment as he goes on a hike with his grandfather to Blueberry Point and helps his parents plant a tree in their garden. In features six episodes at a total run time of fifty minutes.

Courtesy: PBS Kids

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood: Welcome to the Neighborhood was the very first of the DVD releases from what is the first TV series inspired by Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The DVD features three episodes—“Daniel’s Birthday,” “Daniel’s Picnic,” and “Neighbor Day.” It runs a total of fifty minutes.

Courtesy: PBS Kids

Dinosaur Train: Eggstravaganza features eight episodes from the family favorite hit series about a family of dinosaurs and the family’s many adventures. Among the eight episodes included on this disc are “The Egg Stealer?” and “Hatching Party.” In the first of that pair, Buddy and Don have a mystery to solve when they happen on a group of unhatched eggs on their beach. In “Hatching Party,” Buddy, Tiny and Mrs. Pteranodon ride the Dinosaur Train to an egg hatching party. These two episodes along with the disc’s remaining six bring its total run time to 100 minutes.

 

Courtesy: PBS Kids

Super Why: Jack and the Beanstalk sees Wyatt and his friends jump into the worlds of Jack and the Beanstalk, The Princess and the Pea, The Three Little Pigs, and Little Red Riding Hood. The total run time of the disc is 100 minutes.

More information on these and other titles from PBS Kids is available online at:

Website: http://pbskids.org

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PBSKIDS

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.