‘Wild Kratts: Cats And Dogs’ Will Get Two Thumbs And Four Paws Up

Courtesy: PBS Distribution/PBS/PBS Kids

Fans of the hit PBS Kids series, Wild Kratts, got a special treat late last month.  The surprise came in the form of the new DVD, Cats and Dogs.  Released July 27, the single-disc compilation is another positive new offering for the series’ fans from PBS Distribution, PBS, and PBS Kids.  The DVD’s success comes in no small part through its featured episodes’ stories, which will be discussed shortly.  The lessons tied in to the stories add their own appeal to the DVD’s presentation and will be discussed a little later.  All of this writing content makes for plenty of reason for audiences to take in this recently released DVD.  Taking into account the engagement and entertainment ensured through all of that writing, it makes the DVD’s average price point its own positive worth noting.  Each item noted is important in its own way to the whole of the DVD.  All things considered, they make Wild Kratts: Cats and Dogs a presentation that will appeal just as much to every Wild Kratts fan as to cat and dog lovers.

PBS Distribution’s latest Wild Kratts DVD release, Cats and Dogs will unite lovers of each furry, four-legged friend and fans of the series.  That is proven in part through its featured episodes’ stories.  The stories, four in all, each stay true to the theme of the DVD’s title.  The DVD’s nearly hour-long title feature finds Chris and Martin presenting the many breeds of canines and felines that inhabit so many parts of the world while Aviva tries to make up her mind if she is on “team cat” or “team dog.”  Audiences who have not yet seen this feature will be left to find out her decision for themselves.  “Spots in the Desert,” the DVD’s second episode find Chris and Martin following a mother Ocelot and her cubs in the Sonoran Desert.  Ocelots, for those who might not know, are part of the cat family, proving again how the stories follow the theme of the DVD’s title.  Dog lovers get their turn here in “Adapto The Coyote” as the guys find out all of the places where coyotes call home while also dealing once again with the vile Zack Varmitech as he tries to shoo coyotes from near his mansion.  “Little Howler,” the DVD’s closing episode, follows its titular character, a baby wolf (wolves are in the dog family), as it grows up.  The episodes are lifted from the series’ first, sixth, and 18^th seasons, making for a nice cross section of the series over the course of its run.  Keeping all of this in mind, the episode featured in this set and their stories form a solid foundation for the DVD’s presentation.  Building on that foundation are the lessons tied to the episodes.

For the most part, the lessons that the stories teach are basic biology lessons.  As already noted, “Adapto The Coyote” finds Chris, Martin, and their friends learning about all of the places in which coyotes live around the world.  This is a lesson about how coyotes have adapted to the changes in the world around them in order to survive.  At the same time, audiences also learn here about how coyotes communicate with one another through their various calls.  “Spots in the Desert” presents another very basic lesson that will connect easily with younger audiences.  It is a lesson about ocelots’ habitats, much like the lesson presented in “Adapto The Coyote.”  “Little Howler” also presents a basic lesson, this time about how wolves socialize.  The big lesson here comes in the form of the DVD’s title presentation.  In the case here, the guys have to stop Zack once again.  This time, they have to stop him from taking a bunch of big dog and cat cubs and trying to sell them to people as pets.  The illegality of selling wild and exotic animals is no joke, and this “movie” brooches that subject on a very basic level that, again, young audiences can understand.  It does that while also introducing the very many breeds and wild cats and dogs that inhabit the world.  This is not the first time that Zack has ever trapped animals for his own nefarious means.  One of the series’ holiday episodes found him kidnapping various animals to use as decorations on a giant metal Christmas tree.  He has also tried kidnapping animals to help one of his fellow villains, Donita Donata.  In this case though, again, is that all important message about the illegality of capturing and selling exotic animals.  This is a topic that is in the news countless times every year.  To that end, it is a subject on which audiences need to be educated even at a young age so that as they get older, they will have that understanding instilled.  Keeping all of this in mind, there is no doubt as to the importance of the stories’ lessons.  Considering the importance of the stories and their lessons, there is a lot of positive content to like here.  That content makes the DVD’s fully affordable average price point its own positive.

The average price point for Wild Kratts: Cats and Dogs is $5.60.  that price was obtained by averaging prices listed through Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, PBS’ store, and VideoETA.  For those who might be unfamiliar with VideoETA, it is a very reliable source.  Its listing of $3.85 is in fact the least expensive of all of the listings.  Books-A-Million does not have the DVD listed.  PBS and Barnes & Noble Booksellers have the most expensive listings, at $6.99.  Looking at this, the prices do not even come close to the $10 mark.  Even buying online, shipping and handling likely will not push the DVD’s price to that point, either, regardless of retailer.  So to that point, this DVD is an affordable offering regardless of the retailer.  The price that consumers will pay regardless of retailers is also worth it considering the content featured within the DVD.  All things considered, the DVD proves to be a work that will unite lovers of cats, dogs, and Wild Kratts alike.

Wild Kratts: Cats and Dogs is another positive collection of Wild Kratts episodes from PBS Distribution, PBS, and PBS Kids.  Its success comes in part through the stories presented in its featured episodes.  The stories each follow the DVD’s title theme.  The lessons that are connected to the stories make for their own appeal.  That is because they are easily accessible for younger audiences.  Considering the content featured in this DVD and its depth, the whole makes the DVD’s average price point appealing in its own right.  That price point will not break any consumer’s budget, even taking into account shipping and handling for those who prefer to buy the DVD online.  Each item examined here is important in its own way to the whole of the DVD.  All things considered, they make the DVD a presentation that will get two thumbs and four paws up.  Wild Kratts: Cats and Dogs is available now.

More information on Wild Kratts: Cats and Dogs is available online along with all of the latest Wild Kratts news and games online at:

Website: https://pbskids.org/wildkratts

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

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 sports and entertainment reviews and news in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.

PBS Kids’ Second ‘Wild Kratts’ Box Set Is One Of This Year’s Top New Family DVD/BD Box Sets

Courtesy: PBS Distribution/PBS Kids/PBS

School is still out for the summer, and right now many school districts’ officials remain uncertain when and how the new school year will look.  That is leaving many parents and students in limbo, too.  For parents, they are left in the dark as to how they are going to have to handle schedules.  For the students, their educational opportunities largely remain on hold until such time, especially since parents, in many cases, cannot be there to help their children learn.  Thankfully PBS Distribution offered a new resource for parents and students alike last month with the release of the new Wild Kratts DVD box set, Around The World Adventures.  The three-disc set is a presentation that the whole family will welcome.  That is due in part to its episode listing, which will be discussed shortly.  The set’s packaging also plays into its presentation, too.  It will be discussed a little later.  The set’s average price point rounds out its most important elements and will also be addressed later.  Each item noted here is important in its own way to the whole of Wild Kratts: Adventures Around The World.  All things considered, they make the set one of this year’s top new family DVD/BD box sets.

PBS Distribution’s new Wild Kratts box set Around The World Adventures is a presentation that the whole family will appreciate regardless of whether school is in session.  It is a resource that will educate and entertain audiences of all ages.  That is due in large part to its featured episodes.  The set is composed of 21 episodes spread across three discs.  That totals a run time of approximately 10 hours.  Parents especially will appreciate (for cost reasons, which will be discussed later), that the majority of the episodes featured in this set are previously unreleased.  In comparison to PBS Distribution’s only other Wild Kratts box set Wildest Animal Adventures, only two episodes from that set – ‘A Huge Orange Problem’ and ‘Mimic’ – are carried over from to this presentation.  What’s more, in looking at the roughly 21 (yes, 21) total single disc Wild Kratts collections that are available, only six episodes from those collections – ‘The Food Chain Game,’ ‘Cheetah Racer,’ ‘Rainforest Stew,’ ‘Shadow: The Black Jaguar,’ ‘Mimic’ and ‘A Huge Orange Problem’ – are carried over to this collection.  In other words, the majority of the episodes featured in this collection are previously unreleased, including the Wild Kratts “movies” ‘Amazin’ Amazon Adventure’ and ‘Back In Creature Time.’  Adding to the importance of the set’s episode list is that by comparison, Wildest Animal Adventures culls the episodes from four of the series’ standalone compilations, Creature Adventures, Jungle Animals, Lost At Sea and Predator Power.  The total episode count there is 20.  So in other words, odds are this collection likely would cull episodes from as many DVDs as no standalone DVDs featuring the majority of the noted episodes have been released.  This leads into another of the set’s most important elements, its packaging.

Adventures Around The World takes up half the space of the Wildest Animal Adventures set on racks because of the packaging.  The packaging in question places two of the new set’s three discs on either side of an insert inside the box.  The set’s third disc sits on its own spot on the inside back of the set’s case.  By comparison, the Wildest Animal Adventures places each of its four discs in its own standalone slipcase inside a larger box.  This means more material is used for packaging with the “older” set, and in turn more space taken up on racks.  So the saved space that results from the “newer” packaging model is to that extent, its own positive.  Half the space of another set might not seem like much, but like pennies, it adds up.

On another note, the discussed saved space that results from the packaging and the previously unaired episodes featured in this set mean that families will not have to worry about buying potential future standalone DVDs, which will save space in its own right.  It will also save families money.

Speaking of money saved, the average price point for this three disc set is another positive worth noting.  The average price point for Around The World Adventures is $15.99.  That’s for three discs of episodes that again, have largely been previously unreleased.  It’s well under the $20 mark, and considering the amount of entertainment and education offered through that span, that is not a budget breaker.  The price in question was obtained by averaging prices at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Barne & Noble Booksellers, and PBS’ online store.  It was not listed through Target and Books-A-Million at the time of this posting.  PBS’ price of $19.99 and Barnes & Noble Booksellers’ price of $17.99 both exceeded that average while the other three listings each were noted at $13.99, well under the average.

By comparison, Wildest Animal Adventures is almost impossible to find through any major retailers.  It is not even listed through PBS’ store or that of the official Wild Kratts website.  An extensive search for the set did locate it at Walmart at a price of $25.85, but it was listed as being out of stock.  Amazon also listed the set.  Its least expensive price listing was $69.99 while it reached as high as $249.98.  In other words, odds are that set is now out of print.  This means that audiences who don’t already own said set will have to spend $10-$15 on each of the four DVDs culled for said collection if they do not own those DVDs either.  Meanwhile the set’s initial average price listing was about the same as that for Around The World Adventures.  So audiences would have spent about the same price for each box set.  Keeping this in mind, the relatively affordable price point for PBS Distribution’s latest Wild Kratts DVD box set proves just as positive to Around The World Adventures’ presentation as its content and packaging.  All things considered, they make this latest Wild Kratts box set one of this year’s top new family DVD/BD box sets.

Around The World Adventures is another welcome addition to PBS Distribution’s ongoing series of Wild Kratts presentations.  That is due in no small part to its episode listing, which offers audiences a grouping of episodes largely unavailable on the series’ previous DVD episodes.  Only six of the set’s episodes are available on the series’ other DVDs.  That leans 15 episodes unavailable on said DVDs.  The set’s packaging takes up half the space of its predecessor, the previously released box set Wildest Animal Adventures.  The set’s average price point of less than $20 dollars is affordable especially considering the amount of content featured across its three discs.  Each noted item is important in its own way to the whole of Adventures Around The World.  All things considered, they make the set one of this year’s top new family DVD/BC box sets.

More information on Around The World Adventures is available online along with all of the latest Wild Kratts news and games online at:

Website: http://pbskids.org/wildkratts

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

To keep up with the latest entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.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.

‘Wild Kratts’ Second DVD Of 2018 Is “Twice As Nice” As The Year’s First Offering

Courtesy: PBSPBS Kids/Public Media Distribution

Over the course of the past six years, brother Chris and Martin Kratt have taken families around the world and taught fun and unforgettable lessons in biology, ecology, zoology and more through their hit animated series Wild Kratts.  The series has become one of PBS Kids’ biggest hit series since its debut, running now five seasons and a sixth very likely to be announced soon.  It has also led to the release of now 17 DVDs featuring the adventures of Chris, Martin and their friends Aviva (Athena Krakanis – Manifest, The Expanse, Low Winter Sun), Koki (Heather Bambrick – The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That, Doozers, Atomic Puppet) and Jimmy Z (Jonathan Malen – The Mist, Mean Girls, Charlie Bartlett).  From North America’s desert southwest to the depths of the Atlantic to the frozen far reaches of the Arctic and Antarctic and beyond, the Wild Kratts gang has time and again given audiences unforgettable adventures and invaluable lessons in every episode.  Now thanks to Public Media Distribution, two more of those episodes are available in the latest Wild Kratts DVD, Adventures on the African Savannah.  As that title notes, this time the brothers Kratt and company are in Africa.  The two adventures featured in the 55-minute DVD are enjoyable in themselves.  The lessons connected to the stories are also enjoyable for the whole family.  Considering that content, the DVD’s relatively affordable average price point proves to be money well spent.  When it is considered alongside said content, all three elements make Wild Kratts: Adventures on the African Savannah yet another enjoyable addition to any family’s DVD library.

Adventures on the African Savannah, the second of Public Media Distribution’s Wild Kratts DVD releases so far this year – the first, Madagascar Madness, was released April 10 – is another successful and enjoyable presentation from PMD and PBS Kids.  It is a collection that despite featuring only two episodes, every family will find welcome in their DVD library.  That is actually due in part to the stories themselves.  This time out, Martin and Chris (and their friends) take on a game of tag in the first episode, “The Food Chain Game.”  Of course, this is no ordinary game of tag.  This game involves Chris and Martin racing to the top of the Savannah’s food web by touching and turning into various different animals that roam the savannah.  They start at the bottom and work their way up, all the while learning about each creature’s strengths and weaknesses.  By the time it’s all said and done, Aviva has crafted a giant food web from Chris and Martin’s friendly competition that plays directly into the lessons, which will be discussed shortly.  In the second of the brothers’ adventures, Chris and Martin face off in another competition.  This time it’s a test to see which is the dominant animal – a rhino or an elephant.  However, at least one person wants to ruin the fun.  That person is the Kratt gang’s longtime foe Zack Varmitech (Zachary Bennett – Designated Survivor, Total Drama All Stars, Ranger Rob).  Zach, who is jealous of Aviva’s accomplishments uses his mini-bots to disrupt Chris and Martin’s suits so that they can’t finish their competition.  In an added effort to ruin the group’s fun, his bots also disrupt the Tortuga’s systems, trapping Aviva, Jimmy and Koki inside…at least temporarily.  Obviously the story has a happy ending with Zack being defeated once again.  How that happens won’t be given away here, but it will leave viewers laughing once again.  Of course, this story offers its own subtle biology lesson that adds to the story’s enjoyment.  Said lesson will be discussed along with the biology lesson included in the DVD’s lead story.  Keeping in mind the enjoyment offered through the stories themselves, it creates a solid foundation for the DVD’s presentation.  That foundation gives audiences plenty of reason in itself to add this DVD to their DVD libraries.  The noted lessons tied into the DVD’s presentation give families even more reason to add the DVD to their Wild Kratts collections.

The basic biology lessons incorporated into each story are easily accessible for viewers of all ages.  The lesson incorporated into the lead story is straight forward.  It teaches the interconnection of different organisms within a given food chain.  It’s just one example, but shows in a simple fashion, the depth and diversity that is possible in any given food chain.  At the same time, viewers also learn some interesting facts about the given organisms and animals featured within the given food chain.  What’s really interesting to note here is that the writers don’t try to hide the educational content here, unlike in other episodes in which said content is smartly woven into the story.  It’s right out front.  Yet somehow even with the content being right out there, the writers have still managed to keep the episode interesting both for grown-ups and children alike.  The writing staff is to be highly commended for that.  The lesson is a little bit more subtle in the second story.  It basically highlights the adaptations that make different animals fitted for various climates and territories.  For instance, the walrus is more fitted for cold climes while certain reptiles are definitely not suited for the savannah.  The strengths and weaknesses of the rhino and elephant are both pointed out in the long run, too.  It’s just interesting to see so much incorporated into one story and done so smoothly in the process.  It doesn’t make the educational content so outright, balancing very well with the story itself.    When this is considered along with the balance of educational and entertaining content in the DVD’s lead story, it makes the educational content that much more valuable to the DVD’s presentation.  While the stories and lessons are both key to the DVD’s whole, they are not its only important elements.  The DVD’s rather affordable average price point makes it that much more welcome in any family’s home DVD library.

The average price point of Adventures on the African Savannah is $5.19, not counting taxes.  Adding tax, that price probably rises to almost $6.00 if not barely more than that. Considering the amount of entertainment and education that this DVD offers, even with just two episodes (at 55 minutes), that honestly is a rather affordable price.  It’s money well spent to entertain and educate children while also bringing the whole family together in the process.  That is something of which this country needs more – family togetherness.  That’s especially the case considering how television is in itself ripping families apart more and more because of content aimed at specific audiences.  Keeping all of this in mind, the DVD’s average price point is the proverbial cherry on top for its  presentation.  It is not a bad price to pay, even with tax, for that togetherness, education and entertainment.  To that end, this second Wild Kratts DVD offering this year is another welcome addition to any family’s Wild Kratts DVD collection.

Public Media Distribution’s second Wild Kratts DVD of the year, Adventures on the African Savannah, only boats two episodes from the hit animated series, but despite that, those two episodes offer audiences of all ages plenty to appreciate.  That is evidenced in part through the stories that make up the body of the DVD.  The lessons tied into the stories are expertly balanced in their presentation.  That balance shows the amount of time and thought put into each story’s writing overall.  The writers, again, are to be commended for such attention to detail.  The DVD’s rather affordable price point makes that content extra valuable and the DVD that much more worth the purchase in turn.  Keeping all of this in mind, all three elements join to make this DVD a presentation that will lead the whole family to want to join the Kratt brothers on their African Savannah adventures again and again.  It is available now and can be ordered direct via PBS’ online store.  More information on the DVD is available online along with lots of printables, activities and more now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://pbskids.org/wildkratts

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

\

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.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.

‘Wild Kratts: Creature Christmas’ Is One Of 2016’s Top New Holiday Offerings

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Kids/Public Media Distribution

Christmas is still a few months away but don’t tell the people at PBS Kids.  That is because they are already getting audiences in the holiday mood with the new Wild Kratts DVD WildKratts: Creature Christmas.  The new Wild Kratts “movie” will be released Tuesday, October 4^th in stores and online.  There is plenty to say to the positive about this new offering from PBS Kids beginning with its story.  That will be discussed shortly.  As enjoyable as its story makes it, Wild Kratts: Creature Christmas is not a perfect presentation.  Even with the movie being a full-hour-long presentation, there are no bonus features included with the movie.  That will be discussed later.  Of course it doesn’t completely ruin the movie.  The movie’s pacing ensures audiences will remain engaged and entertained throughout the course of its hour-long run time.  All things considered even without any bonus material to accompany it, Wild Kratts: Creature Christmas still proves to be an enjoyable holiday flick for the whole family.

PBS Kids’ new Wild Kratts “movie” Creature Christmas is an enjoyable holiday flick for the whole family.  That is due in large part to its story.  The story at the center of this movie stands out because it isn’t just another rip-off of It’s a Wonderful Life or Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  Those two movies serve as the basis for so many of today’s holiday flicks.  So it’s nice to see from this movie that it isn’t just another one of those pieces.  In the case of this movie, Chris, Martin and their friends have to stop Zach Varmitech, Donita Donata, and Gaston Tato from kidnapping a bunch of animal babies for their own nefarious purposes.  This means splitting up and going after the trio of villains and recovering all of the animal babies that they have ever saved before.  What audiences will especially appreciate here is that the “movie’s” writers don’t just make it easy for the Kratt brothers and their friends.  They actually present something of a challenge for the gang.  Of course the whole thing comes out with a happy end.  And at no point will it ever leave audiences upset.  Considering this, the “movie’s” story proves in the end to be one of its key elements if not its sole key element.  As much as the story does for the “movie’s” presentation, it is not a perfect presentation.  Unlike PBS Kids’ other Wild Kratts DVDs, this presentation doesn’t include any bonus material.

The story at the center of Wild Kratts: Creature Christmas is an undeniably important piece of the “movie’s” presentation.  The show’s writers are to be hugely applauded for not taking the easy route with this story and just making it another rip-off of It’s A Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol.  For that reason alone, this “movie” makes itself well worth the watch any holiday season.  As important as that is not note, the DVD’s lack of bonus material is just as important to note as the story.  That is because there are no bonus features included in the DVD’s presentation here.  It would have been nice to see some bonus activities centered on children making their own animal themed holiday decorations or something similar, but none of it is present here.  There is no denying the fact that this detracts from the “movie’s” presentation.  In defense of the “movie,” though the creature features at the beginning and end of the “movie” are present just as with every other Wild Kratts DVD.  To that end, it at least somewhat makes up for the disc’s lack of bonus material.  Considering this, the “movie’s” lack of bonus material doesn’t completely detract from its presentation.  The pacing of the “movie’s” story works with the story and the standard creature features to make Wild Kratts: Creature Christmas even more worth the watch.

 

The story at the center of Wild Kratts: Creature Christmas and its standard creature features, which bookend the special, do plenty to make it a holiday flick that the whole family will enjoy.  That is the case even though the special comes without any bonus material.  The movie’s pacing through its hour-long run time never once lets up nor does it move too fast.  The special’s writers balanced the pacing just enough that no viewer will ever feel lost or left behind at any one point.  It is that easy to follow from beginning to end.  Being that it is so easy to follow audiences will remain engaged and entertained throughout.  By the time the story ends, audiences will agree that the story’s pacing is indeed an important part of the special’s presentation, and just as important as the story itself.  When it is set alongside the “movie’s” story and the standard creature features that bookend the story the presentation in whole proves to be one of the year’s best new holiday offerings.

Wild Kratts: Creature Christmas is one of 2016’s first great holiday offerings.  It is a special that is a great holiday flick for the whole family.  That is due in part to the special’s story.  It is an original presentation that stands out clearly from all of the rip-offs of It’s a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol.  Even though the DVD lacks the bonus material that is commonplace in the series’ previous DVDs, the creature features that bookend the movie make up for that lack at least to a point.  That is because they are standard to the series’ standard episodes.  The story’s solid pacing works directly with the story itself to keep viewers completely engaged and entertained from beginning to end.  When all three elements are combined, they reveal the “movie” to be one of the year’s best new holiday offerings and an enjoyable holiday flick for the whole family. Wild Kratts: Creature Christmas will be available in stores and online on Tuesday, October 4^th.  It can be ordered online direct via PBS’ online store.  More information on this and other Wild Kratts DVDs is available along with all of the show’s latest news and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://pbskids.org/wildkratts, http://www.krattbrothers.com

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

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.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.

PBS Kids’ Latest ‘Wild Kratts’ Collection Will Educate And Entertain Audiences Of All Ages

Courtesy: PBS Kids/PBS/PBS Distribution

Chris and Martin Kratt are back again with yet another new collection of episodes from their hit PBS Kids series Wild Kratts in the form of Wild Kratts: Wild Reptiles.  Released late last month, the new four-episode collection is another enjoyable presentation that audiences will find just as enjoyable and useful in the classroom as the living room.  That is due on part to the episodes that make up the body of the collection.  That will be discussed shortly.  The lessons that are taught within each episode are just as important as the episodes themselves to the collection’s presentation.  The bonus material that is included with the collection rounds out its most important elements.  Each element plays its own part in the collection’s overall presentation.  All things considered, Wild Kratts: Wild Reptiles proves to be, again, yet another enjoyable collection of Wild Kratts episodes whether in the classroom or the living room.

PBS Kids’ latest collection of Wild Kratts episodes is yet another enjoyable collection whether in the classroom or the living room.  It is a collection that elementary school science and biology teachers will find to be as effective of a teaching tool as parents would find it to be in the home.  That is due in part to the episodes that make up the body of the collection.  There are only four episodes featured in this collection.  But all four episodes follow the central theme presented in the collection’s title.  This is important to note because of the number of compilations from other companies out there whose episodes hardly follow the theme of their titles.  Believe it or not there are compilations out there that suffer greatly from that issue.  To be fair even PBS has released compilations that suffer from this problem.  It hasn’t happened a lot but it has happened.  Luckily though, that didn’t happen here. Rather, a different reptile was profiled in each episode complete with original story line to make the episodes even better.  These two elements, when combined, show why the episodes featured in this collection are so important to its presentation.  They are, collectively, just part of what makes the collection so enjoyable.  The lessons that are presented within each episode are just as important to the set as the episodes themselves.

The episodes that make up the body of PBS Kids’ new Wild Kratts compilation are in themselves hugely important to the set’s presentation.  That is because they each follow the collection’s main theme rather than deviating from that theme.  They are, collectively, just part of what makes the collection so enjoyable.  The lessons that are presented within each episode are just as key to the set as the episodes themselves.  That is thanks not just to the fact that each lesson is different from the others but because of how each lesson is presented.  “Crocogator Contest” is a prime example of this.  Audiences are taught the difference between crocodiles and alligators when Chris and Martin take part in a race to see which one—a crocodile or an alligator—would perform best against the other.  The episode points out the physical traits and even gait of each that separates the massive creatures from one another.  It’s a great way to both entertain and inform audiences.  Considering that few adults can tell the difference between the two, some older audiences might even find this episode enjoyable and informative, too considering this.  The set’s opening episode “The Gecko Effect” teaches viewers how geckos are able to stick to walls when the Kratt brothers have to keep the villainous Zach Varmitech from shrinking every animal in the world.  In “Rattlesnake Crystal” viewers learn about rattlesnakes’ sensory abilities and how they are used to help the snakes survive. The lesson is taught when the Tortgua runs low on power and is forced to crash-land in the Sonoran Desert. It’s up to Chris and Martin to find more tellurium crystals, the crystals that power the Tortuga so that the gang can get the ship running again.  Yet again, here is a story line that is entirely separate and original from the others.  The same applies with the other noted episodes and in the case of “Chameleons on Target.”  Simply put, the different lessons presented within each episode and the difference in the ways that they are presented prove to be just as important to this set’s presentation as the episodes themselves.  They are still not the only important elements to note in examining the collections presentation.  The bonus material that is included in the set is just as important to examine as the set’s episodes and their associated lessons.

The episodes that are featured in PBS Kids’ new Wild Kratts DVD and their associated lessons are both undeniably important to the set’s presentation.  Each element is important for its own specific reason.  They are not the set’s only key elements, though.  The bonus material that is included in the set is just as important to its presentation as its episodes and their lessons.  The bonus material is important to note because it comes in the form of two more lessons that are both fun and educational.  The first of the bonus lessons is directly associated with the featured episode “Rattlesnake Crystal.”  The lesson teaches children about how rattlesnakes use their rattles by having children make their own “rattlers.”  In this case they get to make homemade shakers.  So not only do kids get an extra biology lesson here but also the starting point in an elementary level music lesson, too.  The second of the bonus lessons teaches about the difference between reptile eggs and bird eggs.  On the surface it is a basic lesson.  On a much higher level, educators in higher education (believe it or not) could use this lesson in discussions on whether or not today’s birds are ancestors of ancient dinosaurs because of the difference in the species’ eggs.  That surprising lesson adds even more interest and importance to this lesson.  All things considered here, it is clear why this collection’s bonus material is so important to the set’s overall presentation.  When they are set alongside the set’s featured episodes and their associated lessons, all three episodes show undeniably why Wild Kratts: Wild Reptiles is yet another set of Wild Kratts episodes that is just as fitting in the classroom as it is in the living room.

Wild Kratts: Wild Reptiles is hardly the first ever collection of episodes to be released from the hit PBS Kids series.  It is, though another collection that parents and teachers alike will enjoy and appreciate.  That is due in part to the set’s featured episodes. All four episodes follow the set’s theme, which is set by its title.  The lessons that are featured within the episodes are each different from one another and different in how they are presented.  The bonus material that is included in the collection is just as important to note because of the extra lessons that it introduces.  Each element is obviously important in its own unique way.  All things considered, the noted elements make this collection, once again, yet another piece that will be just as welcome in the classroom as in the living room.  It is available now in stores and online, and can be ordered online direct via PBS’ online store.  More information on Wild Kratts: Wild Reptiles is available online now along with all of the latest Wild Kratts news, activities and more at:

 

 

 

Website: http://pbskids.org/wildkratts, http://www.krattbrothers.com

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

 

 

 

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.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.

PBS Kids’ New Wild Kratts DVD Is A Fin-Tastic Collection

Courtyesy: PBS Kids/PBS Distribution/PBS

PBS Kids’ will release its latest collection of episodes from its hit kid-friendly wildlife series Wild Kratts next Tuesday, April 14th. The DVD, Shark-Tastic, is a nice addition to any family’s Wild Kratts DVD collection regardless of the number of DVDs that families may or may not already own. The DVD, the series’ eighth, features four episodes for the whole family. Two of those episodes—‘Speaking Dolphinese” and “Stuck on Sharks” are bonus episodes. But they have actually been previously released on two other Wild Kratts collections—Lost at Sea and Predator Power. That aside, all four episodes present a similar theme tying each episode together. Keeping that in mind, the episodes featured in this latest collection make for at least one reason that families will enjoy it. The run time of each episode adds to the DVD’s overall enjoyment. Each episode runs roughly twenty-five minutes. That is just long enough for the series’ intended audiences. What’s more, it is a standard held by the show since its inception two years ago. Last to note the makes Wild Kratts: Shark-Tastic worth the watch is its bonus material. PBS Distribution has included again as bonus material an extensive aquarium guide and matching game that encourages audiences to match the given animals with their correct habitats. Both bonuses have been included in previous Wild Kratts DVDs. This is of course more the case for those that are just starting their Wild Kratts DVD collection. Keeping that in consideration along with the DVD’s episode selection and the episodes’ run times, Wild Kratts: Shark-Tastic still proves to be an enjoyable watch for any family even if a family already owns any of the series’ other DVDs.

Wild Kratts: Shark-Tastic is a fun watch for any family regardless of how many of the series’ previous DVDs a family may or may not already own. The central reason for this is the DVD’s episode selection. Included in this DVD are four episodes that take the brothers Kratt into the deep blue sea for four very different reasons. Two of the episodes in question—“Speaking Dolphinese” and “Stuck On Sharks”—have both already been included in previous Wild Kratts DVDs. On the surface this might not seem like much worth noting. But a deeper examination reveals much more. A deeper examination reveals that all four of the episodes featured here presents its own original story separate from any of the others. At the same time, all four episodes are tied together by one continuous theme of aquatic life. “Octopus Wildkratticus” (Season One) examines the adaptations of the octopus while the Kratt brothers try to reclaim their lost power suits. In “Tortuga Tune Up” (Season Two), Chris and Martin introduce the Hawksbill Sea Turtle and the Tiger Shark to audiences while they try to help Aviva develop the Tortuga’s ability to swim underwater. “Speaking Dolpinese” (Season One) sees Chris and Martin learning to speak the language of the dolphin when they encounter a pair of young dolphins that have been separated from its pod. And in “Stuck on Sharks” (Season Two), the Kratts present a lesson on one of the ocean’s deadliest yet most misunderstood predators, the Great White Shark. The stories themselves are well worth the watch if only for their educational and entertainment content. That all four also maintain a central theme will especially ensure audiences remain engaged through all four episodes. It’s just one way in which Wild Kratts: Shark-Tastic proves itself worth the addition to any family’s library even if said families already own the DVDs on which “Speaking Dolphinese” and “Stuck On Sharks” were previously released.

The episodes that make up the body of Wild Kratts: Shark-Tastic by themselves make for plenty of reason for audiences to check it out. Younger viewers will be able to catch the concepts delivered by the series’ writers just as easily as older adults. This applies both with the DVD’s primary pairing of episodes and its bonus episodes, too. What’s more, all four episodes stand as their own stories yet stay connected via one continuous theme of aquatic life. That all four episodes follow that one theme yet stand out as their own works will keep viewers engaged and in turn aid in helping viewers catch the concepts handled in each episode. The easily accessible writing displayed in each of the DVD’s episodes coupled with their solid continuity is important to the overall presentation of Wild Kratts: Shark-Tastic. But without a proper run time, the writing and continuity of the episodes would be moot. Each of the DVD’s episodes comes in at roughly twenty-five minutes. Being that the concepts presented in the episodes are typically aimed at older children (typically third grade and up), twenty-five minutes is just long enough. Were the episodes any longer, the show’s heads would risk losing the attention of its viewers. So keeping this in mind, it shows even more why the episodes’ run times are so important to the presentation in whole.

The combination of the writing and the run times in all four episodes combined with the episodes’ sensible run times makes the argument in favor of this DVD even stronger than if one were to use only one element or another. Together, they assure that the show’s key audiences will remain engaged and entertained from beginning to end with each episode. This is of the utmost importance to the enjoyment of this latest Wild Kratts compilation. As enjoyable as the episodes prove to be, they are just part of the reason that audiences will enjoy this DVD. The material included as bonus features makes the DVD even more enjoyable. This is especially the case for those that perhaps don’t already own the show’s previously released DVDs. The reason for this is that the bonus material included on this disc is the same material included in those noted releases. The material in question includes a printable activity that lets younger fans to match animals to their proper habitat and an extensive aquarium guide that kids can use. Now that summer is just around the corner, both the activity sheet and the aquarium guide will serve as their own positives to help keep kids learning while they’re out of school. So to that extent, both extras definitely deserve to be called bonuses at least in this case. It’s one more way that Wild Kratts: Shark-Tastic proves itself to be another welcome addition to any family’s Wild Kratts collection.

Wild Kratts: Shark-Tastic presents plenty of reasons for the whole family to enjoy this latest collection of episodes from PBS Kids’ hit wildlife series. All four episodes featured in this collection follow the same aquatic theme. Two of the episodes are even pulled from previous Wild Kratts DVDs to complete the episode list. The run time of each episode comes in just under the half hour mark. That in itself is a long-held tradition by the people behind Wild Kratts. And coupled with the easily accessible marine biology lessons presented in each episode, the DVD becomes all the more entertaining for audiences of all ages. The addition of the DVD’s bonus material makes the overall presentation all the more enjoyable and successful especially with summer right around the corner. All three elements taken into consideration, Wild Kratts: Shark-Tastic proves exactly why it is yet another welcome release from what is one of PBS Kids’ best series. Wild Kratts: Shark-Tastic will be available next Tuesday, April 14th. It can be ordered online via PBS’ online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=58235516&cp=&kw=wild+kratts+shark-tastic&origkw=Wild+Kratts+Shark-Tastic&sr=1. More information on Wild Kratts: Shark-Tastic is available online along with all of the latest Wild Kratts news and games online at:

Website: http://www.krattbrothers.com
http://pbskids.org/wildkratts

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

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.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.

PBS Kids Announces Release Date, Info For New Wild Kratts DVD

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Kids

Officials with PBS Kids announced this week that the network will release the latest DVD from its hit animated wildlife series Wild Kratts.

Wild Kratts: Tiny Trouble will be released Tuesday, June 10^th. The DVD features two more episodes from the award-winning series created by brothers Chris and Martin Kratt. The first of the adventures included on the upcoming DVD, “Termites vs. Tongues,” sees the Kratt brothers having to save their friends Aviva and Koki after the pair is carried away by termites. Chris and Martin have to use their creature powers to turn into a termite and termite predator in order to save Aviva and Koki. Viewers learn through this episode how predators and prey develop their own defenses and attacks in order to protect themselves from one another.

In a turn of events, the crew of the Tortuga is forced to rescue Martin after he’s whisked away by a baby spider monkey. He and Chris had miniaturized to study spider monkeys, which leads to the abduction by the baby monkey. Now, there’s no doubt what the brothers’ next adventure is. It’s up to Chris and the rest of the Tortuga’s crew to get Martin back. Viewers will learn through this short about the different anatomical adaptations that animals use to move through specific habitats.

Wild Kratts: Tiny Trouble will be available Tuesday, June 10^th. It can be pre-ordered now via Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Wild-Kratts-Tiny-Trouble/dp/B00FQF4IE8/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1400376066&sr=1-1&keywords=wild+kratts+tiny+trouble. More information on this and other Wild Kratts DVDs, as well as the latest news from the Kratt brothers is available online at http://www.facebook.com/wildkrattsofficial and http://www.krattbrothers.com Parents, students, and children can watch more episodes of Wild Kratts online now and play Wild Kratts games online at http://pbskids.org/wildkratts/home.html. 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.

Viewers Of All Ages Will Bug Out Over New Wild Kratts DVD

Courtesy: PBS Kids/PBS

PBS Kids released the latest DVD from its hit wildlife series Wild Kratts this past February. The DVD, Wild Kratts: Bugging Out, is another fun collection of episodes for fans of this family favorite series. Wild Kratts: Bugging Out boasts two more fun-filled episodes for the whole family. And as with previous DVDs from the series, this one also boasts coloring pages that can be printed out for kids as well as activities for those same audiences. There is much to say of both of these factors. But both together make this DVD one more that any teacher, parent, or student will enjoy just as much as previous Wild Kratts DVDs.

The two episodes contained on Wild Kratts: Bugging Out are collectively the foundation for the overall enjoyment of the recently released disc. The first of the episodes, “Secrets of the Spider’s Web” sees Martin and Chris having to face off against old foe Donita Donata once again. This time , Donita is trying to steal spiders for the silk that they spin. She wants it for her own fashion designs. And in the set’s second episode, “Attack of the Tree Eating Aliens”, the brothers Kratt have to figure out what’s causing a whole forest full of trees to die. The writers behind both episodes are to be commended for the work put into each one. Both stories move just fast enough to keep young viewers engaged through their near half-hour run time. At the same time, the writers throw in just enough geography and biology to make the show as interesting as it is entertaining. In this case, young viewers get to learn about how spiders spin their webs and how their webs actually catch prey. They also learn in the set’s second episode about the potentially disastrous effects of introducing foreign species into an environment in which they are not native. Both lessons make for good starting points for any biology teacher’s lessons. For that, the writers deserve their share of applause.

As much enjoyment as the two episodes included on this disc bring, the activity sheets and coloring pages are just as noteworthy. They are, much like the lessons in the episodes, wonderful tool for teachers and parents alike. One of the activities included in this disc teaches about the human body’s five senses. For teachers, it encourages them to set up a free zoo tour in which children can learn how different animals use their senses in the wild. It also offers a reading list for young readers that will better help them to understand how humans use their own senses every day. For parents, it offers an experiment involving various items that test the senses right in one’s own kitchen. There’s also a suggestion about talking to organizations such as National Organization of Parents of Blind Kids and the National Organizations of and for the Blind and Physically Handicapped. All of these activities and suggestions go hand in hand and can better lead to not only understanding of how people use their senses but also to an appreciation of how different people use senses in different situations.

Another activity included in this latest Wild Kratts DVD is a matching exercise for younger viewers. It asks children to match up a group of animals with their proper habitat. It also encourages building vocabulary skills by asking children to circle the animals whose names begin with vowels. Just as with the DVD’s other included activity, this double duty activity of sorts will impress parents and teachers even more. Together with the DVD’s two episodes, the entire package proves to be yet another great experience for viewers of all ages.

Wild Kratts: Bugging Out is available now on DVD and can be ordered direct from PBS’ online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=30820966&cp=&kw=wild+kratts+bugging+out&origkw=Wild+Kratts+Bugging+Out&sr=1. Audiences can see even more episodes and enjoy even more activities from Wild Kratts online now at http://pbskids.org/wildkratts/home.html. More information on Wild Kratts is also available online at http://www.krattbrothers.com and http://www.facebook.com/wildkrattsofficial. To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.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.

Wild Kratts’ Box Set A Wild Bunch Of Episodes For Any Family

Courtesy: PBS/PBS Kids/9 Story Entertainment

Wild Kratts is one of PBS Kids’ best shows.  The adventures of Martin and Chris Kratt have entertained audiences of all ages since 2011.  In that time, Martin, Chris and their friends have traveled the globe, introducing all kinds of animals to audiences.  Now thanks to PBS Kids and 9 Story Entertainment, those audiences can enjoy twenty episodes from the beloved series in one large box set, titled Wild Kratts: Wildest Animal Adventures.

Wild Kratts: Wildest Animal Adventures features twenty episodes from the brothers’ animated series in five discs.  All five discs are placed inside their own slim cases.  Only one collection is missing from this set.  That set is Wild Kratts: Jungle Adventures.  Does this take away from the overall presentation of the set?  It does.  But it doesn’t take away so much that it hurts the set, either.  The very fact that PBS Kids and 9 Story Entertainment would go so far as to release four of the show’s five collections in one set is impressive in itself.  Keeping that in mind, it makes the collections culled for this set one of the set’s positives.  Just as much of a positive are the combined lessons of nature and conservancy taught through each episode.

The brothers Kratt offer viewers lots of animated fun throughout the twenty episodes included in Wild Kratts:  Wildest Animal Adventures.  They offer more than just fun, though.  Throughout each episode, Chris and Martin have to face some not so nice individuals who in their own way help to illustrate the guys’ lessons about conservancy.  As bad as they are, the noted baddies are also quite dopey and entertaining in their own way.  This makes the included episodes even more family friendly.  What’s most important about the lessons taught throughout each episode is that unlike say Captain Planet and the Planeteers, Wild Kratts is nowhere near as preachy.  The show’s writers don’t press the issues so much as they offer gentle nudges.  Simply put, it teaches without preaching.  And that is the best thing about the writing in each episode culled for this latest collection from PBS Kids.  Add in animation that even if it is CG based, one can’t tell that it’s CG based, and audiences get a show that is a perfect balance of entertainment and education.  That balance makes Wild Kratts one of PBS Kids’ best shows on the air right now.  And it makes Wild Kratts: Wildest Animal Adventures a welcome set for any parent, teacher, or child.  It will be available on DVD Tuesday, September 3^rd.  It can be ordered online direct from the PBS online store at http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=20875686&cp=&kw=wild+kratts+wildest+animal+adventures&origkw=Wild+Kratts+Wildest+Animal+Adventures&sr=1. More information on Wild Kratts is available on the PBS Kids Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/PBSKIDS.  And more full adventures are available online on the Wild Kratts PBS Kids website at http://pbskids.org/wildkratts/home.html.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facbeook.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.

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.

To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment reviews and news, go online to http://www.facebook.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.