PBS Distribution, Nelvana’s Full Series Release Of ‘The Berenstain Bears’ Is Largely A Success

Courtesy: PBS Distribution/PBS/PBS Kids/Nelvana

Fans of PBS Kids’ reboot of The Berenstain Bears will finally get to own the series in whole on DVD starting next week.  PBS Distribution is scheduled to release the series’ entire three-season run March 23 on a five-disc set.  The collection is largely a positive presentation thanks to its packaging, which will be discussed shortly.  While the packaging plays well into the set’s appeal, the collection is not perfect.  Its lack of any episode listing detracts from its appeal.  This will be discussed a little later.  The set’s pricing pairs with the content and packaging to make for its own appeal.  When all three items are considered together, the set in whole becomes a work that is still among the best of this year’s new family DVD/BD box sets.

PBS Distribution and Nelvana’s forthcoming release of The Berenstain Bears is a presentation that families will largely welcome.  That is due in large part to the set’s packaging.  The packaging is important to note because of the space that it saves on consumers’ DVD and BD racks.  The case is the size of that which contains a single disc presentation, yet it contains five discs safely and ergonomically inside.  What’s interesting is that while the new set spreads the episodes across five discs, the series’ three standalone season sets collectively spread the series across six discs, so one can only assume that some compression or something else took place in order to eliminate one disc. Either that or it simply turned out in the end that six discs were not needed in order to contain all 40 episodes.  Each episode had two episodes, leading to the 80 stories noted on the box’s cover.  A check of the episodes against a full listing through Wikipedia reveals that all 40 episodes are in fact presented across the set’s discs.  So all in all, audiences get in this packaging, the full three season run of The Berenstain Bears in one box that is equal to that of one of the series’ three standalone sets.  In other words, audiences get the whole series in a space-saving setting.  It makes for a strong start for the presentation.

The packaging used for The Berenstain Bears: The Complete Collection is unquestionably a positive for the set’s presentation.  While the packaging is such a strong positive for the set’s presentation, the collection is not perfect.  The problem arises in the realization that there is no listing anywhere in- or outside of the box to note which episodes are on which discs.  It is a minor aesthetic issue on the surface, but on a deeper level, it means audiences will have to either take time memorizing the points at which the seasons split across the discs or they will just have to take time going through the episode listings on the discs.  The displeasure that audiences will feel at having to go through the discs is certain to detract from the enjoyment.  To the good, at least the series ran only three seasons, so audiences will not have to go through but so much content to find the episodes that they want to watch.  To that end, while the lack of an episode listing does detract from the collection’s presentation, it does not make the set a failure.  The set’s pricing works with its content and packaging to make it an overall success.

The average price point for The Berenstain Bears: The Complete Collection is $18.52 That price was obtained by averaging prices listed through Amazon, Target, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, and PBS.  Interestingly enough, Target has the set listed twice at two completely different prices.  The listings are for the same set, not divided between the 1985 series set and 2003 series set.  Why Target would post the 2003 series set is anyone’s guess.  Regardless, both listings are well below the average price point, at $16.59 and $14.199.  Amazon and Best Buy each list the collection below the average price point, too, at $16.59 and 17.99.  Barnes & Noble Booksellers and PBS each list the set above the average at $19.99 and $24.99 respectively.  Looking at all of these prices, it goes without saying that the collection is relatively affordable for the most part.  By and large, audiences will find themselves paying less than $20 for three seasons of content presented chronologically and ergonomically in their new package.  All in all, The Berenstain Bears: The Complete Collection proves to be among the best of this year’s new family DVD/BD box sets.

PBS Distribution and Nelvana’s forthcoming release of The Berenstain Bears: The Complete Series is a presentation that any family will welcome by and large.  That is due in large part to the set’s packaging.  Audiences get all three seasons (40 episodes) of the 2003 series in one normal size DVD case.  It is not some bulky box that takes up so much space.  Rather, it will replace all but one of the standalone sets that families might own.  That is because the case is, again, that normal, even containing five discs.  While the packaging does a lot to make this collection so appealing, the lack of an episode listing to help audiences save time does detract from the set’s presentation to a point.  Luckily it is not enough to make the set a failure.  Keeping that in mind, there is one more positive to note, the set’s pricing.  By and large, the collection’s pricing is relatively affordable, coming in at less than $20.  Yes, there are a couple of listings that exceed that point, but for the most part, the collection’s pricing proves positive in its own right.  When it is considered along with the set’s packaging and full series content presentation, the collection proves itself a welcome presentation in any family’s home DVD/BD library.  The Berenstain Bears: The Complete Collection is scheduled for release Tuesday.

More information on The Berenstain Bears: The Complete Collection is available along with all of the latest Berenstain Bears news at:

Website: https://www.berenstainbears.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheBerenstains

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

Vintage, Modern Offerings Gave Families Lots To Like This Year

Courtesy: MVD Entertainment Group

Families spent a lot of time indoors together this year thanks to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Between parents working from home and students forced to take classes online, parents and their children have seen a lot of each other this year; Probably a lot more than usual.  That increased time together can often lead to tensions between families.  Thankfully, plenty of new DVD and Blu-ray box sets were released this year to help relieve that tension and give families plenty to enjoy together.  That has already been pointed out in part through Phil’s Picks 2020 Top 10 New DVDs & Blu-rays list.  Single disc presentations are just a part of what families had to enjoy together this year.  There was also plenty of content thrown in this year in the form of new DVD and Blu-ray box sets for families.  Among some of the best of this year’s new family box sets are first time releases from the likes of Time Life, PBS, and Nickelodeon.

As with each list from Phil’s Picks, this list features the year’s Top 10 new titles and five additional honorable mention titles for a total of 15.  Without any further ado, here for your consideration is Phil’s Picks 2020 Top 10 New Family DVD & Blu-ray Box Sets.

PHIL’S PICKS 2020 TOP 10 NEW FAMILY DVD & BLU-RAY BOX SETS

1. Laurel & Hardy: The Definitive Restorations
2. The Buster Keaton Collection: Volume 4
3. Dolly: The Ultimate Collection
4. Arthur: The Complete Friendship Collection
5. The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Vol. 2
6. The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Vol. 3
7. Molly of Denali: Molly’s Awesome Alaskan Adventures
8. The Jetsons: The Complete Series
9. Sesame Street: Old School Volume 1
10. Sesame Street: Old School Volume 2
11. Spongebob Squarepants: Season 11
12. Paw  Patrol: PUP-tastic 8-DVD Collection
13. The Flintstones: 2 Movies & 5 Specials
14. Garfield & Friends: Season Three
15. Benji 4-Movie Collection

Next up from Phil’s Picks is the 2020 Top 10 New Grown-Up Box Sets and then the year’s top new re-issues to finish off this year’s lists.  Stay tuned for all of that this weekend.

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

PBS, Nickelodeon Offer Kids, Families Lots Of Worthwhile DVDs, Blu-rays In 2020

Courtesy: Nickelodeon/Viacom

PBS, PBS Kids and Nickelodeon are some of the most important television networks for children today.  In an age when it seems like families are becoming increasingly segregated within their own homes thanks to technology and general television programming that is anything but family friendly, these networks continued to provide so much content to bring families together in 2020.  That content was presented not just on the small screen, but also on DVD and Blu-ray.  To that extent, even new children’s DVDs and Blu-rays deserve their own year-end best of list.  That list is what is presented here from Phil’s Picks.  This  year’s list of top new children’s DVDs and Blu-rays pulls mainly from the noted networks, and even from Warner Brothers.  Topping the list this  year is S.T.E.M. programming from Nickelodeon in the form of a new DVD from Blaze and the Monster Machines.  Also featured in this list is new content from series, such as Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Sesame Street, and even a certain Cartoon Network movie.

As with every other year-ender list from Phil’s Picks, this list features the year’s Top 10 New titles and five additional honorable mention titles for a total of 15 titles.  Without any further ado here is Phil’s Picks 2020 Top 10 New Children’s DVDs & Blu-rays.

PHIL’S PICKS 2020 TOP 10 NEW CHILDREN’S DVDS & BLU-RAYS

1. Blaze and the Monster Machines – Knight Riders
2. The Berenstain Bears – Bear Family Vacation
3. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood – Explore The Outdoors
4. Tex Avery – Screwball Classics Vol. 1
5. Tex Avery – Screwball Classics Vol. 2
6. Space Ghost & Dino Boy: The Complete Series
7. Are You Afraid of the Dark?
8. Ben 10 vs. The Universe
9. Blaze and the Monster Machines – Race for the Golden Treasure
10. Elmo’s World – Things Elmo Loves
11. Monster Hits – Rock & Rhyme With Elmo
12. Paw Patrol – Dino Rescue
13. Paw Patrol – Mighty Pups – Super Paws
14. Paw Patrol – Jet to the Rescue
15. Garfield World Two Movie Collection

Up next from Phil’s Picks is the year’s Top 10 new Family DVD & Blu-ray Box sets.  Stay tuned for that. 

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

‘The Berenstain Bears’ Remains As Enjoyable, Entertaining As Ever In Its Final Season

Courtesy: PBS Distribution/PBS Kids/Nelvana

When Stan and Jan Berenstain created their beloved characters The Berenstain Bears so many years ago, odds are they had no idea that their creations would become the beloved figures that they have.  The furry family has seen its adventures beloved by families for generations in countless books.  There are even plush toys, shirts and various DVDs.  One of the latest of those DVDs is the third and final installment in the series’ Treehouse Tales collections.  The two-disc collection is in reality the last season of PBS Kids’ series, which launched in 2003 and ran for three seasons on the network.  Released May 19, approximately four months after the series’ second season was released, this 26-episode collection is another enjoyable offering from PBS Kids, PBS Distribution and Nelvana.  That is due in part to the stories featured within the episodes.  This will be addressed shortly.  The lessons that are tied into the stories are important in their own way to the whole of the set, and will be discussed a little later.  Keeping in mind the amount and type of content featured in the et, its average price point proves key in its own right.  It will also be discussed later.  All three items noted here are important in their own way to the whole of the set.  All things considered, they make The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume 3 a wonderful way to wrap up the series’ full season sets.

The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume 3 is an enjoyable final season set from PBS Kids’ beloved animated series.  It is another presentation that audiences of all ages will enjoy and appreciate.  That is proven in part through the stories featured throughout the season.  Season 3 opens with the Bear family getting a new neighbor.  The neighbor in question, Ursus, is a very tech savvy figure.  At first Papa Bear is not fond of Ursus because he is so much different from Mr. Kodiak.  However, as Papa gets to know Ursus, the pair becomes better friends.  The story itself is unique in the bigger picture of Season 3 (and the overall series).  What’s more, it presents a familiar lesson in that unique setting, proving easily why it is just one example of the importance of the set’s stories.

That story is followed up with a story in “The Big Election.”  The story at the center of this episode finds Papa unwittingly ending up as a candidate in the Bear Country elections.  Considering that this is an election year, it’s a fitting story.  Given, it isn’t the first time that any program – animated or live action – has ever gone the political route, but it still works even in this presentation.  Audiences will especially enjoy this story because of how realistic it is, what with people lobbying for this, that and the other thing.  That the topic is presented in a way that makes it easy for younger viewers to understand the matter, too makes the story that much more engaging for everyone.  To that end, it is just one more example of the importance of the set’s stories.  It is just one more way in which the stories show their importance.  “That Stump Must Go” is one more example of why the set’s stories are key to its presentation.  This story finds Brother, Sister, and Papa having to deal with their own problems.  Sister and Brother are struggling to make a present for Papa for Father’s Day while Papa is struggling to get rid of an old tree stump.  Each interweaving story line will connect with any viewer in its own right.  Parents will laugh as Papa loses the rear bumper on the family car in his efforts to pull up the tree stump.  Children meanwhile will connect with Brother and Sister’s frustrations in their effort to make something special for Papa.  Staying on that note, adults will relate to Papa’s quandary because even adults get frustrated when they struggle to reach a goal.  It’s one more way in which the stories featured throughout this set prove so important to the overall presentation of The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume 3.  When these noted stories are considered along with the rest of the set’s stories, the whole of that content comes together to make the collection well worth watching if only for that aspect.  Of course, it is just one of the set’s positives.  The lessons that are tied into the set add to its appeal.

The lessons that are connected with the stories are timeless and will connect with audiences of all ages just as much as the stories themselves.  Case in point is the lesson at the center of the episode “Pet Show.”  When brother enters his grandmother’s pet parakeet in his school’s pet show, the bid doesn’t talk, but does mimic various household sounds, such as a rocking chair, a typewriter and even bells.  The lesson that Brother learns in this episode is that expecting things to work out specifically one way is not the best plan of action.  Audiences learn that by looking at things differently than how one expects can reveal something good.  In this case, Brother had to realize that his expectation of the bird talking only resulted in frustration.  When he realized what the bird actually did, his outlook changed.  So, if we look at things in life in a way other than how we expect, that can make all the difference in our daily lives, whether adult or child.  It is just one of the key lessons featured in this season’s stories.  The lesson featured in “The Female Fullback” is another key example of the importance of the collection’s lessons.

The lesson featured in “The Female Fullback,” which is a sports-themed episode, reminds audiences that while practice doesn’t necessarily make perfect, it plays a key part in us getting better at what we do.  The interesting thing about this lesson is that while the story is sports-themed, this lesson applies in so many avenues, from practicing a musical instrument to practicing for a big test or whatever other scenario.  Whether it be athletes at any level of their games, musicians at any level of their respective professions or even politicians preparing for public appearances, practice is critical for everyone in so many avenues.  It’s just one more important lesson that will connect with listeners of any age.  “Go To The Movies” is yet another example of the importance of the stories’ companion lessons.

The lesson at the center of this episode is crucial especially for adults.  It teaches grown-up (and children alike) that having quality family time does not have to mean making major plans and spending lots of money.  It can be something as simple as watching home movies at home together, remembering great memories.  In an age of social media and parents constantly bragging about their families’ vacations through nearly every (if not every) social media channel, this is a lesson that really every grown-up needs.  Parents have forgotten that vacations and family time are supposed to be about family, not about bragging about that time on social media and posting pictures of their children posed.  Family time is supposed to be about family.  Keeping this in mind, this unforgettable lesson proves once more why the lessons featured in this set are so important to its presentation.  When it is considered along with the set’s other featured lessons, that whole shows without doubt why the collection’s lessons are so important to the series and not just the set.  When all of this is considered with the season’s stories, the whole of the set’s content shows without doubt the important role that it collectively plays in the set’s presentation.  Considering the depth and breadth of the overall content featured in Tree House Tales Volume 3, it makes the set’s average price point a positive in its own right.

The average price point of Tree House Tales Volume Three is $11.83.  That price is obtained by averaging prices listed at Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Books-A-Million, and PBS’ online store.  The collection was not listed through Target at the time of this posting.  The least expensive listing of $8.69 is at Amazon and Walmart while the most expensive listing of $14.99 is at Books-A-Million and PBS’ online store.  Best Buy did not have the best buy in this case, listing the set at $9.99, which along with the listings at Amazon and Walmart is still below the noted average.  Barnes & Noble Booksellers lists the set at $13.64.  Simply put, at least half of the set’s listings are below the noted average while the other half exceeds that number.  Even in breaking that boundary, even the most expensive of the listings are still below the $20 mark, so that means that it is still relatively affordable even if not the least expensive.  Considering again the breadth and depth of the discussed content, any of the listings are money well-spent for any family.  What’s more, a portion of sales through any retailer other than PBS still goes to PBS, so audiences will still be supporting the network regardless of which retailer is chosen.  Keeping this in mind along with the importance of the content, it makes the last of the Berenstain Bears season sets a positive finish in terms of the series’ season sets.  It makes it one more of the year’s top new family DVD/BD box sets.

The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume 3 is a positive final season presentation from the beloved animated series.  The stories in the season’s episodes are just as engaging and entertaining as those in the series’ previous seasons.  The lessons that accompany those stories are just as important to the set as the stories themselves.  Keeping in mind the positive impact of the season’s overall content, the average price point of less than $20 (and separate listings, some of which are below $10), proves just as appealing for audiences.  Each noted item is important in its own way to the whole of the set.  All things considered, they make this final standalone season set from the 2003 Berenstain Bears set a fitting finish for the series’ full season sets.  It is available now.

More information on this DVD set and all of the latest Berenstain Bears news is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.berenstainbears.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheBerenstains

 

 

 

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

‘The Berenstain Bears: Bear Family Vacation’ Will Improve Any Family’s Vacation, Staycation

Courtesy: PBS Distribution/PBS Kids

The COVID-19 pandemic has done a lot of damage to the world this year.  One of the most notable impacts that it has had is that is has forced many families to cancel their summer travel plans, forcing them to make new plans for staycations instead.  In an attempt to help families make the best of those new plans, PBS Distribution has released a new collection of episodes from The Berenstain Bears’ 2003 series into a DVD titled Bear Family Vacation.  This six-episode collection of episodes will help any family make the most of its time at home.  That is due in part to the episodes themselves.  This will be discussed shortly.  The lessons that are tied into the episodes add to the DVD’s appeal.  Its average price point rounds out its most important elements.  Each noted item is important in its own way to the whole of the DVD.  All things considered, they make the DVD a fun way for any family to enjoy its own home vacation.

PBS Distribution and PBS Kids’ new Berenstain Bears compilation DVD Bear Family Vacation is a presentation that any family will enjoy as they work their way through their staycations.  That is due in part to the DVD’s featured episodes.  Pulled largely from the second of the series’ three seasons (four of the six featured episodes are from Season Two, while the other two episodes are from Season One and Season three), the episodes largely follow the theme of the DVD’s title.  The only episode that is not vacation themed in the purist sense is its final episode, “Bear Family Get-Together.”  That episode presents a story about a family reunion of Mama Bear’s family members.  Every other episode follows the title’s theme directly.  From going to a theme park to staying at a seaside cabin to taking a road trip, the stories in these featured episodes take viewers on trips that they themselves would have otherwise taken if not for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  To that end, watching the episodes is kind of living vicariously through the Bear family since so many families are unable to go on any kind of major vacation due to everything happening around the world.  That one aspect alone makes the DVD well worth watching, and is just one of the reasons that audiences will appreciate the DVD.  The lessons that are tied into each episode’s story add to the DVD’s appeal.

Audiences of all ages will appreciate the lessons that are featured within each episode’s story.  Case in point is the lesson at the heart of the DVD’s opening episode, “Too Much Vacation.”  This episode teaches the lesson that sometimes, we have to just make the best of a bad situation and that sometimes things are not going to go exactly as expected and/or planned.  Papa Bear learns this lesson as the family’s “best vacation ever” becomes anything but due to mother nature and other factors.  Whether it be because of the COVID-19 impact or just in general, this is a lesson that will resonate with grown-ups just as much as it will younger viewers.  What’s more, it will resonate so widely because it is a lesson that applies not just to vacations, but to life in general.  “By The Sea” is another example of the importance of the lessons featured in the DVD’s featured episodes.  This lesson reminds viewers that more often than not, trying to rush things is not good thinking.  That is because more often than not, rushing things can and does lead to negative impacts on the things that we do daily.  While “Bear Family Get-Together” is not a vacation story in the purest sense of the DVD’s title, its lesson is another important topic that is timeless in its own right.  It teaches a lesson about inclusivity and promotes diversity among people.  It does this on a micro scale so to speak here, but the bigger picture is that it works on a macro scale, too.  Considering where the nation stands today, it is a lesson that is not only welcome but needed just as much as ever.  What’s more, it is a lesson that, again, will connect with grown-ups just as much as it will children.  It can serve as a starting point for parents and educators alike to discuss the very noted topic.  It goes without saying that this is a discussion that is needed now more than ever in America.  Keeping all of these lessons in mind along with those in the DVD’s other three episodes, the whole of the DVD’s discussion points makes for just as much appeal for viewers as the stories themselves.  Together with the stories, the DVD’s overall content gives audiences plenty to appreciate here.  Considering how much there is to appreciate in the DVD’s content, audiences will agree that the DVD’s average price point is just as appealing as that content.

The average price point of The Berenstain Bears: Bear Family Vacation is $6.42.  That price was obtained by averaging prices at Amazon, Walmart, Target, best Buy, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Books-A-Million and PBS’ online store.  This price is actually an interesting point.  Three of the listings – at Amazon, Target and Best Buy – were for $5.99.  Another three – PBS’ online store, Books-A-Million, and Barnes & Noble Booksellers – listed the DVD at $6.99.  Walmart meanwhile listed the DVD at $6.00.  It is rare to have such an even split of prices.  That aside, that each of the separate listings is below the $10 mark means that this is a relatively affordable presentation for any family.  It will not break any family’s budget.  What’s more, a portion of sales from six of the seven retailers (save for PBS) will go to PBS.  Sales from PBS’ own store will go direct to the company, so families will be supporting PBS no matter which retailer they choose.  At the same time, they will be doing so through a DVD that will entertain and engage viewers of all ages.  Keeping all of this in mind, The Berenstain Bears: Bear Family Vacation proves to be its own mental and emotional vacation for families as they take on their own staycations.

PBS Distribution and PBS Kids’ new Berenstain Bears DVD Bear Family Vacation is an enjoyable mental and emotional vacation for every family.  That is due in part to its six featured episodes, most of which follow the DVD’s central vacation theme.  The lessons that are incorporated into each episode’s story adds even more appeal to the DVD.  Its relatively affordable average price point rounds out its most important elements.  Each noted element is important to the whole of this DVD.  All things considered, they make the DVD one more of the year’s top new family DVDs and Blu-rays.

More information on The Berenstain Bears: Bear Family Vacation is available along with all of the latest Berenstain Bears news at:

 

Website: http://www.berenstainbears.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheBerenstains

 

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

PBS Distribution To Release New ‘Berenstain Bears’ Collection Next Week

Courtesy: PBS Distribution

PBS Distribution will release another collection of episodes from The Berenstain Bears to audiences next week.

The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume 3 is scheduled for release May 19.  The latest collection features 28 more episodes from the animated series and will retail for MSRP of $14.99.  Among the most notable episodes is “Car Trip,” in which brother and sister learn that the family’s vacation will not take it to Grizzyland, but somewhere else.

Another notable addition to this latest collection comes in the form of “The Giddy Grandma.”  Sister is writing about a bear that she admires in this episode, and learns Grizzly Gran had a lot of accolades during her life.

“Moving Day’ tackles an issue that so many children (and families) face when brother and sister’s friends are moving away.The  siblings learn that people moving is not entirely bad.

More information on The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume 3 is available along with all of the latest Berenstain Bears news at:

 

Website: http://www.berenstainbears.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheBerenstains

 

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

Every Family Will Welcome The Berenstain Bears’ Second Season Set Into Their Own Houses

Courtesy: PBS Distribution/PBS/PBS Kids

The Berenstain Bears have, for decades, entertained and educated adults and children of all ages.  Between the countless books that have been released, the short-lived animated series from 1985 (which is available now in full on DVD) and the 2003 series, which ran for three seasons, families across the nation (and world) have come to love Papa, Mama, Brother and Sister, their stories and life lessons.  This spring, that enjoyment will continue when PBS Distribution releases the third collection of episodes from the 2003 series on DVD.  The two-disc set is scheduled for release May 19.  While audience await the arrival of that collection, they have the second collection, released Jan. 28, to enjoy.  The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume 2 is a wonderful collection that every family will enjoy partly because of its featured stories, which will be discussed shortly.  The lessons tied to the stories add even more to the set’s enjoyment and will be discussed a little later.  Keeping in mind the value of the set’s collective primary and secondary content, the whole of The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume 2 boasts an average price point, that is notable in its own right.  Each item noted here is important in its own right to the whole of the double-disc set.  All things considered, they make the collection a presentation that is one of this year’s top new family DVD/BD box sets.

The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume 2 is a wonderful presentation that families everywhere will welcome in their own houses.  That is due in part to the stories that are featured in this set.  Approximately 26 stories make up the body of the two-disc collection.  Those stories are in fact the whole of the series’ second season.  They are presented in the exact same chronological order in which they originally aired, too, from July 14, 2003 and July 30, 2003.  Keeping this in mind, it is a bit of a headscratcher as to why this collection wasn’t just called “Season Two” instead of “Volume Two.”  Using the title “Volume Two” becomes somewhat misleading, considering that said term “volume” is typically used for compilation sets rather than full season sets.  The same approach was used in the series’ debut “volume,” which was released Sept. 17.  The stories themselves find the Bear family – Papa, Mama, Sister and Brother – dealing with a variety of very real life situations, making them relatable to audiences of all ages.  The story at the center of “Too Much Pressure,” for instance, finds the Bear family trying to figure out its overly-crowded weekly schedule.  What family out there doesn’t deal with that issue?  Exactly.  The season’s opener, ‘The Excuse Note’ is something that, again, audiences of all ages can appreciate because we have all been there.  Sister tries to lie to get out of gym class because she doesn’t enjoy it.  This is also a plot element that has been used multiple times before and since this episode’s airing.  We’ve all tried to figure out ways out of things we don’t want to do, which is ties to the story’s lesson.  This will be addressed a little later.  Getting back on topic, “The Perfect Fishing Spot” finds Papa and Sister heading out to get the perfect fish for a special dinner.  This leads to another key lesson that is featured within the season.  Between these and so many other stories featured in the second season of The Berenstain Bears, the stories that make up the series’ second season give audiences more than enough reason to bring this set home.

The stories that make up the body of The Berenstain Bears’ second season go a long way toward making this collection worth owning for any family.  They are just one key aspect of the set that makes its presentation so appealing.  The lessons that are tied into each story are themselves critical to the set’s presentation, too.  As noted already, Papa learns his own valuable lesson in “The Perfect Fishing Spot” He learns that the biggest prize isn’t the best and that he needs to make sure he keeps his focus when he says he is doing something for someone else.  This is something with which we all deal with all the time.  We start out wanting to do something nice for someone else, but somewhere along the line, we end up losing that focus and start focusing on what we want.  That is what happens here with Papa.  He admits in the end that is what has happened as he tries to get the biggest fish possible for the grandparents’ special dinner.  He admits he started trying to find the perfect fishing spot (and fish) more for himself than for them.  It takes Sister reminding Papa for him to realize what he was doing.  The lesson that Papa learns is not the only one involving priorities.  He also learns what happens when he puts winning over friendship in “The Prize Pumpkin.”  That lesson is one to which audiences of all ages can relate.

Papa isn’t the only member of the Bear family to learn some valuable lessons this season.  Brother and Sister learn a lesson about friendship in “Ferdy Factual.”  The duo leans that some people deal with their feelings in different ways and don’t always mean to act rude to others.  It’s just that they struggle to come to terms with their discomfort in certain situations.  Dealing with that issue is just a matter of being nice to those people and maybe they will open up and be nicer.  The cubs also learn in this season, the invaluable lesson that helping others can actually help one feel very good inside.  That lesson comes in two different episodes – “Lend A Helping Hand” and “Nothing To Do.”  The whole family leans an equally invaluable lesson in “Too Much Pressure” about the importance of setting limits and priorities in life, not just in terms of setting weekly schedules, in “Too Much Pressure.”  It’s yet another key lesson that will always be timely and relatable.  Considering the importance of that lesson, those featured in the other noted episodes and in the rest of the season’s episodes, it becomes clear why the lessons featured in this season are just as important to its presentation as the stories to which they are tied.  Keeping that in mind, it becomes clear that the primary and secondary content featured in this collection does a lot to make the set well worth owning.  It also makes the set’s average price point money well spent.

The average price point for The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume 2 is $11.65.  That price is reached by averaging prices at Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, Books-A-Million and PBS’ online store.  None of the set’s price even reaches $15, and the least expensive of the listings is at Target — $8.69 – while the most expensive of the listings is at Books-A-Million and at PBS’ store, at $14.99.   Walmart’s listing of $8.77 makes a good middle ground.  The $9.99 listing at Amazon and Best Buy are easy on the bank account, too.  Even if audiences choose PBS’ store or Barnes & Noble Booksellers, they still won’t break the bank.  That is the most important thing to consider here.  Regardless of which route audiences go, the price is anything but prohibitive.  It is a price that is accessible for every consumer.  Keeping this in mind, the affordable price point of this set and its primary and secondary content makes this second season set from The Berenstain Bears another welcome addition to any home.

PBS Distribution’s latest Berenstain Bears season collection is a presentation that every family will happily welcome in their own houses.  That is due to the set’s stories and their related lessons, which are all timeless in their own right.  The set’s affordable average price point makes that set that much more appealing.  Neither the set’s average price point, nor its singular prices are price prohibitive.  The most expensive listing from the major retailers is $14.99, which is relatively affordable for anyone.  Keeping all of this in mind, The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume Two is a presentation that deserves to be in any family’s house.  More information on this DVD, PBS distribution’s upcoming release of Tree House Tales Volume Three and all of the latest Berenstain Bears news is available online now at:

 

 

 

Website: http://www.berenstainbears.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheBerenstains

 

 

 

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

PBS Distribution Announces Release Date For New ‘Berenstain Bears’ Collection

Courtesy: PBS Distribution/PBS/PBS Kids

PBS Distribution will release a new collection of episodes from The Berenstain Bears animated series later this month.

The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume Two is scheduled for release Jan. 28 on DVD. The two-disc collection features 26 episodes from the series that teach lots of family values.  One episodes features Sister being picked to represent her school in a jump rope contest.  Papa’s friendship with his longtime friend Farmer Ben is tested when a pumpkin growing contest is announced.

In one of the set’s non-contest episodes, Brother teams up with Freddy to create a flying device for their fifth grade science contest.  The episode teaches lessons about teamwork and communication, just come of the lessons featured throughout the course of the collection.

The Berenstain Bears: Tree House Tales Volume Two runs a total of 340 minutes (just over five hours).  It will retail for MSRP of $14.99.  It can be ordered online through PBS’ online store.

More information on this and other Berenstain Bears collections is available online at:

 

Website: http://www.berenstainbears.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheBerenstains

 

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