Music & Arts

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (Full Screen Edition)

This remastered, pan-and-scan 30th-anniversary edition of that kiddie-car caper is flawed but solid family fare. It retains a quaint charm while some of the songs--including the title tune--are quite hummable. A huge plus is Dick Van Dyke, who is extremely appealing as an eccentric inventor around the turn of the century. With nimble fingers and a unique way of looking at the world, he invents for his children a magic car that floats and flies. Or does he? The special effects are tame by today's standards, and the film is about 20 minutes too long--but its enthusiasm charms. The script was cowritten by Roald Dahl and based on the novel by Ian Fleming, best known for his James Bond adventures. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Ladies and gentlemen boys and girls--start your engines. You are about to take an incredible ride with one of the most wonderful family films of all time! Now celebrating its 30th Anniversary Chitty Chitty Bang Bang has never looked or sounded better. With its clever tunes (including the Oscar-nominated title song) marvelous cast and enchanting story line this delightful family film is lot of fun and simply "toot sweet" to pass up! Dick Van Dyke stars as eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts who creates an extraordinary car called Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It not only drives--but also flies and floats--as it leads him his two children and his beautiful lady friend Truly Scrumptious (Howes) into a magical world of pirates castles and endless adventure. Starring: Dick Van Dyke Sally Ann Hawes Lionel Jeffries Gert Forbe and Benny HillDirector: Ken HughesProduced by Albert R. Broccoli; written by R. Dahl K. Hughes; Running time of 145 minutes; Closed Captioned. Copyright: 1968 MGM System Requirements:Interactive Film Trivia Interactive Menus Production Notes Theatrical Trailer Video Format: Standard 1.33:1 (4.3) THX Mastered Subtitles: English French English: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround French: Dolby Digital Surround Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: G UPC: 027616703224 Manufacturer No: 907032

Pinocchio (Disney Gold Classic Collection)

This Disney masterpiece from 1940 will hold up forever precisely because it doesn't restrain or temper the most elemental emotions and themes germane to its story. Based on the Collodi tale about a wooden puppet who wants to become a real boy, Pinocchio is among the most magical, mythical, and frightening films to come from the studio in its long history. A number of scenes make permanent impressions on young minds (just ask Steven Spielberg, who quoted the film more than once in Close Encounters of the Third Kind), and the songs ("When You Wish upon a Star") can't be beat. --Tom Keogh

Disney's second full length movie after Snow White. Delightful, hand-drawn images.

Sesame Street - 123 Count With Me

Join Ernie at The Furry Arms Hotel for a musical lesson in just how useful counting can be. When Ernie finds and returns a misplaced key, he uses his knowledge of numbers to return the key to the correct guest. As Ernie begins to learn about the hotel business, he finds many common situations in which counting is essential. Throughout the 30-minute video, Ernie and his friends help children learn to count from 1 to 20 with such songs as the jazzy "That's How the Numbers Go," an original version of the Chorus Line show tune "One," and "Rap Song #11." Favorite Sesame Street characters Elmo and The Count are joined by new characters including Ding the Dinger, a furry fellow with a bell on his head, and Benny, the bellboy that responds to Ding the Dinger's dings. Children as young as 18 months will bounce happily along with the catchy tunes and 2-year-olds will be inspired to count aloud with Ernie. Kids up to age 5 will hone their counting skills and laugh at the increasingly frustrated Benny as he delivers everything from 1 bucket of ice to 15 stampeding elephants! If you're looking for a fun video that teaches counting skills, here it is. --Tami Horiuchi

Doctor Dolittle

So, they let both Rex Harrison and Anthony Newley sing. This 1968 family musical is classier than the 1998 Eddie Murphy remake, with all of its scatological humor. This won a couple of Oscars (Best Song, Best Effects) and was nominated for seven more, including Best Picture. At the time of release, however, this was a box-office dud. Based (in part) on the magical Hugh Lofting book, it begins in Puddleby-by-the-Marsh, England, from which the world-renowned veterinarian Dolittle (Harrison) begins his quest for a giant pink sea snail. Children should find this enjoyable for its exotic creatures, such as the Pushme-Pullyou. Most adults may not agree as readily, although some of us consider this a guilty pleasure. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Get ready for the wildest adventure of a lifetime in the most ambitious musical production ever brought to film. Earning a 1967 Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, this dazzling fantasy turns both ordinary and exotic animals into talking, dancing and singing sensations! Rex Harrison is unforgettable in this inspiring adaptation of Hugh Lofting's classic stories. Step into the English country home of the good doctor as he performs remarkable treatments on the wildest variety of patients you could imagine. Discover his secret cures and watch with wide-eyed excitement as he and his four-legged, fine-feathered friends charm their way into your heart!

Oliver!

Film buffs and critics can argue until their faces turn blue about whether this lavish Dickensian musical deserved the Academy Award for Best Picture of 1968, but the movie speaks for itself on grandly entertaining terms. Adapted from Dickens's classic novel, it's one of the most dramatically involving and artistically impressive musicals of the 1960s, directed by Carol Reed with a delightful enthusiasm that would surely have impressed Dickens himself. Mark Lester plays the waifish orphan Oliver Twist, who is befriended by the pickpocketing Artful Dodger (Jack Wild) and recruited into the gang of boy thieves led by Fagin (played to perfection by Ron Moody). The villainous Bill Sikes (Oliver Reed) casts his long shadow over Oliver and his friends, but the young orphan is still able to find loving care in the most desperate of circumstances. Full of memorable melodies and splendid lyrics, Oliver! is a timeless film, prompting even hard-to-please critic Pauline Kael to call it "a superb demonstration of intelligent craftsmanship," and to further observe that "it's as if the movie set out to be a tribute to Dickens and his melodramatic art as well as to tell the story of Oliver Twist." --Jeff Shannon

We are . . . The Laurie Berkner Band

DVD1. I'm Gonna Catch You2. We Are the Dinosaurs3. Victor Vito4. Walk Along The River5. Under A Shady Tree6. Bumblebee (Buzz Buzz)7. O Susannah8. The Goldfish9. Pig On Her Head10. Moon Moon Moon11. TelephoneDVD Extras:Behind the scenes/making of (set to the song "I Know A Chicken")"I'm A Mess" recorded live on the set"Moon Moon Moon" choreography tutorial (learn the hand movements!)Bonus CD:1. Walk Along The River (previously unreleased)2. We Are The Dinosaurs3. Telephone4. I'm Gonna Catch You5. The Happiest Song I Know (Tom Chapin w/Laurie Berkner)Format: DVD AUDIO Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: NR UPC: 793018600996 Manufacturer No: 860099

Well-known children's musician Laurie Berkner bursts onto the children's music video scene with the energy and enthusiasm of her concert stage appearances fully intact. The Laurie Berkner Band, comprised of Laurie Berkner on vocals and guitar, Brian Mueller on bass and vocals, and Susie Lampert on keyboard and vocals (joined sporadically by Bob Golden on drums and additional instruments), is an accomplished group of musicians who create and perform whimsical, catchy children's songs in a folksy rock style. From the playful rhymes that declare Tuesday "snooze day" in "I'm Gonna Catch You" to the absurd image of fish taking showers and brushing their teeth in "The Goldfish," Laurie Berkner's songs celebrate a child's love of the ridiculous. The uninhibited trio performs live onstage ("Under a Shady Tree") or within simply animated scenes ("Bumblebee--Buzz, Buzz, Buzz") and the songs are undisputedly catchy--so catchy that many parents sheepishly admit to humming or even singing Laurie Berkner's songs full voice even when their children aren't around. In these days of splashy animation and over-thought, overly-glitzy children's music videos, it's a real treat to enjoy a simple production that features songs that kids love performed by musicians who appear to be having just as much fun as their young audiences. (Ages 1 to 8) --Tami Horiuchi

Hans Christian Andersen

Once upon a time there lived in Denmark a young shoemaker named Hans Christian Andersen whose magical tales delighted boys and girls throughout the land. Filled with music laughter and "wonderful glittering fun" (L.A. Examiner) this charming fable follows the adventures of the legendary storyteller and "recaptures the spirit of fairyland make-believe for children of all ages" (Southern California Motion Picture Council). Nominated* for six Oscars® Hans Christian Andersen is pure enchantment! Danny Kaye "is a delight" (Cue) as Hans who one day journeys beyond the borders of his small village across the sea and into the dazzling city of Copenhagen. There he encounters marvels and wonders beyond his wildest dreams...and finds the inspiration for some of his most unforgettable characters such as "The Little Mermaid" "The Ugly Duckling" "Thumbelina" and many more!*1952: Art Direction (Color) Cinematography (Color) Costume Design (Color) Scoring of a Musical Picture Song "Thumbelina" SoundSystem Requirements:Running Time: 112 Min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: NR UPC: 027616859136 Manufacturer No: 1001603

Of all the Danny Kaye movies, this musical biography of the legendary vagabond storyteller is definitely the most poignant, extending the performer's range far beyond his usual comic shtick. It may not be as funny as Wonder Man, but it has so much more going for it. In fact, the film is really more about Kaye than Andersen, providing rare insight into his humanitarian ideals and rapport with children. The Frank Loesser score is beautiful, as is the Technicolor cinematography. Among the songs performed, "Inchworm," "Thumbelina," and "Ugly Duckling" are the standout favorites. --Bill Desowitz

Barney - Let's Play School

Barney plays school with Baby Bop and friends and every lesson includes unexpected surprises.
Genre: Children's Video
Rating: NR
Release Date: 27-JUL-1999
Media Type: DVD

Like perky Kathie Lee Gifford, Barney, the ubiquitous magical purple dinosaur, can elicit violent hatred and fierce loyalty. You're likely to get the latter from the average toddler, weaned on the inexplicably popular (to some) PBS series. Parents may want to first teach their children the original classic songs before they're invariably introduced to Barney and his lyric-altering renditions. (By now countless children think "This Old Man" is the "Barney I Love You" song.) This 50-minute video, never seen on television, focuses on Baby Bop (Barney's yellow baby dino friend), envious and curious about school. Barney and friends Ashley, Hannah, Robert, and Jeff offer to play school, with Baby Bop as teacher. Their songs include the Barney versions of "The Alphabet Song," "One, Two, Buckle My Shoe," "The Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Where Is Thumbkin?", and more. Let's Play School! offers a gentle introduction to toddlers curious about preschool and may waylay any apprehensions. With its emphasis on how school is both fun and educational it also entices its youngest audience by showing that Ashley, Hannah, Robert, and Jeff (who are about 8 or 9) represent those awe-inspiring older kids. They like school. Therefore, it can't be that bad. And neither is this video's ultimate message. --N.F. Mendoza

25th Birthday Musical Celebration

Sesame Street celebrates its 25th anniversary. Features many old favorites, both songs and friends.
Genre: Children's Video
Rating: NR
Release Date: 31-AUG-1999
Media Type: DVD

Yes, Virginia, there was a Sesame Street before the Age of Elmo. This 1993 collection highlights the role of music in the long-running series from Children's Television Workshop, and reminds us that such Jim Henson creations as Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, and Ernie and Bert were once part of a true ensemble of Muppet superstars. Nothing against Elmo, of course: kids adore him and he makes enough appearances in this anthology (including the show-stopping "Happy Tappin' with Elmo") to keep today's tykes happy. Also included is Ernie's classic "Rubber Duckie" (really, who doesn't know the words to that?), Oscar's anthemic "I Love Trash," you-know-who's "C Is for Cookie," and Big Bird's Big Finale, a rendition of "Sing" that includes the entire cast. There are 27 tunes in all, and they don't all involve singing puppets: Ladysmith Black Mambazo turns up for one track, and the "Sesame Street Jam Session" includes some actual playing of instruments. --Tom Keogh

Sesame Street - Do the Alphabet

When Baby Bear must learn his alphabet in one day, Big Bird patiently takes him under his wing in Do the Alphabet. Only "The Method," (a hilarious combination of dance, song, visualization, and group therapy) can help Baby Bear on such short notice. The result is 40 minutes of ABC's Sesame Street style, where vibrant educational cartoons, enthusiastic kids, famous guest stars (here, Billy Joel), and harmonizing Muppets make lasting educational impressions. Children age 2 to 6 will enjoy the upbeat musical numbers dedicated to various letters; a favorite segment features the Boogie Woogie Piggies and their flashy rendition of the alphabet song. Throughout the well-paced show, Big Bird offers just the right blend of coaching and friendship, much like the ace support group leader he's mildly spoofing. Hats off to Sesame Street for helping Baby Bear--and his viewing audience--understand that learning takes time, patience, and a team effort. --Liane Thomas