Dora The Explorer: Explore The Earth – DVD Review

DVD Reviews, Reviews


Children’s shows these days fit into one of two categories as far as I’m concerned and that is either annoying and stupid or educational. When speaking of “children’s shows,” that’s in reference to those aimed at kids aged six or younger. I exclude Yo, Gabba, Gabba! because it seemed unnecessary to include a category called “Shows To Watch While Tripping On Acid.” Dora The Explorer on the other hand is one that is educational but also fun because of all the songs, trips, games, and learning possibilities there are to be found. Dora really knows just what she is doing when heading down the road with Boots and when that path takes her around the world; then things are going to get even more exciting. Now if only they wouldn’t be so hard on poor Swiper. Dude is just trying to make a living.

Explore The Earth is timely release – April 13, 2010, just a week shy of the 40th Anniversary of the very first Earth Day – so that the Nickelodeon network can help kids to get involved in things being “green” and preserving the world for future generations… namely them. It’s easier for kids to enjoy and get involved in important things such as this when they are looking at and listening to the characters they watch every single day on television. Dora and Diego are two of the most popular figures that are on children’s television today and easily recognizable so whenever they speak, kids are going to listen. Dora is joined here by her friend Diego in episodes dealing with them going around the world and learning about all that happens in nature and with the seasons.

The four episodes included on this DVD are meant to have Dora, Boots, Backpack, and more of her friends go on different vacations to relax and have fun, but there are numerous problems that arise to complicate matters. With the help of the Map, friends they meet along the way, and the viewing audience at home; Dora hopes to find her way to her destination and learn a lot along the way. Each episode runs in pretty much the same formula but the kids like it and it keeps them entertained. My concern comes with the educational aspect of it all. Sure the little ones will learn a lot about different countries, different languages, and other cultures but besides that, there really isn’t a lot of basic teaching being done. Mostly it is making the right choice and picking the proper destination when asked upon by looking at a map. Not too hard.

Overall, Dora is way too popular for her own good and when Diego shows up then it’s like when the Love Boat would dock at Fantasy Island. My God, I think I’m even too young for that reference but you get the idea. Without owning any other Dora releases, it’s hard for me to know whether these particular episodes appear elsewhere. They are entertaining though and run a common theme so it’s not a bad idea to add this one to your kids’ collections.

Episodes

Mixed-Up Seasons
To The South Pole
Save Diego
Beaches

The episodes are shown in 1.33:1 Full Screen format and you’re virtually getting exactly what you do when seeing it air on television. Colors look good and there are no compression or transfer issues to be found.

The episodes are heard in Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Sound which makes for the perfect mix for Dora and her adventures.

Moose And Zee: “Explore The Seashore” – Moose and Zee from Nick Jr. sing a fun little song about checking out the seashore. (1:38)

Moose And Zee: “In My Neighborhood” – The Nick Jr. duo sings another song but this time about their neighborhood and all that goes on in it. (1:57)

Most places will be selling this DVD for around $15 which seems like a hefty price tag for only four episodes, but my research shows me that is just about how all of Dora’s releases are. The episodes included here are really fun and bring forth a good message about the environment and earth so kids might as well learn this way instead of having it thrown in their face by a bunch of environmentalists with signs and chaining themselves to trees. Too much? Anyway, it’s a good purchase and well worth it for the kids even if the special features were really given the shaft. No interactive games or anything? Kind of surprised by that one. Still, go ahead and vamanos yourself to the store and pay for it. Don’t be like Swiper. Awwww man!


Nickelodeon presents Dora The Explorer: Explore The Earth. Created by: Chris Gifford, Valerie Walsh, Eric Weiner, and more. Starring (the vocal talents of): Kathleen Herles, Harrison Chad, Marc Weiner, Sasha Toro, and more. Running time: 99 minutes. Rating: Not Rated. Released on DVD: April 13, 2010. Available at Amazon.com