Kids don’t always have the best role models these days and it takes a certain show to really win over their hearts as well as entertain them. Parents are looking for children shows that don’t corrupt their children’s minds but mold them to get them ready for the world they are going to be growing up in. Parents want their kids to have a good time but it is also essential that they learn something at the exact same time. While I may not have children of my own just yet; I’ll admit that you have my full agreement when you say that kid shows need to be fun and also educational. We can’t expect them all from the start to be “Little Einsteins” can we?
June, Quincy, Leo, and Anna are the four children that are looking to always enjoy their time each day but learn something along the way. Adventures for the kids range as far as their imaginations can possibly take them and it helps that they have a magical vehicle they call Rocket. No matter what type of vehicle their journeys call for, Rocket can transform into it and take them on their way. Dealing mostly in the worlds of music and art, the Little Einsteins’ group makes sure to help someone solve a problem in any way they possibly can. Each episode focuses on a particular piece of famous music which is played numerous times and a world renowned piece of art done by a popular artist. This method sort of gets kids associated with the cultural worlds of music and art while also trying to help others.
Four episodes are included on this DVD release:
~ Fire Truck Rocket
~ Melody The Music Pet
~ Carmine’s Big Race
~ Mr. Penguin’s Ice Cream Adventure
One of the great thing about Little Einsteins is that it does what a lot of children’s shows these days are doing and it’s getting the kids involved. Being interactive is a huge learning tool and by having the children answer questions out loud or mimic certain gestures suggested to them; they’re doing a lot more then just watching TV. These four episodes are really quite fun and I’m more then sure kids would enjoy them even more then I did. “Fire Truck Rocket” is even one that has never before aired on television so even if your children are fans of the show, they’re still getting something new. Little Einsteins is fun, full of energy, and educational in much more then the common ways of letters and numbers making it a must see for all young children.
The film is shown in 1.33:1 Full Screen format and with bright colors and a sharp picture; there are no problems to be found here and all looks perfect.
The film is heard in Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Sound and even though it is probably no improvement then when the episodes air on television, it’s more then adequate for this series.
3 Fun Ways To Watch And Play – There are no actual special features but there are three interesting and different ways for children to watch the episodes. “Fastplay” allows kids to watch right from putting the DVD in the player and letting it just go all on its own. “Magic Mission Mode 1” is for kids aged 2-3 and it allows the kids to answer questions about colors, shapes and sizes with their remotes. Parents will need to help out of course. The final method is called “Magic Mission Mode 2” and it is for kids aged 4-6. Again they can use their remote to answer questions but they’re a bit more advanced.
Trailers – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: Diamond Edition, Winnie the Pooh Seasons of Giving: 10th Anniversary Edition, Mickey’s Magical Christmas: Snowed In at the House Of Mouse, Little Einsteins: Animal Expedition, Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure, The Princess and the Frog, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Adventures In Wonderland, The Tigger Movie: 10th Anniversary Special Edition, and Handy Manny
The overall score for this release is going to seem a bit skewed simply because the special features’ portion is not the most accurate scoring. There actually aren’t any but I went ahead and gave them the benefit of the doubt for the three different methods of viewing the four episodes. Speaking of episodes…they are great and fun to watch but it would have been nice to have at least another two or four throw in there. Kids are going to love this DVD though and will watch the episodes over and over again making this a must-buy for them and parents alike. Little Einsteins is a great way to get your kids started on the more cultural aspects of education to heighten their smarts even more before getting behind a desk and hitting the books.
Walt Disney Home Video presents Little Einsteins: Fire Truck Rocket’s Blastoff. Starring (voices): Erica Huang, Aiden Pompey, Jesse Schwartz, Natalia Wojcik, and more. Created by: Douglas Wood. Running time: 95 minutes. Rating: G. Released on DVD: September 8, 2009. Available at Amazon.com
