"Baby Einstein- Lullaby Time" is designed to be a useful DVD for parents to show their children the world around them. The DVD is filled with images of nature, science, real life parents with children, as well as videos of hand puppets and a digital story book about a lamb (all accompanied by classical music). The music used in this program is as follows: "Hush Little Baby," Brahms' "Waltz, Op. 39 No. 15," "Waltz, Op. 39 No. 2," "Guten Abend, gute Nacht Op. 49 No. 4," Mozart's "Serenade No. 13, K.. 525 movement 2," "Divertimento, K. 131 movement 2," "Piano Concerto 27, K. 595 movement 2," Haydn's "Piano Concerto, Hob. XVIII: 11 movement 2," and Gounod and Bach's "Ave Maria" Meditation on Bach Prelude BWV.

While I can't really comment on the product's effectiveness, as I am not the target audience, I will admit that "Lullaby Time" is a perfect program for infants and toddlers. While the Lamb Chop wannabe puppet may scare a few viewers, the DVD has plenty of images that will undoubtedly expand children's imagination. Images of objects (such as toy trains and marbles) in motion, fish, natural wonders are all important and positive things for a growing child to view as it will make them curious about life.

As for the music, the tracks are all mellow re-arranged works by famous composers. There are no loud or heavy songs to be found here. Everything is so light and soothing that you will be hard pressed to fight off the feeling of drowsiness.

The only downside of this disc is that the main material only runs 31 minutes. After a few viewings, children might become bored or want to see something else. Luckily, there are other educational "Baby Einstein" DVDs you can buy if your child wants to see or learn something new.

The DVD

Video:
The 1.33:1 fullscreen picture is a little grainy in spots, but overall the various images (especially the nature oriented ones) look very sharp.

Sound: The sound specifications were neither listed on the box or on the DVD, but the music and audio mixes are both F.A.B. My only complaint is that I wish the song arrangements weren't re-done. Why not use the original classical arrangements?

Extras: *Repeat play.

* Spanish, French and English language tracks.

* The "About Baby Einstein" featurette features interviews with parents about the products, as well as information about other "Baby Einstein" products like books, toys, CDs, and DVDs on various subjects (animals, words, numbers, etc.).

* "Toy Chest" is a collection of images and information on the various toys seen in the DVD that you can buy.

* "Aren't Ewe Sleepy?" and "Sleep, Sleep Mr. Sheep" are two extra scenes with the lamb puppet sleeping and dreaming.

* "Goodnight Book" is the same digital storybook seen on "Lullaby Time."

* "Sheep dreams" is 24 minutes of soothing images of flowing water, wind hitting the grass and flowers, misty mountains, and snow.

* A preview for "Einstein Pals."

Final Thoughts:
"Baby Einstein: Lullaby Time" is a fine interactive DVD for both parents and young children to enjoy. Worth a rent.

Film and television enthusiast Nick Lyons recently had his first book published titled "Attack of the Sci-Fi Trivia." It is available on Amazon.com.