This series is based upon the Mozart Effect, which is based upon the following principals:
· The use of music and the arts to improve the health of families and communities
· The general use of music to improve memory, awareness, and the integration of learning styles
· The innovative and experimental uses of music to improve listening and attention deficit disorders
· The therapeutic uses of music for mental and physical disorders and injuries
· The collective uses of music for imagery and visualization, to activate creativity, and reduce depression and anxiety

This by no means represents all the uses and aspects, but presents a good overview as to the theories behind the entire series of Baby Einstein videos. A series of images (still and moving), music, sounds, and spoken languages are repeated in an effort to induce the desired results.

There are opponents to this series of videos, ones that feel that introducing children at this young of an age (they're intended for 1 to 18 months) is wrong no matter the content. After watching the reaction of the "borrowed baby" while this video was playing I would disagree. These videos are presented as nothing but the 21st century equivalent of a musical mobile that entertains your child.

Now, on to the specifics concerning this title in the series, Baby Van Gogh. Like the other discs in the series, this one contains over an hour or interactive and education video for you baby and toddler. Aimed at the older toddler (recommended 1 and up) this DVD has plenty of bright and entertaining sections to keep all entertained. Combine the paintings of Vincent Van Gogh and the music of classical composers and you have one of the better discs in the series of Baby Einstein videos.

While this is shorter than the other's I have reviewed, it is easily the most entertaining and colorful. The selection of varied composers, more than 8, presents your child with a greater and more eclectic selection of music than on the discs that focus on a single composer. I still think the concert sections should be accompanied by video as well, but the selection of music still does its job.

Video: The video on these discs is beautiful. The color and saturation has purposely been ramped up and it shows. The images practically jump off the screen and have no trouble catching the young, wandering eye. Filled with images of Van Gogh's paintings and examples of solid and bright colors, this video stands out as some of the best in the series.

Audio: The audio is a good stereo mix. It's bright and even at all times with crisp highs and surprising lows.

Extras: There are no true extras, but they offer links to buy some of the toys that are features in the videos. On a side note, the menus were increasingly frustrating deeper into the DVD. There was no back button to return to a previous menu. They are meant to be played straight through and it's not easy to do otherwise.

Overall: I would highly recommend this disc out of the series. With more variety, color and musical selections, it's a great example of what is entertaining and works on these discs. How can you not like a kid's video featuring a goat rendition of Van Gogh, replete with a bandage on its ear?