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| Disney's Little Einsteins: Animal Expedition | |
| Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment // G // $19.99 // February 9, 2010 | |
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| Review by Danny Cox | posted February 7, 2010 |
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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. One of the awesome things about this collection of four episodes is that they also incorporate zoology and geography in as well broadening children's minds even more.
Having seen a great amount of this series thanks to having plenty of kids around with my nieces, nephews, and friends always over; these four episodes sort of stand out to me as some of the better ones. It goes back to the fact that there are new subjects brought into the learning curve so that kids can keep up with the art and music, but also see other parts of the world through maps and animals. That is one of the things that has always made me see Wonder Pets as a show that is good for kids because it teaches them about the differences in the world. It allows them to see multiple races while also knowing that there places other than their home areas to explore and one day visit.
One of the great things 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. 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.
Episodes
~ Whale Tale: The magical Rocket has made friends with a humpback whale, but the little one can't stay away from his family so he has to leave with them. Sadness arrives though as Rocket misses his friend and brings about a trip to the Great Barrier Reef with the kids in order to reunite them. Meeting up with numerous sea creatures along the way; the kids learn that sometimes soothing music is the best way to find your friends.
~ Duck, Duck, June: June has a fantastic time watching a mother duck interact with her baby ducklings and enjoys it so much that she decides to try and sound like mama duck. A problem arises though when her imitation is too good and one of the baby ducks decides to follow her instead. Together the group must work their way through a creepy forest and other scary situations to get the baby duck to his family in the Great Lakes.
~ Jump For Joey: The group decides to head with Rocket out to Australia for the Animal Talent Show and end up meeting a lonely little Joey (baby kangaroo) along the way. The Joey has forgotten all about the talent show he was to partake in at the Sydney Opera House and needs to get there fast so the kids will do all they can to help him.
~ Little Elephant's Big Parade: A huge elephant festival brings the kids and Rocket to India so that they can enjoy in all the fun, but there is a problem as always. One particular elephant is too small to partake in everything and he wishes he was big enough like everyone else. The kids know that some magic peanuts will help their new friend grow big and strong to participate, but they need to find them before it is too late and the festival is over.
The DVD
Video:
Each episode 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. Disney does a masterful job of making sure that kids aren't only entertained, but that they're getting top quality in what they watch. Colors are overly bright and the animation is crisp and sharp making for a fun viewing experience. No problems with the transfer from cable to DVD so you're getting nothing but the best here.
Sound:
The episodes are heard in Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Sound and even though there is probably no improvement then when the episodes air on television, it's more then adequate for this series. Languages available are English, French, and Spanish. There are English subtitles for the hearing impaired. Each Little Einsteins episode can be heard clearly and loudly without any problems. Odd, but this is one of the very few animated series that I feel would have been better in surround sound which is only true due to the wonderful music.
Extras:
The Animal Crane Game - Kids can play a virtual claw machine and grab eggs that hold animal surprises in them. The cool thing is that they can listen to different instruments after finding each animal. Simplistic yet educational and fun.
Bonus Episode: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Goofy's Petting Zoo - An episode of the other great educational and fun television series from Disney. Along with Goofy and the rest of the gang; children will learn about different types of animals and their names. (24:03)
Trailers - My Friends Tigger & Pooh: Super Duper Super Sleuths, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie's Bow-tique, Beauty and the Beast, Muppets Studio DC, The Princess and the Frog, Ponyo, Handy Manny, Toy Story/Toy Story 2, and Tinkerbell and the Great Fairy Rescue
Final Thoughts:
Little Einsteins is a great way for kids to learn and enjoy the world of music, art, geography, history, zoology, and so much more. Cartoons will draw them in and without even realizing it, they will be taught so many lessons that can prepare them for their schooling in years to come. Kind of a shame that there are only four episodes included here and so few special features, but that is just a minor complaint. Personally I'm a big lover of classical music so I was kind of hoping for a soundtrack only function to have it playing in the background during my day. No such luck but still this one is worth grabbing. Recommended.
Danny lives in New Orleans with his dog and writes plenty in way of movies, sports, and life over at Examiner, IP Movies, and Associated Content. If you're looking to keep up with all he does though, there's always Twitter or Facebook.