The DVD

Video:
No one can argue that computer animation, like that seen in the aforementioned Finding Nemo, is visually stunning, but I still prefer the old-fashioned kind, as is present on this disc. It boils down to personal preference, and I fully realize I am in the minority on this one in the wake of the technological advancements since Pooh made his first animated appearance decades ago. This disc is presented in a 1.78:1 widescreen format, and as is the case with nearly all Disney DVD releases, the picture is beautiful and truly enhances the overall viewing experience.

Sound:
As with the picture, the sound quality (English Dolby Digital 5.1, along with available French and Spanish language tracks, and all languages are available as subtitles as well) is excellent and contributes significantly to the overall viewing experience. There is little need to adjust the volume, even during the adventurous parts, which tend to be louder. The songs sound nice as well, although there is nothing as compelling as Carly Simon's contributions to Piglet's Big Movie.

Extras:
I would like to know why it is that Disney, a company that has pioneered and really set the gold standard in terms of children's DVD entertainment, insists on creating games that are so difficult to navigate, especially considering that many of their DVDs are aimed at the under-10 set. And Pooh's appeal skews even younger than that. There is a game on The Jungle Book 2 that, to this day, I have been unable to navigate past the first frame. Even with computer and remote savvy kids, it is truly confusing. This disc features a game called Pass the Pumpkin and the Trick-or-Retreat game, where viewers are encouraged to help Roo and Lumpy fill their bag of candy by navigating their way down different paths. The navigation, which is done with the DVD's remote control, is next to impossible, but with some effort (and a lot of cursing), most parents should be able to figure it out. Kids under six, however, won't, so prepare to sit there and answer questions from them about why it's not working as you frantically try to figure out the game before they completely lose it.

Make sure you don't throw away any of the inserts that come with the disc, because if you flip to the back of the booklet, you will find bingo cards for Pooh's Boo Bingo. This is an original and inspired idea. Finally. On the DVD-ROM, recipes can be found, as well as printable party invitations. These are both nice offerings, but I always question whether people actually access the DVD-ROM features on any disc. They don't appear to be that popular, and I wonder if it is because a different element (obviously, a computer) is necessary.

Final Thoughts:
The characters are as cute as ever, and nothing I say here will stop Pooh fans, or those truly determined to own every Disney DVD ever released, from purchasing this particular offering. But be warned: it is more likely to gather dust in the back of your entertainment center rather than to be requested over and over again by kids eager to watch it. And part of what makes a family or children's DVD worth purchasing is its value in terms of being replayed.