All posts by Kenna

Chuggington: The Big Freeze

animation, children, DVD, education, series, television, , , , , ,

chuggbigfreezeThe weather is still not cold enough, but freezing high-speed adventure is on the way. My preschoolers were treated to the newest Chuggington DVD called Chuggington: The Big Freeze.

The latest popular DVD collection from the United Kingdom is entertaining with six episodes. There are adventures for preschoolers while teaching lessons about right and wrong and sharing.  It is no wonder this is a highly rated show distributed by Disney.

One episode is a holiday special called The Big Freeze. The chuggers perform one heroic rescue after another. The kids learn from these shows by watching the characters solve situations that are presented to them. Like, when icy temperatures cause the town to run out of fuel and all diesel engines are grounded. They solve the problem as Chief Jackman and his team of brave Chug Patrollers work together to find a way to the frozen docks to retrieve fuel and get the town of Chuggington moving once again.  It also teaches preschoolers important lessons about safety, responsibility and teamwork as they watch Wilson, Koko, Brewster, and Asher.

Another episode includes one where Fletch tries to repair the lighthouse, and Calley tests to become a first responder. Another is where the kids get to watch Brewster get closer to being a Chuggineer. The lessons taught in these shows are so helpful.  The series has great characters for kids to watch and get to know.

Pups United

children, DVD, movies, , , ,

PUPS UNITED_3d DVDDirected by Guy Distad, who is known for working in television, cut his teeth on Disney TV shows as first and second assistant director such as Wizards of Waverly Place and Hanna Montana, the movie is made for kids to enjoy. If you are up for a silly, non-committal adventure with puppies who talk, then Pups United on DVD is what you want your kids to watch. Awarded the Dove Seal of Approval means it is safe for kids to watch, stating the film is “a fun family movie that everyone will enjoy.”

In the manner of Air Bud, this live action movie features the voice talents of Rob Schneider (Grown Ups) in a familiar story of quest and the rescue of the World Cup. A rag-tag gang of international talking dog mascots must save the day and foil the plot of villains planning to sabotage the Youth World Cup soccer finals.

The laughter launches when the two villains try to cover up their identity because they want to find the trophy. The story will never get monotonous as Rex and his canine mascots unite to stop the thieves.  By helping to stop the thievery the canines also help Ryan and the coach return to the game and go for the win.

The DVD includes a behind-the-scenes featurette with “The Making of Pups United” featurette and miniscule bonus episodes. It is something consider for your library to help keep your kids entertained with the wintry season coming up.

Peppa Pig School Bus Trip

animation, children, education, series, television, , , ,

peppa schoolbusPeppa Pig is a clever television show for kids. The British accents add to its hilarity, and then there is the character’s staunch ability to fall over and laugh at the end of each episode. It can’t go unnoticed by all. My kids love seeing them jump in muddy puddles or feed the insatiable ducks. It is so funny.

Still, the show is realistic, showing family life as animals. Each different animal depicts the diversity of people in real life. This concept comes through to the kids. We all need to get along with each other no matter how different we are as animals. Peppa Pig School Bus Trip includes ten episodes to keep the kids busy.

Anyone who knows the show appreciates the fact it shows kids getting ready for school. Nothing like a little encouragement with that topic is what I always say.  Anyone who is a fan of the show or who has never seen Peppa will enjoy this DVD in their collection. The set includes a Mini Book, too.

The Seventh Dwarf

animation, children, classics, movies, , , , , ,

Seventhdwarf1After appearing in select NY and LA theaters, The Seventh Dwarf is available on Blu-ray and DVD. The animated movie is an adventure story that unites all your favorite fairytale characters in one kingdom and stars the voices of Peyton List, Norm MacDonald, Nina Hagen and Joshua Graham. There are great messages for kids to learn like friendship, problem solving, accepting differences and working as a team. The humorous scenes are really fun to watch as well as action and suspense scenes.

The story begins with the characters celebrating Princess Rose’s (Sleeping Beauty) 18th birthday. Everyone in the kingdom has come to Fantabularasa Castle including Snow White, the Seven Dwarfs, Cinderella and Red Riding Hood. But just before the stroke of midnight Bobo, the youngest dwarf, accidentally pricks the finger on the cursed needle and sends the kingdom into a century-long slumber. Bobo decides to take the matter into his own hands by finding Rose’s true love Jack. Jack must save her with a kiss, Bobo and the other six dwarfs go on a treacherous journey. They face a fiery dragon and outwit the jealous, scheming and evil witch, Dellamorta.

The puns may go over the kid’s heads, but they are there for the adults to enjoy. The animation is well done even though this is not a big movie.

I am sure kids will want to re-watch the movie since it has some cute scenes with silly songs. The story features a mash-up of fairytales with a few obvious changes that add a bunch of fun. The writers are quite imaginative with the changes added to the stories, creating a bit of spark to the old fairytales.

Power Rangers Super Megaforce: The Legendary Battle

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powerlegacyThe Legendary Battle picks up exactly where the last episode of Power Rangers ended. The citizens of Harwood are in a hopeless situation and in need of help. Carter and Dana, Red and Pink as Lightspeed Rescue Rangers show up and help. You might be surprise to see them returning as cameos in the series. That is what this series is all about, returning Power Rangers.  It is one of the best cameo returns for this series because Carter and Dana are still rescue workers.  It is great to see these two performing in their ideal environment.  Some of the other legendary Rangers fair pretty well, but Carter and Dana stand out strong.

Other legendary Power Rangers return to help the citizens as well.  Cassie, TJ and Leo save people and animals alike. They do functions that are not similar to their original nature, which makes the comebacks more interesting.  Most fans will smile seeing them not just back but in magnificent HD.

Then, the other Rangers wake up and truly see how bad everything has become. The Power Ranger team reunites with Gosei still the awful adviser, who absolutely does nothing to help the team. The story is strong at this point where the actors are stellar.  The pain on their faces shows the concern they have for helping the world. Andrew Gray turns a strong performance as well.

I don’t want to give the whole story away, but I hope I gave an idea of what to expect from the DVD set. The final episode has the extended 10-minutes longer version than the original TV version, which is a real treat. You will be able to see the realistic defeat of Emperor Mavro.

Another extra is add, a 10-minute Legacy documentary that features clips from the Shout Factory Power Ranger interviews.  This is the finale of the legacy that is well worth the effort and time to watch.

https://youtu.be/Wl02_MWW2ng

Power Rangers: The Perfect Storm

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powermegaPower Rangers DVDs are so popular with the kids and some adults. Each collection is worth owning, and recently released The Perfect Storm is no expectation.  The five episodes are pure entertainment, and never fail the ardent fan.

One episode follows Orion, who unlocks every sixth ranger power while his helmet morphs revealing each one of the power ranger’s helmet designs with his costume.  As a result, the rangers lose their energy because it is taken from them when Orion morphs.  How will they get their power back? It is such a fun story to watch.

Another episode with a quirky twist is where one of the monsters becomes smitten with one of the rangers. A love triangle forms because another monster is trying to destroy the ranger to have the female monster all to himself.

The next episode is about two of the rangers who switch bodies.  It’s hilarious when they adjust, learn how to be the other power ranger, and notice the disparity in their personalities.  They even try to discover what trigger the change.

In another episode, Tensou ventures outside the command center in order to see the arrival of a fierce storm.  It approaches quickly, and Tensou is hit by lightning. He loses his memory and is lost. The other rangers search for him. Once they find him they do everything in their power to help him recover his memory.

I can see how the kids will go crazy over these storylines. Overall and of course, The Perfect Storm will please any Power Ranger fan.