LITTLE ROCK — As the Christmas season reawakens the child within, let’s take a look at three DVD sets for children - or people who used to be children and want to remember what that felt like.
Sesame Street, Old School Vol. 3, more than six hours of content on two discs from Sesame Workshop and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, $29.87
Let’s face it, Sesame Street has been around a while. Since its premiere in 1969, the show has gone through quite a few changes. Sure, it has kept its basic themes, but for adults who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, the show just isn’t the same.
For those people, there are the Sesame Street Old School sets - now up to Volume 3, or 1979-84. Like previous releases, this one has a handful of full episodes and a conglomeration of highlight sketches - including the classic scene explaining store owner Mr. Hooper’s death.
For extra features, there’s an audio commentary for one episode, an interview with Caroll Spinney (portrayer of Big Bird and Oscar), an on-screen Oscar storybook and behind-the-scenes footage that should be avoided if you want to keep believing the Muppets are real.
The Magic School Bus, The Complete Series, 52 episodes on eight discs from Scholastic, $79.95
Science is the main theme for this animated show, based on the popular series of books about Ms. Frizzle (Lily Tomlin), a teacher who takes hands-on learning to the extreme. With the help of her magic school bus, her multicultural group of students may find themselves going back in time to meet the dinosaurs, diving down to explore an underwater volcano, or taking trips to outer space.
This is a great series for curious children ages 4-10 (according to the packaging) or for older folks who have fond memories of those fantasy field trips.
Actually, some of the science is fairly sophisticated, so adults who’ve gone years without a science class stand to learn a lot too.
Other than a Spanish language option, there are no bonus features, but the set comes with an “Activity Booklet and Parents’ Guide.”
Power Rangers, The Complete Series, 145 episodes on 19 discs from Shout! Factory, $119.99
Much less educational was Power Rangers. OK, there were lessons on teamwork, believing in yourself, working hard, etc. But let’s face it, most children of the 1990s weren’t watching for that.
This cheesy live action series followed the adventures of five (eventually six) squeaky-clean teenagers who used their martial arts skills and some giant robot companions known as “zords” to fight off evil alien would-be invaders.
The acting was mostly bad. The special effects were laughable. The writing was cheesy in the extreme. But kids ate it up, as evidenced by the seemingly endless parade of toys, bed sheets, toothbrushes, stage shows and movies.
This boxed set’s list of extras includes new interviews with cast and creators, fan memories, bonus episodes, a fan club video, karate video and a performance of the stage show.
New this week: Bordertown, Complete Series; Futurama, Volume 7; Gunsmoke, Season 7, Volume 1; Hazel, Season 4; JAG, Complete Series; Mission: Impossible, Complete Series.
Next week: Army Wives, Season 6, Part 2; Californication, Season 5; He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, 30th Anniversary Commemorative Collection; Here’s Lucy, Season 6; House of Lies, Season 1; The Life and Times of Tim, Season 3; Quincy, M.E., Season 4; The Sarah Silverman Program, Season 3; Shameless, Season 2.
Style, Pages 46 on 12/09/2012