Editorial Review

The Asian continent abounds in exotic animals from the large--giant pandas, elephants, and tigers--to the lower-profile-- macaques, sea snakes, and mudskippers. Balancing the real with the fantastical (dragons and unicorns), this 38-minute tape from Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (1)

Fun and educational
My two-year-old chose this from a shelf because it had a panda on it.I fully expected that she would be bored with a nature documentary, or disappointed that it wasn't really about pandas, but boy, was I surprised!Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie   

Editorial Review

Join professional dancer Debra Maxwell and her mixed-gender class for anintroduction to ballet.Maxwell demonstrates the five basic ballet positions,then goes to the barre for a lesson in ballet essentials like demi plié, élevé,tendu, dégagé, rond de jambe, and grand battement.Maxwell provides clearvisual and verbal instruction for each step, then offers pointers andencouragement as her young students try the steps alone and with arm movementsand musical accompaniment.Students discuss ballet's role in developing theirconcentration, grace, and musculature, and praise its influence on school,music, and sports. The centre work portion of the video begins with thetransformation of a simple game of hopscotch into a ballet routine utilizingtechniques learned at the barre.Additional steps covered include jete, sauté,assemblé, skip, chassé, and révérence.This nicely presented, 30-minute videois an informative, non-threatening introduction to ballet. (Ages 5-10) Read more

Features

• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (2)

A Clear "Introduction to Ballet"
Debra Maxwell teaches a small ballet class of grade-school children, one of whom is new to the class.She explains the terms and shows precisely how to move the arms and feet. The five basic positions are taught, as wellas some barre work and center work.The video is, indeed, only a bareintroduction, but it's a great joy for my 5 year old to use daily. Iappreciate the teacher's attitude toward the children in the class,expecting good work, but still being supportive of their beginning efforts. Some brief segments of accomplished adult dancers are included.

Fun for my 5 year old.
Expected a little more instruction for the money. My 5 year old little girl does enjoy going over the steps. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballet Video    2. Instructional / Educational    3. Movie    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Ballet/Dance   

Editorial Review

Dogs might chase cars, but only a cheetah could actually Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (4)

Edge of the seat action
This is definitely one of the best wildlife videos I have ever watched. It's extremely well-shot and has a very coherent story line, but that's not why I have ranked it so highly. It's because this video has action scenes that will chill you and have you literally on the edge of your seat while watching it.
THE CHEETAH VIDEO
PACKED WITH ACTION!Watch 3 cheetah brothers chase down a gazelle, wildebeest, and hare. 60 minutes, covers points of this cat. No, I DON'T think this video is dull. If you like cheetahs, you will enjoy it.

Dull video
This National Geographic Special is quite dull.The footage is OK, but there is no music track and the film is put together in such a way as to be dull. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie   

Editorial Review

Who were the Mayans? The answer depends on who you ask. Legend has it that the gods made them from corn. Armchair cultural critics with little more than a page-long encyclopedia entry's worth of knowledge see them as a ritualistic, dynastic people with a strong penchant for boulder hackysack. Take an hour-long tour of Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (4)

A Fairly Good Documentary
This video was reasonably interesting, especially in its discussion of the Classic Maya Cities of Copan and Dos Pilas.I was somewhat disappointed by the lack of diversity regarding sites covered.Copan is certainly one of the more important Maya cities and it deserved coverage, but what about Tikal, Palenque, Yaxchilan, and Bonampak, just to mention a few others.They also might have considered some coverage of some of the Epi-classic & Post-Classic cities, such as Uxmal, Chichen-Itza, and Tulum; as these sites are also favorite tourist destinations. Great overview of Maya
I have seen some educational videos on the Maya, but I believe this is the best one I have come across so far.I was looking for a good educational video on the Maya to prepare a group trip to Honduras.We did an excursion to Copan, and the knowledge from this tape enhanced our experience.Compared to other videos about the Maya, this video was the best in the story telling of the history of the Maya and today's exploration with archeologists.I have been to other Mayan ruins as well, and I am still in awe of their lives and culture.If you plan on going to Copan or any of the other ruins, definately this would be a good video to check out.

Explore the Mayan Civilization...
Take a tour with many brave explorers to the wonderful world of Mayas. Step back in history and explore the forest regions. See where and how the great Mayas lived. Locate lost territories and see facts told from dead human skulls. Picture the large Mayan pyramids and clear forests to uncover lost mysteries. To do all this, buy this fantastic National Geographic special!
Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie   

Features

• Classical
• NTSC

Reviews (5)

A Wonderful video!
This tape is just like taking an intermediate or advanced- beginning class (but much cheaper and easier to fit into a busy schedule).The production isn't fabulous, but who cares- David Howard is one of the best ballet teachers in the world and the dancers demonstrating are lovely( but extremely skinny- be warned if you find this discouraging). I used to dance quite seriously and did this video every day for months to get back in shape without getting sick of it. There is a full barre and the center combinations are enjoyable, well choreographed, and you don't need too much space to do them. A truly great video if you already have a fair amount of ballet experience.

A great advanced ballet video!
I would definately recommend this video to any of my friends in the dance hall.It is fast-paced, fun and a very good work out.This video is DEFINATELY NOT for a beginner.Be prepared to sweat when buying this video.

Just like Saturday morning class
I was surprised when I got this video at how much it was like my ballet class.I had the New York City Ballet Workout and thought this would be a good supplement.Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Instructional / Educational    3. Movie    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Ballet/Dance   

Features

• Box set
• Collector's Edition
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (8)

Relevant and educational
Viva la Causa! aims high and does what most documentaries can't: Offers a coherent, relevant history of its subject matter (Chicano/Chicana people) in the space of just 60 minutes.
Great Intro for Students on La Raza
The two-video set provides learners with an excellent introduction to Chicano/as. Its passionate coverage on the struggle for Mexican-Americans in a gringo world inspires anyone to be more conscientious of the people around them. Little-known history on the Chicano movement was presented here clearly with excellent original footage. Informative and great for any classroom or political group.

It doesn't claim to be a balanced, unbiased view; only real.
Do not view this film if you are looking for mainstream research style objectivity.Do view this film if you would like to hear the words and see the point of view of an oppressed people.One does not view the writings of the victims of the Holocaust, Slave Trade, or the Native American Genocide as being unbiased, balanced, or academic.These writings and films are the voices of the losers.We live in a time where their voices can help us make winners of all who fall prey to future conflicts.View this film as though it were YOUR ancestors that were oppressed and let the college professors enjoy their self-indulgent auto intellectualism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Educational    2. History    3. Kids & Family    4. Special Interests   

Features

• Animated
• Color
• Live
• NTSC

Reviews (1)

Geometry - Part 1 & 2 by The Standard Deviants
If you have trouble visualizing Geometry, these are the tapes for you.They are entertaining as well as informative.A lot of fun watching and learning at the same time.I recommend them for any grade from middleschool on up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Educational Math    2. Instructional / Educational    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

A delightful addition to the bounty of programs designed to stimulate a baby's brain development, Read more

Features

• Animated
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (14)

my 14+ mo. old learned 3 words the first time!
If you weren't thrilled with the "First Words Video" part of the DVD, try watching the "Pop the Box" game that's on the DVD.My 14+ mo. old responded to that much moreso.She was so absorbed, she watched it standing up without help for a full min. - a first for her - and said 3 new words, choo (train), birdie, and tree in our first session with the tape!Now I'm anxious to try the other games with her!I wasn't impressed with the "First Words Video" part of the DVD at first, but if you watch it with the baby to ADD YOUR COMMENTS AND ENTHUSIASM (their comments are lousy; the pictures are very, very simple which I like because she can focus on learning one word at a time, but their dialogue is boring and does not focus on the one word.), and limit the time she watches it to 10-15 min, you get better results.I do think it's worth it.

Cute, but not exceptional
We have So Smart -- Colors, which we absolutely adore.This one just isn't as adorable.

Not Impressed
These tapes are poorly done.The unimaginative graphics and slow lesson pace bored my toddler and me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Childrens    3. Educational    4. Kids & Family    5. Movie   

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (2)

Painless review of O-Chem!!!
I took O-chem about 5 years ago and watching these tapes provides just enough to jog my brain into remembering the basic concepts. Best of all it's much easier and MUCH less painful than using a study guide.

My high school students loved the presentation.
Students who are easily bored with chemistry videos were glued to this one.They universally expressed appreciation for the fun presentation and step-by-step information.This video, as well as the other two in theorganic chemistry series, were so well received that I am ordering anotherseries by the Standard Deviants. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Educational    2. Instructional / Educational    3. Movie   

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Subjects:  1. Educational    2. Kids & Family    3. Nature & Wildlife    4. Special Interests   

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (1)

Horrible!!!
It is not just the inane monster unintelligibly squealing like "Cousin It" nor the equally banal teaching style that make this tape offensive. When a child repeatedly lunged at a soda can with a hunting knife to help illustrate a phonics lesson we removed the tape from the VCR and disposed of it promptly. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Instructional / Educational    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Dave Hood created the Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• Live
• NTSC

Reviews (19)

There goes a tractor video
This is a great children's video all about tractors. It is from the "there goes a" series. My son loves it!

A Clarke Family Favorite
Not only does this video give the adults who patiently sit through "There goes a..." videos time, and time again, a good-natured and light-hearted break from the too-tight pants, banal humor and pompacity of Dave Hood, is has humor and whimsy your kids will love and you will appreciate. This new Dave is sweet and fun and my sons love him!!! I wish he starred in more of the "There goes a.." videos because my boys think he's funny and I can tolerate him so much more!! So far, we have only seen him in "Tactors" and "Dumptrucks" (which is fantastic as well!!). This video is on heavy rotation at my house, and if you have young fans of heavy equipment like I do, this will become THE favorite!!

Where is the real Dave???
My son loves the "There goes a" video series, especially the humor of Dave and sometimes Becky.He was really excited to watch this new video until he realized Dave, the old Dave, had been replaced.What a disappointment.I guess it's the older videos for us. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Children's Video    3. Childrens    4. Family    5. Instructional / Educational    6. Movie   

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Subjects:  1. Educational    2. Instructional / Educational    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Since early on, the Baby Einstein Company's mission has been toexpose young children to the "greatest forms of humanexpression"--language, poetry, art, and music. Since receiving widespread acclaimfor such solid programs as Read more

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (64)

My son's favorite
I think we've seen every Baby Einstein video out there (most were checked out from the public library) and this is my son's favorite.When he was younger, he loved Baby Bach, but now that he's 20 months old, he is absolutely crazy about World Animals.This DVD includes great live action of animals playing that make my son laugh like crazy, accompanied by classical music that is typical of other Baby Einstein products.There is also a focus on learing the names of the animals and where they live (savannah, jungle and tropics, etc.) which I can tell my son is starting to remember.Of all the Baby Einstein videos, this one, along with "Baby Noah" and "On the Go" are my son's top 3.

My grandson learned so much
My grandson knew every animal on this video and the sounds they made before he was 2!!These videos are amazing!! Try them, they keep your little one entertained while they are learning.

The Best Baby Einstein
My daughter (and me too!) LOVE LOVE LOVE this one! The music and the sing-along song keep her attention the entire time it's on and I can keep it on repeat and she doesn't get bored. She loves all the Baby Einstein's with animals in it but this is her obvious favorite. I highly recommend this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cartoons & Animation    2. Children's Video    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

It's called "whole brain thinking," the notion that if children are stimulated to use both sides of the brain--developing their abilities to think both logically and creatively--they will become more adept learners. Underscoring such research, the folks at Small Fry Productions (makers of Read more

Features

• Color
• Live
• NTSC

Reviews (22)

My triplets love it!
We have Right Brain and Left Brain. My triplets, who have very different personalities, liked Baby Einstein better when they were still in bouncers and crawling around. Now that they are toddlers at 22 mos, they've been enjoying Brainy Baby better. They still like Baby Einstein but since that only has music they just get the enjoyment of the pictures and music and such and the visual fun. With Brainy Baby, they are now learning because the narrator will say what's on the screen instead of just seeing it, so they are learning more now and understanding. For us, Baby Einstein is better for the infants, where Brainy Baby is better for the toddlers ages 1+ to start. But we love it! I didn't know they made more but now that I know I'm going to start buying the others! They love them!

Brainy Baby Left Brain
I have 2 year old twins they enjoy this dvd, as well as learn from it. And when I put it on it holds there attention long enough to get in a half hour workout.

Left & Right Brain Videos were big hits at our house!
I purchased these used from a bookstore that buys and resells used books and videos.I think my baby boy was about 5 months old at the time.These were the ONLY videos that ever captured his attention at that young age.Any other video--Disney, Baby Einstein, etc.--just had him crying within a few minutes.These, though, he would watch to the end, fascinated.To this day, he loves them, and he is now 15 months old; the tapes are WORN OUT so I am reordering them both.Not only does he still love them, but I just had a new baby, and I am hoping they will entertain her just as much.In fact, the other night, we accidentally woke him up and he cried and cried and wouldn't go back to sleep.Finally, in desperation, my husband popped one of these into the VCR, and my son was INSTANTLY quieted the moment he heard the familiar music; in no time at all he was ready to go back to bed.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Childcare & Parenting    2. Children's Video    3. Educational    4. Kids & Family    5. Special Interests   

Editorial Review

The incredible storm of 1993 that ravaged the Eastern Seaboard, bigger than any since the 1800s, rightly acquired the title Read more

Features

• Closed-captioned
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (2)

I was there, too!
I was in Birmingham, Alabama, and spring was blooming everywhere one day and the next, we had 16" of snow in my parking lot and no power.This was my first blizzard and would prefer it be my last.The blizzard did more tree damage than Hurricane Opal, which came straight through Alabama.Really a remarkable storm.

I was there!
This video is amazing to watch, how the whole storm came together - I had the experience of being on a Holland America cruise that was trying to enter the Tampa port - but a half hour away, they closed the port because it would have been too dangerous to come under the bridge - they sent us out to sea where our ship was tossed around like a toy boat for two days - every piece of glass or china was smashed.It was amazingly dramatic to be caught in as the bow & stern of the ship would alternate being swamped by waves and then the ship would role side to side.This video brought it all back and more! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary