Editorial Review

Continuing where she left off in Read more

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Reviews (9)

Humor Your Stress
This tape is an outstanding reminder about not taking life too seriously.She has excellent suggestions for dealing with common stressors and how to lighten up.I recommend it for anyone in a stressful situation at work or in their personal life.

Loretta Does It Again
I work out to Loretta's "Joy of Stress" video and now I iron while watching "Humor Your Stress" when I need to lighten up and refocus my attitude. Loretta's insights are profound, yet she delivers in such a funny way they are remarkably effective in inspiring change. And everyone around me benefits when I get that adjustment in my "happymeter".

Helpful and hilarious
I'm not very high on self-help or motivational videos of any kind, so I wasn't overly excited about having to watch a video about stress during a recent workshop meant to reenergize me for the coming months.I have to say that I did heartily enjoy this video, though.Actually, when I first saw a video by L. LaRoche on the agenda, I was trying to figure out why in the world Lyndon LaRouche was making a video about stress.Of course, this is actually Loretta LaRoche, and she turned out to be one of the funniest speakers I have ever heard.She does present some useful ideas for handling stress, from common sense notions to such interesting ideas as giving yourself a big "ta da" every so often and twirling while delivering bad news.These more audacious suggestions are not things one would really want to do in real life, particularly Negative Neds such as myself, but the general idea of her message is what matters.LaRoche does encourage positive thinking and suggests way in which you can get more joy and less stress out of both work and life in general.Even if you get absolutely nothing from this video in terms of lowering your stress level, it's still worth watching for the laughs LaRoche provides; she is hilarious, much funnier than most comedians. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fitness/Self-Help    2. Health/Nutrition    3. How-To    4. Movie    5. Special Interest    6. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

The most successful public-television miniseries in American history, the 11-hour Read more

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Reviews (153)

excellent introduction, but only as a starting point
This is a superb film, combining the emotion evoked from images and selected narratives (wonderfully read by great actors) as well as some analysis by prominent scholars or writers. So far as it goes, Burns has exploited the attributes of the film medium to what I believe is the maximum extent: you leave this experience with a good idea of what went on and how it changed the country. It is moving, horrible, and beautiful all at once.
Shelby Foote and Ken Burns Resurrect the Dead
I have seen the critical remarks regarding this film.True, not all material could be included...unless filmakers wanted to exceed the 11 hours that this documentary already comprises.This is a stirring masterwork which features master historians with the powers of captivating story -- Shelby Foote, Ed Bearss, and others.Giving renewed life and voice to those who have passed on, the drama of this timescape is carefully unfolded.It is filled with struggle, humanity, and grace.If I could afford the collector's box set, I'd own it...but it's a tad expensive.If you can afford it, buy it -- it will be a set that you often revisit.If you can *really* afford it, buy me a copy.:)

british version i believe is longer
the british version which is a PAL region 2 dvd is 690 minutes long according to uk amazon website with 3 DVDs in a boxset,and according to USA amazon the US version is only 660 minutes long. also i believe at time of writing this review the british version is also cheper if obtained via amazon.co.uk at about i think $64 to $68 though this will change as intrest dollar to pound rates change over time. please rember if buying uk dvd version that your dvd player MUST BE a multi region dvd player to play UK region 2 PAL dvds! hope this helps some one ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. TV Shows    4. War Documentaries   

Editorial Review

Everything you'd expect from those roly-poly, TV-bellied creatures is packed into Read more

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Reviews (25)

Captures my son's attention
My son is now 2 yrs old & only Teletubbies really captures his attention & he finds it hilarious! We enjoy the "Grand ol Duke of York" sung by King Pleasure & the Biscuit Boys.
Mesmerizing and educational
My 19 month old has never been remotely interested in TV, but this video captured her.The first thing she says when she gets up in the morning is "See Teletubbies."She sings along with the tubbies DELIGHTEDLY and adores the Miss Muffet sequence.The laughter of the baby sun sends her into fits of amused shrieking. The video is not repetitive in the way the TV show and is genuinely educational.There are some boring bits, like an incomprehensible British child reading the Gingerbread Boy. My daughter waits in frustration for this to end to return to the Teletubbies. Hopefully she is learning patience. Irecommend this video 80%, based on the content and the fact that we now have previously unknown free time.I am withholding the last 20% because I can see my daughter's interest in books has waned dramatically since we got this video.

Very Fun and Very Cute
Setting aside the controversy about the Teletubbies, this is a great video.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Childrens    3. Movie    4. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

Another reliably well-crafted, generally engrossing documentary from Ken Burns, Read more

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Reviews (43)

A Good Documentary: A Bit of History, A Bit of Storytelling
When I was growing up in Oregon, the Lewis & Clark Expedition was raised up as one of the most important events in American History and we got to learn about it every year.Of course, the entire focus of the journey was on reaching the Oregon Country and the winter they spent at Fort Clatsop.I was always captivated by the journey and loved visiting some of the sites along the trail.
Beautifully Filmed
If you are a Ken Burns Junkee, I don't have any idea why you would read a review, just buy it.However, if you find Ken Burns boring, sentimental, revisionist, and overbearing like me, you may be inclined to pass this one by.Unlike the soap box barrage that is Baseball, and the myopic epic that is the Civil War, this documentary is worth every penny for the score (which is superb) and the filming...yes, I can hear it now, another sunset studded Burns bloated documentary, but in this documentary the filmography is breath-taking.The story is well told albiet somewhat biased, but still worth it just to watch and take in.Read books for history, watch Burns for the light show...and this is a good one.

Beginners Only
This would have been great if I was doing a report in school and had no previous knowledge of the expedition.After reading Steven Ambrose's, "Undaunted Courage", the movie did not provide any new knowledge.The book is obviously way more detailed.It's the details that make the journey...not the highpoints. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

Are you aware that 75 percent of daily conversation is negative? While you may not have noticed that, you are no doubt aware of the stress and hassles of everyday life. Loretta LaRoche, an adjunct member on the faculty of the Behavior Institute of Medicine, which is an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is determined to break you out of your cycle of negativity. Half comedian, half therapist, Loretta wants you to see the lighter side of situations. After all, optimists live longer. "Pessimists are accurate," she says, "but they don't live as long."Read more

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Reviews (19)

extremely irritating and annoying
Many people find Loretta Laroche (the presentor in this video) very funny, but personally I found her extremely irritating and annoying.Her loud whiny nasal tone really got under my skin.I did not laugh once throughout the entire video.
Not recommended
Bought this video partly because so many other reviewers said how funny they found it, and because we thought it might have been useful for people under stress in our organisation. Three of us watched it together and were very disappointed.We didn't find it funny at all - in fact, we didn't even find it amusing. Maybe it appeals more to a US/Canadian sense of humor? (I don't mean to imply anything about the US/Canadian senses of humor other than it might be different from ours). Funniest Video
I watched this video while walking on the treadmill, and I had to keep stopping to go to the bathroom because I was laughing so hard. I suffer from most (okay, all) of what she makes fun of. I have been struggling with depression, and have decided to watch this video every day for a month while working out and see what happens. I'm also giving it as a birthday present for everyone I know who is too serious about life. I really didn't expect much from this video except that I thought it might be helpful, but Loretta is as funny as Bill Cosby. She has really changed my mindset on life. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Fitness/Self-Help    2. Health/Nutrition    3. How-To    4. Movie    5. Special Interest    6. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

The Kratt brothers show us how playtime is also teaching time in the animal world in this second release from their popular PBS show, Read more

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Reviews (6)

My Son's favorite!
my 15 month old son is absolutely entranced with the show and with this video.He brings it to me and asks for it without words as often as he can find the case--and I enjoy it too!It's enjoyable, doesn't talk down and is very informative!A family favorite!

A wonderful experience for toddlers!
My 15-month-old loves Zoboomafoo. I bought this tape since my PBS channel does not come in very well since I do not have cable. It is excellent. Even better then the TV show since it combines the best parts of 5 seperate shows into one full hour of animal fun. There are over a dozen animals playing on this tape. It is really fun to watch and my girl just loves it. Those Kraft brothers have a lot of energy and seem very happy. Their enthusiasm rubs off on whoever watches them. This is a sure hit for any children who love animals.

Two year old loves it
My two year old loves Zoboo and the Kratt Brothers. And I love this video as well. It has songs and games and gets children to use their imaginations. I have not tired of this video yet ... and my son and I watch it at least once a day. And the brothers always remind children to "give animals thier space". Very informative and lots of fun. You will not be disappointed in this video or any of the other Zoboo and Kratt brother videos. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Childrens    3. Movie   

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Reviews (4)

theodore the tugboat and friends is a keeper ....
pbs.org simply MUST bring this wonderful children's series back to tv for all generations.all the episodes are positive and they do entertain the brains.hope one of the producers are working on bringing these episodes back to kids tv!

Positive Child Entertainment
I'm clueless why these have been taken off the market and aren't available on DVD (never were available on DVD).The programs are short segments that help hold attention of younger ones, and each segment has a positive moral or theme.Non-Violent and 'non-fast action' - with good moral lessons.And best of all - kids like it.For the older generation - the entertainment from an old Mamas and Papas Member - the host of the show - and 'Harbor Master' - the only actual person in the program.I plan to replace the missing Public Library with my purchase so others can continue to enjoy these programs.
An excellent TV show, fit for all ages.
I am nearing the end of high school and I have teenage tastes, yet there is something about Theodore Tugboat that is just very warm and funny. The tugboats are perfect for infants as eye candy, and then as the young ones grow a little older, they can understand the profound and heart-warming lessons provided by the tugboats.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Childrens    3. Movie    4. TV Shows   

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Reviews (3)

great children's nature video
Zoboomafoo is entertaining, funny, and packed with information about animals.The Kratt brothers combine just the right amount of silly antics with real educational material and close-up encounters with all kinds of animals.See also my review of Zoboomafoo - Look Who's Home.This is quality educational programming that won't drive Mom or Dad crazy -- highly recommended.

Great kid pleaser
My 18 month old granddaughter is constantly asking to see "foo-foo" which is her word for this.She also seems to think it is an exercise video the way she jumps up and down with the various animals and imitates what she sees.Between learning animal names and what they eat and where they live and doing the movements, I don't think you could find a more educational video for the young ones.

Zoboomafoo- Sense-Sational Animal Friends
The Kratt brothers are AWSOME... My two boys, ages 5 and 10 love their show back when it was Kratt's Creatures and they continue to love them with Zoboomafoo....It's fun, interesting and educational.. I find myself sitting with them to watch... ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Childrens    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Zoboomafoo (pronounced Zah-BOO-mah-foo) is a wildlife series produced specifically for preschoolers. The show features great puppetry, fun songs, guessing games, and amusing animated segments. Hosts Martin and Chris Kratt are two animal-loving brothers who have befriended a lovable Lemur (puppet) named Zoboo and make daily sojourns to visit him in a rustic cabin called Animal Junction. Wild animals are frequent guests at Animal Junction, and Chris, Martin, and Zoboo always have a wealth of information to share about each new visitor. Read more

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Reviews (7)

AVery Educational video for young kids.
Unlike today's tv shows that only has violence and things not good for small childen, Zaboomafoo is perfect for kids little or big!
One of the best children's videos
This tape is excellent. We do not get cable so our PBS channel does not come in very good. I got this tape for my 15-month-old. It combines the action parts of 5 shows on baby animals, so it is non-stop fun! There are over a dozen baby animals, whereas a typical show shows only 3 or 4 animals. This tape looks fantastic and sounds great too. The Kraft brothers look younger then on TV, since I guess they used older shows. Still it is just as fun and entertaining. A wonderful fun animal treat for the whole family, but your toddler will enjoy it most as it was intended. Buy this one and you will not be disappointed.

Zoboo's Little Pals
This tape is typical Chris and Martin.It is great for children and even for adults who love animals.I work with school age children and all kids love it.Their "learning without knowing it" style allows children to have fun and gain knowledge at the same time. Highly recommended!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Childrens    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Yes, it's true--the Teletubbies show their denominational stripes in Read more

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Reviews (5)

Adorable. Well worth the money.
This video is cute. It is filled with the typical Teletubbie antics- dancing, tumbling, repitition etc. Two video tapes to sit through is a little bit too much Teletubbies for me. However, there are some natural stopping points built in, similar to other Teletubbie videos. You can easily let your child watch a 20 minute segment and turn it off and you are not turning it off in the middle of something. Not quite sure why, but she likes it
I bought this video for my 18 month old daughter last christmas. She loves the tapes, and watches them over and over. Notwithstanding the criticism of the teletubbies, I have found my daughter to be very well-adjusted, perceptive and articulate for her age. I do not think the Teletubbies have detracted from her development at any level. However, as she gets older, I will no doubt replace it with Sesame Street. A wonderful video tape!
This Christmas video tape of the teletubbies is a nice change from the other tapes, it helps the little one enjoy christmas in their own way, my 16 month old just loves to watch it while she sit in her teletubbie chair,and also they can watch it all year long not just at christmas time,so letthe kids enjoy watching all the teletubbies tapes it a break from the realworld! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Movie    4. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

PBS's preschool-targeted wildlife series Read more

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Reviews (3)

great children's nature video
Zoboomafoo is one of our family's favorite PBS kids shows.It teaches about animal behavior as well as responsible human behavior toward animals.It is absorbing entertainment for our daughter without being annoying to the parents.While Barney, Dragon Tales, Sesame Street, and others send me fleeing to my bedroom to escape the obnoxious noises and pseudo-music, I actually enjoy watching Zoboomafoo with my daughter.Watching together and talking about what we have seen enhances the educational experience for her as well.We were so disappointed when our PBS station stopped carrying this show, but we are pleased to own three videos of it.We would like to see more of them made available -- we would buy them in heartbeat.

Another winner
The Zoboomafoo video series are a big hit in our house - the opening music is enough to get both kids leaping like lemurs!Zoboo himself is like a furry 5 year old - curious and silly, with flashes of brilliant insight.The videos are well done, and are entertaining to adults as well as to kids, even on the "umpteenth" viewing.The information contained in the videos is accurate without being pedantic, and the enviro-friendly messages are not overbearing.Any/all of the videos should be a part of a kids collection.

Let's Explore Creature Homes
You get to go underground with a Prarie Dog,Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Childrens    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Leaping lemurs! Likable brothers Chris and Martin Kratt (ofRead more

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Reviews (3)

Great Video
My 5-year old loves this tape.He loves the Kraft brothers and is learning a great deal about animals in the process.This has sparked a new interest in wild animals which is great to see.What a great buy!!

Scary fun with the Kratt Brothers
This is a great children's video.Zoboo and the Kratt Brothers are funny and entertaining.Even though my three-year-old wants to watch this EVERY day, I have yet to get bored with it.A great buy!

Scary fun with the Kratt Brothers
This is really a great children's video.Zoboo and the Kratts are a lot of fun.Even though my three year old wants to watch this EVERY morning at video time, I have yet to get bored with it, myself! ... Read more

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Reviews (3)

Perfect for Preschoolers!
My four year old nephew is positively enamored by Theodore and all of his friends in the Big Harbor! Each gentle story presents a simple dilemma which, when solved, teaches a valuable life lesson. The dialogue in thestories is beautifully narrated with excellent expression by Denny Doherty,the Harbor Master. The story settings are also nicely done, with the tugssplashing in the ocean, the buoys bobbing merrily, and the sky changingcolors as the day wears on. These are a refreshing alternative to the loud,violent cartoons inundating our children today!

Theadore is on his way back to Amazon
I purchased this video for my child and found it absolutely awful.At least in Thomas the tank engine you get a little bit of a better story, for example, Theadore and his friends are too friendly to each other.At leastin Thomas they at least the Frieght Cars torment the engines a bit.Irecommend you do not buy this video.

Perfect for young children
My son loves to watch both the Theodore tapes and the Thomas the Tank Engine.Although I do let him watch both I much prefer him watching Theodore.The shows try to teach a positive leason.The tugboats are notmean to each other like the engines and cars in the Thomas videos.Ihighlyrecommendthese videos. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Childrens    3. Movie    4. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

Some people are familiar with the Teletubbies by reputation, others by repetition.The latter group will know that a "funny day" means the lovable British imports are in for splattering Tubby custard and flying Tubby toast, all of which is left to everyone's favorite wet-dry vacuum, the Noo-noo, to tidy up.In fact, the theme of this video, the fifth in the series, is messes (parents might cringe at the two live sequences, especially one involving hand-foot-body painting). The Teletubbies have taken more than their share of criticism for their otherworldly appearance, their simplistic actions and language, and their mind-numbing repetition. There is, however, no question that children adore these creatures and interact with and learn from them. Read more

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Reviews (2)

Very Cute
A pink fluffy cloud comes inside and this is thrilling to the Teletubbies, until they have to live with the fluffy cloud for any amount of time. Then they realize what a mess it makes. A big string comes down and as the Teletubbies pull and pull on it, a big mess is made and again, NooNoo has to clean up. Custard is dropped and messes are made and fun is had by everyone. See mess - make mess
Our son loves the Teletubbies!BUT, we wouldn't recommend this video in frequent doses.He is a real mimic and this tape is non-stop messes. Noo-noo probably needed a strong cup of tea by the end of it to recoverfrom all of the tidying up.Lots of giggles from my 18 month old - but"Favorite Things" is more tolerable for us if he decides it'smimic time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Childrens    3. Movie    4. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (14)

Absolutely Fabulous!!!
Now I own the (old) record, the CD, and the video. This is the greatest ethnic musical ever. I saw it first in New York in the 70's. Even though there were threats of violence, no one left the theater during the performance, and everyone left at the end - singing!
The Ipi Ntombi review
I had the wonderful opportunity to see the show Ipi Ntombi, and let me tell you that I was just mesmerized by all the dancing and singing, I would recommend it for anyone to see it, it was just awesome.I would love to see it again.A wonderful performance. Congratulations to the cast.

Does anyone see the cultural ramifications???????
I was amazed to see only positive reviews of this musical here. From a cultural/anthropological perspective this movie is horrific.It promotes the superiority of urban life and Christianity, and treats tribal life as silly, ignorant, and superstitious.The whole musical was created by a white mother/daughter duo, and one can only wonder about their acceptability to portray modern tribal life in South Africa and also their willingness to share the profits from such an expoitation of a culture with the members of that culture. Also, one cannot forget the date this musical was made--1974--before the crumbling of apartheid.Thus, this a skewed view of traditional African life coming from a racist perspective.It can only be compared to minstrel shows in the US in that it is viewed as fun and exciting, but really has some dark cultural ramifications. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. Musicals & Cast Recordings    4. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

Those roly-poly creatures playfully romp with their beloved toys in the Teletubbies' fourth video, Read more

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Reviews (16)

Teletubbies
A very powerful and emotional video that captures what life is really like in teletubbie land. I would recomend it to children over the age of 50. as small children may eat small parts.

Eh OOOH!
This was my kids first video and most favorite-they watched it countless hours over and over and over.......and over. Teletubbies (like fingernails running down a chalkboard to me)as annoying as they are to grown ups-they keep the attention of the weee lil' ones and put that beautiful little smile right where it belongs!!! Recommend highly for ages 6 months to 2 1/2 years.

Perfect metaphor for loss of the British Empire
Powerful metaphor for the loss of the British Empire as Dipsy searches all over for a missing hat.Tinky Winky and his controversial bag (...) is also lost, as well as Po's scooter, symbolic of the once powerful British Navy.Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Childrens    3. Movie    4. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

Fans of the ever-popular Read more

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Reviews (3)

We miss Theodore!
How sad that Theodore the Tugboat no longer comes on PBS-kids! Just two years ago, it was on in my area on Sunday mornings and the Brio toys were availabe at the local toystore! Now, it is not shown on TV, and there are no toys--even the videos are getting hard to find! Well, Theodore is still second only to Thomas the Tank in our family of 3 boys under 6!

Great before bed time movie.
My sons age 4 and nearly 2 love Theodore.This video is full of pleasant stories which help calm them down on those nights when I am to tired to read 5 or 6 stories to them.

Preschooler Issues
"Pleasant characters and good story lines for all three stories." "The narrator's voice is soothing." Running time of each is the right length for preschoolers. The stories are preschooler issues: nighttime fears, nobody's perfect, and staying up late. "I like to sing along with boats and ocean creatures." "One boat was grumpy, but said she was sorry." "A favorite was when the boats turned off their lights and told Hank about the Big Dipper." "I want to know how they found things on the ocean floor." Best for ages 2 to 5. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Childrens    3. Movie    4. TV Shows   

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Reviews (1)

A worthy lesson, taught with intelligence and taste
All of the Adventures in the Book of Virtues center around stories from many cultures and sources that illustrate a common pronciple.The animation itself is basic, but the storytelling is done with style andrespect for the original source.Though this episode is typical of theentire series, I particulary like this one because, in a medium that oftenpushes instant self-indulgence, a message that presents a different pointof view is like a breath of fresh air. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Video    2. Childrens    3. Pop   

Editorial Review

Given the legendary life of its subject, it's not surprising that Read more

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Reviews (28)

THE American: a hero, an icon, a human being
Being still a young man, 21, I can vividly remember my high school days, and my hateful relationship with the "dreadfully boring" Huckleberry Finn.
THIS IS NOT A "KEN BURNS" PRODUCTION!!!
Okay, folks - Ken Burns DID NOT produce this production.MARK TWAIN: A MUSICAL BIOGRAPHY is a film that was made of the musical production of THE MARK TWAIN MUSICAL DRAMA in Elmira, NY.Jane Iredale and William Perry wrote the lyrics and music to this musical.If you like musicals and enjoy the varied works of Mark Twain - this film is for you.If you want KEN BURNS' version - go somewhere else.WOW!Even Amazon has posted the incorrect review to this page!!Ken Burns doesn't do "Musical Biographies".Jane Iredale and Bill Perry DO musical biographies . . . VERY WELL!

Great introduction to a great writer
I use this film every year in my American literature class to introduce my students to Mark Twain before they read Huckleberry Finn. My students stay glued to the television during the week that we watch the videos. I find it to be a far more effective introduction to Twain than I could ever give. And I love rewatching it every year. It never fails to make me tear up! This film brings Twain to life in a way that allows students to see him as a human being rather than as just another author to add to our list. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

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Reviews (13)

Where's the DVD???
This is an excellent historical overview of the Internet and the World Wide Web! NERDS 2.0.1 picks up right where TRIUMPH OF THE NERDS left off. Both documentaies are very interesting, informative and somewhat comical...from beginning to end!