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Videos
Card Captors, the Movie
Nelvana
Nelvana.com
Ages 12 and up
This Japanese animation film is the first movie based on the animé-style
series shown on the WB network. This is an entertaining and imaginative
animé in which good ultimately triumphs over evil, or vengeance anyway.
When Sakura, the star of the show finds a book of cards in her basement,
her world changes forever. She wins a trip with her brother and friends
to Hong Kong. As usual, capturing the dangerous Clow Cards presents a
bit of a challenge, when an eerie force calls out to Sakura in her
dreams she soon discovers the truth behind Clow Reed’s vengeful
legacy. The ending may surprise its viewers when the "evil"
sorceress repents for her misdeeds, and all is set right. Due to the
complexity of the film and its themes, I would recommend its audience be
over 12 years of age.
Families of the World
Families of Korea; Families of Israel
www.familiesoftheworld.com
Take a journey to far away
lands as you follow the lives of two children and their families.
Approximately 30 minutes in length, these videos are perfect for
children who are curious about their world, as it is seen fromboth a
girl’s and boy’s perspective. Children will discover new cultures
and will be able to relate to the information that includes visits to
their homes, schools and communities. Master Communications. $19.95.
Thomas & Friends
Make Someone Happy & Other Thomas Adventures
www.thomasthetankengine.com
Approximately 35 minutes in
length, this visually exciting video will teach your child the value of
helping others. Many constructive lessons are learned as Thomas and his
adorable friends embark on a mission to build a new playground for some
outstanding children. Anchor Bay Entertainment.
Here Comes Clifford!
The biggest, reddest, and best-loved dog
for generations is now available on video. Based on the children’s
classics by Norman Bridwell, this animated feature follows the
adventures of Clifford, the popular pup that grows so BIG because he is
loved so much by his owner, Emily Elizabeth. Includes four episodes of
Clifford’s adventures that total 45 minutes of quality viewing for
your pre-schooler. Ages 3-6. www.familyhomeent.com,
www.scholastic.com/clifford.
$12.98.
Honk if You’re Special!
Tails from the Ark combines humor and
Christian values in this 30-minute video full of catchy songs and wacky
animals that embark on an amazing voyage. By watching Vinney the swingin’
lizard, Herschel the spitting cobra, and a young goose named Honk, your
child will learn that God has a special plan for each of them. A funny
story line, great animation, and a wonderful Biblical message presented
at a child’s level. Ages 3-9. www.tailsformtheark.com.
$12.98.
They Call Me Sirr
A true story based on the teenage years
of NFL player Sirr Parker, this Showtime Networks Original tells the
tale of young Parker’s challenging upbringing and his struggles in the
face of adversity to become a national high school sports phenomenon.
Named "Sirr" in order that he would always be insured respect,
he spends his youth trying to support his family and find internal
balance to his football game and his life. This movie teaches the
importance of making family concerns a priority. It is both an inspiring
and motivating film. Rated PG, parental guidance encouraged. Showtime
Networks. 212/708-1600.
Jitter the Critter’s Barnyard Adventure
Approximately 30 minutes in length, this
"muppet like" video is quite entertaining for the preschool
set. Your little ones can sing along with pepped up versions of classics
like "Old MacDonald’s Farm," "Twinkle Twinkle Little
Star," and "ABC’s." At Farmer Fred’s farm, the
animals love to sing and everyone is happy until Evil Ed tries to turn
the farm into a shopping mall. With the help of Jitter Critter and the
audience the farm is saved from destruction! Ages 2-6. TruVision
Productions.
Big Red
Get ready for your heart to be touched in
this warm and sentimental family film. Your children will learn the
importance of responsibility, commitment, and friendship while following
the adventures of an orphan boy and the dog he is hired to train, Big
Red. This poignant story clearly illustrates the loving bond that so
naturally forms between children and pets. It’s time to gather the
kids in the family room, pop a bowl of popcorn, insert the video, and
have a meaningful "family night" at home. 89 Minutes/Not
Rated. Ages 6 and up. Anchor Bay Entertainment, Inc., Disney
Enterprises.
Play and Learn Chinese
Children need to become comfortable in an
increasingly global culture, and many studies show that the early years
are best for learning languages. Chinese is one of the most commonly
spoken languages on the planet, and even a few basic words of greeting
can go a long way toward international understanding. This new bilingual
video makes learning Chinese easy and fun through games, songs, simple
words and concepts taught by an experienced language instructor. Kids
can learn numbers, actions, games, greetings, family terms, names and
how to make introductions, and simple terms such as "How old are
you?" It’s not Berlitz, but it’s a start. Our young reviewers,
ages 6 and 8 thought it fascinating. Whether they’ll learn some
Chinese words remains to be seen. Ages 2-8. 1-800-765-5885. $23
The Fighter Pilot & Me
Dreams Come True Productions
800/297-8787 - Ages 5-10
If you’ve ever wanted to know what
it’s like to fly a jet fighter plane then here’s your chance! Kids
will get to make their dream of flying come true by taking this ride
with Lt. John "Turtle" Raphael in his F-16 "Fighting
Falcon." To make the effect seem real, viewers do a pre-flight
inspection, an instrument run through, and some "G warm-up"
maneuvers. You even get a chance to roll the jet, practice the F-16’s
20mm cannon, and lock in on an enemy plane. It’s an exciting 25
minutes of flight for those with "fighter pilot" aspirations.
The Blue Angels: In Pursuit of Excellence
Dreams Come True Productions
800/297-8787 - Ages 5-10
Another fascinating flight video for
anyone with a passion for planes and flying. Within approximately 60
minutes, viewers get to see how the Navy’s Blue Angels get the job
done—on the ground and from inside their cockpits in the air. These
committed men and women hope to pass on their personal dedication and
discipline to find something in life that you really care about and then
pursue it with a passion to do it the best you possibly can. Lt.Cdr.
Mark Dunleavy, USN, guarantees that "we’ve got jobs on this team
that every kid in America could do if they set their minds to it."
© 2000 Georgia Family,
All Rights Reserved
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