5 comments about The Wiggles - Wiggledancing (Live in the USA).

1. We took our 2 year old to his first Wiggles concert and this video captures what it's like to be there in person. Our son loves it and has watched it a zillion times, doing all the dances and singing along. The Wiggles are great that way--I don't know any other kid who just sits and watches--they all get up and move.



2. I give this a 1 star rating not based on content, but because of problems with the DVD itself. We have a Panasonic DVD recorder and I've had problems trying to watch the dvd. The first time it crashed my DVD recorder and I had to call Panasonic customer service to talk me through the problem. I returned the product for a replacement, and the same thing is happening again. In the meantime, all other DVD's have had no issues. Too bad, my daughter liked it.



3. This was a love at first sight for my daughter, who has become a Wiggles groupie at 17 months of age. This DVD has entertained her for months during our daily commute which is approx 1 hour long. It's great.



4. I really love it a lot. I like Wiggles. I watch it every, every, every day. I like their music.



5. This video was a big hit for my 15 month old granddaughter for Christmas. She LOVES the Wiggles!

3 comments about Super Mario Bros: Mario's Movie Madness.

1. I ordered this cartoon because I thought it was unusual looking and I didn't have it. But people....be warned! Don't buy this if you already own the SUPER MARIO BROS.SUPER SHOW box sets on DVD! The 5 episodes on this DVD is from the SUPER SHOW cartoon! I didn't know that when I ordered it! I'll probably just give this to my niece now.



2. I want to see more of the New Super Mario Bros, or Super Mario World. i am not as addicted to the Mario Bros. as I am with The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I love the turtles. I grew up watching the original series. I will collect all the episodes regardless of how much money I do spend. Hey, it's worth spending money on something that really interests you. How do I feel about the new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and the movie "TMNT"? Well, it is not as intense, entertaining, and emotional as the original one and the following three movies in which the turtles were real. They were not 3D animated like TMNT. The original is always better than something that duplicates it. Today's music and TV shows are crappy, senseless, and a waste of someone's time.



3. This video is a lot of fun. It's really long, and it's definitely classic Super Mario Bros. My kids ask for it over and over.
   Also check out the Super Mario Bros King Koopa Katastrophe. That's good too! Highly recommend these DVDs!

5 comments about Beethoven Lives Upstairs.

1. Unlike the CD, "Beethoven Lives Upstairs,"--which was of superb quality--I was very disappointed in the DVD. I had hoped it would be exactly the story/conversations/music/etc. of the CD but simply put to live action. It was not! The character of Christoph was made much more whiny and disrespectful. The story was changed some from the CD. Conversations were different. Not nearly as much of Beethoven's music was heard. I would buy another story-CD in the Classical Kids series in a moment; I don't think I would ever buy another DVD in the series unless I could view it first.



2. Excellent video - reminds me of HBO Composer Specials. I use those and now this in my 5th and 6th grade music classes. Humanizes Beethoven and lets people understand the difficulties he had as a deaf musician/composer. "Fictional" child adds a nice touch and helps kids relate to, as my students sometimes refer to "all those dead guys" that wrote music!
   My only disappointment is that the DVD is not in chapters - you have to Fast Forward through the DVD to get to where you were the day (or class) before. It can take 15 to 20 minutes to get 35 to 40 minutes into the video - If it weren't for the DVD quality I may have bought the VHS so I could leave it "parked" for the next class.



3. This video tells the story of a young boy whose father has recently died and whose mother has now rented the upstairs of their home to an eccentric composer, Ludwig van Beethoven. The deaf composer bangs around at all hours of the day and especially night as he works on his 9th Symphony. The video presents a very human picture of the great composer, struggling with his loss of hearing. A connection is made between boy and composer which is touching. This film is an excellent way to pique a beginner musician's interest in the music of Beethoven and in Beethoven himself.



4. We used to play the original audio cassette version of this entrancing story to our baby daughter. Now we wanted to give the experience to our granddaughter. So we bought the DVD version, but it's not the same. The audio was great to play for the baby after lights out, to go to sleep by, to fantasise to Beethoven's glorious music.
   Watching the story told in visual form is distracting and doees not achieve the same magic for the imagination.
   We're now going to see if can find the original audio cassette format! But one way or another the stories of composers in these series are a wonderful introduction for young children to the beauty of classical music.



5. I am a public school elementary music teacher and I bought this dvd because it really is a great educational tool. I specifically bought the DVD so that it would be easy to cue for classes. However, HUGE PROBLEM--NO DVD CHAPTERS. If you are going to be cueing the movie for a class, buy the VHS. There is no way short of manually fast forwarding to get to your spot. What a pain. On the upside, the story is fluid and engaging and the length is perfect for a public school setting.

5 comments about Bounce: Let's Talk!.

1. My child is not even on the spectrum, but the Bounce DVDs are a huge hit in our house. Elizabeth's songs are fantastic -- they don't drive you nuts like other kid-tunes. And the themes of all the DVDs teach coping skills and behaviors that can benefit ALL children. It is so nice to see a DVD like this that actually uses REAL kids rather than wall-to-wall cartoons and none of that strange, psychedelic animation that seems to be the trend. If your child is a late talker, or just shy, or just likes great music to jump around to, then the Bounce DVDs are the best that money can buy. How many ways can I praise this series? Can I give it more stars than five? And when on earth are they going to add more episodes?? Kids and parents are waiting...



2. My ASD son who just turned 4 adores this movie! He loves the songs and I hear him humming them often. The DVD comes with a complimentary CD that I have included as a reinforcer for his ABA therapy. He even told me the other day, after he sneezed "I want a tissue." I almost fell on the floor! (Parents that have minimal verbal children will understand my reaction) I recommend this movie. I am purchasing 2 other Bounce movies today!



3. All my kids are "on the spectrum"--the older two (now 18 & 11) are extremely verbal Asperger's kids, but the younger two (preschoolers) were diagnosed in June as "severely autistic," with extremely limited expressive language ability. They literally never asked for anything they needed; they would wait patiently for their needs to be magically met, or they would cry or scream until someone guessed what the problem was, or they would "hand lead"--they would try to physically make the adult do what they wanted but wouldn't sign or say something simple like "more," or "open, please."
   
   Of course, we started a variety of approaches once the kids were diagnosed, and we have to give credit to most, if not all of them, for the progress we have seen in just a couple of months. However, these "Bounce!" videos really caused something to "click" with my kids and were exremely helpful in a few key areas.
   
   First, Elizabeth has a "see ya later alligator" toy that signals when it's time to go, and she sings a goodbye song with it (and she has a "hello" song to the same melody.) My daughter (now approx 33 months) uses the song ("Hello, hello, hello!") to greet people now, and we use the alligator to get my son (who just turned 4) to part with his beloved Thomas trains when it's time for him to go to his preschool on the bus. (We place a toy bus and a toy alligator on the table near the front door; the trains wait there too til he gets home.) We received these videos just before his preschool started this year, and he had never been before; I know they made what would have been a major transition for him a LOT easier.
   
   Second, Elizabeth has a song about asking for what you want: "I want a hug," "I want an apple," etc. My son started singing the song to himself after he had learned it (that's the majority of his speech--he doesn't talk so much as he quotes things he's heard.) So when we'd hear him say something like "I want a hug," or "I want some juice," we'd reward it with the hug, juice, etc. This delighted him so much that he started to actually use the phrases appropriately when he did want something, and he has generalized that to other things--so now he'll say, "open, please," or "more, please," which has been a really big breakthrough (and a huge improvement over screaming!)
   
   Finally, they love to watch the other kids on the videos; my son knows all their names and will talk to them: "Alright, Tucker!" I think it's been good for the kids to see how the children in the videos behave for the teacher--looking up at her when she is talking, looking at what she is pointing at, etc. This seems to have improved their eye contact, attention, and general classroom behavior (sitting in circle time, etc.) I would highly recommend these to other ASD parents--and "regular" kids would probaby enjoy them, too!



4. We were introduced to this series on PBS Sprout. My 14 month old son loves Let's Go, and now, Let's Talk. He is just starting to talk, and he loves music, so this is his favorite video. He is answering Elizabeth right now as I type. I got this one to encourage speech, and already after just one viewing, he is communicating with Miss Elizabeth. I think that this series is actually very sophisticated, although it seems simplistic. The songs are a very easy way to teach things all kids need to learn. I have no doubt it is a wonderful tool for speech delay or autism. I think it is an amazing tool for all children to learn to communicate their needs and feelings. A big thanks to everyone involved in bringing us Bounce! PS: I like the shows that look like a natural classroom over the all white, more sterile background.



5. Elizabeth Balzano is an educated, amazing music therapist! Her program is excellent. My son LOVES Ballou and has a wonderful time interacting with the Spectrum Connection/Bounce Series. Children learn excellent communication and safety skills! Whether your child struggles with developmental delays or has a typically developing brain - they will BENEFIT from this series. Parents - YOU will benefit from the wonderful "Tips: Advice" special features. Bravo!! Brava! to the whole team - including Brandissmo!! & Sprout! This is a MUST HAVE item - the WHOLE series!

5 comments about Baby Einstein: Traveling Melodies.

1. We love playing this while in the car with my grandson. He is one year old and tries to sing to it and has so much fun.



2. My baby, the dad and I love this cd! It makes car rides FUN! She relaxes and sleeps too!!!
   Whoever buys it won't regret!
   Baby Einstein must know what they're doing cause it is really amazing.



3. This tape is short and the melodies are not engaging for kids. It was waste of money.



4. Hello everyone,
   This CD is great!
   My son has ADD & when we are out & he gets Anxious I put this CD in his portibale CD player.
   It seems to help him calm down & better cope with things.
   I think that every parent should have this CD that has a special needs child.
   Thanks so much for putting it online for people to buy.
   Thanks Again,
   A Greatfull Mom



5. My husband and I are musicians so I inwardly groaned when we were given this CD as a gift--I'd rather play the originals rather than some synthesized kiddie version. However, on a recent road trip we got desperate when our colicky son would not stop screaming. We popped this in the CD player and it calmed him down immediately. I swear, it's like aural crack for babies. We now play it at bedtime to help calm him down and it still works. You may not love this CD, but your baby will.

5 comments about Mister Rogers' Neighborhood: What Do You Do with the Mad That You Feel?/Adventures in Friendship.

1. My son who is almost three loves these DVDs. He likes "What Do You Do With the Mad That You Feel" the best. I am getting him some more of them for his birthday.



2. My son loves these DVD's and I do also. Mr. Rogers is a great influence, especially with what we have to compete with these days.



3. Truly just a wonderful show for children and even adults!!! I love "going to make-believe" with Mr. Rogers and the trolley! I wish they would put out the seasons of the show rather than just individual shows!! I would buy them all!!



4. My three year old son really likes these DVD's. Mr. Rogers is such
   a likeable person. My son loves the trolley and real life stories.
   He can watch these over and over.



5. This 2 DVD set is classic Mr. Rogers. Kind of sappy and only mildly interesting, but my grandkids love, love, love it. It's good to have a show that the little kids love and that promotes good behavior and good values. An excellent choice for children ages 2 to 5.

No comments about Dinosaur King: The Adventure Begins.

5 comments about Sleep, Baby, Sleep.

1. My daughter loved this CD when she was a baby/toddler, but we somehow lost it. Now, I bought another copy and my son loves it - the music could soothe him and calm him down. My son goes to sleep with it every single day! I like this CD, too. The lyrics are beautiful...



2. The cd I ordered, arrived promptly within a few days after placing the order and the product quality was exceptional. Very satisfied.



3. I bought this CD for my wife before my son was born and gave it to her when she was in the Delivery Room. We listened to it while she was in labor and then, when my son was born, we played "Welcome to the World" as a tribute to him and to give us an audio memory of that first time we saw our little boy. Our little boy is two now and we still love this CD. I get tears in my eyes whenever I hear Graham Nash singing, "The Moment I Saw You." This CD and its songs have even more meaning knowing this mom has died and her daughter has this collection of music written for her.



4. Music was the key for us in getting our little daughter to sleep and it was this CD that we turned to. So often it did the trick. It also helped sooth the nerves of my husband and I who were pretty sleep deprived and exhausted from a colicky newborn the first 6 months. Those days are gone and my daughter is now four, but music is still an important part of her bedtime. I burn my own lullaby CDs with a mix of music. Everytime I do there are at least 3 Nicolette Larson tunes on it. The music is sweet and beautiful. The love of her own daughter shines through in every song.



5. This is a must have for mothers and children. The songs are so wonderful and soothing. We never tire of hearing them. I would recommend this CD to anyone and everyone with children. The songs really speak what a mother (parents) feel about their children. Like the song that says ...The moment I saw you I wanted to hold you, the moment I held you I wanted to kiss you... etc. These are wonderful wonderful songs.

5 comments about Not for Kids Only.

1. This music has that timeless folky appeal. The title is appropriate, as I can understand children enjoying the simplicity of these songs, but the songs themselves aren't "childish." They speak about simple subject matter (eg. trains) but in a respectful and authoritative way. Master musicianship as well.



2. Childrens' music really gets on my nerves. Yes, it helps them to learn the alphabet, colors, shapes and numbers. But you may lose your sanity in the process. "Mommy, I want another Wiggles CD." "Sorry Junior, they all have AIDS and died in a plane crash." Once a child breaks through the Barney and Wiggles phase, it's important to play adult music. This album is it. Songs for children and adults that will not make you nuts. When my nephew was born, I bought him his first CD and this was it. It kept my sister sane. A quick funny story. My nephew turned 6 and fell in love with the Beach Boys. We couldn't buy Beach Boy albums fast enough. My sister and brother-in-law took him to see the Beach Boys. He danced and sang along and had a great time. He was a little disappointed- keep in mind, most Beach Boys albums were recorded when they were young; he said, "The Beach Boys are older then Poppie (Grandfather)!" They have a great music teacher at his school. One day he asked me if I had any Kraftwerk on my iPod. Ironically, I had 6 of their albums. My sister will catch my nephew, now 7, and his friends poppin and dancing to Computer World (Kraftwerk.) Now it's time to make him a little Deadhead. Time to break out "Not for Kids Only" by Jerry Garcia and David Grisman. One final thought. Another musician to save your sanity is Ella Jenkins. See (http://www.Ella Jenkins.com). She's wonderful.



3. This CD is wonderful and every member of my family loves it. It is perfect for my preschooler, who can listen to it any time of day or night. Appropriate for daytime listening because the lyrics in many songs are hilarious, and also mellow enough for his bedtime. The CD closes with a beautiful Brahm's lullaby. My husband and I are happy to expose our child to music that is played beautifully by talented musicians, with fun and clever lyrics. Plus we know that the purchase of this CD helps sick children, so we feel really good about having bought it.
   
   My 3 year old just walked in, saw the picture of the CD on the screen, and said "I love that CD! For Kids Not Only!" How's that for a testimonial?!



4. We were looking for a new motivator to get our three year old to stay in his bed at nightime. He loves this CD! Funny, relaxing songs that work in the bedroom, but can also be great in the car. The songs are kid and adult friendly as well. It's a great combination of songs!



5. If you are tired of listening to Barney or the Wiggles, or any other obnoxious children's CD in the car with your kids, buy this CD. This is a collection of perfectly played children's favorites by two of the best bluegrass musicians of their time: Jerry Garcia and David Grisman. Yes, the very same man who fronted the Grateful Dead played bluegrass music and was very very good at it. Children will love the fun sing-a-longs like "Ain't no Bugs", and "Freight Train", and you won't mind them either. Adults will laugh every time they hear "Arkansas Traveler" because the jokes are so corny, they are funny. Everyone will have "Hot Corn, Cold Corn" in their mind after a listen.
   
   As the title says "Not for Kids Only", this CD will make any long drive a pleasurable experience vs. one that you wish you had brought along the sedatives.

5 comments about Baby Einstein - Lullaby Time.

1. My son LOVES this video, as do my husband and I. We really get sucked into it and I can understand why babies love it. It's really cute and well put together. I wouldn't pay full price for it but, finding it used worked out GREAT and was worth the $8.00? I paid for it. Definitely recommend it!



2. My 22 month old loves all the Baby Einstein Movies. And this one is no different. I have made it a part of the night time routine. She just knows now when this movie is in it is time to slow down relax and it is almost time for bed.



3. I am very pleased with this product. The service was fantastic. My order arrived quickly and well packaged. Thanks so much.



4. I bought this for my son, thinking it would be FULL of lullaby's, stuff I could sing or rock him to, I was wrong!! There is like what, one song?!?! My cats watch this more than my son, just because of all the moving objects on the screen. I do LOVE the Baby Einstein DVD's but this one is a miss!! I don't recommend it! I am sure there are other, better lullaby dvd's out there! I mean, its cute but not what I expected it to be at all!!



5. I have many einstein videos to compare this one to. So let me say...don't waste your money! First of all, this video goes to a black screen for more than 7 seconds at times, between clips. My baby starts looking around and fussing every time there's a black screen. Second, it repeats the same clips over and over. How many times can my child look at the same ocean shot and still be entertained?! Not to mention, the age goes from entertaining little ones, to the kind of entertainment only a toddler would enjoy. And last, I'm sick and tired of having to fast forward through all of the stupid introductions before the video starts. They have to put the caterpillar clip on TWICE before the video starts. (But that's just a beef I have with ALL of their einsteins.) HATED this one! My baby gets excited with Mozart and Bethoven.