"JOHNNY AND THE SPRITES: MEET THE SPRITES"

			Rated TV-G     Studio: Disney

What began as a cute little interstitial program on Playhouse Disney has become a cute and loveable show for preschoolers. “Johnny and the Sprites” follows Johnny and his magical friends in Grotto’s Grove. His friends are sprites, magical nature creatures, and they help him learn lessons and have fun.

While these aren’t Muppets, they have that same flavor and character. The Sprites have fun with Johnny, featuring mischief and music. Like any good preschool programming, there’s lessons to be learned, and it’s all presented in a friendly, harmonious atmosphere.

The first DVD release of the series is “Johnny and the Sprites: Meet the Sprites. It features six episodes from Playhouse Disney, taking on such issues as being different, defeating the hiccups and keeping promises. It’s a well-designed series that teaches respect and love, building a foundation of life-long lessons without being too preachy.

The DVD comes with a sing-along section with Johnny and the Sprites, as well as five original shorts featuring the Sprites.



"BABY EINSTEIN: BABY’S FIRST SOUNDS"

			Not Rated     Studio: Disney

In a few short years, the “Baby Einstein” series has become a powerhouse of early childhood education. While some people have been known to use it as a baby-sitter to get the kids TV-trained at a young age, appropriate use can help introduce very young children to words, sounds, music and nature.

The latest release – 26th in the ongoing series – is “Baby’s First Sounds.” This video is designed for children six months and older, exposing them to directed sounds that are the basis of language development. A Baby Bee puppet hosts the video, focusing on the earlier sounds baby’s start to use.

The video is designed to be an interactive experience with the babies and their parents, becoming a playful tool to encourage language development.

Special features on the DVD include a bonus video “Fun Times Together” in English, French and Spanish. There’s also a “Fun with Phonemes” video as well as the “Toy Chest,” which highlights the toys and puppets used in the video. Finally, there’s a sneak peek at “Einstein Pals,” which is the next in line for the “Baby Einstein” family.



"MY FRIENDS TIGGER & POOH: FRIENDLY TALES"

			MOVIE: *** (out of 5 stars)     DVD EXPERIENCE: ** (out of 5 stars)     Rated TV-G     Studio: Disney

The latest show featuring the Hundred Acre Wood is “My Friends Tigger & Pooh.” Unlike the classic Pooh shorts, Christopher Robinson is nowhere to be seen. Replacing him is Darby, a feisty little girl, and her trusty mutt Buster. Together, they join with the stuffed gallery of characters to be super sleuths and solve mysteries.

Instead of simply playing through life in the Hundred Acre Wood, the “My Friends Tigger & Pooh” series offers a more interactive experience. Like “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” this show is computer generated and uses a lot of talking to the camera to engage the viewer. It’s clearly aimed at a preschool audience and relies heavily on encouragement and fun.

The latest DVD release of this series is “Friendly Tales,” and it makes its way into stores in time for a gift in an Easter basket. (The last release had a Christmas theme, so expect a summer fun release soon enough to follow the seasons.)

Three episodes from the Playhouse Disney series are included on the disc, including one that hadn’t been aired prior to the DVD release. Each show features a mystery the gang must solve, and they enlist the help of various friends in the Hundred Acre Wood (with the only change being Gopher is now a Beaver).

Full of heart and very sweet, “My Friends Tigger & Pooh: Friendly Tales” is a cute incarnation of the classic Pooh characters. It’s put together with more care than the old 80s television series and differentiates itself from the classic shorts in style and form.

The DVD comes with a “Super Sleuth Challenge” that parents can help their preschoolers with. My preschooler loves the game, in which he can guess different objects Darby is trying to find. It’s simple enough to give kids a sense of accomplishment, but it still has a bit of a challenge to it.



"LITTLE EINSTEINS: RACE FOR SPACE"

			Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Almost three years ago, the television show “Little Einstiens” debut on Playhouse Disney. It features four young artists and explorers – Leo, Quincy, Annie and June – as they fly around in their rocket ship to learn about music and history.

Each episode is wrapped around a specific composer and artist. The music carries the characters through the show, and the artist provides the style of the background and story. “Little Einsteins” is a great educational show for the younger viewer. It’s not overly simplified, and it has a grand scope rarely seen in kids’ shows.

The latest release is “Race for Space,” which focuses on space and flying machines. They travel to Machu Pichu in China and also have to save Three Little Piggies when their airplane loses control.

As an educational show for kids, “Little Einsteins” and the new release of “Race for Space” covers multiple subject areas, not just the arts. A healthy dose of geography and history are included in the concepts.

The DVD comes with three episodes, including the new “Treasure Behind the Little Red Door.” There’s also bonus shorts from “Lou and Lou: Safety Patrol.”



"HANDY MANNY: FIXING IT RIGHT"

			Studio: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Playhouse Disney’s answer to Bob the Builder is the friendly fix-it fella’ Handy Manny. This character is the best handyman in the town of Sheet Rock Hills, and he uses his box of tools (all with their own personalities) to help his fellow citizens.

Handy Manny’s latest DVD adventure is “Fixing it Right,” featuring five episodes from the Playhouse Disney series. While not as sophisticated of an animated experience as other Playhouse Disney shows, “Handy Manny” does have a certain charm.

Voiced by Wilmer Valderrama of “That 70s Show,” Handy Manny is almost annoyingly nice, but he teaches a good disposition to kids watching the show. In the latest DVD, he helps the townspeople with a selection of problems, including a fear of heights, a jammed forklift and a broken jungle gym.

Manny always knows what’s best, and it’s his overly rambunctious tools that often cause problems. However, Manny always saves the day with advice on friendly, safety and caring.

The DVD comes with a “Fix it with Handy Manny” set-top game, appropriate for preschoolers watching the series.

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