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One show which started my TV viewing each
and every morning...
That show was Sesame
Street.
This
first volume, in what will no doubt be one of many to come, is quite
possibly the most perfectly executed piece of Nostalgia-on-DVD yet
released. From the very moment you press play, a familiar cartoonish
friend states from the get-go that the feature to follow isn't intended
for kids - but for the adults.
And as soon as the camera pans
down that ever so familiar street, you totally understand why. The
first episode is about as slick as one might expect a cheap public
access show from the late 60s to be. It hardly compares to the likes of
Barney
or the Sesame Street
we know today.
But for some reason, that just adds to the charm.
The thing is, Sesame
Street was
always more than just a kids show with puppets. It was a revolution.
The "ghetto" setting of the series was unheard of, with actors of all
creeds and colours part of the family (I kid you not, but I now know
how to count to ten in Spanish), down to the use of crane shots and
single takes - it was all untested in the world of TV - let alone kids
TV.
Even the use of humans and puppets within a realistic
setting was testing new grounds, and it without doubt paved the way for
everything to come. But most importantly, it never forced learning down
the viewers throats. Even while re watching it years later for the
purpose of the review, I didn't even realise until days after that I
was learning (with my mind referring back to the various songs and
jokes in order to remember basic maths and language skills).
It's bizarre - but it works.
But, as an adult, is it a worthwhile investment? Hell yeah!
It's
surprising how entertaining the show actually it. From Ernie singing
"Rubber Duckie", Cookie Monster's classic "C is for Cookie" - what
about that counting pinball song? It's all there, along with a whole
bunch of revelations (like Oscar The Grouch being Orange for the first
few episodes, Big Bird looking like he'd just been through a blender)
it really is astonishing to see how the show evolved over the first few
years.
A great trip down memory lane, and for once, it's
something you can sit down with the kids and watch knowing they'll
enjoy it as much as you will.
DVD EXTRAS
There
are more extras than you can throw a Jim Henson Muppet at on this three
disc extravaganza. I've always been a sucker for packaging, and in that
regard, this release is fantastic. A very cool fold out box is always
welcome, as is the extensive 16-page Booklet filled with fun facts,
games and photos - it's one of the most impressive I've seen
on
any DVD to date.
As for the Extras on the DVD themselves - there
is a bunch of really interesting stuff including the original pitch
film and over 45 minutes of bonus segments.
Everyone has their
favourites (I always had a soft spot for Gut Smiley) meaning there will
be very few (besides those with hearts of stone) who will finish a
viewing of this monster DVD pack and be disappointed.
One of the best value DVD releases of the year.
Conclusion:
Movie 85% Extras: 75%
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