Best Movies on Video & DVD

  Holiday Videos | Hot New Releases | Educational Videos & DVD's

New Releases

Elf (Infinifilm Edition) Rated PG, $29.95
Even if you aren't a fan of Will Farrell, which I find impossible to comprehend you will still love this movie.  Elf is downright fun.  It's clever, well directed and a real feel good film.  Elf is a story of a human, Buddy, adopted by Santa Claus who returns to the human world to find his father, who is on the naughty list.  Kids have a good laugh at some really silly parts in the movie, and adults will laugh at the sophisticated stuff that the kids miss. Zooey Deschanel, as a department store worker with whom Buddy falls in love, is sweet and there's a wonderful scene where the two of them are singing in the shower.  It's a feel good film that's not to be missed.

Shrek2 (Dreamworks) Rated PG, $29.99
Shrek was a classic film that both the kids and I loved.  Shrek2 does not disappoint.  Shrek is back with his bride Princess Fiona and his friend Donkey.  This time Shrek and Fiona are invited to Fiona's kingdom to meet her parents.  The parents are shocked and horrified to meet Shrek.  Prince Charming (who was supposed to marry Fiona) is in the picture as is his hysterical fairy godmother.  Hired as an assassin to kill Shrek is a cat who is done remarkably well by Antonio Banderas.  The whole film is great from beginning to end and will be watched over and over for years - at least in my house! 

Lion King II: Simba's Pride (Walt Disney Home Video)  Rated G, $29.99
Fans of the Lion King will enjoy this DVD that features the voices of Matthew Broderick and Neve Campbell.  The story centers once again on the circle of life and features funny scenes with Timon and Pumbaa.  The music is great and kids will certainly enjoy it.  The second disc features a game called "Rafikiki's Challenge" which was fun and also the music video "Love Will Find A Way."

Home On The Range (Buena Vista Home Video, Rated G, $29.99)
This fun movie is about three cows with a lot of personality that try to save their farm from foreclosure.  They track down a cattle rustler to get the reward money that they hope will save the farm and with the help of a horse named Buck they save the day. It's an easy going, fun movie with great music by performers like k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt and Tim McGraw.

Holiday Videos

Baby Santa's Music Box  (Buena Vista Home Video, ages 2 and under, $19.99)
If your grandchild is already familiar with Baby Einstein videos this one will not disappoint.  Just in time for Christmas, Baby Santa's Music box takes the sites and sounds of the Christmas season.  There is sledding, snowmen, ornaments and more.  Children dance, decorate a tree and more.  Throughout the movie the Baby Einstein Music Box Orchestra performs traditional Christmas music. Let the festivities begin!

Strawberry Shortcake - Berry, Merry Christmas (Fox Home Entertainment, $14.98) 
In this adorable movie Strawberry Shortcake discovers what's really important about Christmas -- friendship.  This song-filled movie is only 45 minutes long, but it kept our 5-year-old test entranced.  She really enjoyed the song -- especially the music video at the end called "The Strawberry Shake." If you liked Strawberry Shortcake as a kid or with your kids - you'll enjoy watching it with the next generation!  A holiday winner!  (Ages 3 to 7)

Jingle Bell Baby (Small Fry Productions, ages 1 to 5, $15.95)
A delightful half-hour holiday video.  Little ones will enjoy watching children baking cookies, images of snow, ornaments and more.  It's a musical adventure that your grandchildren will enjoy watching again and again.

Arthur's Perfect Christmas (Sony Wonder, all ages, $12.98) 
If your grandchild is already a fan of Arthur this will not disappoint.  Arthur, D.W., Buster, Muffy, Francine, and more star in this holiday of holidays movie.  The movie incorporates a little bit about all the winter holidays including Chanukah and Kwanzaa.  For Arthur this Christmas is anything but traditional.  It doesn't snow, D.W. has her own ideas about decorating and Arthur breaks the "perfect" gift he's found for his mother.  Never-the-less Christmas turns out perfect.  It's a one-hour video that kids seem to love -- especially Arthur fans!

The Magic School Bus - Holiday Special (Warner Home Video, all ages, $19.98) 
Our 5-year-old tester thoroughly enjoyed this DVD.  Although she didn't go into too much detail why, her mother reported that she's already watched it about 10 times.  Of the three Magic School Bus episodes her favorite was the Rain Forest.  Her mother really liked the educational message about conservation, preservation and recycling.  It features thethe voices of Dolly Parton, and Lily Tomlin and is as enjoyable for kids as it is for parents.

The Santa Clause 2 (Walt Disney Home Video) 
I just loved The Santa Clause, the first movie, and sequels are usual not very good, but this one is definitely fun.  In The Santa Clause, Tim Allen inherits the job of Santa Clause.  However, in The Santa Clause 2 it appears their is a "Missus Clause" which means he can't continue to be Santa unless he gets married.  There's a fake Santa, a mean principal (that he eventually falls in love with) and more. There are some funny scenes that my kids seem to love -- especially the plastic butt of the fake Santa.  All in all, it's good clean fun and a very good sequel.  I could tell you more, but why ruin the surprise.  See it - you won't be disappointed.

Educational Videos & DVD's

This Little Piggy Stayed Home DVD
$14.95
Looking for constructive activities to do with your little one? This Little Piggy Stayed Home infuses interactive music, games and fun into your home at any time of the day. It's as if you were at their favorite playgroup or class together. Great for babysitters, grandparents, playdates and playgroups.  Click here to order now.

Look Mom! I Have Good Manners (Thinkeroo, $14.95)  
At first glance a person might say what do I need a video about this for, but once you watch it your kids will be hooked.  My daughter thought it was great that she could be tested on her manners and even have room for improvement.  She thought some of the more disgusting habits were really funny and made a point of discussing all her school friends habits as they appeared on the movie.  

In a game show like way they discuss the very important aspects of manners including sharing, behaving in other peoples homes and more.  What I thought would be switched off by my kids was eagerly watched and enjoyed.  It's entertaining and fun - but also teaches great messages.

Dr. Cool & Pride: The Feeling Good Concert (The Good Life Solution $14.95)
I love hip-hop so needless to say I was a bit skeptical when I received this, "Dr. Cool And Pride: The Feeling Good Concert" was an unexpected surprise.

Dr. Cool and Pride talk, sing and dance with DJ Sunshine and Hip and Hop (dancers) about learning, respect and even eating your dinner before you get dessert. Aimed at kids ages 5 and up, its fun, upbeat and had my daughter dancing right along.   

I'd love to see these guys on MTV instead of all those so-called "talented artists" who have nothing but bad messages for kids.  These guys talk about what kids should be listening to not gangsta rap!  This gets an A from me!

Brainy Baby: Peek A Boo - According to our Mom reviewer her 15-month-old just loved this video.  Since Peek-a-boo is already one of her favorite games she found this delightful! Her mom enjoyed the visuals, rhymes and music.  $15.95 Video, $19.95 DVD.  Click here to order.

Brainy Baby: Laugh & Learn: This DVD which focuses on shapes, sizes, sorting helps to stimulate cognitive development. Our 18-month-old reviewer seemed to really enjoy the colors, different music, calm voices and kids. Our Mom reviewer liked the review of the alphabet, counting and colors. $15.95 Video, $19.95 DVD.  Click here to order.

About the DVDs: 45 minutes in length; DVD includes special features including Scene Selections, Storybook, Baby Bloopers, Sneak Peeks, Behind the Scenes, and Fun Learning Activities.  

Food Safari Breakfast (YumYum Studios) $14.95
This cute movie takes you through the process of making cereal, maple syrup and more! It's a short video, only about 30 minutes, but it's very educational and really encourages good eating habits.  My kids really enjoyed the first video Food Safari Lunch and watch it over and over so I'm guessing that this will be a favorite too!