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  Holiday Videos | Great DVD's | Educational Videos & DVD's

Baby's First Sounds: Discoveries for Little Ears, Walt Disney Video, Not Rated, $14.99
Baby’s First Sounds teaches your grandchild child five language fundamentals: "ah," "buh," "duh," "ee," and "mm." Though it runs the risk of being an overload of information for young viewers, Spanish, Chinese, French, and English are all covered. Our tester seemed to lose interest after a while, so we recommend segmented viewing with your littlest linguist. Also be sure to check out Baby Van Gogh or Baby Mozart for your well-rounded renaissance grandchild.


The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones, Volume Three — The Years of Change, Paramount, Not Rated, $68.99
If you’re getting ready for the new Indiana Jones movie that’s set to hit theaters this month, make sure you prep your grandchildren with The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones. This DVD, the last in the series, follows the Indiana Jones character from the end of World War I into his early college years. Beautifully filmed and enjoyed by most school-age kids and grandparents alike, it’s a period film packed with adventure.



Saludos Amigos / Three Caballeros, Walt Disney Video, Rated G, $14.99
If you are looking to introduce your grandchildren to the same classic Disney animation you may have watched when you were their age, this special DVD set is for you! Donald Duck, Goofy, and friends set off on adventures through Latin America with fun music, skilled animation, and comedy that’s appropriate for every age. Originally released in 1944 as a subtly propagandistic gesture of good will toward South America, younger kids will enjoy the comedy and miss the politics. Extras on the DVD include two Donald Duck cartoons and 1942's South of the Border With Disney, a 30-minute behind-the-scenes documentary.

The Water Horse — Legend of the Deep (Two-Disc Special Edition), Columbia Tri/Star, Rated PG, $18.99
An entertaining movie with impressive special effects, “The Water Horse” is another enchanting story by author Dick King-Smith (Babe and My Dog Skip). Set in Scotland during World War II, a boy named Angus finds an egg that eventually hatches into a swimming dinosaur-like creature he names Crusoe. This is a sweet story most children will like, although younger grandchildren may be a little frightened by the giant creature. We recommend it for school-age kids and older.


Ben 10: Race Against Time, Warner Home Video, Not Rated, $11.98
Fans of the “Ben 10” animated television series will enjoy this movie, made for the Cartoon Network. However, it’s not likely a DVD you’ll enjoy watching together. While kids seem to like seeing the Ben, Grandpa, and Gwen characters come to life, adults should be well aware that the special effects aren’t so special, and that the acting leaves much to be desired. Despite that, we can condone repeated viewing by loyal “Ben 10” fans, as there is no foul language, sex or anything else that can be deemed offensive. If you’re interested in watching “Ben 10” with your grandchild, check out the cartoon version — it’s a bit easier to handle than this feature-length DVD. If you’re sending it as a gift, though, young fans won’t be disappointed.


The 11th Hour, Warner Home Video, Rated PG, $4.99
Produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, this movie teaches viewers of all ages the importance of living the green life and of minimizing their carbon footprints. At a nominal cost of $4.99 and packaged in recyclable materials, the disc practices what it preaches. The message is poignant and important, although it may be too much for younger viewers. We recommend watching it with tweens and older grandchildren as an opportunity to come up with creative ideas together of how to help the planet.