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Veggiestales
The Ultimate Silly Song Countdown
review by Zach B.
Studio: Big Idea
Running Time: 43 minutes
Retail Price: $14.98
Features:
Specs: 1.33:1 Full Screen, English Dolby Digital 5.1,
English Stereo, Chapter Selection (13 Chapters)
Released: September 18th, 2001
I've heard a lot about Veggietales, yet this was my first
time sitting down to actually watch one thanks to a review
copy I did recieve. It's been around for a bit, as it is big
with Christian children. Basically, the idea of Veggietales,
from what I've heard, is fun stories kids can enjoy that
will appeal to them. However, within the stories, they'll
learn a lesson from the bible. I believe some of the other
Veggietales videos/DVDs are actual bible stories.
This installment you won't learn anything - it's a
colleciton of ten Veggietales songs from other videos I'm
assuming as voted by fans of the series. This is basically a
countdown of the songs, hosted by The Pirates Who Don't Do
Anything. I will admit I did laugh a little, some of the
humor can be funny for older ones. And some of the songs
have film parodies. Still, these songs kids will enjoy and I
know I wouldn't go around singing them. I'm not the key age
for these. I'm sure kids find these catchy and love the
characters and humor in them, if they aren't into the series
already. It's just a silly program kids will really like and
enjoy. Considering so much trash that's out there that fills
their minds, this is the perfect alternative and something a
lot better that you can expose them to. However, I did find
most of the songs to sound the same... hmm.
Presented in the original 1.33:1 full frame ratio, this
transfer is pretty good but not pixel pefect. Contrast is
high, while there is a ton of shimmering. Colors are nice
and look fine on the transfer. There's not much to say, but
if you noticed a lot of image problems during chapter 4, I
must respond I think it's supposed to look like that. I
think.
A stereo track plus a 5.1 Dolby Digital track, both in
English, are included. The stereo track is rather standard,
but the 5.1 mix is pretty nice. It's really energetic and
active, as it fills the surround speakers nicely. There is
no muffling or distortion during this program. Dialogue is
crisp and easy to hear. .1 LFE is also good. Will kids care?
Probably not, but it does make for a richer experience. No
captions or closed captions are provided.
It's rather cool to see this just isn't the program and
that it has some extra features aimed for kids and will
entertain them. No promo fluff, but there are adult aimed
supplements so this is a good treat that will satisfy all
Veggietales fans.
Behind-The-Silly-Scenes is a twenty-minute
featurette divided into chapters, or can be viewed all at
once. This is basically a commentary... sorta. Video
interviews are mixed over clips from the program as you hear
and check out the inspiration Big Idea Founders Phil Vischer
and Make Nawrocki had for the songs. This can actually be
rather insightful, as the two talk about inspirations and
what they were going for. I'm sure this will fly over the
heads of kids, but if you are an older Veggietales fan or a
parent, this is worth watching.
The Interview With Phil and Mike last seven
minutes, and talks about the Silly Song countdown. No clips,
all them. Very nicely done and if you liked the Silly Scenes
talks, this is more of the same. They talk about how fan
votes were calculated, the idea for a countdown program and
they do play well off each other. They're kind, nice and
willing to talk about what they wanted to do with this
program. More adult I guess, but I guess kids can enjoy it
too. They have good ideas (no pun intended) and it's worth
checking out too.
Wow, there is rough Deleted Countdown Footage that
only lasts fifteen seconds. The animation needed a little
more cleaning up, but I guess its for the kids.
Moo Shoo Karaoke is also for the kids, where you
can choose a part to sing for the song. Choose Larry's part,
Mr. Lunt's or, if you're up to the task, both. Have fun!
Finally, there is a Story Reel to show how it all
comes together. Storyboards run together in case you don't
know what it is. It lasts 45 seconds.
This is a fun program for kids and Veggietales fans as it
packs their favorite songs onto a cool program. While I am a
bit old for it, kids will really love it. It has a good
presentation and great supplements, for an insanely low
price. Veggietales fans and parents, pick it up!
 (2.5/5 - NOT included in
final score)
 (3.5/5)
(3.5/5)
 (2/5)
 (4/5,
NOT an average)
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