Thunderheads is one of the new-era documentaries that Smithsonian Networks is producing. Rather than playing canned footage spliced together with a voice-over as was typical of old school documentaries, they’ve taken a reality TV approach to documentary making, following real scientists in their quest for knowledge and discovery. Thunderheads chronicles the efforts of an international force of 250 experts (though the action is limited to a small number) who make up I.C.E. – the International Cloud Experiment.

Seeking to discover the correlations between thunderstorms and climate, scientists pair up with pilots to fly into the midst of the massive storms to be found in Darwin, Australia to put their high tech instruments and smarts to the test. With limited funding, and therefore a tight schedule, tensions run high between the scientists and pilots who struggle to understand the other side’s perspective.

Though the team does succeed in gathering the data they are in search of, the documentary remains inconclusive as to what thunderstorms and their formation of ice crystals can teach us about climate change. The action included on Thunderheads represents only the beginning of a large-scale project – the data gathering stage. An additional three years of research are planned to analyze and examine the raw data. As such, the documentary is a bit of a cliffhanger, as it doesn’t include any conclusive ending.

With a run time of 46 minutes, this is a documentary that’s hard to resist for those with an interest in aircraft, meteorology, climate change, and science and weather in general. This cutting edge research introduces viewers to scientific concepts and technologies that the general public is typically unaware of.

The visuals are spectacular, including not only typical ground action sequences, but also breathtaking sequences of massive cloud action, huge rain storms, shots from space, and dramatic in-flight action shots. The disc includes standard scene selection, and is paired with optional English subtitles, and a choice of stereo and Dolby surround sound.

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This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Alvin and the Chipmunks. All opinions are 100% mine.

I grew up watching Alvin and the Chipmunks on television as a child.  Their zany antics, and of course  their enthusiastic, high-speed singing made them a hit, and of course – there were the Chipettes!  As a little girl they were my favorites, of course.

When the new CG/live-action Alvin and the Chipmunks franchise started I didn’t have a burning desire for my children  watch the new show, especially with the emphasis on hip-hop and rap style music, but when they did see it, they were quite captivated (they thought it was downright hilarious actually.)

Well, “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel” is available on DVD, Blu-ray and Digital Download so you can buy it now; the Double DVD Pack includes both the film and “The Squeak Along” Bonus Disc, with more music, mayhem and all-new singalongs! Our kids love bonus features, and this sounds like the mother-load.

I haven’t seen “The Squeakquel” yet, and neither have my children.  If you have, drop me a note and let me know what you thought!

There are quite a few chipmunk-related games and online activities up over at FoxFamilyFlicks.com, so if these are up your alley, don’t forget to stop by there for More Munk Mayhem.

So You Want to Be President? is another absolutely spectacular release in the Scholastic Storybook Treasures series of DVDs which gather groups of animated children’s book adaptations together on disc. This topically focused collection focuses upon American politics: the history of her past presidents, a modern look at Capitol Hill, a little girl’s presidential aspirations, and one woman’s journey towards voting equality.

“So You Want to be President” (26 minutes) is based upon the heavily awarded and well-loved children’s picture book of the same title by Judith St. George. The playful use of illustrator David Small’s caricatures, kid-friendly facts about past presidents, and a heaping dose of humor along with presidential trivia make this animated version an even bigger hit (if possible) than the book! Based on the 2000 edition of this title (there is an updated 2004 picture book available), this short film ends with George W. Bush’s controversial election (Election 2000).

“My Senator and Me: A Dog’s-Eye View of Washington, D.C.” (26 minutes) is written Senator Edward M. Kennedy and follows him through his daily rounds through the eyes of his loyal and affable Portuguese water dog. Splash’s playful perspective makes learning about the process of approving bills easy to understand and follow for young children.

“Madam President” (9 minutes and my six-year-old’s favorite) follows a young girl’s slightly megalomaniac aspirations to the presidency while “I Can Do That! Esther Morris Gets Women the Vote” (16 minutes) follows the true-life story of Esther Morris and her journey towards political equality for women the state of Wyoming.

The optional read-along sub-titling highlights each word as it is narrated, providing an English-rich environment for aspiring young readers. Bonuses include an interview with Lane Smith, author and illustrator of Madam President, and “Meet Senator Edward M. Kennedy and Splash” where young viewers get to see the senator and his loyal dog in live action rather than animation. A presidential timeline and simple discussion questions (very brief) are also included. The total running time of the four featured titles is approximately 73 minutes plus bonus features.

This high-interest title is a wonderful choice for some lighthearted relief in the midst of memorizing the names of all the presidents, in celebration of President’s Day, as an adjunct to learning about the political process, or just for plain enjoyment! Now for an interesting admission – we’re Canadians, but we love So You Want to Be President. Regardless of your nationality, exposing children to the ins and outs and major faces of American politics will serve them well. Best of all, my children love this disc and ask for it regularly.

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The Scholastic Storybook Treasures DVD collections of beloved picture books both old and new in animated form have proven to be an economical way to introduce my children to a wide variety of children’s book authors. While watching the massive collection of animated picture books in the Treasury of 100 Storybook Classics two new, particular favorites emerged, Doreen Cronin’s Click, Clack, Moo and her Diary of a Spider.

Needless to say, when a new disc in the series was released containing only Cronin’s stories, we were excited! Giggle, Giggle, Quack contains five full Cronin picture books as adapted for DVD: Giggle, Giggle, Quack: Dooby, Dooby, Moo: Duck for President: Diary of a Worm: and Diary of a Fly.

Like the other titles in the series, each includes the optional read-along feature that highlights words as they are narrated on the DVD, and easy to use story selection navigation, or the option to play all. Additional features include a Spanish version of Giggle, Giggle, Quack, and Duck for President – complete with optional Spanish read-along, an interview with Harry Bliss, illustration of Cronin’s Diary of a… titles, and simple discussion questions for each title. Each of the main titles is between 10 and 15 minutes in length, for a total viewing time of around one hour. When you add in the extras, you have 84 minutes of storybook goodness.

Giggle, Giggle, Quack has also appeared as the lead title on Giggle, Giggle, Quack… and More Funny Favorites, and the two sport nearly identical covers (one green, this one blue), so if you’re looking for the ‘all-Cronin’ title, you’ll want to look for the blue cover.

Cronin hasn’t disappointed us. Her Farmer Brown stories in the vein ofClick, Clack, Moo are delightful forays into the inexplicable world of ducks who write, sing, and campaign for president (not to mention the other farm animals!) Her continued exploration of the up-close and personal lives of insects blends common childhood experiences with playfully related information about insect habits, anatomy, life cycles, and much more!

Giggle, Giggle, Quack is most certainly one of my girls’ favorite DVDs from the Scholastic Storybook Treasures DVD collection. Cheerful, fun, and sneakily educational, boys and girls alike will delight in the antics of Cronin’s creatures while being immersed in a language-rich environment courtesy of the read along subtitling. My children are giving it six fingers up!

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We all have them – our top choices for babysitting DVDs. These are the ones you pop into the DVD player when you’re desperate for 30 minutes of relatively interruption-free time to get some work done. Rock ‘N Learn’s Dance with the Animals DVD for preschoolers is at the absolute top of my list for times when I need to keep my crew occupied.

My children love live-action footage of animals, and animals in general, so the combination of computer animated hosts (Katie Cat, Rex Rooster, Freddy Fox), with real footage of animals, and children dancing in front of colorful backgrounds really fits the bill in our house. They don’t need any encouragement from me they’re soon clapping their hands, imitating animal noises, and prancing around our living room to the lively songs.

Simple animal facts are related in song and through the interaction of the hosts, and animal sounds are also presented for most of the animals (it’s funny listening to my toddler trying to imitate all of their noises). The live footage includes more than 60 creatures, and when they come on screen my 20-month old squeals, points, and jabbers excitedly – this is definitely her favorite part of the DVD, though she loves the dancing songs as well. Animals are presented from the farm, forest, and zoo, as well as common domestic animals and African wildlife.

I was surprised to see how much my older children enjoyed the DVD as well. My three-year-old had actually asked for me to get her a copy, and she loves to dance with her sisters, but even my six-year-old jumps into the action as soon as I pop the disc in. Recommended for children age two and over, the children on-screen correspond with the ages and sizes of my own children – an assortment of preschool and early elementary aged little ones.

The main portion of the DVD is 35 minutes long (my toddler just watched through 27-minutes of it without needing me once.) Two bonus segments are also included, “Where are the Farm Animals?” and “The Sound Farm”. These are a bit corny as they include static images of live animals against a colorful background. These pictures are rocked back and fort to suggest movement. My kids really like “The Sound Farm Song” though the very simple animal location game in “Where are the Farm Animals?” is something of a miss.

The computer-graphics are somewhat simplistic; textures are flat, and colors tend to be simple bold blocks of color. Honestly though, I don’t care! My children adore this DVD; they go absolutely wild for it. That combined with an emphasis on education and movement makes it a winner in my book. Parents may also want to note that this disc presents no information related specifically to either evolution or creation.

This disc won’t give you a quiet time to get some work done – your children will be squealing, laughing, and making animal sounds – but it will certainly keep your children occupied, happy, and they even get to pick up some simple educational information about animal habitats, caring for pets, and other informative tidbits.

A video sample from this DVD can be found on the Rock ‘N Learn website. U.S. readers can use coupon code JQ7711 for a 25% discount there.

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CONTEST CLOSED!

Congratulations to Ed Nemmers, the winner of our Rock ‘n Learn DVD contest!  I hope you all get a chance to check these great DVD’s out – they’re really wonderful!

Life sciences are a fascinating field, and many children are entranced by the study of human anatomy – my six-year-old certainly is. However, the complex body systems, difficult to visualize positioning of organs within three-dimensions, and confusing terminology can make anatomy a difficult subject to master for children.

Rock ‘N Learn’s Human Body DVD is designed to make the study of anatomy, and the reviewing of key facts easy and fun. Designed for children in grades four through eight focuses on exploring the main body systems: skeletal, nervous, muscular, circulatory, urinary, respiratory, digestive, and an overview of the five senses.

The main portion of the DVD “Science Station” follows Kevin as Marko the talking pencil helps him study and review key facts about the human body in preparation for a test. The computer-animated models of various body systems are an incredible improvement on the flat, 2-D diagrams up using. Finally, children can easily picture the workings of the inner ear. A great deal of basic anatomical detail is covered in this 30-minute segment.

A “Practice Test” segment works students through four questions of a multiple choice sample exam (five minutes in length). The DVD’s characters reason through the questions aloud, providing a model for students to follow in their own thinking when facing standardized tests.

Along with a standard scene selection menu, a stand-alone of the “Alimentary Canal Song” which also appears in the main portion of the disc features words at the bottom of the screen. A bonus segment on the “Food Pyramid” is also included to provide basic information about a balanced diet. One of features I appreciated in the “Science Station” segment was an inclusion of health-related information and guidance there as well, expanding the versatility of this DVD beyond the realm of strict anatomy.

Concerned parents should note that no mentions of evolution or creation are mentioned – the DVD sticks to anatomical facts. The DVD also doesn’t cover or mention the reproductive system. Unlike other Rock ‘N Learn titles, there isn’t a strong emphasis on song in Human Body. The strength of this title is including spoken explanations, humor, and easy to understand visual models.

Most exciting however is how much children enjoy this DVD. Though my oldest is well below the age recommendation for this disc she repeatedly asks to watch it. That being said, the presentation isn’t childish, it is animated, and includes talking pencils and a talking butterfly, but Kevin is always treated respectfully as an independent learner.

The Human Body is an excellent supplement to any introductory study of anatomy. If a child masters the facts presented on this disc they’ll have a solid foundation of anatomical knowledge to build upon in more advanced courses of study.

A video sample from this DVD and a full list of the science vocabulary presented on this disc can be found on the Rock ‘N Learn website. U.S. readers can use coupon code JQ7711 for a 25% discount there.

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CONTEST DETAILS:

I have 1 copy of ANY Rock ‘N Learn DVD to give away to one blessed winner in the U.S. or Canada!  To enter, visit Rock ‘N Learn, and tell me which DVD you’d like to win!

For additional entries:

1. Subscribe to this blog for updates – see the left hand sidebar. Leave an additional comment letting me know you’ve subscribed (or if you already subscribe).

2. Write a post on your blog promoting and linking to this contest. Leave an additional comment with a link to your post.

3. Add the Quiverfull Family button (see the code box in the right hand sidebar under BUTTON UP!) to your blog’s sidebar, or let me know if you already have the button displayed. Leave an additional comment with a link to your post.

4. Digg, Stumble, Tweet, Facebook or otherwise share this post on a social networking site. Leave an additional comment indicating how you shared this post.

5. Follow me on Twitter or let me know if you are an existing follower.

Each additional step taken counts for 1 additional entry. A total of 6 entries are available if you complete all of these steps. Please leave a separate comment for each entry!

The contest will close at 12 a.m. MST on Wednesday, March 24th, 2010. One (1) winner will be randomly drawn for the Rock ‘N Learn DVD on Thursday, March 25th, 2010 and notified by email. Please fill your email address in the comment form when you are completing your comment so that I can contact you. The winners must respond with a mailing address within 72 hours of my email, or a new winner will be chosen. This contest is open to those living in the US/Canada.

I look forward to seeing God bless a reader with a great educational DVD!

Israel, the holy land for all of the world’s mainstream monotheistic religions, is a major center for pilgrimage and sightseeing. However, it’s doubtful that I’ll ever personally visit the geographical birthplace of my Christian faith. As a result, I have a keen interest in films and books that seek to take readers to biblical sites, while offering educational and spiritual insight.

In a personal journey to uncover some of these treasures for himself, Brandon Trones set out for the holy land, planning a series of four 10-day fasts of various types (water only, bread only, fruit and vegetables only, liquids only) while he seeks to capture rarely filmed sites of biblical repute. Billed as something of a voyage that takes you to forbidden, secretive, or closed locations, Trones offers a lightning speed tour through both the well known tourist locales and those off the beaten track.

Trones covers a great amount of ground over his 40-day journey, but each site is covered in such a compressed amount of time (most often less than one minute, with around four minutes maximum) that it was difficult to take away any real feeling of educational value or spiritual depth. The pace is so rapid that the journey seems disjointed and often choppy, leaving viewers without a sense of purpose, plan, or cohesion. His ‘dangerous’ exploits amount to filming in tourist locations where recording devices are forbidden, jumping over a closed fence, and sneaking into a cave section that is off limits. Personally, I found these exploits somewhat tame and less than the life-threatening adventures Trones would have us believe they are.

At least as much time is dedicated to the challenges experienced by Trones as he fasts – his weekly weigh-ins, his struggles, and the delight of the solid meals he experiences when he switches to the Daniel fast. I wasn’t expecting so much emphasis on the fasting aspects, which lend themselves more to a Super Size Me documentary-style film, and served more to take valuable time away from exploring the target destinations in my mind.

Trones largely fails to incorporate biblical references and proof texts for the sites he visits, instead relying mainly on hearsay and tradition. He visits churches that supposedly contain the bones of saints, works his way through the Catholic (at times extra-biblical) stations of the cross while lugging a wooden one on his shoulders, and is often heard saying, “This is where they say [insert event that may or may not be recorded in the Bible] occurred.” Personally, I was looking for more proof of authentication, and more historical detail than Trones provided.

Providing all of the commentary himself without the aid of a narrator actually works to the film’s detriment. At times Trones’ comments are somewhat rude, and downright inaccurate. For example, in his commentary on the Church at Cana he claims that Jesus turned water into a whole lot of “hooch,” and makes comments about how many people would be able to get drunk on that. Jesus actually turned water to wine (which was commonly consumed), and since Christians are advised not to be drunk in the New Testament, I don’t believe that was His intent. Comments such as these left me wondering if Trones was a believer in the earlier portions of the film.

For what was obviously produced on a slender budget (a few plane tickets to Israel, some equipment, and travel expenses), the production values are very respectable. Blending Indiana Jones-style design with cartoon introductions and transitions reminiscent of Monty Python, the film has a lot of visual appeal. Standard scene selection is provided, along with 15 production stills and 12 “Lost Sites” that weren’t included in the main film (from the cutting room floor) as bonus features.

Overall, I was left with the impression that The Road Less Traveled is more about a young man’s personal travelogue than it is about any deep historical or spiritual exploration. Most of my mental visual images from the film involve Trones scrambling around tourist sites and caves exclaiming, “Wow, isn’t this neat?” which is fine in and of itself. I was just expecting more.

CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW AT CHRISTIANBOOK.COM OR AMAZON.COM!

When Nelson Mandela was released from prison in 1990 I was 11 years old. It was difficult for me to understand the scope of the event, what it signified in the history of South Africa’s people, and what the impact would be worldwide. Still, despite the fuzziness of childhood memories, Mandela’s face has remained an icon of liberty, a symbol of the breaking of bonds, of reconciliation, and of freedom.

It is only natural then, that Mandela should be counted amongst the Lives That Changed the World in Smithsonian Networks release this month of their 2007 documentary of his life on DVD. Lives That Changed the World: Nelson Mandela is a 45-minute homage to the man who was so instrumental in building peace in the apartheid-torn country of South Africa.

Having inspired countless individuals with his journey from terrorist to Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Mandela’s personal influence on ten people is explored alongside historical footage in this exploration of his life’s impact. Among these individuals are his daughter Zindzi, who spent her formative years apart from her father due to his imprisonment, his former prison guard, a South African musician who was influenced by Mandela’s revolutionary vision, a Canadian schoolteacher who shares about the impact of Mandela’s release on his teaching, and others. Perhaps the most touching however is the testimony of Adriaan Vlok, former minister of law and order during apartheid rule.

Vlok shares his experiences seeking forgiveness and reconciliation for his sins both publicly and privately – the only apartheid-era minister to do so. His humble and heartfelt thoughts on the process of reconciliation brought me to tears.

The DVD features a standard scene selection menu, stereo and surround sound audio options, and optional English subtitles. The compact running time of Nelson Mandela makes it an easy-to-schedule supplementary learning opportunity for Black History Month for junior and senior high students. Younger children may be disturbed by the historical footage of the civil unrest and violent governmental retribution that took place in South Africa.

How can such a man’s life be measured within the span of a brief documentary? Simply put, it can’t be. Nelson Mandela does not touch upon Mandela’s early life, nor does it speak to his relational ties with any apart from those interviewed in the film. As such, the DVD can’t be considered a true biography. What we can glimpse however, is a part of what Nelson Mandela has meant to this world, and pass on his vision of peaceful equality to our own children.

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Having long been a fan of Regency-era costume dramas that tend toward the romantic, my journey into the small English town of Cranford, circa 1842 — with a passion for the smaller domestic dramas of life — was a fresh and uncharted voyage. Based upon 19th century novelist Elizabeth Gaskell’s work, this BBC mini-series is a conglomeration of Gaskell’s adapted novellas; not only Cranford itself, but also My Lady Ludlow, and Mr. Harrison’s Confessions.

The town of Cranford in the North West of England in 1842 is poised on the brink of change. Long governed by an unusually high population of older, single women, its culture revolves around propriety and social calls. The slightest hint of change in fashions, residence, or circumstance prompts a torrent of talk. Still, despite the oft-times virulent stream of misunderstandings and troubled times, Cranford is a town with deeply held friendships and strong loyalties.

Cranford: The Collection is a beautiful two-volume boxed set that includes both the original Cranford with five parts on two DVDs, and the two parts of Cranford: Return to Cranford on a single DVD. With each episode running approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, this is no lightweight drama; Cranford: The Collection boasts a total running time of 468 minutes, excluding each volume’s “making of” segment with insights into the writing process, filming, period costumes, and more.

Performed by an absolutely dazzling cast of British talent, Cranford fairly soars on the wings of its talented ensemble. Peopled with many well-recognized actors – Eileen Atkins, Alex Jennings, Michael Gambon, and many others – the centerpiece of Cranford’s heart is Judi Dench’s portrayal of Miss Matty. Dench is absolutely luminous in her tender portrayal of the uncertain, loyal, and incredibly tender Matty

When a new, young, bachelor doctor arrives in Cranford, the residents are atwitter with flights of romantic speculation both actual and unfounded. Dr. Harrison is certainly a central focus of the original Cranford but the complex and rich sub-plots involving Captain Brown and his daughters, the plight of Harry’s impoverished family, Matty’s losses and discoveries, and the lively antics of Mrs. Forrester and Miss Pole create a vibrant tapestry of the timeless concerns of life.

Return to Cranford further explores the lives of the town’s beloved residents though some characters seem to be missing with little explanation. A new set of troubles besets the residents with the rapidly approaching railway, the demise of Lady Ludlow, and the troubled courtship between William Buxton (son of the local salt mine owner) and Peggy Bell. Featuring much of the core cast of the originalCranford some favorites are now missing due to demise or supposed relocation. This second series is somewhat darker than the first, with less outright jollity and absurdity – nothing can replace or supersede the original.

While the core of Cranford’s life is a core of spinsters and widows who thrive on propriety, stability, and social niceties, it would be a misconception to believe that the series is anchored in the lives of the town’s older citizens. Rather, a broad spectrum of players are present from the youthful and romantic to the passed by and disappointed.

The emotional depth of the series encompasses both fresh undertakings and bittersweet reminiscences as seen through the town’s wealth of female citizens. This balanced, broad perspective prevents Cranford from becoming a period Grumpy Old Men for women, and dramatically transcends it, becoming a deeply felt, authentic drama that appeals to all ages; it is truly excellent family viewing.

I regularly discard DVD packaging in order to save shelf space, but Cranford: The Collection is so beautifully packaged that I doubt I’ll be able to part with this sturdy box set. Not only is the box itself sturdier than most, but each DVD case resembles a hardcover book – truly lovely.

A voyage to the reclusive town of Cranford is a richly rewarding experience. The combination of jaunty humor, small-town community spirit, and thrumming emotional undercurrents result in a captivating small-screen experience that rivals that of any large-screen production. It is in the details that Cranford truly comes to life, the small yet meaningful gestures of kind-heartedness, historical authenticity, and care for the smallest nuances. I highly recommend you to experience this special community for yourself.

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With each new year bringing advances in special effects and computer animation, it may be difficult to believe that the very foundations of creating scenes that trick the eye are found in the Renaissance. There the mathematical and observational principles were established that allow two-dimensional images to appear three-dimensional, adding depth to paintings, architecture, and later the motion picture.

Empire of the Eye: The Magic of Illusion takes viewers on a 50 minute survey of the development and implementation of a range of revolutionary artistic techniques: linear perspective, systematic perspective, atmospheric perspective, anamorphic art. Host Al Roker steps into computer renderings and analyses, three-dimensional models, and into the paintings, sculptures, and buildings themselves to point out the techniques and trickery used to create an artificial sense of depth, height, distance, and more.

The Magic of Illusion is a wonderful choice for Christian families who wish to explore artistic principles through the religious art and architecture of the Renaissance. Though not all of theobjets d’art examined are Christian, a good majority of them are. Among the most notable is Massacio’s fresco, “The Trinity” — the first known painting to demonstrate linear perspective in the fifteenth century is explored in depth. Mantegna’s religious art is surveyed with an eye for perspective and points of view. Church architecture and the techniques used to create a sense of artificial space are also examined.

Roker’s journey of discovery begins in Italy, but ranges abroad to Europe and on to the new world in the many examples he explores. While the greatest emphasis is on works of the Renaissance, Roker also takes us into the modern age with a brief tour through some examples of modern architecture and film that have dramatically used the foundational concepts of perspective examined in the film.

As a bare bones DVD there is chaptered navigation available when the film is playing, but that is all. A standard scene navigation menu would be an incredible boon to teachers wanting to zoom in on particular topics, but this is sadly unavailable.

A natural choice as a supplement to art curriculums dealing with the topic of perspective, The Magic of Illusion should also hold interest for the general viewer with an interest in art history, and how we see the world around us. Learning about the intricacies of the perspective necessary to achieve realistic has certainly begun to develop in me a deeper appreciation of the realistic, depth-filled art that we now take for granted.

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