The Littlest Leaguers set:
Baseball/Soccer/Basketball
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C+ Main Programs: B-
Let’s
face it, the majority of DVDs and Videogames that are out there, event he
minority of them that are smart and entertaining for kids, keep kids form being
active. That is not to say that they are
the main reason for obesity, as after all, they are not eating 5” discs or game
cartridges, but some things just make it too easy to do nothing. That is especially when either is a toy ad disguised
as an actual program. That is why The Littlest Leaguers series is such a
nice change of pace.
Produced
beginning in 2002, the series is now out on three DVDs and counting. Each show shows kids 3 – 8 how to get into a
major sport. It begins with a main
program, then adds supplements on lessons in how to play, “music video”
sing-along sections that offer a funny twist on the idea of the bouncing ball
and lyrics routine, and bonus lesson that teach values beyond the field. The three DVDs available so far cover Baseball (40 minutes), Soccer (49 minutes), and Basketball (62 minutes).
What
could have turned out to be stupid or corny is instead consistent, because
these shows respect the intelligence of the young viewers and spends its time
wisely going thoroughly through each sport.
Not being a huge fan of any of these sports, though I have played all of
them, I actually learned a few things myself and was surprised how informative
they were. Fans will likely feel the
same way. I also want to give credit to
the computer animated charact6ers.
Little Stevie shows up in all three programs, while the actual sports
equipment comes to life to explain each sport further in effect “hosting” the
very games they are a part of. The CG is
simple, but effective and amusing.
The full
screen images are above average, originating on professional NTSC video, but
looking very clean and professional. The
even unintentionally amusing CG characters are simple to begin with, so they do
not date too much and are not so complex as to distract from the sport. The idea is to get the kids out of the house
after all. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
on each DVD is good, with some Pro Logic surrounds, but this is mostly
dialogue-based and using surrounds can be distracting in this case, to you will
want to experiment with that. Overall, The Littlest Leaguers is a quality
children’s series that teaches the true value of sportsmanship and
participation, something all too rare in the children’s video market. They should be in all such libraries.
- Nicholas Sheffo
