Benjamin’s Farm
Picture: C+ Sound: C+
Extras: C- Main Programs: B-
A live
action nature show with a twist has the title character exploring a world
raising animals and plants in Benjamin’s
Farm (2001), with Benjamin (Ezra Perlman, but voiced by Julie Lemieux,
believe it or not) taking his time to go around and either explain or
experience. The approach is not
explained, as the illusion is meant for kids, so try not to take a fit that you
have been defrauded somehow. This is
meant to educate kids, something political correctness does the opposite of.
Despite
this, this can be a charming show, as produced for Canadian TV and oddly not in
the U.S. as it should be, until this
DVD. This is a high-quality show that
gives child viewers (3 – 8 roughly, but more than suitable for any age above
that) the chance to see animals and nature they experience far too little. Some of this may come as a revelation to
younger viewers, i.e., those who never think where food comes from before the
supermarket or fast food restaurant. For
those who do have that idea, this expands on it, offering what is some of the
newest simple technology ion raising cattle (for instance) when they are not
being abused into overweightness, treated with hormones, and can barely walk. The animals are NEVER abused in this show and
that sends the right message. The amin
program runs a healthy 128 minutes long.
The full
screen image is taped in the NTSC format and was done recently. It looks consistent for a recent production
and the masters are nice and clean. The
Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is fine and has a bit of Pro Logic surround
information, but nothing too important. The
only extra is a “fun facts” section that adds audio and cannot be forwarded
like a normal segment, but that is it.
BFS has issued a solid children’s title that everyone with kids should
pick up.
- Nicholas Sheffo
