Brum …and other stories series (Children)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: B-     Extras: D     Episodes: B-

 

 

In our search for more quality children’s television, Brum (pronounced broom) is an interesting import that involves a half-scale (radio-controlled) Model-T type car with a face, personality and knack for getting into wacky situations.  The result is a surprising good, child-friendly series that is getting some exposure in the United States thanks to (appropriately) The Learning Channel and this terrific new set of DVDs from Koch.

 

Each DVD has at least five installments each at about 10 minutes a piece.  Much of it is silent slapstick without much of any dialogue, though there is a child’s voice that often calls out to the affected auto off camera.  This is not necessary and a little goes a long way, but it does not hurt the quality of the production or its consistent quality in any case.  The installments are as follows, with the main program in bold as to which one each DVD is named after in the “and other stories” series:

 

Airport

Naughty Dog

Pizzeria

Gymnast

King of Thieves

Crazy Chair Chase

Bank Robbers

Mischievous Mouse

Cream Balloon

Paint Pandemonium

Stolen Necklace

Gold Buggy

Soccer Hero

Rampant Robot

Mobile Phone

Birthday Cake

Pickpocket

Kidnapped Garden Gnome

Runaway Rickshaw

Stunt Bike Rescue

Chasing Balloons

Runaway Train

Gorilla Caper

Splash & Grab

 

 

At times, it is like watching a Mr. Bean for kids, which is good in this case.  The programs are never derogatory or vulgar, something parents did not have to worry about until standards for children’s television were relaxed for toy tie-ins and greed.  Even if a few items are made available on this show, it is not toy-driven by any means.  It is a constructive show for young children and we have so few of them, it would be worth getting these and future installments.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image is from recent PAL taping sources and looks good, but does blur a bit.  However, color is consistent for the most part and is not too distracting.  This is going to look a bit better than cable or satellite broadcast.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has some good Pro Logic surround activity, which should be state of the art for all children’s programming by now.  The only extras are some coloring paper/wallpaper from a DVD-ROM section and a few small, minor interactive features.  That makes for a good series.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo