DVD Review: Berenstain Bears: Family and Friendship

TV Show Info:
Created by: Stan and Jan Berenstain
Cast: Camilla Scott, Benedict Campbell, Michael Cera, Tajja Isen
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Sony

Release Info:
Original Air Dates: September 14, 1985-2005 (two series linked together)
Season Air Dates:2003
DVD Box Set Release Date: August 12, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $10.99
Episodes: Season 3 episodes of the show plus one episode from Season 4

Growing up as a child of the 80s, the Berenstain Bears were a big part of my life. I read the books. I watched the original television series, which aired from 1985-1986. The Berenstain Bears played an active role in teaching me many of life’s important lessons. While I already knew how to do many things, the books and show helped to reinforce many of these positive lessons like learning to share and appreciating others in your daily life.

While some may think that the Berenstain Bears are too unrealistic, perhaps too perfect a family, with everything always working out as it should, children at an impressionable age who are the primary audiences for the Berenstain Bears shows and books, gain knowledge and respect through reading and watching about the Bears. I’d much rather have my child watching these (yes, they are wholesome) good-natured cartoons then letting him/her watch reality television, cartoons where the kids tell off their parents and treat everyone around them poorly or some other mindless drivel that currently airs on television.

Sure, some may say that the Berenstain Bears are dated, but they don’t have to be. Jealousy, sibling rivalry, spousal expectations and competitiveness are universal to all generations. Sure, the kids might not be as hip or as technologically friendly as today’s kids, but the shows are still fun to watch and the lessons learned are well worth taking the time to unwind and allow for much simpler life lessons to be taught in a refreshing and entertaining way.

I liked the Berenstain Bears when the original series aired and I like the new series, which aired (and still airs on syndication) on PBS. The animation is simple yet fun, the characters are easy to follow and understand and the storylines could fit in any child and/or family’s life no matter their living situation or environment. Overall, this is one of the best series for young children to learn from, which is why the Berenstain Bears DVDs come highly recommended.

The Berenstain Bears: Family and Friendship Plot
There are six episodes included on the Berenstain Bears: Family and Friendship DVD. These episodes originally aired with other episodes (as mini-sodes with two mini-sodes per episode). Only half of one actual episode is presented on this DVD. So, if you want to look at it that way, you actually get enough content to fill up three Berenstain Bears, half-hour episodes.

The episodes with a brief description of each are as follows:

“The Green-Eyed Monster” – Brother Bear is too big for his bike. Sister Bear is very excited when she gets Brother’s old bike. Well, that is until she sees the new bike brother receives. In the meantime, Mama tries to teach sister about the Green-Eyed Monster (jealousy) and why it is important to control jealous tendencies.

“Think of Those in Need” – Mama wants the cubs to clean up their room. To do so, Brother and Sister decide to get rid of their old puzzles, board games, and books. When the two plan to take these items to a home for the elderly they learn the importance of sharing with others and bond with the older people, who are generations apart from them.

“The New Neighbors” – When the Bear family lose their dependable, friendly neighbors, they are shocked to learn that hip, new neighbors from the city are moving in next door to them. While Papa can’t get past all their high tech gadgets, Mama must get to know the new Mama, who rides a motorcycle. In the meantime, the cubs learn about new sports games from their new neighbors.

“The Bad Dream” – Brother decides to pick a somewhat scary TV series to watch during the family’s evening together. Though sister tries to be brave she ends up having a nightmare about the show’s evil villain. When the next evening rolls around for the show to air, Sister must confront her fears and dream.

“The Prize Pumpkin” – Papa is growing a gigantic pumpkin. He wants to win the annual pumpkin contest, which is held on Thanksgiving. However, Papa starts to suspect their neighbor and his best friend, Farmer Ben, has it out for him. He starts guarding the pumpkin day and night and avoids spending time with Ben.

“Big Bear, Small Bear” – It is pretty clear to the Bears that Brother is growing up. Of course, this thought hasn’t yet hit Brother Bear. He’ll explore the thought of his youth and his impending adulthood when he’s finally trusted with his very own key to the clubhouse.

While you’d expect a show that airs on PBS to have a good, moral message, this show is actually one of the best family shows that the channel airs. While the lessons might seem simple and the love this family feels for one another is sweet and syrupy, the overall message outweighs everything that could potentially be negative in relation to these episodes.

Storyline/Plot:
Replayability:
Acting:
Directing:

Audio/Visual:
The animation for the episodes presented on the Berenstain Bears: Family and Friendship DVD is simple, clean and colorful. The range of colors is vibrant and the contrast is nice. There are very minor visual flaws, none of which will distract children (or parents) from enjoying these episodes. Presented at a 1.33:1 full frame aspect ratio, the show looks as good as any, relatively new television series. Colors do not appear to be washed out and everything flows across the screen smoothly.

The audio for this DVD comes in the form of an English, Dolby Digital 2.0 soundtrack. Everything is loud and clear. There is no need to toggle the volume. The track is as dynamic as it needs to be for a children’s television show. There aren’t really any audio problems to discuss. The track also comes with the option of closed captioning.

Visual:
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Bonus Features:
There aren’t any bonus features included.

Bonus Features:

Bottom Line:
I loved the Berenstain Bears when I was growing up. I’ve already let my son and nephew watch this show and I believe that every parent should allow their children to enjoy these well written, lesson building episodes. The Berenstain Bears: Family and Friendship DVD comes highly recommended. Whether you’re a parent, older sibling, grandparent, aunt/uncle, family friend or another relative, you need to buy this for those very special children in your life.

Overall Rating:

Technorati Tags: Berenstain Bears, Family and Friendship, Sony, DVD Review, TV show, PBS, Kids Show, Lessons, Stan and Jan Berenstain

Written by Ashtyn Evans - Visit Website
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Ashtyn lives in her home state of Michigan with her life partner, Dominick, her 14 year old son, and her baby, the Shih-Tzu, Oliver Twist. Ashtyn is in college, going for a degree in Criminal Justice. She eventually plans to intern with the FBI, if she can. Ashtyn is an experienced and talented chef. She also excels at writing and has worked as a professional writer for the past five years. Ashtyn enjoys spending time with her son and four year old nephew, watching movies, listening to music, and writing works of fiction.

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