TV Show Info:
Writers: Simon Nicholson, Keith Chapman
Cast: Neil Morrissey, Mac Silk, Lorelei King, Emma Tate
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: 20th Century Fox/Hit Entertainment
Studio: Hits Entertainment & Lyons
Release Info:
DVD Box Set Release Date: August 26, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $14.99
Seriously, who has kids and doesn’t like Bob the Builder? Before Obama stole it, Bob the Builder had the slogan, “Yes, we can!” Bob and his team of trucks really show kids how to build things in an inventive way. I’m not big into construction since I don’t work in the industry. I still managed to learn quite a bit from Bob and his team. The cool thing about this show is that parents and kids can learn building concepts together. Thanks to Bob the Builder: On Site – Houses and Playgrounds, now I know the process if I ever happen to build my own house, and/or playground.
This DVD is even cooler because in Bob the Builder: On Site – Houses and Playgrounds, the action goes on site. Not only do children learn all about building through Bob, his machines, and watching them work. They get the chance to see actual, live machines and workers as they perform the various tasks that Bob outlines. In Bob the Builder: On Site – Houses and Playgrounds, the audience gets to see live machines working on building a house from the ground up. Playgrounds from their inception, are also shown being built. It’s pretty cool that Bob can relate the action of his show to the action that occurs in every day life.
While, yes, some parts of Bob the Builder are cheesy, and yes I am referring to the refresher rap/song that is sung “How do we do it”, after each project is completed, kids will really get into this catchy yet repetitious song. Its a little too Barney for my tastes, but then again I am 27. It’s a minor complaint that only an adult could have. What is Bob the Builder really about anyway? The kids, so my opinion on how “cool” this song is doesn’t really matter.
Bob the Builder: On Site – Houses and Playgrounds offers a learning lesson that any parent can appreciate. Bob speaks in simple terms that kids of any age can understand. There are things I just never knew about building a house. For example, did you know that after the wooden structure of the walls of a house are in place, the outside of the walls are cemented? I never knew that, but thanks to Bob and his array of trucks, I know that now.
The Bob the Builder: On Site – Houses and Playgrounds Plot
Bob the Builder: On Site – Houses and Playgrounds is all about learning how to build houses and playgrounds. Bob teaches with three different methods to reinforce all of the concepts learned in this episode. The On Site series of Bob the Builder DVDs all seem to follow this formula.
First, Bob explains the concept in a step by step process. For example, when he discusses building a house, he explains that first you must dig a hole. Then you must fill it with concrete. This forms a solid foundation to anchor the wooden foundation of the house. From here, wood is cut up and the wooden foundation is built. As walls are formed, concrete is put on and smoothed out to ensure the walls are strong and sturdy. The roof is added in a variety of ways including solar panel roofing options. Then, the house is prettied up. Doors and windows are added. Paint and/or bricks are added to make the outside of the house (and even the chimney) look nice. Then the initial structure of the house is built!
Bob also uses his step by step instructions to explain how playgrounds are built. Something I found interesting is that the actual playground equipment is added first. In most commercial playgrounds, this equipment is cemented down to ensure the equipment doesn’t move or fall apart. From there, the playground has a surface added. Some playgrounds have concrete surfaces, but many use a mulch type of wood that makes falling on it safer for kids. Finally, the playground area is fenced off.
The second way Bob teaches these concepts is by showing his trucks building. For example, we see Tumbler pouring concrete into the hole that was dug to make a foundation for the house that Bob is building. This shows the Can-Do Crew in action. It’s actually quite fascinating to see all the work that goes into building a house.
Finally, Bob the Builder: On Site – Houses and Playgrounds shows how the concepts that have been taught apply to real life. Going “On Site”, Bob takes his viewers on a trip to real construction sites. There are trucks that dig foundations, machines that mix concrete that anchors playground equipment and makes home foundations, and even trucks that carry supplies to and from construction sites! There is even construction workers who are putting together a playground and smoothing out the playground (mulch) surface. Finally, kids are actually seen enjoying the playground. For such a short DVD, this show really packs a punch.
One of the most informative Bob the Builder DVDs, Bob the Builder: On Site – Houses and Playgrounds is sure to be a fan and parent favorite.
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Audio/Visual:
You won’t be surprised to know that everything on the Bob the Builder: On Site – Houses and Playgrounds DVD is presented in 1.33:1 full frames. It’s the typical format for kid’s shows. The claymation looks good. Bob is a fun character. The animation is excellent and the DVD’s visual quality just emphasizes that. The crystal clear picture is pretty much free from visual errors. Hit Entertainment did a nice job with this DVD transfer.
The audio quality for Bob the Builder: On Site – Houses and Playgrounds is English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo. Again, this is standard. The sound isn’t overly dynamic, but then again, this is a dialogue driven show. Sure, there are songs mixed in with the dialogue, but kids aren’t going to realize that these songs aren’t really all that dynamic. This fits the audience and the DVD. Additional tracks are available in Spanish and French. Both are Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo. While subtitles aren’t available, Closed Captioning is in all three languages.
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Bonus Features:
There is only one bonus feature. I thought this was great. I’ve never seen the show Fireman Sam, so having this on the Bob the Builder: On Site – Houses and Playgrounds DVD was a great way to introduce the show to an audience that might not know if they’ll like the show, Fireman Sam or not.
The bonus included on the Bob the Builder: On Site – Houses and Playgrounds DVD is an episode of Fireman Sam. The episode, “Birthday Surprise” has the whole town preparing for Sam’s birthday. They want to throw him a surprise party, but they have to keep the secret from him until it is time for the party. When an incident with the birthday cake goes awry and the candles that won’t blow out are automatically re-lit, it is up to Sam to fight a fire, and hopefully not discover why the fire was started in the first place!
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Bottom Line:
I really like Bob the Builder. Its one of the few shows that I can say I, as a parent, learn as much as my child. Educational for everyone in the family, Bob the Builder: On Site – Houses and Playgrounds, the latest Bob the Builder DVD is a must have for any fan of this show. If your child (or husband) likes construction then this DVD is something you want to buy. Even if your child might not be a huge construction fan, learning about building things is always worthwhile. With the fun, repetitious way that Bob teaches construction lessons, your child will be wanting to play with trucks and make their own “construction sites” just like Bob!
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Technorati Tags: Bob the Builder, On Site, Houses and Playgrounds, DVD Review, TV show, Kids, animation, PBS, children’s television
Written by Dominick Evans – Visit Website
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Dominick is in his late 20s. He lives in Michigan with his life partner, Ashtyn, their 14 year old son Robert, and their Shih-Tzu, Oliver. Dominick is a writer and the head editor for both LI Kids and Literary Illusions. He enjoys composing music and is an aspiring director/screenwriter. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, playing video games, watching movies, and singing.
