Movie Info:
Rating: Not Rated
Studio: Sesame Street
Release Info:
DVD Release Date: April 21, 2009
Online Availability: Amazon for $9.99
Who didn’t grow up with Sesame Street? When we were little, in the early 80s, Elmo wasn’t a regular on this long running children’s show (though we’re told he made the occasional appearance – we don’t remember this personally). My (Dominick) favorite characters were always Bert and Ernie. The duo have a very special place in my heart, and I would sing “Rubber Duckie” endlessly when I was a toddler. My (Ashtyn) favorite characters were Snuffy and Oscar. I was enthralled by the fact that Snuffy was invisible (for a short time – younger Dominick had no idea of this until I (Ashtyn) told him he was Big Bird’s imaginary friend).
Today, kids have our old favorites and they also have the adorable Elmo and his friend Abby. Elmo’s World is one of the most popular Sesame Street inspired series. What’s not to love about Elmo? He’s absolutely hilarious, fun, and just so darn cute. Abby is slowly becoming a new favorite, too and that’s good because she’s an active part of Elmo’s world. With the release of some of these episodes, which aired on television first, your children can do something we were left out of, as kids. They can rewatch their favorite episodes over and over thanks to these DVDs.
I (Dominick) am also ecstatic that Sesame Street decided to include Bert and Ernie on this DVD. There is an episode of Bert and Ernie’s new show in claymation. Children get to enjoy old and new favorites in this set. Sesame Street educated us, they educated our kids (son and nephew), and the show will continue to educate future generations of children with their engaging and entertaining shows. It doesn’t seem like the show changes (in a bad way) like other child-oriented shows. The formula has worked for Sesame Street since before we were born, so obviously Sesame Street and PBS are doing something right.
We don’t usually watch Sesame Street these days. Our youngest is five, so he’s growing out of the age where Elmo is cool. When he was a toddler, he was a huge fan of the little red fella, and many of our friends who have young children have mentioned their little ones love Elmo, too. Elmo and the Bookaneers – Pirates Who Love To Read! has to be one of the cutest Elmo/Sesame Street DVD’s we’ve seen. It combines a love of reading with typical Sesame Street fun, and for mom and dad, it also happens to feature Tina Fey. What more could you want in a DVD for your toddler?
The Sesame Street: Elmo and the Bookaneers Plot
In the first episode on this DVD, Elmo has a bookshelf, but he doesn’t know about all the books on it or how much fun reading can be. A group of pirates, called the Bookaneers, leave the seas for dry land long enough to enter Elmo’s world. There, they find his bookshelf and get to it. The group, led by Tina Fey, love to read! They love to read so much, they want to take the bookshelf contents as their booty!
Elmo is excited to learn about the Bookaneers. They seem really passionate about reading. Their passion for books inspires Elmo, who wants to read, too. So, Elmo sets out to become a bookaneer, as well. To do so, he must help the pirates find their treasure. Your children are invited to come on the adventure and help out, along the way.
The second episode is for the new claymation series of Bert And Ernie’s Great Adventures. The dynamic duo are searching for treasure and they will do everything they can to find it. Adding on to everything are plenty of songs. Abby sings about Words, Elmo sings about reading. It wouldn’t be a Sesame Street DVD without plenty of singing and dancing to inspire your children to get into the lessons being taught.
Finally, there is an Elmo’s World episode, Books. In this episode, Elmo discusses books. He sings about all of the books that are important to him and mean something to him. Themes of this DVD include treasure, reading, and books.
Replayability: 
Audio/Visual:
As expected, the visual quality for this DVD is standard. The video is presented at a 1.33:1 aspect ratio. This is standard for a television series, especially one for children. The video for Sesame Street: Elmo and the Bookaneers – Pirates Who Love To Read! looks good. Colors are vibrant and not washed out. The images on screen are sharp, defined, and not blurred. I honestly didn’t notice too many errors visually. This is standard, decent, but not stunning. It’s great for its intended audience, which is truly all that matters.
The audio is in English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo. Again, this is standard, especially for a television show of this sort. The only thing that really matters about this track is the fact that it is clear. Dialogue can be heard easily. It’s crisp and clear. Volume toggling is unnecessary. The music doesn’t override the dialogue and vice versa. The main disappointment is no Closed Captioning or Subtitles, leaving hearing impaired children out while non-impaired kids can enjoy this DVD.
Visual: 
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Bonus Features:
You might have already guessed this, but the Elmo and the Bookaneers – Pirates Who Love To Read! DVD is devoid of bonuses.
Bonus Features:
Bottom Line:
Elmo and the Bookaneers – Pirates Who Love To Read! is a must have if you have a small child or children. Sesame Street not only entertains children. The show also educates them. In Elmo and the Bookaneers – Pirates Who Love To Read!, your child will not only have fun, they will learn about the importance of reading. Elmo and the Bookaneers – Pirates Who Love To Read! comes highly recommended for the youngest of audiences out there.
Overall Rating:
Technorati Tags: Sesame Street, DVD Review, PBS, Elmo and the Bookaneers, – Pirates Who Love To Read, Children’s Television, Pirates, Family, Educational
Written by Dom & Ash Evans – Visit Website
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Dominick and Ashtyn have been together since 2002. Together, they live in Michigan, work together as pro bloggers, and homeschool and raise their 15 year old son, CT. Their interests are diverse. Ashtyn loves to write, listen to music, shop and enjoy the finer things in life. Dominick enjoys playing wheelchair sports, watching sports, acting, singing, playing video games and making movies.
