Customer Reviews

Best Spelling Bee Ever [VHS]

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My 3 year old son is a big fan of the Best Counting Video and Best ABC video, and loves spelling words out, so I thought this newer video would be a sure hit. But newer is not better, and that includes the new publisher that seems to have taken over the series from Random House. It is actually sad, because this new video clearly reflects a new policy of turning Richard Scarry's world into a "Brand" rather than keeping it as a charming set of early education materials. That is why in this 25 minute video, the first 5 minutes are devoted to advertising (the new Lowly Worm talking doll! Other videos). And the rest is almost garbage. A filler introductory song (which they obviously use to fill up space on other videos at no extra cost). The "Spelling Bee" is just one of three stories, and is more an "adventure" than anything devoted to helping children learn to spell. None of the words being spelled out are ever written up on the screen! And the first word that a character spells out is "responsibility"! I think by the time you can spell out 14 letter words, Richard Scarry ceases to hold your attention, although clearly the producers are trying to turn it into a money making machine.

Well, I certainly won't spend any more money. I will limit my purchases to the earlier Random House videos.