Customer Reviews

Don't Eat the Pictures: Sesame Street at the Metropolitan Museum of Art [VHS]

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Sesame Street specials are always wonderful, but this hour long movie, filmed when Sesame Street was in its prime, is just spectacular. It remains one of my favorite ways to cheer myself up (I'm 27). When Big Bird wanders off near closing time to meet Snuffleupagus, and the rest of the Sesame Street monsters and humans try frantically to find him, they all get locked overnight in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The rest of the video, which amounts to the bulk of the story, revolves around three main storylines: 1.) everyone trying to find Big Bird while avoiding the suspicious but clueless mustachio-ed museum security guard, 2.) everyone discovering and enjoying the museum in the process, and 3.) Big Bird and Snuffleupagus helping a little Egyptian boy named Sahu prove his inner worth in a yearly "test", so that the god Osiris will let him join his parents as stars in the sky. There is enough of a storyline to ensnare even those with the shortest of attention spans, children and adults alike, and quite a bit of comic relief to lighten the way. Watching straight-arrow Bob as he runs around trying to keep Cookie Monster from scarfing down the Still Lives, while a group of dancing Monster-ettes sings the doo-wop title tune: "Don't eat the pictures, no, no, no!", is particularly amusing; as are the scenes where Sahu's invisible cat, who still meows audibly, befuddles that poor hapless security guard. The many many shots of the Museum interior are gorgeous, and a magical exposure/introduction to art and museums, in particular the paintings, sculpture, and medieval artifacts of the Met. The video of course has a happy ending, but one that will bring tears to your eyes. I watched this tape for the first time when I was 7 years old, and I must say that when as an adult I had my first opportunity to go to the Met in person, it was a truly awesome visit. Another friend who had watched the movie as a child led me on what we called the Don't Eat the Pictures Tour, and she showed me every piece of art showcased in the movie. Her tour ended at the Temple of Dendur itself, and as it was near closing time, it was dark outside with stars in the sky--just like the penultimate scene of DETP. A memorable day, and a memorable movie. It's a true gift from the Sesame Street gang to us, the viewing public. You and your kids will love it.

Why is this costing $50-$75 here? Go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art website and get it for $12.95.

Because it certainly desrves it. Unlike today's emphasis on dumbing down programing ala Barney, this video tape was made in a time when children were actually respected and given enormous respect.

Granted some of the acting seems weird because of the programing shift, but I seriously doubt that it would scare today's little kids. I watched it as a little girl, and keep hoping that it will be released.

One of the unexpected side effects of this non-condescending treatment is that young adults such as myself still fondly remember this movie and are not at all bored by the pace. Whatever your chronological age, you will find this program timeless in it's appeal and beloved by all.

That is what indicates real staying power, not how many toys one can invent, market and make profit from.

As a kid, I used to watch Sesame Street, a show that was by then a classic. My parents bought this film from the library and my sister and I watched it constantly. My dad still remembers songs from the film and my sister and I reminisce about it.

The plot of the story is that the kids and the puppets get locked into a museum overnight. They get to tour the area without being bothered by others. Oscar the Grouch sings a song about wonderful trash, referring to the broken statues all around him. Cookie Monster sings the title song when he gets hungry from looking at still life paintings all night. Big Bird and Snuffy find an Egyptian Prince and attempt to help him become a star in the sky like his parents. Everything that happens is entertaining and educational.

Not only does this film address a side of schooling that isn't always addressed in schools, art, it is a great way for parents to spend time with their children and help them to grow.

I first saw this when I was in the second grade and my parents taped it on BETA for me. The story line is great for this age group. Since I like Egyptian history, Prince Sahu and his story is really sweet. Just like the other Special features that Sesame Street has done, this is golden. Just like all the other ones. Christmas on Sesame Street (with Mr. Hooper) Big Bird in China and Big Bird in Japan.

My 20 month old son absolutely loves this video. There are 5 or 6 songs in the hour long video, which he has fun dancing to. It has all of the favorite Sesame Street characters that he recognizes from the television show. I like the video because it introduces our kids to art in all its forms. This show is a hit in our house and I am sure it will be in yours too.

I've been looking for this movie on DVD for quite some time. This is one of my absolute favorite muppet movies, let alone Sesame Street. What I love about Sesame Street, the Sesame Street I grew up with anyways, is that little kids love it and it is educational, but there are enough jokes that parents can laugh and enjoy it as well. This movie is no exception. I'm 20, and first saw it when I was 4 or 5. It still holds up and is just as great as I remember.

I cannot say enough wonderful things about this movie. I believe that every child should see this movie. Not only did it foster my love for all things Ancient Egyptian, it introduced art to me in such a wonderful way. My parents always remember how they took me to the Met and i shouted "SAHU" into every corridor searching for the little prince. If you are a parent PLEASE buy this for your child, they will thank you for years to come!!!

This video is a great introduction for children to museums. As the Sesame Street gang gets locked in the Museum overnight they take an adventure looking for Big Bird that leads them through the major areas of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Oscar finds he enjoys Greek and Roman art because it broken, and hence trash. Big Bird and Snuffy spend their time in the Egyptian Galleries (and they do encounter Osiris as they help a young prince reach eternity - gently explained in children's terms). Cookie monster likes the food still-lifes, while Bert and Ernie interpret "Washington Crossing the Delaware" by looking carefully at the details of the painting. The video does a nice job at laying the groundwork for visiting cultural institutions with your own children. We really enjoy this video.

Well I really do not understand, the reasoning behind this classic sesame street special not being available on DVD yet, I mean what are they waiting for sheesh? I loved this special when I was a kid, liked the story. the jokes and the one liners , gags, music and good lessons that were in this show,also it got me interested in history, art and things that had to with Egypt history and culture and you saw that people aren't really that different. only in ethic background and upbringing, but that each one of us can be friends and share things in common as a whole, that's what I took away from it anyway.




I Do wish that this special gets a proper release soon from CTW, this is quite shameful guys because Big Bird In China is available so are all the others including the classic Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. So what's up with the hold up on this one? This one is a milestone along with the Christmas Eve special, so let Don't Eat the Pictures see the light of day okay! I'd like to purchase this title someday.

I've been searching for this for quite sometime, only remember the story and not the title and ran across this in my search of the Christmas eve special thank goodness for that. :) I actually bought the Christmas eve special and again i plan on buying this title when it is available for purchase,just a reminder CTW.

I laugh at people that think this special is evil , far from it. Only total morons would believe that ,it's a great special for kids as I have said before above in my comments. I hope someday CTW will see the follies of they're ways and release this classic title Long Live Don't Eat the Pictures.


Highly Recommended Title For Kids.