41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I like you too, May 1, 2005
This review is from: Fred Rogers - America's Favorite Neighbor (DVD)
I can still remember about 25 years ago throwing a huge temper tantrum, slamming my tiny hands hard against 70s-ish, tacky-looking, artificial wooden walls. My outrage: I missed an episode of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood". And yet it was certainly not the response that would have pleased my idol.
Now I look back and smile, not only because it's a little funny, but also because after many years of being "grown up" and asserting my "maturity", I am once again on the Mister Rogers bandwagon, perhaps even more so than when I was a child.
No doubt, it began in 1998 when I read Tom Junod's extensive (but worthwhile) article about him in the November issue of "Esquire". But this DVD has now put the icing on an already delicious cake. My only wish is that there could have been an interview with Tom Junod, the writer who was at least partly responsible for re-introducing Mister Rogers to the current pop culture.
Mister Rogers was the word gentleness made flesh. He was kind not only in front of the cameras, but even in his own private life. He was in fact the real deal! He was genuine with everyone regardless of age, economic position, or power. He talked to congressmen, co-workers, Joan Rivers, small children, and you and me all alike. He displayed a gentleness and genuiness that our world is not at all comfortable with and yet in dire need of, never more so than today.
I highly recommend this DVD to everyone. Even if you hated the man (it's hard to believe, but there are such people out there), or you're a skeptic, or a mocker. Mister Rogers could tame even the toughest audience, and if you're up to the challenge, you can see him do it over and over on this DVD. And lastly, I recommend this DVD to anyone who is just aching to see something decent on their television screen.
God blessed us.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A real saint, December 13, 2004
This review is from: Fred Rogers - America's Favorite Neighbor (DVD)
Unlike so many people with a religious background, Mister Rogers never threw his own religion around. Instead, he wanted kids (and adults) to always like themselves the way they are.
Mister Rogers knew that more could be accomplished in the world if people were emotionally/mentally built up instead of being told that they were not any good. This timeless lesson (along with his naturally caring personality) was what made Mister Rogers Neighborhood such a wildly popular show on PBS. According to the official program record, it was PBS's longest running show.
Even when Sesame Street and other PBS shows were trying to go for 'current' Mister Rogers refused to talk down to his audience. He was also radical in believing that children deserved respect and needed to be listened to.
Sure, Picture Picture went from filmstrips to videocassettes, but that was a technical change so Mr. Rogers could continue his show. A technical change was acceptable because it had not altered the time-honored formula established in the very first show.
This documentary is good for Mister Rogers Neighborhood fans, but it is also a good teaching tool. People wanting to go into broadcast production and/or early childhood education must be made aware of the critical difference between good material, the mediocre, and the absolutely horrible.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful Tribute, November 10, 2004
This review is from: Fred Rogers - America's Favorite Neighbor (DVD)
This is a wonderful and touching tribute to one of America'a true heros. It will be enjoyed by children and adults alike for many, many years.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
