Product Details

• Actors: Raffi, Dennis Pendrith, Nancy Walker, Mitch Lewis, Bucky Berger
• Directors: David Devine
• Producers: Raffi, David Devine, Bert Simpson, Richard Mozer
• Format: NTSC
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Mca
• VHS Release Date: November 23, 1993
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302957591
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #210,721 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This first filmed concert by Raffi illustrates his immense charm. The soft-spoken singer leads his turquoise-clad, four-member band through 20 songs with a rapt audience of kids and parents singing along. Raffi's easy manner and fluid vocals create an atmosphere that is very welcoming to youngsters, easily going from cute songs ("Apples and Bananas") to popular songs ("Day O") to a Spanish number ("De Colores") without ever losing them. The video also captures another key element of Raffi's success--his gaze is always inviting. The songs (also available on CD) include Raffi favorites "Everything Grows" and "Baby Beluga" and lots of standards. A wonderful time for ages 2-10 and adults. --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This video jump started my sons' speech development....., March 8, 2002

By 

Diane (Glen Allen, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raffi in Concert With the Rise and Shine Band [VHS] (VHS Tape)

My sons are 2 1/2 and speech delayed. While they have made some progress in the last 7 months with the speech therapist, our purchase of this video about a month ago has really sparked an interest in words and singing for one of them. It is just wonderful to hear him "singing" with the music. Even the speech therapist was impressed when he almost knew one of the nursery rhymes included on the video. We also have some of the tapes/CD's to play in the car and house and he has started singing with them.

This video, while quite dated in the clothing department and video quality, is probably our favorite because it is lively, has the band, and includes props such as bubbles. The boys love to see the kids in the audience dancing and singing. It has many favorite songs such as "Baby Beluga" but he also includes several nursery rhymes and interactive parts.

We bought this video on a whim when I was buying some of Raffi's readable songs books. We probably listened to it 2-3 times a day in the first 2 weeks. (I recently checked out his other 2 videos at the library and they love those also.) I pop it in when my early riser gets up before the rest of us and he's been less likely to "explore" the counters and cabinets since then. Then another video goes in when I take a shower. Interestingly, he (not the one whose speech has improved so much) will usually be the one to ask for "Raffi, Raffi" many times a day.

We have a few "educational" and nursery rhyme/songs Random House videos, but neither they nor any TV shows really held their attention. I was actually amazed when Raffi was requested the second time. And I'm sure we will be adding his other videos to our permanent collection. I hope he plans a new one soon!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Save time and buy two!, April 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Raffi in Concert With the Rise and Shine Band [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I've played this video so often since my daughter was a year old, that I wore out the original. She'll be three soon and still loves the songs and the dancing. It's a simple video mostly with just Raffi, his guitar and the kids in the audience, but that's all your little one (and you) really need. Enjoy!

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless For Children, May 20, 2000

By 

susan wisner (Cincinnati, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Raffi in Concert With the Rise and Shine Band [VHS] (VHS Tape)

In 1991 this video was watched hundreds of times by my daughter. Raffi connects with the children - could immediately quiet my child. Now at 9 she watches with our new daughter who is equally fasinated with every song. The video shots of the audience help keep the child interested along with Raffi's great expressions as he sings. The songs and instrumental background create a magic that makes you want to sing along. This video is a great gift for future parents (I just ordered 6). It is a must for anyone with a infant or child.