Customer Reviews

Richard Scarry's Best Learning Songs Video Ever!

5 star:		(56)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

First of all, it's useful to know that there are two sets of "Richard Scarry" videos available, each produced by a different company: Cinar/Polygram/USA Films offers a video series called "The Busy World of Richard Scarry", and Sony/Random House has a set of videos named like "Richard Scarry's Best (fill in the blank) Video Ever". There are notable differences between them.

The "Busy World of...." series consists of episodes from an actual television series, although I don't know what network originally carried it. It's kind of bland and generic kids TV, and it sorely lacks the Richard Scarry charm. Not recommended.

Our family much prefers the "Best...Video Ever" home video series. This series features simple storylines and really sweet, catchy songs that both preschoolers and parents enjoy even after multiple viewings. "Best Learning Songs" is probably our favorite because it covers such a variety of subjects. The story is extremely simple: Huckle and friends put on a show in their backyard. Their show consists of gently educational songs about the alphabet, counting, shapes, opposites, common courtesy, etc.

On the downside, the animation is pretty primitive, the image quality doesn't improve from VHS to DVD (we now own both), and the price could be better for a 30-minute program. But those charming, educational songs really carry the day, and both of our kids were completely entranced by this series of videos while they were preschoolers.

My two year old son has lots of videos and I hesitated to get a Richard Scarry video because my son seemed to prefer real life children as opposed to animation. He's not into Barney (thank goodness) and really doesn't watch any of the "educational" children's T.V. programs so I'm always trying to find videos that he can learn something from and enjoy. Well I was thrilled when we watched this video for the first time. The children's voices are very clear and they enunciate everything very well and they just couldn't be any more precious. My son loves this video and actually has tried to sing some of the songs along with the video which is great because up til now he hasn't done much talking. The songs are very cute and easy to learn and they are not annoying at all like some children's videos. They teach so many things, including ABC', counting to 10, shapes, manners, opposites. I can't say enough good things about this video. If you're looking for a video that your child will love, and learn from without even realizing it, this is the one video you must get. I wish I had gotten it sooner, instead of spending my money on other so called learning videos that my son only watches twice and then gets bored. This is a must have video!

Our 1 year old thoroughly enjoys this video. We rented it for him and now we're buying it. The characters are very likeable, the songs are catchy, and the lessons taught (ABCs, numbers, manners, opposites) are done so in an easy-to-understand manner. I definitely give this video "2 thumbs up"!

This is my 2nd Richard Scarry DVD - I also have the ABC DVD. Of the two, I think the ABC is better, but this one is quite good too. It covers a series of concepts with a song each, like counting, shapes, prepositions, alphabet, opposites etc. Of the songs, I don't find any of them memorable except the one teaching the alphabet, which is super (A is for apple, B is for bed, C is for crown that you wear on your head etc).

The DVD is about 30 minutes long, which I find ideal - you can get a bit of housework done without making the TV too much of a babysitter.

Be aware that the Richard Scarry DVDs look a bit low-tech, they are not flashy and polished like Sesame Street DVDs.

Parents know that once you buy a video for your child, you will probbaly have to see it yourself at least 12,000 times. While Barney and the Teletubbies make me want to bury an ax in my own skull, I actually look forward to seeing this inventive, wonderful, whimsical video.

The songs are first-rate, with funny, engaging words and gentle melodies. And they do actually impart educational information about, among other things, shapes, body parts, numbers, manners, and the alphabet. The art is utterly charming, and the voice actors give every character an appealing and vivid presence. There is really nothing not to like about this video. Even the length is right for a child's attention span, and for limiting daily TV time. What I like about it most of all is that, while many kids videos are overbearing and insistent, this one is low-key and laid back.

We tried one of the other Richard Scarry videos (the counting one) and it was okay, but the magic of this one is unique.

I'm a first time mom of a 15 month old but am also a child neurologist. This really is a wonderful way to occupy a young child's mind, while filling it with information that is worth learning. I was a little skeptical on buying the video, but I have to agree with others that it can really keep a young mind fascinated. My son smiles, nods his head and looks to me as if to say "this IS really neat", and claps his hands at all the right times. I like the counting and ABC videos as well, although this is really the best of the three. The characters have voices that are sweet and not grating, and I really don't mind watching this every day, a few times a day. I think the quality is just fine; not everything has to be 21st century graphics to be entertaining.

Our 18 month old loves this video - the graphics are clear and the songs are well-edited, educational, and catchy. The content is perfect - shapes, alphabet, basic counting, head-shoulders-knees and toes -- for starting at about 18 months and up!

I'm a huge fan of the Richard Scarry DVDs and videos, and this one is certainly amongst my favourites. It is delightful to learn and sing some new songs with my 15 month all that can teach her about opposites, the alphabet, counting and shapes. The tunes are catchy, the music is appealing and the lyrics are well sung. Very sweet and simple, perfect for toddlers! I don't see myself getting sick of this video any time soon, whereas if I hear "Wheels on the Bus" and "Old McDonald" one more time....

One of the best children's videos I've seen. The simplicity in the presentation and yet valuable information presented in the form of songs has made it a favorite over and over again. Alphabets, numbers, shapes and opposites are only a few and this time their taught to the adults by the younger ones. The characters are animals which is another learning experience in itself.

My daughter loves it!!!!! Very educational, and our all around favorite. My 16 month old tries to sing along with the songs. This DVD covers all the basics a toddler needs to learn from counting and the abc's and counting to shapes and opposites. It is really reviews all the basics in one fun DVD.