Product Details

• Actors: *
• Directors: Linda Goldstein-Knowlton, Linda Hawkins Costigan
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Sony Wonder (Video)
• DVD Release Date: October 24, 2006
• Run Time: 99 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000H6SY6Y
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,048 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Did you know that Cookie Monster speaks Albanian and Serbian? Or that Kami, a South African Muppet sings in Zulu? Have you met Tuktuki, a new character who might reach over 13 million kids in Bangladesh? In more than 120 countries all over the globe, Sesame Workshop and an international team of Muppets tackle the world's most challenging issues for 3-5 year olds including: HIV/AIDS in South Africa, post conflict resolution in a divided Kosovo, school and play for kids in Bangladesh where kids start working at 5 years old. The World According to Sesame Street explores the behind-the-scenes drama, challenges, and rewarding outcome of producing local versions of the world's most watched children's television program. The film follows dedicated Sesame producers around the globe as they team with local producers to bring to life the shows in Bangladesh, Kosovo and South Africa. The World According to Sesame Street celebrates the child in each of us, the critical need and desire for children's education around the globe, and the enduring love that adults have for Sesame Street and all its characters. Reccomended for ages 13 and up.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars It's about so much more than a television show November 9, 2006

By Kevvboy

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is an absolutely terrific documentary that I first saw on "Independent Lens" on PBS.

As "Sesame Street" spreads around the world, the creators of the show go to great pains to involve local people and cultures in the local version of the show. Oftentimes this is happening in unstable countries and involves considerable risk on the part of the producers. The rhythm of the film builds and builds, the tension rises, and it becomes quite an emotional journey.

At first you may wonder why it's important - why do the kids of war-ravaged Bosnia need Muppets? But when you see the desperate conditions of these kids, you are made to realize how important a tiny bit of education - even via TV - can be in the life of a truly vulnerable child.

I found myself caring a great deal about whether or not the producers would get "Sesame Street" on the air in Bangladesh. I had tears in my eyes watching a bunch of kids clustered around a TV, watching the first show ever created to help them learn more.

This is a wonderful piece of film work, an inspiring story, and an unscripted drama all in one. I'm not even a big fan of the Muppets, to tell the truth - but I loved this film.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars But not for the little ones March 31, 2007

By Constant Reader

Format:DVD

If you like Sesame Street and its history and worldwide scope, then this is a DVD you'll enjoy. It won't hold the attention of small children who are expecting Elmo to pop out singing the ABCs.

This is more in-depth regarding the making of the Sesame Street franchise around the world.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb story of responsiveness, adaptation and listening January 9, 2007

By ConBrio

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

This is a wonderful film that demonstrates that Sesame Street's core strength lies not in its characters, but in its process for uncovering and manifesting each culture's core values - while staying true to Sesame Street's core values of equality, equal opportunity and hope. Inspiring, fun, educational and very, very moving. A model for any and all cross-cultural discussions.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great documentary, wish there were special features June 27, 2007

By K. Kirkpatrick

Format:DVD

This documentary is an in-depth look at how productions of acclaimed children's show Sesame Street "translates" into similar series in other countries. While this movie is not for children, it does share the thoughtful, caring process used to include each country's unique set of values and issues in a children's show. The DVD does not have any special features - I was hoping to see one international episode in its entirety so I could see the final product after watching the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making it. But the documentary itself does show clips from a handful of various countries.

1 of 8 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Not what I expected May 24, 2007

By S. Barnard

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I found it very interesting to learn about how sesame street was branching out into other cultures and countrys, but I had expected it would be more like a sesame street episode exploring different cultures and countries. I was hoping for something for my kids to enjoy and learn from instead of a documentary. My kids weren't interested and I didn't even watch the whole thing.

4 of 94 people found the following review helpful

2.0 out of 5 stars Too PC March 13, 2007

By Gadgester HALL OF FAME

Format:DVD

I love the muppets, but find this particular SS episode too politically-correct for my kid. Given the fact most other peoples want us Americans dead and our great nation destroyed, I think we should teach our kids how to defend themselves and their homeland, instead of making friends with people who hate us and want us slaughtered.