18 of 20 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
This review is from: The World According to Sesame Street (DVD)
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.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
But not for the little ones, March 31, 2007
This review is from: The World According to Sesame Street (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.
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4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superb story of responsiveness, adaptation and listening, January 9, 2007
This review is from: The World According to Sesame Street (DVD)
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.
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