Product Details

• Actors: *
• Directors: Linda Goldstein-Knowlton;Linda Hawkins Costigan
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: 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.com Sales Rank: #51,093 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 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 "Kevv" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

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 6 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Constant Reader (Boston, Massachusetts) - See all my reviews

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.

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

By	Caroline Rennie (Switzerland) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.