'SchoolHouse Rock!' Bringing rockin' knowledge to a new generation

Film Critic

It's back! The series that taught generations of American's how government works, how the country was founded and how an election works is back. SchoolHouse Rock! hits again in the form of a Limited Edition DVD entitled Election Collection.

The Election Collection is a collection of songs that include "No More Kings," "Shot Heard Round the World," "Suffering Till Suffrage," and "Mother Necessity." With all the songs included, the one that has been a favorite since my first seeing it on ABC back in the day is "I'm Just a Bill."

I was surprised, and a little bit ashamed, that watching the DVD refreshed some areas of history and the workings of government. Nothing Earth shattering, but enough to make you realize that the old adage "if you don't use it, you lose it" is oh so true.

SchoolHouse Rock! was a staple of Saturday morning television throughout the 70s and 80s (and a short time in the 90s) and earned four daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Instructional Series.

The disk is filled with Election themed songs and includes a new song for the DVD called "Presidential Minute." The song has two endings -- one with a male president and one with a female president. But the coolest added goodie with the DVD is the Election Tracking Kit. The Tracking Kit is a SchoolHouse Rock! tricked out map of the United States that comes with blue and red stickers so kids can keep track of the election as it happens this November.

Final Cut: An added bonus when viewing this DVD is the flood of memories that come rushing back. The songs are hip and informative and should translate nicely to the next generation. The only downside is a run time of 49 minutes.

SchoolHouse Rock! Election Collection

Run Time: 49 min.

Producers: Tome Yohe, George Newall, Radford Stone, David McCall

Extras

* Election Tracking Kit

Also available on Disney DVD

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Storybook Surprise

The DVD consists of three episodes of the Disney Channel hit, along with the never-before-scene episode "Minnie's Mystery." In Mystery, things mysteriously begin to disappear in the Clubhouse and Mickey and the gang help by solving the mystery.

The DVD also contains a very cool special feature "Tales from Toodles." The feature allows the viewer to choose from a series of images to create their own Mickey Mouse adventure. An older kid mind will notice that the same journey comes up often, but younger viewers will love it.

My Friends Tigger and Pooh: Hundred Acre Wood Haunt

Consisting of adventures with a Halloween twist, the disk is a definite kid pleaser. In "Piglet's Lightning Frightening," Pooh, Tigger and friends must some together and help cheer up Piglet, who is frightened during a scary thunderstorm.

My favorite adventure of the DVD is "Eeyore's Trip to the Moon." After Eeyore, Pooh and the rest of the gang find a moon rock, they join together to build a rocket to return the rock to the moon.

Also a staple of Disney DVD's has become their special features. Although not packed with extras, Hundred Acre Wood Haunt has a neat game called "Super Sleuth Fall Harvest Festival." In the game, the viewer must guess who is dressed up as ghosts and they can dunk for apples. Kids will love it.

Final Cut: Storybook Surprise and Hundred Acre Wood Haunt combines adventure, laughs and learning. With cool games and fun stories, both DVDs will provide plenty of good times for the little ones.