Search - Reach for the Sky on DVD

Return of the Little Robots

Gord Wilson | Bellingham, WA USA | 06/10/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Arguably, one might give this DVD four stars. After all, it's only four episodes. Were it available, I'd be reviewing an entire season of this show, not just this brief sampling. That said, one episode or ten, this is a five star show, for reasons that contrast significantly with many shows made for small kids. Based on the books by Mike Brownlow, this show from Britain's Cosgrove Hall (Danger Mouse) doesn't talk down to kids. It avoids that whiny, time to go to sleep now educational tone that afflicts kids cartoons on public television (and may be their criterion for buying them). Without naming names, I simply note that Fox, Nick, Disney and Cartoon Network have all produced witty and engaging cartoons and shows for little kids, whereas PBS shows some unwatchable hash. Someone will inevitably bring up Sesame Street, but show me one program made on a comparable budget that stands up to the network offerings.



The junkyard sets of Little Robots somewhat resemble the look of the movie Robots, but fit well into their self- contained mechanical world. As with The Iron Giant, the lower tech look is extremely appealing and inviting to kids. The British voice work (Under a pile of scrap, there lay this little chap), light humor in the story lines, well- conceived characters and slightly quirky premise, not to mention the "found" look of the sets, all make this a different and delightful show.



What else does it do right? I'm a big fan of both the Davey and Goliath clay toons by Gumby's creator and Big Idea's Veggie Tales, but I think it's a mistake to label shows with didactic titles like "Learning to Share". Little Robots DVDs, on the other hand have lively labels like "Reach for the Sky" and "Little Robots: Big Adventures". However, this second release ought to be listed as "Little Robots: Reach for the Sky", because from the name, you wouldn't know it is Little Robots.



One more quizzical thing. There are some great Little Robots figures and toys, but they're only available from Family Christian Stores. This, I think, is a misstep on the part of FCS. While I can understand their desire to carry this excellent line, it would be better were these wonderful toys more widely available. There's no more reason to tag this DVD with the R word (religious) than with the E word (educational). Here's a truly creative, imaginative endeavor that will appeal to everyone, and you'll likely find yourself watching with your kids. My tag for that? Fun."

Little Robots DVD

Cheryl A. Bennie | 02/02/2010

(5 out of 5 stars)

"We purchased this DVD for our grandson. He wants to watch it everytime he comes to our house. We have had it for quite a while now, and he never gets tired of it. The DVD is cute, but it also teaches good character."