“Barney and Friends,” the purple dinosaur and his cheerful companions, have been a staple of children’s television for decades. For parents navigating the world of kids’ entertainment, the “Barney And Friends Sing And Dance With Barney” DVD promises a fun-filled, musical experience. But does this special deliver on its promise, or is it, as some critics suggest, something parents should avoid? Let’s dive into a review of this DVD, exploring its content and whether it’s a worthwhile addition to your child’s entertainment options.
Originally released as a “Song and Dance” special, this DVD packs a lot of musical numbers into a relatively short runtime. Clocking in at around 55 minutes, it boasts an impressive 27 songs, outnumbering even lengthy movie musicals in song density. The premise is simple: children receive invitations to Barney’s treehouse for a party. Barney, along with friends BJ and Baby Bop, welcomes them into a world of glitter, trinkets, and, of course, songs.
Barney the Dinosaur with children
The song selection leans heavily on familiar children’s classics and tunes promoting simple moral lessons. Viewers can expect to sing along to staples like “B-I-N-G-O” and “The More We Get Together.” While these songs are undeniably catchy and familiar to young audiences, some might find the sheer volume of them overwhelming. The DVD also touches on themes of family diversity, hinting at different family structures, which could be seen as subtly educational, though some might find the approach simplistic. In one segment, Barney and the children are transported to “Storybookland” in a cloud of glitter, adding a touch of fantasy to the musical journey.
Barney and Friends DVD cover
However, not all perspectives on Barney are purely positive. Some critics have pointed out what they perceive as unsettling undertones within the Barney universe. Concerns have been raised about the lack of adult supervision in Barney’s interactions with children and the sometimes overly familiar language used. While these criticisms are subjective and depend on individual interpretation, they are worth noting for parents who are particularly sensitive to such themes in children’s media. The DVD also features songs about treats like candy bars and milkshakes, which, while appealing to kids, might not align with every parent’s nutritional preferences.
Barney and children in Storybookland
Technical Aspects: Video and Audio
From a technical standpoint, the DVD’s video quality reflects its television origins. Presented in a 1.33:1 aspect ratio, the visuals are bright and colorful, showcasing Barney’s distinctive purple “fur.” However, the video exhibits noticeable interlacing and compression issues, particularly during scene changes, which may detract from the viewing experience for discerning eyes.
The audio is provided in a basic 2.0 stereo track. Dialogue is clear and centered, while the songs exhibit some stereo separation. Surround sound and low-frequency effects are absent, which is typical for children’s DVDs of this era. While adequate for its intended audience, the audio quality is unlikely to impress audiophiles.
Barney and Baby Bop singing
Bonus Features
The DVD includes supplementary materials, such as trailers for other children’s shows like “Bob the Builder” and “Thomas the Tank Engine.” A matching game is also included, although some have noted potential authoring issues. A biography section offers updates on the child actors who appeared in Barney, and a music video for “Barney Boogie” rounds out the extras. The inclusion of a five-song CD sampler is a bonus for those wanting to extend the musical fun beyond the DVD.
Conclusion: To Barney or Not to Barney?
“Barney and Friends Sing and Dance with Barney” DVD is a mixed bag. On one hand, it offers a plethora of sing-along songs that are familiar and engaging for young children. The DVD’s simple premise and focus on music make it potentially entertaining for its target audience. On the other hand, some viewers may find the sheer volume of songs repetitive, and the technical quality is dated. Furthermore, some critical perspectives on Barney’s themes might give parents pause.
Ultimately, whether to introduce your child to this “Barney and Friends” DVD depends on your individual preferences and priorities. If you are looking for a simple, song-filled entertainment option for your preschooler, this DVD could fit the bill. However, parents seeking more educational or technically sophisticated content might want to explore alternative options like “Sesame Street,” which often receives higher praise for its educational value and production quality. Like the original reviewer suggested, exploring alternatives might offer a more enriching experience for young viewers.
