Where the Wild Things Are and Other Maurice Sendak Stories (Scholastic Video Collection)

Where the Wild Things Are and Other Maurice Sendak Stories (Scholastic Video Collection)

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DVD Reviews of Where the Wild Things Are and Other Maurice Sendak Stories (Scholastic Video Collection)

DVD Review: A must-own if you have children!
Summary: 5 Stars

Maurice Sendak certainly has a unique writing style, and while I've seen people criticize his work for showing a bratty side of children, I can't say I agree. I like the fact that Sendak shows the children in his stories as little people with ranging emotions, not as little puppy dogs waiting for a treat or a pat on the head. The characters in his stories show anger, brattiness, sadness, and disobedience as well as happiness and playfulness, like all real children do. It's a refreshing change from the rampant political-correctness that pervades society today.

On to the contents. The first chapter of the disc is, of course, " Where the Wild Things Are ", an all-time classic children's story, and the favorite of many children that grew up in the '60s, '70s, and '80s. I love Sendak's style of animation, which isn't full and overblown. Max is a tempermental little fellow that most children will be able to identify with. The Wild Things are both fascinating and repellant ( like many older relatives, which Sendak expounds further on in the extras feature ), and we all had a far-away place tucked into the back of our minds as children, where we could escape to when the parents came down on us. It's a wonderful tale, but the highlight is the muscial score & narration by Peter Schickele (who also is given the same duties for 'Night Kitchen'). The music sounds like it was made where the wild things are, and Schickele narrates with infectious enthusiasm, bringing life to the words, sounding as if he's telling his favorite story as well.

Chapter Two features 4 musical vignettes taken from the chidren's film 'Really Rosie'. The music was composed and performed by Carole King, and is fantasic. "Alligators All Around" is the best of the bunch, a joyous romp through the alphabet. 'Pierre', 'One Was Johnny', and 'Chicken Soup with Rice' are also fun little tunes the kiddies will enjoy.

The last chapter is 'In the Night Kitchen', an offbeat little story that strays from the norm. The tales centers around Mickey, who we eventually find out is responsible for delivering the milk which makes the morning cake.....it's a fun story, and you'll find your kids imitating the sounds of Mickey the Pilot's plane before you know it! Once again, Schickele brings a fitting score and enthusiastic narration.

If you have children, buy this disc. They'll love the animation, the music, and the wonderful narration. You won't be disappointed.

Description of Where the Wild Things Are and Other Maurice Sendak Stories (Scholastic Video Collection)

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (Music and narration by Peter Schickele): When Max is sent to bed without supper, he sails off to a world inhabited by weird creatures. He becomes the king of all wild things--until he misses his real home.

THE NUTSHELL KIDS (From The Nutshell Library): These charming poems set to music sing and dance through the alphabet, good manners, numbers, and the months of the year. Stories include Alligators All Around, Pierre, One Was Johnny, and Chicken Soup With Rice.

IN THE NIGHT KITCHEN (Narrated by Peter Schickele): Mickey is awakened by noises in the night. Who?s in the night kitchen making all the clatter?

DVD Features: Getting to Know Maurice Sendak; Spanish version of Where The Wild Things Are; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection