THE PLOT THUS FAR
WHAT WE THOUGHT
“Dinosaur Train” follows the adventures of The Conductor and some Dinosaur kids. They learn all about Earth Science and try to find new ways to appreciate plant life. They zipline and soar through the clouds, as the rainforest unfurls underneath them. There’s tons of great visuals, but I’m not sure of the long-term value to your kids. After all, how many kids watch a program and talk about the visuals?
I like the work that the Jim Henson Company is undertaking here. That being said, it’s obviously on the lower end of their output. Henson and PBS go hand-in-hand since the late 60s. That being said, I just wish we got more of that proud legacy here than another kiddie show covering the same basic science tenets. Science is important, but we need something more than a couple of cartoon characters plotzing around and spitting out facts. If that’s all the kids want, then I hope PBS is willing to pick up my show for the Fall of 2014. Common Core Congress of Kids: Education Schmeducation!
The DVD comes with coloring pages, activities and Dr. Scott’s segments as the special features. The A/V Quality is on par for a PBS kiddie show. Still, I wish we would get more of these releases in HD. But, I guess physical media is dying. In the end, I’d recommend a purchase to the curious.
RELEASE DATE: 06/10/2014