Benjamin’s Farm

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C-     Main Programs: B-

 

 

A live action nature show with a twist has the title character exploring a world raising animals and plants in Benjamin’s Farm (2001), with Benjamin (Ezra Perlman, but voiced by Julie Lemieux, believe it or not) taking his time to go around and either explain or experience.  The approach is not explained, as the illusion is meant for kids, so try not to take a fit that you have been defrauded somehow.  This is meant to educate kids, something political correctness does the opposite of.

 

Despite this, this can be a charming show, as produced for Canadian TV and oddly not in the U.S. as it should be, until this DVD.  This is a high-quality show that gives child viewers (3 – 8 roughly, but more than suitable for any age above that) the chance to see animals and nature they experience far too little.  Some of this may come as a revelation to younger viewers, i.e., those who never think where food comes from before the supermarket or fast food restaurant.  For those who do have that idea, this expands on it, offering what is some of the newest simple technology ion raising cattle (for instance) when they are not being abused into overweightness, treated with hormones, and can barely walk.  The animals are NEVER abused in this show and that sends the right message.  The amin program runs a healthy 128 minutes long.

 

The full screen image is taped in the NTSC format and was done recently.  It looks consistent for a recent production and the masters are nice and clean.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is fine and has a bit of Pro Logic surround information, but nothing too important.  The only extra is a “fun facts” section that adds audio and cannot be forwarded like a normal segment, but that is it.  BFS has issued a solid children’s title that everyone with kids should pick up.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo