Popular Mechanics For Kids Box Set

 

Picture: C+     Sound: B-     Extras: D     Episodes: B

 

 

When we last looked at Popular Mechanics For Kids, it was the Radical Rockets & Other Cool Cruising Machines single disc.  Now, Koch has grouped six titles together, including two more recent installments in a new box.  Since the last review, the news has been continuously grim about the decline in student grades, schools, education, research and development, patent filings and more.  When you go though a set like this, you realize none of that has to be the case.

 

All six discs are titled as follows:

 

Gators & Dragons and Other Wild Beasts

Radical Rockets & Other Cool Cruising Machines

Ripping-Roaring Roller Coasters and All Access To Fun

Super Sea Creatures and Awesome Ocean Adventures

Slither & Slime and Other Yucky Things

X-treme Sports & Other Action Adventures

 

 

Though the hosts have their energy sometimes out of their own control, the science and kinetic way it is shown is a plus.  Perhaps this is the way these days to get the attention of developing minds, though that is not necessarily make for the best possible show.  However, this is a solid series as it stands and after seeing some better shows than the single I started out with, I can see why it has achieved the critical accolades it has.  It deserves them.

 

The full frame 1.33 X 1 image on each DVD is from professional NTSC video, though there is the addition of archival film and tape throughout.  This is not bad and the sources are clean.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has just enough Pro Logic surround information to not be considered simple stereo, though the music score is sometimes too simple.  There are no extras, except weblinks to Koch and the magazine’s site, which is unfortunate, as more could have been offered on these discs.  The set is solid and recommended.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo