Holly Hobbie & Friends – Fabulous Fashion Show, Volume One (Sony Wonder DVD)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C     Extras: C+     Main Program: C

 

 

In the mid-1970s, Holly Hobbie became one of the popular doll series for young ladies, was a hit, helped put Knickerbocker Toys on the map for a new generation and became a somewhat upscale hit answer/companion to Raggedy Ann & Andy.  Top selling books and greeting cards followed, but the character lost steam by the late 1980s.  Knickerbocker was bought by Lionel Trains and their bankruptcy reorganization closed the toy division, while Holly Hobbie went the way of nostalgia.  Now, she’s back.

 

Instead of being stylized in the clothes of yesteryear, the new Holly still has a fun style that seems like 1970s retro to some extent and as joined by some female friends, is ready for a Fabulous Fashion Show in this new DVD release from Sony Wonder.

 

The show is good, child-safe, young lady safe, quiet, pleasant, simple presentation that does manage to capture the spirit of the original version.  Now, the original Holly would seem a candidate for a Jane Austin revival (though please know that I am not suggesting that) the new one seems more like a step forward or even Bratz-like without being so trendy and gaudy.  Whether this will be built into a big relaunch is another story, but it is fine for what it is, if not outstanding or very memorable.  However, some young ladies ay simply disagree.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image looks good, if not great, with its simple animation and decent color, though some minor errors can be found throughout the transfer.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is weak and too low for my tastes, but that may be intentional, but you could almost believe this is older than it is from the level.  The only extras are two songs with sing-a-long options and a game that allows you to “dress” the three main characters.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo