Little Tikes Land (Lionsgate DVD w/Toy Car)

 

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

 

 

Is it already 30 years since Little Tikes Land arrived as a franchise?  Cozy Coupe (a VW Beetle/Citroen 2CV-looking vehicle) has a front that is an integrated, friendly face and (though I was already too big and old to enjoy a kid-sized drive in one when this arrived) popular plastic toy ride that succeeded the Big Wheel (safer, plus Marx Toys went under) as that iconic vehicle for kids-only.  This new DVD not only has four episodic adventures, but includes a 2” toy version that you can wheel around like a Hot Wheels/Matchbox car.

 

The shows are amusing and child friendly, call on the child audience (the box says 2 and above for age group) to use their imagination and is not bad.  I have never seen these shows and did not know any had even been made, though I knew the franchise was alive in some form.  The shows are rewatchable for the age group and this is the first time they have been on DVD in any form apparently.

 

The 1.33 X 1 image is a bit soft with its basic computer animation, but has a consistent look and feel that is a plus, while the Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is simple and cleanly recorded.  Extras besides the little car include a sing-along section and interactive way to build your own vehicle.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo