Olivia
(2009/Nickelodeon/Paramount DVD)
Picture:
C+ Sound: C+ Extras: C- Episodes: C+
From the
U.K., this computer animated series is surprisingly child friendly, with Olivia being a pig and part of a group
of pigs that live and play together.
Though missing a subtitle or volume number, this single DVD debut
release from Nickelodeon (who have wisely picked it up) has four episodes and
is very charming.
The
actual animation may not be spectacular, but it is full and consistent,
pleasant and storybook-like in nature.
The show is designed to deal with the title character and her friends
dealing with the outside world. This is
so good, maybe this will become the next big child-market hit if we are lucky,
but the DVD is a welcome release and proof the network is serious about its
young audience.
The 1.33
X 1 image is not bad, despite the simplicity of the animation, there are hardly
any aliasing errors and the color is consistent. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo is a nice new
set of recordings that are clean and clear, yet gentle for the target
audience. Stills and previews for other
Nick DVDs are the only extras, but a follow-up DVD should offer much more.
- Nicholas Sheffo
