Bear in the Big Blue House, Vol. 1 - Home Is Where the Bear Is / What's in the Mail Today [VHS]

I have to say as a mother of an 18 month old daughter, I am VERY VERY pleased with Bear In The Big Blue House. This is has everything you would want out of a children's show and more. This is NOT a show that you just put your child in front of to get them out of your hair. Children REALLY learn things, and watch out YOU may become addicted to them too. I believe that the success if this show is due to 1) It's a Jim Henson production. I grew up with Fraggle Rock that was also done by Henson, so I know how successful and talented he was, and his production company is doing an excellent job in carrying on his legacy. 2) The array of characters, and their names. There's Treelo, Ojo, Pip, Pop, Tutter, and of course Bear among others that show up now and then. 3) Their story lineup. Every show consists of the opening song, and a sniff or two by Bear (which your child will soon pick up like mine did. When she sniffs I know it's time to watch Bear!), then a main idea that usually includes all of the characters. Then he will search for Shadow by singing a song, and then she will magically appear on the wall, who then usually tells a story, sings a song or both. At the end, he goes and tells Luna the moon about his day and everything that they learned. Then they sing a closing song that is very catchy. That brings me to the 4th reason,the music. The music is the most catching, and pretty music I have heard (Listen to the Shadow song that Shadow sings in the Episode "Early To Bed, Early To Rise" and you'll know what I mean). My daughter always dances to the great songs. I'm telling you as a parent, PLEASE give Bear In The Big Blue House a try. You and your child will REALLY enjoy it!

This is the first-ever "Bear in the Big Blue House" video release and it's definitely a winner. It contains the show's very first episode --- "Home is Where the Bear Is" and another great episode, "What's in the Mail, Today?"In the first episode, viewers meet Bear and all of his friends in the Big Blue House. You'll get to know Ojo, Tutter, Treelo, Pip and Pop and just what their favorite places in the Big Blue House are. This episode has two great songs --- "It's Great to Be at Home" and "There's No Place Like My Bedroom."The second episode is all about the mail. Pip and Pop are disappointed when they don't receive any, but they end up being letter carriers. Bear sings a song about the mail and later, Tutter (with Bear) sings a very touching song about his Grandma.Warm and inviting, this video is still perfect years after it was released. Now if only they would put it on DVD...

Bear in the Big Blue House is by far the most well-rounded, entertaining show for toddlers - and their grown-ups - I have ever seen. We grew up watching Sesame Street and the Muppet Show, and this extension of the Henson family creativity is fabulous! Parents will enjoy Bear's intelligence, patience and sense of humor, while their little ones will be spellbound as they learn important lessons. Round up the kids (young and old) press the play button, and prepare for a whole new experience in children's programming!

My 2-1/2 year old son loves bear! He sings the songs, does the dances, and enjoys looking for Luna every night now! I can tell he listens, and we discuss the shows, too. He doesn't "zone out" when watching these shows. He loves to join in with them. AND... It's not so bad to watch as an adult - it's definitely a 200% improvement over watching Teletubbies! Bear teaches great morals and behaviors, such as cleaning up, taking a bath, enjoying outside, sharing, friendships, and love. NO VIOLENCE, No Bad Behavior (no throwing toys, etc...) Just a great Positive message!

This video introduces the cast and set for the Blue House series and plods along with a weak plot to do this. The songs are also below average, with the "What's in the Mail Today?" song being particularly annoying for many younger children (uses "blue" notes). No real learning takes place for the children, except for the "Dear Gramma Flutter" song (the only strong part of the entire video). A "good" video overall, but not worthy of the rest of the series. The kids NEVER request to see this one.

The content of Bear in the Big Blue House #1 is great, but beware of the questionable quality of the tape. I bought this VHS tape to replace a tape I borrowed from a friend, that my 2 year old son damaged. The friend's copy (black label, with same information as the Amazon Tape) had an excellent picture quality and sound. The tape I bought from Amazon.ca had a different label (white), and much less tape. The quality of the picture was of very poor quality, compared to my friend's copy. Buyer beware!

This video is excellent for young children. My son is just a little over 2 years old and this video holds his attention. He likes the music and it teaches basic concepts which are not over his head.