Storybook International Collection 10 Disc Set

Product Description Product Details Actors: Storybook International Format: Box set, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC Language: English Region: All Regions Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1 Number of discs: 10 Rating: G Studio: Starmaker II DVD Release Date: March 25, 2006 Run Time: 1560 minutes This ageless series, available for the first time on DVD, features 65 folktales gathered from around the globe. Watch stories of mistaken identities, impossible tasks, clever tricks and romantic adventures set in various cultures. The traditional narratives have been wonderfully adapted and filmed on locations scattered around the world using native performers. With their messages of hope and perseverance, these best-loved tales from far away lands will entertain viewers of all ages. Shot all across the globe from Russia to Ireland, India to Scandinavia — Storybook International provides hours of enjoyment for children both young and old. As the New York Times has said, these “lavishly produced” tales are “the equivalent of good library books” and the “perfect distraction for a rainy afternoon.” Exotic locations and breathtaking cinematography transport viewers into faraway lands they could only imagine and will want to visit time and time again, providing a refreshing air of authenticity rarely found in filmed fairy tales. With something for everyone, these 65 tales in a 10 DVD set are a wonderful mix of humor, action and romance and will teach viewers about family values and morals as well as giving them insight into a multitude of different cultures. This critically-acclaimed series has become an important part of many school curriculums and its lessons will be sure to stay with children years later. Review 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful: Wow, April 30, 2007 By Thomas H. Ayers (Bowie, MD United States) – See all my reviews I came across this title unexpectedly and, based on the previous two reviews, decided to give it a shot. This set of 10 DVDs covers 65 folktales from around the world, and each episode is filmed on location and acted by indigenous actors. Our reaction: We watched our first episode tonight. After a lovely song introducing the series, we watch A Hundred Cattle from Africa. My kids loved it and were very intrigued by the people, their way of life, and how they handled problems. This particular story was narrated, and the narrator spoke the actors’ parts as the actors, through facial expressions and gestures, illustrated the story. The overall effect felt like being read to as the book’s pictures came to life. I suspect all of the episodes are done this way. What You Get: The boxed set consists of two cases, each containing five discs which are stacked on top of each other. I’ve never seen DVDs packaged this way before. I’m tempted to buy thin cases to hold each DVD separately to avoid damage. Also, the set contained a loose disc to replace disc 5 from volume 1. I’m not sure why – I presume it replaces a defective disc. I’m glad they corrected the problem before I found out about it the hard way! The shows are over twenty years old, but the picture and sound are acceptable. Warning: I bought this used on Amazon without ANY problem. However, while researching this title, I discovered that some dealers are confusing “The Ugly Duckling” with Storybook International – perhaps because of similar UPC codes? Beware of prices below $15, because you might get “The Ugly Duckling” instead of this – ask before buying. I paid under $30 for this set and got what I paid for–I’m pleased with my purchase. Based on one episode, I think this set of folktales is an amazing value. My children are looking forward to seeing more episodes–and so am I! –Thomas H. Ayers (Bowie, MD United States) 61 of 63 people found the following review helpful: Excellent Series, March 29, 2006 By Heidi Anne Heiner (SurLaLune Fairy Tales.com) – See all my reviews Having never viewed this series when it originally aired, I had the privilege of viewing it while the DVDs were in preproduction. The large variety of tales from all over the world is impressive. I also didn’t expect the episodes to be so entertaining or well-produced considering native speakers and actors were used to film each tale in the land it came from. This is the most comprehensive and collection of folktales on film for family viewing to date. It is also highly recommended for public libraries and similar collections. With 65 episodes, it is also reasonably priced. In the end, this series is entertaining and educational. –Heidi Anne Heiner (SurLaLune Fairy Tales.com) 11 of 12 people found the following review helpful: Simply wonderful, May 24, 2006 By G. A. Guerra “nycmug” (New York, NY USA) – See all my reviews This is a beautifully told, engaging series for young and old. My husband and I watch together with our 9 year old daughter and 4 year old son; we all look forward to each episode. They are delightfully staged — haven’t found a clunker yet! I love having my