Rating: Summary: 2 stars comparatively to other Einstein videos Review: Although when you compare this video to the vast video selection out there, I would rate it higher, we've come to expect more from Einstein videos. It is unfortunate that Disney decided to change formats and puppets. Some of the footage of clouds and space are visually stimulating, but the video doesn't flow and lacks the personality that the other Einstein videos have in spades. I hope for the next production, they will go back to the old format, but if they do not, we will stop buying them.
Rating: Summary: Nice addition to the series Review: Ever since Disney's takeover, the old original Baby Einstein style is now just the skeleton of this latest addition to the series. The puppetry is completely different, kind of like "Johnny Quest" meets claymation. It's sort of odd to watch at first, but you will eventually get the hang of it (hey, it's for our kids, right?) It's the kind of jerky motion that you'd see in the old claymation cartoons. Well, I think I remember someone complaining about the bad puppetry in the previous Baby Neptune, they have definitely addressed this issue, for now they are moving with less of a sock-puppet feel and more of a marionette. (I kind of miss those sock-puppets!) It's disappointing to hear them use the same classical music as in the other DVDs, there are *some* new songs, but LOTS of recycled music. With all the beautiful classical music available, it's surprising that they didn't care to find different songs to fit the Galileo theme.You will also notice the backdrop to be dark. I think they are trying to hone in on the "night sky" feel / Galileo theme compared to the stark white backgrounds from before. It's as if it's been planned by some slick sophisticated advertising executive, it really has a different feel to it. With the puppet interludes in between various scenes, they use the same (if not completely identical) scene with Baby Galileo (who is a baby kangaroo) holding a balloon and letting it go. Over and over, at least 4 times! It was kind of neat in Baby Beethoven how they had varying scenes with the duck and the dog. If you have Baby Beethoven, you'll see what I mean. Well, all my criticisms are just MY criticisms. I think the real indicator of whether or not this is a hit is my 14 month old daughter! As with any new DVD, she's a little apprehensive and sometimes scared at first, but with multiple playings, this particular Baby Einstein has been as captivating as the rest of them. This also keeps her engaged, and I guess that's the opinion that really counts! If your child has enjoyed previous Baby Einstein videos, add this one on, they will be sure to enjoy it as well.
Rating: Summary: We loved it! Review: Well I'm sorry to all the reviewers that are pooh-poohing this DVD, but we really liked it. Our children range in age from 5 months to 4 1/2 years and all of them were captivated for the entire 30 minutes. There are beautiful and mezmerizing images of the sky, planets and stars and soothing music to watch it by. I recommend this for evening viewing when your little go-bots need to slow down for bedtime. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because it is somehow different from the earlier movies in the Baby Einstein series, and not in a way that we liked.
Rating: Summary: stick with the earlier baby einstein videos Review: My daughter absolutely loves the Baby Einstein video series, but not Baby Galileo. Hand puppets have been replaced by choppy computer animated puppets which are not visually appealing at all. Musical selections are a bore as well since they're repeats from older videos...
Rating: Summary: Not engaging, re-uses music from other videos Review: My two sons love the Baby Einstein series, but this latest is a disappointment. The heavy hand of Disney has pushed out the whimsy and catchy little visual/sound bits that so engaged my children. The stuffed puppets lack the flexibility to show any type of emotion, the visuals are unimaginative and dull, and the classical music pieces are too long and boring for small children. The combined effect causes the kids to lose attention and wander off instead of watching raptly as they do with the other Einstein videos. The music is a disappointment, since many of the pieces were already used in past videos--with the abundance of good classical music out there, it shouldn't have been too hard to use something new. For example, I am surprised that they didn't use a single selection from Holst's "the Planets"; it would seem a natural fit. The puppets in this video lack the appealing character, emotion and liveliness of other Baby Einstein videos--like the famous "Bla" dragon. In all, the video comes across as dull and far less creative than past videos. Really a disappointment. I would stick with the older ones, such as Baby Mozart, Baby Van Gogh, Baby Shakespeare, and Baby Dolittle. There was a reason that Julie Clark's videos were so successful initially, and it's a shame that Disney had to go and change it for the worst.
Rating: Summary: Mixed content for different ages Review: We have all the other DVD's in the series, and watch them regularly with our 2 year old. He seems to like this one, but in my opinion, it's not as good as the others. The new kangaroo puppets are out of proportion to each other as mother and child. The music is slow, and had me nodding off in places, and also uninspired, like when the little kangaroo is floating happily in outer space (wearing a plastic helmet) to "The Blue Danube Waltz". Important note: Remind your kids that they can't breathe with plastic over their heads. Remember that the intended audience is 9 months and up, and kids copy. The toys were repetitive, certain images kept coming up over and over again, and the filler skits were boring - little kangaroo lets go of balloon - over and over again. Every time they mention stars, you see windmills, every time they talk about planets or galaxies, you get spinning tops. The vintage robots and tin toys were nice, but the part my son enjoyed the most was the "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" segment. This DVD has toys (many of which were in other DVD's in the series)and bright colors for babies, and then it lists the planets in order, and shows galaxies, which is really for older children, and I'm confused as to which audience they are really trying to reach. Both will be bored at some point because of age inappropriate material. The pictures of the planets and galaxies, and the time sequences of sunsets and clouds make up for what is essentially a badly thought out concept. Buy it for the content that is appropriate to your child, but don't force them to sit through the other parts.
Rating: Summary: Carl Sagan's worst nightmare Review: Poor Carl is rolling over in his grave right now. This is basically a re-hash of the solar system episode of Cosmos, but grossly inaccurate. The solar system model is definately not to scale and saturn's rings are no more than a painted stripe. The depiction of the space shuttle being chased by an alien spaceship is irresponsible and just plain wrong. While two kangaroo puppets gaze skyward at an obvious blue screen, children of earth play with tops; completely oblivious to the erroneous representations of astronomy forced upon them. At one point, a kangaroo puppet takes an alleged space walk while wearing a clear bubble helmet, but no pressure suit or umbilical tether. This video must be exposed for the falsehoods it contains. Oh wait a minute.... I just read the appropriate age info....never mind.
Rating: Summary: VERY disappointing Review: I was (and I think I can say the same for my 17 month old daughter) VERY disappointed in this DVD. I was excited about playing this for her because she absolutely loves all the other Baby Einstein videos (even Baby Neptune, which is the first Disney made video). My daughter lost interest in this after the first two minutes. I kept watching it, hoping it would get better so I could draw her attention to it, but it was just painful. If your child somewhat loses interest in the other BE videos during the "downtime" (ie, slow music), do NOT purchase this video. The entire DVD is full of the slow, downtime music. I wish I could return it and get my money back. I will second-guess buying any more Disney made BE videos.
Rating: Summary: Another great one!! Review: My son has been watching Baby Einstein videos since he was 5 months old!! He is now 18 months and brings me a DVD when he wants to see one. He loves them!! And this one is really great with the stars and planets and fun music! I would also recommened "Baby Newton", Baby Van Gogh, and Baby Mozart"...my son's favorites, although he loves them all. And we own them all plus the books and CDS!
Rating: Summary: Baby Galileo Review: My son LOVES this dvd! Another hit for the Baby Einstein series!! I find this to be extremely educational & I can not believe how my active 22-month old will sit through this dvd! Definitely one of his favorites!
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