Free to Be You and Me

Rating:
Summary: A Parents Must Have
Review: This movie was such a positive influence on my life growing up.I have the cd and now I will be buying the dvd .It is a wonderful movie that deals with so many problems that occur in every day life for children. It is an upbeat and fun way to learn how to feel good about yourself as a child. I have been searching for the show since I had my first child. I am so happy they are re-releasing it. My son loved it when he saw it on television and he is 6. Thank you amazon for having this movie !

Rating:
Summary: Great for kids of all ages!
Review: This video is from the early 70's but is still very timely. Through live action and animation, humor and music, the cast examines individuality, stereotypes, tolerance, and respect for others. I've given copies to the kids in my life ever since it became available on video and I've got a new list all ready for the re-release.

Rating:
Summary: Highly creative musical celebration of human diversity.
Review: Through stories and song, actors and cartoon characters,this 1974 production encourages children to respect and appreciate diversity in gender,race and various ages without resorting to stereotypes. This lighthearted celebration of being human was timely and unique when it was first released and it continues to have value as well as appeal for children of all ages. My children loved it and wore out the first recording we owned; now their children "know it by heart." Free to Be You and Me has been an excellent tool for introducing and reinforcing positive attitudes about their peers for students in my multicultural second grade class. Happily, the stories and music are still available in print and on tape and CD, but only on the video is it possible to see Rosie Greer singing "It's Allright to Cry" or to see the teenaged Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin singing "When I Grow Up."

Rating:
Summary: Great for its time, but now too dated
Review: Very few kids who grew up in the seventies didn't have the pleasure of viewing this tape in school, the library, or on television. We loved and learned the lyrics, the characters, and the lessons. It was so cutting edge for its time ~ boys playing with dolls, girls growing up to be firefighters, etc. Nowadays, our kids are weaned on computers, GameBoy, motor scooters and cell phones. Though we pray for acceptance, it's not always easy to teach our kids today. Watching this video with a child today probably won't have the same positive effect it did 3 decades ago, but they might still enjoy the stories. The stars are filled with talent, i.e. Mel Brooks, Marlo Thomas, Alan Alda, and sickeningly enough, a young and innocent Michael Jackson before his transformation. I still remember the words to each song, especially Rosie Grier's gentle, "It's Alright to Cry" and of course the title song, "Free to Be You & Me." I think this still belongs in a classroom, just not sure it will make as great an impact today as when it was released.

Rating:
Summary: warms the heart
Review: When the cd was released I was ecstatic. Just like so many others, this stuff stuck with me all of my life. It is so heart-felt, so honest, so idealistic in a way that is actually humanly possible! It's the kind of idealism that nourishes a child well. So much has changed in the world, but I was glad to be reminded of that soft center that had been cultivated within me in my childhood and which I associated to completely with this music. Everytime I hear it, honest to God and I feel slightly embarassed about this, I kind of always want to cry. Great funk influences, great folk influences, terrific Diana Ross track, a few really funny pieces, and SO RETRO!!!! Honestly, there is alot to make this valuable to so many different people. So many generations. I keep wondering when I'm going to hear some of it sampled in some spaced out electronica. Lovers of Free to Be and liberal ideals unite!