Dolphins & Orcas

Rating:
Summary: Nice for a lazy afternoon
Review: I bought this video thinking it would be more like a documentary on dolphins and orcas, however I was sort of disappointed to find that it was not. It is a 30 minute long video that cut up into 5 parts. Part 1-Spotted Dolphins, Part 2-Pilot Whales, Part 3 Spotted Dolphins (again), Part 4-Orcas, and Part 5-Delphinidae-A Medley.

The video sports beautiful images of dolphins and orcas, however the whole thing is in slow motion. This is good for getting a good look at how the animals are moving and watching their behavior, but it gets old fast.

The music played during each sequence is soft and enjoyable leaving the viewer relaxed, so that is a plus. On the flip side, a little narration or some background on the animals would also have been helpful and appreciated.

All in all, it is a nice video and I watch it from time to time, but I would not go recommending that people buy it. I would recommend renting or borrowing this from a friend rather than buying it unless you would prefer to just watch the slow swimming of the dolphins and orcas to low, calming music.

Rating:
Summary: Longlasting enjoyability
Review: We purchased this as a video when our children where 3, 2, and 1. It was a favorite right from the start. We all loved the music and everyone enjoyed a wonderful half hour of quiet as we enjoyed each segment of the video.

Although you learn some of the scientific names of the creatures as they're introduced in each segment, the focus isn't so much to educate as to help facilitate a connection with these wonderful creatures of the ocean. I also think it helped foster within them the knowledge that there are many ways to create "art" through it's visual imagery and musical compostion.

As a Mom I enjoyed the peace (and it was a nice break) when they were younger. Now the benefits are seen in their appreciation of animals and also of a variety of musical forms.

I highly recommend this video. Though My children are now nearly all teenagers it's still one that we pull out from time to time and enjoy all over again.