So Smart!-Volume 2: Colours (1998)

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General		Extras
Category	Childrens	None
Rating
Year Of Production	1998
Running Time	26:11 (Case: 30)
RSDL / Flipper	No/No	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Ads Then Menu
Region Coding	1,2,3,4,5,6	Directed By	Scott Tornek Ed Kang
Studio Distributor	Baby School Company Roadshow Home Entertainment	Starring	Alexandra Tornek
Case	Amaray-Transparent-Secure Clip
RPI	$19.95	Music	Bryan Daste Steve Johnston

    Colours is the second So Smart! DVD to be released in Region 4, and reading back over my review of Shapes I was pretty impressed with the simplicity of the program and the effectiveness of the animation. While it bears a similar label and animation, Colours is quite a different step in many respects. Firstly, rather than use familiar classical music, Colours uses some original pieces of music that blend stringed instruments and midi-style electronic backing. Another difference that is apparent from the outset is the use of a female narrator as storyteller. The cover states that this disc is aimed at the same age group (12-36 months), but I would suggest around 24 months as an ideal target for this DVD.

    Shapes is a big hit in my household and the family was excited to hear I was going to review Colours. My obligatory and charismatic co-reviewer enjoyed this DVD immensely (she is thirty-two months old at the time of writing) and loved pointing out the colours, animals and objects to me. There was never a dull moment, to be honest. It is certainly a DVD that deserves to be experienced with parent and child together, so the learning can be shared.

    Below is a quote from my Shapes review, and the same applies here:

    My other half is in full agreement that this is an outstanding DVD learning tool for babies, and is highly recommended for new parents. Next time you want to buy a gift for a friend with a new baby, instead of getting bath products or lame clothes buy them this DVD - they'll thank you later.

    If you would like to learn more about the So Smart Production Company and their range of products, their website is a very well presented resource for parents and details all the theories behind their programs.

    While it is somewhat different to the first DVD, this second So Smart! disc proves yet again that a worthwhile children's program doesn't need all the bells, whistles and collectable action figures in order to be an effective and entertaining learning tool.

Video

    The video transfer is presented in 1.33:1, full frame.

    This is an acceptable transfer with no major issues to report. Colouring is very bold and free of any bleeding or rendering inconsistencies. The image is not especially sharp and has interleaving issues so it is most likely derived from an analogue NTSC master tape. There is no compression artefacting visible.

    The animation is smooth and pleasing to the eye. I imagine young babies would be mesmerized by the colours and movement.

    There are no English subtitles provided on this single layered disc.

Video Ratings Summary

Sharpness
Shadow Detail
Colour
Grain/Pixelization
Film-To-Video Artefacts
Film Artefacts
Overall

Audio

    There is only one soundtrack included; English Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo encoded at 256Kb/s.

    The soundtrack has a nice degree of depth and is easy to listen to. The English narration is by Alexandra Tornek, who also happens to be the program's art director. Audio sync is not an issue here.

    I didn't notice any dedicated panning from left to right, but the soundtrack is certainly lively and clear enough to keep the viewer interested.

    There is obviously no dedicated LFE channel or surround activity in this stereo soundtrack.

Audio Ratings Summary

Dialogue
Audio Sync
Clicks/Pops/Dropouts
Surround Channel Use
Subwoofer
Overall

    None. The single menu page is static and silent.

    The video transfer is sourced from an NTSC master.

    The audio transfer is good.

    There are no extras.

Video
Audio
Extras
Plot
Overall