PLEASE NOTE: Michael D's is currently in READ ONLY MODE. Anything submitted will simply not be written to the database.
Lots of stuff is still broken, but at least reviews can now be looked up and read.
PLEASE NOTE: Michael D's is currently in READ ONLY MODE. Anything submitted will simply not be written to the database.
Lots of stuff is still broken, but at least reviews can now be looked up and read.
Little Things, The-Volume 3-A Guide to Kids 6-12 Years Old (2005)

Little Things, The-Volume 3-A Guide to Kids 6-12 Years Old (2005)

If you create a user account, you can add your own review of this DVD
Released 7-Jul-2005
Cover Art

This review is sponsored by

BUY IT

Details At A Glance

General		Extras
Category	Documentary	Main Menu Audio
Rating
Year Of Production	2005
Running Time	191:52 (Case: 189)
RSDL / Flipper	Dual Layered	Cast & Crew
Start Up	Menu	Cast & Crew
Region Coding	1,2,3,4,5,6	Directed By	None Given
Studio Distributor	Roadshow Home Entertainment	Starring	Antonia Kidman
Case	Amaray-Transparent-Secure Clip	Starring	Antonia Kidman
RPI	$19.95	Music	None Given

Video		Audio
Pan & Scan/Full Frame	None	English Dolby Digital 2.0 (224Kb/s)
Widescreen Aspect Ratio	1.78:1
16x9 Enhancement
Video Format	576i (PAL)
Original Aspect Ratio	1.78:1	Miscellaneous
Jacket Pictures	No	Miscellaneous
Subtitles	None	Smoking	No
		Annoying Product Placement	Yes
		Action In or After Credits	No

NOTE: The Profanity Filter is ON. Turn it off here.

Plot Synopsis

The Little Things is a television show made locally for Foxtel specifically for their women's channel, W. So far there have been three series of the show, all hosted by Antonia Kidman, Nicole's younger sister. The show is an informative and down-to-earth show about parenting, its challenges, rewards and incredible learning curve. As the parents of two young boys, my wife and I found this an interesting and entertaining series which is broad rather than deep in terms of its coverage. It is meant to be a light information and entertainment show rather than a medical or psychological documentary on parenting. Each of the three series has been released on a separate disc and this is the last of them, Children - 6 - 12 Years Old. The disc is separated into episodes each of approximately 24 minutes in length. This particular disc includes 8 episodes. As a presenter Antonia Kidman does quite a reasonable job and approaches issues from the perspective of an interested parent asking the questions rather than trying to appear to be the expert. The show includes interviews with celebrities, experts and normal parents and also includes information about available resources such as books, websites and other services. Some of these things smack of product placement but generally it is well handled. The only criticism I would make of the series technically is that white on-screen text on yellow backgrounds is hard to make out. This colour combination is used regularly.

The episodes included here are:

Keep 'em Busy - Unstructured play, imagination, socialisation skills, books and reading, boredom, monitoring TV/internet, martial arts.
School Daze - Primary school, homework, boys and learning, choice of schools, sports, bullying, camps, before and after school care.
Staying Alive - Sex education, sexual predators, health issues, dental care, tidiness, drugs & alcohol, road safety.
Oh Behave! - discipline methods, temper issues, imitation, ADHD, anxiety, sleep, bet wetting, sibling rivalry.
Food, Glorious Food - healthy eating habits, allergies, intolerances, canteens, eating disorders, cooking.
All in the Family - Importance of family, changes in families, holidays, grandparents, conflicts.
Taking Charge - Different interests of boys & girls, independence, value of money, advertising and pester power, Kids Helpline, pets.
What About Us?- Coping with a busy family life, going back to work, divorce, retaining intimacy, romantic dinners.

A very worthwhile series for parents of pre-teens.

Don't wish to see plot synopses in the future? Change your configuration.

Transfer Quality

Video

The video quality is very good.

The feature is presented in a 1.78:1 aspect ratio 16x9 enhanced which is probably the original aspect ratio.

The picture was very clear and sharp throughout, with no evidence of low level noise. Shadow detail was very good but rarely required. There was light grain throughout.

The colour was wonderful, rich and solid throughout.

The only noticeable artefact was aliasing which occurred regularly but was always mild.

There are no subtitles.

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

Audio

The audio quality is fine.

This DVD contains an English Dolby Digital 2.0 stereo soundtrack encoded at 224 Kb/s.

Dialogue was clear and easy to understand and there was no problem with audio sync.

The theme song becomes annoying after a few episodes but this is a minor criticism.

The surround speakers and subwoofer were not used.

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

Extras

None.

R4 vs R1

NOTE: To view non-R4 releases, your equipment needs to be multi-zone compatible and usually also NTSC compatible.

This series does not seem to be available in other regions.

Summary

An informative television series about parenting of children in the 6 - 12 age group.