I had just had my first child when Strawberry Shortcake her big comeback. I was so excited to see my childhood favorites on store shelves, and I couldn't wait to introduce them to my daughter (She is now more of a fan of Strawberry than I was). There are so many classic TV shows that we loved as kids, and now, many have made a comeback (yes, I did see plush Smurf dolls on the shelves in Toys-R-Us last month) or are at least available on DVD. Here are some of the great DVDs sets that have recently become available. If your personal fav. from yesteryear is not on here, email me and let me know what it is.
1. Fraggle Rock (1983 - 1987)
Photo © HIT Entertainment
"Dance your cares away. Worries for another day..." I can still sing the whole Fraggle Rock theme song, and some of the songs from individual episodes too. I loved this show as a kid, because the underground world of the Fraggles was so exciting and unique. From the tiny Doozers to the gigantic Gorgs, the world of Fraggle Rock is full of imagination and whimsy. I watched some episodes with my kids, and they are into Fraggles now too. Finally, they understand what I'm talking about when I say it looks like they have Fraggle hairdos. The 25th Anniversary Complete Collection set offers the entire series -- all four seasons -- and over two hours of bonus features. NR. Ages 3+.
2. The Flintstones (1960 - 1966)
Photo © Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
So, this one originally aired before my time, but it was on TV constantly throughout my childhood. I loved it, but I especially loved Pebbles and Bam Bam. The Flintstones' interesting epitomization of family life stands out as a commentary on the times, but of course, kids just see the cartoon as a funny animation about the stone age. The colorful animation and funny dino contraptions are as much of a hit with kids today as they have been for the last 40 years. The show is not on TV as often now, though, so if you want to share this oldie but goodie with your kids, the complete series is available on DVD.
3. The Smurfs (1981 - 1990)
Photo © Warner Bros. Home Entertainment
"La la la la la la, la la la la la..." What a theme song. The Smurfs were wildly popular in the 80s and 90s, and there are credible rumors of a CG movie, or three, in the not-to-distant future; so a major comeback may be on the horizon. Wouldn't that be smurfy? Season 1 Volume 1 (pictured) and Season 1 Volume 2 (Compare prices) are now available on DVD. I really hope WB starts pumping these out at least one season per DVD. Come on, I don't think people want to buy multiple volumes for each season, and then have to buy the box set when that is released in who knows how many years.
4. The Jetsons (1960s, 1980s)
Photo © Turner Home Video
Produced in the 1960s, Season 1 of this funny cartoon about a futuristic family stayed popular for so long, that new episodes were subsequently produced in the 1980s. Also available on DVD, The Jetsons: Season 2, Volume 1 (Compare prices) includes the 21 episodes broadcast between 1984 and 1985.
We loved The Jetsons as kids, and kids still love them today; but now that we live in "the future," were the creators of The Jetsons able to predict what life is like? Well, we do have video conferencing, but I am still waiting for my "Rosie"!
