New Halloween DVDs for Kids and Families - 2009

On Blu-ray and DVD, the PG horror flick Coraline presents a terrifying story of a little girl who opens the door to a world that is too good to be true. When she rejects the tempting promises the other world offers, it begins to unravel faster than she can run away. Coraline is left to defend herself against the evil alone, but a young girl with such courage just might have a chance to make it out and save some others along the way. The movie may be rated PG, but is geared toward older kids (tweens and teens or adults) who don't mind a dark and disturbing fright. Don't let the animation fool you, preview the movie before you let your kids see it if you have any concerns, because this one is the stuff that kids' nightmares are made of.

Originally released in 1988, Daffy Duck’s Quackbusters contains vintage Looney Tunes shorts woven together with newer material into a feature-length film. The story follows Daffy Duck as he amuses the wealthy J.P. Cubish, who subsequently leaves a large portion of his estate to Daffy, as long as he agrees to use the money for good and be honest in business. Disgusted with the fact that his benefactor's ghost is making him keep the promise, Daffy opens the Ghouls 'R' Us Agency to aid others in getting rid of ghostly types and monsters. (Rated G, recommend ages 7+)

Nobody does fall fun like Wubbzy. With his child-like charm and enthusiasm, it's no wonder kids adore him, and they will also adore these fairly fright-free Halloween/fall-themed episodes on the Wubbzy Goes Boo! DVD:

• "Wubbzy’s Magical Mess Up"
• "Tea for Three"
• "Monster Madness"
• "The Last Leaf"
• "The Ghost of Wuzzleburg"
• "March of the Pumpkins"

Wubbzy is briefly frightened by his perception of monsters and ghosts in a couple of the episodes, so very young kids might share his concern during those scenes, but the spooks always turn out to be nothing. Fall leaves, fat pumpkins, and zany Halloween costumes allow kids to enjoy the Halloween season along with their Wuzzleburg pals at an age-appropriate level.

Based on the beloved books, each episode of The Berenstain Bears animated series brings a delightful and thoughtful story to life. The Berenstain Bears: Halloween Treats features fun episodes filled with great lessons for preschoolers and young elementary age kids.

We happen to have some of the books that inspired these episodes, so my kids loved watching the animated versions on this DVD. You might recognize stories such as: "Bust a Ghost," "The Spooky Old Mansion," or "The Missing Pumpkin." All seven episodes are fallish and/or spooky -- perfect for young kids at Halloween time. But, some very young children may get a bit frightened during a couple of the episodes with ghosts (who turn out to be bears playing tricks) or other such spooks.

Kids love the unique characters and funky beats on the TV series Yo Gabba Gabba!. The Halloween-themed episode on the Yo Gabba Gabba: Halloween! DVD lets young kids enjoy Halloween fun without the fright, and features these new songs in the shows signature musical style: “The Fall Song,” “Halloween Party Song,” “Trick or Treat Song,” and “Too Much Candy.” Kids learn about the fall/Halloween season, and as with other Yo Gabba Gabba! episodes, there is also a valuable life lesson -- don't eat too much candy!

HIT releases so many DVD compilations it's almost hard to keep track, but they are great bacause they give kids episodes from a variety of shows. The seasonally themed releases are especially fun and give preschoolers options for holiday viewing at their level. Trick or Treat Tales features the following episodes from HIT TV series:

• Thomas & Friends: "Flour Power"
• Barney: "Guess Who?"
• Bob the Builder: "Trix's Pumpkin Pie"
• Fifi and the Flowertots: "Pirate Primrose"
• Angelina Ballerina: "The costume Ball"
• Fireman Sam: "Cat Magic"

From the Oscar-Winning Creators of Wallace & Gromit, the Shaun the Sheep series follows Shaun, the sheep with a plan, and his barnyard pals: Shirley, Timmy and those Naughty Pigs. Little Sheep of Horrors contains 6 "spooky stories" from the series:

• "Little Sheep of Horrors"
• "Abracadabra"
• "Things That Go Bump"
• "Heavy Metal Shaun"
• "Troublesom Tractor"
• "Sheepwalking"