Where The Wild Things Are... and other Maurice Sendak stories [DVD]

This is one set of kids' songs I don't mind getting stuck in my brain. I really enjoy the Carole King music from "The Nutshell Kids" stories (One Was Johnny, Alligators All Around, Chicken Soup With Rice, etc.)"Where the Wild Things Are" is a classic, almost iconic story and with simple animation that preserves the integrity of Sendak's art. Watching the DVD reminds me of seeing films in school in the 1970's. Now, as a Mom, I see the story through different eyes and relate to it even more!"In the Night Kitchen" is pretty bizarre but I find it charming as well. I love the spoken word rhythm.Pairing this DVD with "The Nutshell Library" would be a terrific present for an early reader who could listen to the songs and then read the books. I am sure most kids would have read "Where The Wild Things Are" by then but "The Nutshell Library" is a worthy addition to any collection as well.

These are classic treasured stories, even the songs are classic! I am 48 yrs old and I remember seeing these short stories in kindergarten on the old school projector.I know my great nephew will enjoy them just as I did and my kids did;)

THE NUTSHELL KIDS!It is the second of three Sendak programs on this DVD, and it is adorable. In this segment, Sendak's prose has been put to music by Carole King, and the result is something your child will sing along to and ask for again and again.When my son was 3, he initially found the DVD version of "Where the Wild Things Are" a little scary, though he did not have that problem with the book. At 4 now, he loves all the programs...though his favorite remains The Nutshell Kids (One was Johnny, Alligators All Around, Chicken Soup with Rice, and Pierre).Overall, this is a wonderful, well-worth-the-price DVD to add to your kid's collection!

Those who are used to slick pixalated animation may be dissapointed and may not understand what these extraordinary and increasingly rare pieces offer. All three animations are so worthwhile and you'll be giving your child (or inner child!) a treat they deserve. Masterful visionary Maurice Sendak's artwork, Carol King's classic 70's sound and narrations by Peter Shickele [sp] (of PDQ Bach fame). Great stuff especially for baby boomers. My 3 and a half year old daughter dances around the living room to the crazy oompa/klesmerish music created for "In The Night Kitchen" and I couldn't be more delighted.

Son loves it. No scratches and arrived in great condition

This is by far one of the best childrens videos we have, right up there with Wallace and Gromit for holding kid interest while still being pleasant for grownups to hear/see over and over and... Another plus is that the animated versions of the stories don't at all spoil or change enjoyment of the books for me or for my little boy.I found the Wild Things short a little jarring at first, but that wore off, and it never bothered my son. All the other shorts we have all loved from the first viewing, and are always happy to see again. I find myself humming the Nutshell kids songs when the video isn't on!Another plus is that the stories and songs are witty, original and fantastical without being saccharine sweet. The portrayal of the characters is very upbeat, there is nothing violent, mean spirited or sexist, and no rapid editing.I'm sure any kid who would enjoy the books, would enjoy this video. A great addition to the video library of any parent who needs kid vids that they can enjoy too.

This is an excellent video for young children. The narrations for `Where the Wild Things Are' and `The Night Kitchen' are outstanding and so is the music. I will never read `Chicken Soup with Rice' again without hearing the song in my head.The short at the end with Maurice Sendak is an interesting snapshot of the author at the time it was made.About the quality of the recording: Remember this video was intended to be used after the book has been read (and reread hopefully) to your children. There are no CGI effects, it's mostly animated drawings from the books and since it looks like the DVD was made from converting the old Betamax version to DVD the quality is not digital so don't attempt to adjust you set that's just the way it is. The original sound recordings were analog too and it doesn't sound like it was a digital remix so the sound is not of digital quality either. Other than that, the quality of the DVD is good.A warning: The boy in the story The Night Kitchen is anatomically correct so don't be surprised when he loses his clothes and jumps into the milk. The story doesn't make an issue of it, it's just there. Today this might get an 'R' rating or at least a PG-13 for nudity.In summation: This is a great follow-up experience video for any child (or adult for that matter) who has read and loves the Sendak stories.

This is a great winding-down bedtime DVD. My 3 and 7 year-old boys watch this a couple times a week before bedtime then we read the book  Where the Wild Things Are . My favorite is "Alligators all around", theirs are "I don't care Pierre" and "Mickey and the morning cake." I highly recommend this DVD, especially over the video, it's easier to skip to your favorite part.

For those of you who might be confuse, this is not the recent Spike Jonze production which is an feature length film. I haven't even seen that one so can't compare. Though I gather that that one departs considerably from the book, for obvious reasons.This DVD is a collection of 1970s tv adaptations of Maurice Sendak's stories. Where the Wild Things Are is the 1973 version . It uses the original book drawings and partially animates them, bringing them very much to life. The dialogue is also exactly what is in the book, beautifully read, hence the whole thing is only about 10 mins long. And it is accompanied by very 1970s, very atmospheric, jazzy music. I love it. I think it's brilliant. But don't take my word for it. My two and a half year old, who was already a fan of the book, has wanted nothing else since he first saw it and spends his free time stomping around roaring "wild fings". A huge hit.The other book adaptations aren't quite as good but my little one also seems to enjoy them, particularly "Alligators all around" which is the alphabet book from "The Nutshell Kids" - although they missed a trick by not putting the letter by the image on each scene - and also Pierre. These have all been put to music by Carole King which is fantastic, but it's just that none of the other books are as good as the main event.

small Children and some adults will love this

It was great to find this collection in DVD format - it incorporates 'Where the Wild Things Are', 'In the Night Kitchen' and 'The Nutshell Kids'. It is suitable for all ages, if your child loves the book, they will love this! It uses the original text, too, so you can join in.For those of you who, like me, grew up in the 70's, this has a wonderfully nostaligic feel. 'In The Night Kitchen' (featuring an animated Laurel and Hardy) has a surreal, dreamlike quality, which is slightly disturbing, but Hey! Kids love it! (mine does, anyway...) 'The Nutshell Kids' is set to music, sung by Carole King.If you are expecting a slick production, you will be disappointed; this is a basic animation using Sendak's original illustrations. It's lack of polish adds to it's charm, though.The only disappointment with this particular DVD edition (I don't know if there are any others), is that it's not possible to dip in and out of 'The Nutshell Kids', there seems to be no 'scene selection' option.Apart from that, I thoroughly recommend it.

Where The Wild Things Are is so well produced on this DVD. The music adds a lyrical quality & we have enjoyed this so much watching it with our grandson. Some of the other stories on this DVD are not as good but it is worth buying it for Where The Wild Things Are.

Bought this for my three year old on recommendation and it was an instant hit.She was a bit taken aback by the scary looking wild things and the dramatic music the first time she watched it yet kept saying "again, again". She also loves the beautifully sung Nutshell kids stories and The Night Kitchen. This DVD is unlike anything else we've seen, its so enchanting and very original. Within a couple of days my daughter and I were singing along to "8 Aligators", "Pierre" and "Chicken soup with rice". We both love this DVD and I have even watched it on my own sometimes because I'm captivated by Carole King's beautiful singing which compliments the stories very well. Buy it, you won't regret it.