Barney: Let's go on Vacation DVD Review

I'll admit it. I like Barney. Had the character been around when I was 3, I would have been just as mesmerized by the songs, dancing, and good behavior. But the latest DVD release is not that good. It's not that the story, which is a compilation of new and old segments made into one episode, is bad. The adventure and lessons learned are great for little ones. It's just choppily done and seems hasitly produced.

First, the season featured on the DVD is not Summer, but Fall, complete with dying leaves on the ground and talk about cold weather. If HIT wanted a Cinco de Mayo or summer vacation theme for this mid-May release, perhaps it should have chosen a spring/summer theme. It feels out of place (of course, that'll change in four months).

The main story sends Barney and his playground friends off to Mexico for a summer vacation. They make new friends, and learn about the culture of the nation, complete with dance, music, treats and celebrations. There is some Spanish language spoken, but not in a way that would teach it. More like to familiarize young ears with the sound of the language, which is not a criticism. One needs to become familiar with the cadence to learn a language.

The episode ends, black screen shows, untitled bonus feature, which ends, and goes into another black screen followed by another untitled bonus feature. These are featured on the Main Menu to select individually.

Pack a Suitcase with Barney is humorous, but is not a lesson in smart packing for parents and kids. Barney can fit anything he wants into his suitcase!

One of the most useful features is Barney's Travel Checklist. The purple dinosaur reads a list of must takes that is also shown on the screen. Very handy for kids who would like to take some responsibility for preparing for vacation.

There are three Spanish Sing-Along Songs, which are pleasant.

To us, the highlight of the DVD was the Bonus Episode of Roary the Racing Car: Roary's Day at the Seaside. They are just a fun, noisy group, learning how to race and play fairly.

Barney : Let's Go on Vacation DVD

Barney: Let's go on Vacation Synopsis
Pack your bags and embark on a dino-mite musical vacation discovering a whole new world of fun when Barney: Let’s Go On Vacation travels exclusively to DVD on May 19, 2009 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Featuring fun stories never-before-seen on TV, Barney and his friends explore exotic new foods and meet exciting new people. The trip ultimately turns into a singing and dancing celebration of the differences and similarities between cultures. The group quickly learns that the things that matter most – family and friends –¬ are the same the world over. \

Source: Lionsgate Publicity.