Even though we’ve ratcheted back the boys’ video viewing to about an hour a week, I was interested in reviewing “That Baby DVD.” From the website’s description it sounded like a creative and interesting concept: “colorful scenes of children at play, animation, nature, and puppets” set to “acoustic cover versions of songs by artists like Neil Diamond, Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, 10,000 Maniacs, Jonny Lang, The Pretenders, and more.” Definitely the antithesis of the ubiquitous Barney and the dreaded Doodle Bops.

Indeed, the video was unique and for the most part held the boys’ attention. I particularly liked the design of the first video “Happiness Runs/Circle Game.” “Brass in Pocket” is cute and engaging as well.

The boys responded most to the letter sequence and the kids playing in the park in “Sunday Sun.” None of us liked the first part of “When We Grow Up” where the puppets were singing to each other.

For me, the only real negative – and one that would keep me from listening to the accompanying soundtrack – is the selection of tunes. They’re just not what I would choose to listen to (with the exception of “Garden Song”) – and the boys didn’t find them engaging without the video.

If you’re into Neil Diamond and Joni Mitchell, though, I expect you would enjoy the music because the vocals are gorgeous and the arrangements are well-produced. But neither Jonathan nor I are big fans of this genre and Jonathan has specifically requested never to hear the song “Pony Boy” again in this lifetime.

(Check out the Parent Bloggers’ blog for more reviews of That Baby DVD. If you’d like to buy a copy yourself, use the coupon code PBN at That Baby DVD for 20% off your order!)