On March 2, 2010, Veggie Tales presents its newest family DVD release, Pistachio: The Little Boy that Woodn’t. This video teaches children the value of listening to their parents. With new opening song illustrations, “Extreme Re-do” Qwerty the computer, and a fun video letter, this Veggie Tales video is the dawn of a new age for Big Idea Productions.

The story of Pistachio replicates, like many other Veggie Tales videos,  another familiar story, in this case the story of Pinocchio. Much likePinocchio, there is a lonely toy maker (with an insect assistant), who carves the main character from wood, only for that character to encounter several temptations, deviations, and lies just like Pinocchio himself.

Pistachio plays on the idea that the original tale of Pinocchio is Italian by naming the Geppetto character Gelato, a form of Italian ice cream and illustrating Gelato’s brothers to look like famous Italian actors. I think it adds some fun for the adults watching.Some other fun parts of this film are when Gelato takes in three motherless ducklings and teaches them just like he would teach children. Gelato, instead of having a cricket like Geppetto does in the tale of Pinocchio, has a caterpillar named Cricket, which is an ongoing theme throughout Pistachio that’s a source of amusement.

In case you don’t already know, every Veggie Tales movie features an intermission, which is the “Silly Songs” part of the show. This DVD’s “Silly Song” episode is Obscure Broadway Show Tunes from the mock “hit show” Office Supplies: Where Have all the Staplers Gone?

Being a huge Veggie Tales fan I can tell you that 99.9% of their videos are completely kid friendly; there is one section at the end of this segment showing a “scary stapler” with big teeth that may frighten smaller children, something adults may want to look out for.

Aside from the two-second scare, this Veggie Tales movie touches on some great lessons, the main lesson being that listening to your parents is a good idea.

Gelato the toy maker tells Pistachio the parable of the shepherd who left his 99 sheep to retrieve the one sheep that had gone astray. Pistachio remembers this story after being defiant while at the carnival with the two villans, Confetti the Fox and Purina the cat. Soon after, Pistachio realizes that Gelato loves him and that he should have listened to his father in the first place.

After an adventure filled with puppets, ducklings, a whale, and a blue fairy, the wholesome messages shine through. If you’re looking for a virtuous family movie with lots of laughs and great animation Pistachio: The Little Boy that Woodn’t is one you’ll want to add to your collection.

Click Here to view the Family Fun Guide with games and activities that go along with this great movie!

What’s your favorite Veggie Tales movie?

The story of Saint Nicholas comes to life in this fun Veggie Tales movie: Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving. From start to finish this film was a great movie on so many levels.

As holiday cheer is spreading through the town, everyone is excited about their own Christmas plans and gifts. Unfortunately, Laura the Carrot and her family may not have a Christmas at all. All of the Veggies try to think of ideas to help out, but Bob the Tomato, in usual Veggie Tales fashion has a great lesson/story to share. So off Bob and Larry go “back in time,” to tell the story of Saint Nicholas.

I was very interested to see how this animated film aligned with the history of Saint Nick. I had never heard the full story myself, only bits and pieces so it was very interesting for me to watch and learn. Plus it’s always great to learn about other cultures and their versions of Santa.

From his Greek fisherman heritage to his reputation of secret gift-giving, the story replicates history and the legend of Saint Nicholas. Some of the characters and side storylines have been changed to fit a children’s cartoon, but the essential message that giving is truly important remains throughout. They give to others because they are happy.

This film has an inclusive tone that invites you to journey Saint Nicholas as he searches parts of the world to find true happiness. Songs, fun references, and some jokes that adults would appreciate keep his adventures lively. As Saint Nicholas changes costume styles and finds himself, you see him grow more from Nicholas to the Santa Claus we know and love.

In the end the Veggie townspeople listen to Bob’s story caught onto the Saint Nicholas spirit, some of them giving up things they’d been excited for, to give Laura and her family a Christmas they didn’t think was possible.

Little Miss A loved the incorporations of traditional Christmas carols (Gloria for one), with fun, original songs and lyrics that Big Idea Productions is known for creating. Our favorite song was the “Silly Song” aka movie’s intermission, aka a break for kids who can’t sit still, “Donuts for Benny.” Where a tender song turns into a hyper donut-loving doggy dancing and singing crazily. It really was quite funny see for yourself:

Big Idea Production did a wonderful job illustrating this great Christmas tale. You’ll see all of your favorite Veggie Tales characters, and a few new faces in great color and quality picture. The detailing that they put into even the smallest pieces really make this movie stand out.

Another great feature on Veggie Tales – Saint Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving are the “Give This Christmas Away” song with Matthew West and Amy Grant and Operation Christmas Child music video. Enjoy several bonus features included on this DVD such as: Behind the Scenes, Audio Commentary, Sing Along, Family Activity, and more.

I would recommend this film to anyone who wants to add a new Christmas movie to their collection and is looking for something wholesome and thought-provoking. This truly is a film for any age group and something the whole family will enjoy.

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