Family Entertainment
Nicholas Moreau
Articles
DVD Picks: Tenjho Tenge Volume 1
Right away the opening catches you; a snazzy Japanese rap song infects you with its kinetic tone. The characters of the anime leap right off the pages of the manga to - wait for it - breakdance during the opening theme.
2005 winners of the Young Artist Awards, part 2
2005 winners of the Young Artist Awards, part 2.
2005 winners of the Young Artist Awards, part 1
2005 winners of the Young Artist Awards.
Voting on Much Music Video Awards to start Monday
The so-called "MMVA season" has been kicked of this year. The "People's Choice Nominations" for the 16th Annual MuchMusic Video Awards (MMVAs) have been announced, with a coast-to-coast chance for fans to get involved in Canada's premier music and media event.
Star Wars to establish TV universe
A look at Star Wars mastermind George Lucas' two new shows, to start production next year. One is a live action series following lesser known characters, the other is a 3D cartoon. Also, remembering "Ewoks", "Droids", "Clone Wars", and that wash out called "The Star Wars Holiday Special".
Video on Demand from PBS Kids, Treehouse
Analysing the pros and cons of Video on Demand from PBS Kids and Treehouse, first in a two part series.
All the latest news about Shrek 3, and upcoming animated flicks Howl's Moving Castle and Igor.
DVD Peeks: Star Ocean, Tenjho Tenge, Ultramaniac
Information on anime DVD releases Star Ocean EX: Dragon's Teeth, Tenjho
Tenge: Round One, and Ultramaniac: Magical Girl.
DVD Peeks: Koi Kaze, Kyo Kara Maoh, Paranoia Agent, and Requiem from the Darkness
New Geneon Entertainment anime DVD titles Koi Kaze: The Reunion, Kyo Kara Maoh!: God (?) Save Our King!, Paranoia Agent: Serial Psychosis, and Requiem from the Darkness: Eternal Rest.
DVD Peeks: Anthology, Burn-Up Scramble, Cybuster, Hanauyko Maid Team
Here's some info on new releases from anime distributor Geneon Entertainment. They are almost guaranteeably not family entertainment (even if they're only "7 up"), but their plot summaries are here in my column anyway, because they sent me screeners.
Sesame Beginnings are new infant products
Sesame Beginnings is a new infant brand that teaches parents interactive techniques and fun activities that encourage early learning in a way both they and their child will enjoy. Featuring favorite Sesame Street characters such as Elmo, Big Bird, and Cookie as babies, the line of infant products will inform and ...
DVD Picks: Imagination Movers Stir It Up!
It's time for your kids to meet Scott, Rich, Dave, and Scotty, the Imagination Movers. These blue-coverall'd New Orleanians are among the most creative kids' music groups to hit the scene in years.
DVD Peeks: Texhnolyze, Fighting Spirit, Popotan
A look at recent DVD releases, shiped by the crate-load over from Japan, by Geneon Entertainment.
DVD Peeks: Gadguard, Last Exile, ROD The TV
Another look at recent DVD releases, shiped by the crate-load over from Japan, by Geneon Entertainment.
Following almost two years of negotiations, Twentieth Century Fox Animation has acquired rights to turn the Dr. Seuss classic, Horton Hears a Who, into a computer generated animated feature film.
Hot Wheels AcceleRacers movie saga begins
This March 22, keep an eye out for a new home video line called Hot Wheels AcceleRacers. Announced recently, the titles are produced by Mattel, and distributed worldwide by Warner Home Video.
Duel Masters unveils all-new Stomp-a-trons starter set
Wizards of the Coast today announced Duel Masters all new starter set featuring its latest expansion: Stomp-a-trons of Invincible Wrath.
'We Are Family' children's music video released to elementary schools nationwide
This Thursday March 10 at 1:30 p.m., a class of kindergartners at Jean Parker Elementary School, 840 Broadway Street in San Francisco, will be the first local students to see and participate in the "We Are Family" DVD and lesson.
Yakkity Yak marathon on Nicktoons this weekend
Help fight your kids¹ winter blues with the Yakkity Yak Marathon on U.S.-based Nicktoons on February 5th & 6th.
Participant Prods. is teaming up with International Street Prods. to produce a documentary called "The World According to Sesame Street". It was announced Tuesday that the 2005 Pokémon Trading Card Game World Championships will take place in San Diego, California.
DVD Picks: Pocket Snails Letter Adventure
Simple yet satisfying, Pocket Snails is a worthy introduction for developing kids to learn the alphabet. Young Jake's snails travel on missions to help him out, being the supportive friends that they are.
Toronto kids casting call for video
Spin Master Ltd., manufacturers of Bella Dancerella, are about to make one lucky girl a star. Looking to young girls everywhere, Spin Master is holding an open call audition in Toronto, in search of the next Bella Dancerella.
DVD Picks: Stellvia — Foundation II
Coming of age can be a tough time for anyone. Responsibilites, emotions,
relationships. But what if you had to face this period of your life while
your teachers were yammering on about how you "have been chosen to carry
the burden of being humanity's advance into the universe"?
DVD Picks: Gregory Horror Show
Okay, so there's this hotel run by a guy named Gregory. "Lost souls" come to Gregory House, and end up questioning their troubled personal lives. In this CG-animated horror/comedy program, we explore a strange alternate dimension, from which there's no escaping.
DVD Picks: Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play
Based on a popular manga by Yuu Watase (Ayashi no Ceres, Alice 19) and animated by Studio Pierrot (Ceres, Yu Yu Hakusho), volume 3 of Fushigi Yûgi: The Mysterious Play contains seven episodes from the 1995 International Channel series.
A look at a few family movies being released in theatres this year.
TV Picks: Being Ian, debuting January 4th
Starting YTV's New Year off with a blast, Being Ian centres on Ian's expectably quirky friends and family, and the hijinks that they get into as his imagination often turns the ordinary into the extraordinary.
In the Popotan DVD series from, we meet three sisters and their maid, forced to come of age as their house travels through dimensions and they talk to dandelions.
Taking over the family business means more than delivering toys in "Snow," an original new holiday movie that reinvents the Santa Claus myth.
Blind wrestler inspire telefilm on Family Channel
Unafraid to take on new challenges, a blind student joins the high school wrestling team in the inspirational Disney Channel original movie "Going to the Mat."
DVD Preview: The Monkeydoos Movement and Learning Series
Thinkeroo, best known for their Way Cool Science for Kids series of DVDs, launches The Monkeydoos Movement and Learning Series to encourage kids to get up off the sofa and move to the music.
Annie Awards for animation announced
ASIFA-Hollywood, the International Animated Film Society, announced nominations today for the 32nd Annual Annie Awards recognizing the year's finest achievement in animation across film, television, commercials and short subjects. Seen as a precursor to the Oscar for animation, the Annie’s are the industry’s oldest and most prestigious awards.
Shark Tale stereotypes troubling: CNYU Professor
Sociology professor Dr. Jerome Krase is taking action to join the call for help in creating "a greater awareness of troubling biases reflected in children's media and more responsible actions on the part of leaders in the industry." Shark Tale is a current example of this, with highly stereotyped Italians and ...
While it has little to do with Family Entertainment, the Primetime Emmy Awards are a popular topic around the watercooler these days. So if you missed them, and still don't know who won, here they are.
A look at new TV series for kids starring superheroes, traditional and comic. The list includes Atomic Betty, Danny Phantom, Disney's Dave the Barbarian, Delta State, Jason and the Heroes of Mount Olympus, Justice League Unlimited, The Batman, and Xiaolin Showdown.
Kids TV 2004: Action-Packed Picks
A look at the action packed series coming this season for kids or teens, including Battlestar Galactica, Code Lyoko, Da Boom Crew, Dark Oracle, Diagunder, Spy Academy, and revamped version of SpyNet.
A look at new and returning preschool series, including The Backyardigans, Dragon, Farzzle's World, Franny's Feet, Grandpa's Garden, Lilly, Miss Spider's Sunny Patch Friends, Peppa Pig, The Secret World of Benjamin Bear, and This is Daniel Cook.
Kids TV 2004: The Sleepover Club to Zolar
A look at the TV shows The Sleepover Club, The Winx Club, The Zack Files, and TV movies Dragons: Fire and Ice, The Fairly Odd-Parents: Abra Catastrophe, and Zolar.
Kids TV 2004: Real and Reality Picks
A look at the new real and reality show on TV, including Edible Incredible, Gagsters, Guinness World Records, My Brand New Life, Popular Mechanics for Kids, and Very Odd Jobs.
Kids TV 2004: 15/Love to Brady's Beasts
A look at the programs 15/Love, 6Teen, Anne of Green Gables: The Animated Series, Being Ian, and Brady's Beasts.
While it could be much better, this upcoming TV season looks pretty good for kids. This section of the Kids TV 2004 overview includes a variety of programs.
Want a summary of what some channels are offering for kids this season? Here's the best place for a quick summary.
CD Picks: Tom Arma's Animal Songs
A review of a series of new CDs, including Tom Arma's Animal Songs.
DVD Picks: Mommy & Me: Fun & Friends
Two new videos for toddlers 6 months to 3 years, the Brainy Baby series is an all-around stimulating experience.
Disney News: Wind In The Willows to be remade
Features of classics "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe", "Wind In The Willows" and "Rapuzel" coming soon, as well as original features "American Dog" and "Wilbur Robinson". A 3D Mickey and Minnie are all on the horizon. Also, Aladdin's DVD website has new games and clips.
Disney News: Tigger acquitted after trial
An article exploring a recent trial of a Tigger costumed character actor, and how he was acquitted, as well as the aftermath of a deadly accident at Walt Disney World.
Disney News: Nemo On Ice starts this fall
Oscar winner Finding Nemo makes the transition to ice production this fall, with as 25th season of Disney On Ice. Also, a quick review of Disney's The Three Musketeers.
Two new videos for toddlers 6 months to 3 years, the Brainy Baby series is an all-around stimulating experience.
CNE opens in Toronto, tons to see and do
The Canadian National Exhibition has hundreds of attractions to experience; I highlight a few kids TV related stage shows and activities.
Disney Music News, August 2004
Disney ranks among the best movie songs of all time, iTunes creates an exclusive store, the Hunchback becomes a musical, the Musketeers soundtrack, and a symphony tour.
Family movie news, August 2004
What movie based on a cartoon is bombing in theatres? What movie based on a cartoon won't be a trilogy? What cartoon is infurating the White House? What director is creating a studio for Western/anime hybrid CG animation? Find out here!
Timon and Pumbaa get a second feature film, Bambi returns, Clay Aiken's "Proud of Your Boy" on the upcoming Aladdin release, plus Pooh and the Gargoyles.
Sesame Street News, August 2004
Tons of titles will be released on DVD in the next few months, I'll tell you a bit about them. Also, Build-An-Elmo, Sesame Street Monopoly, and Wooly Willy.
DVD Picks: The A to Z Symphony
A mediocre musical release, meant to teach the ABCs and classical music appreciation.
DVD Picks: Way Cool Science Space Trekkers
A neat science release from Thinkeroo helps kids 6-10 explore space.
Colourful dogs characters dance to the music in this all new series.
A great new option when potty training your tot, Potty Power is a fun new home video.
DVD News: You're toying with me, aren't you?
Hasbro and Paramount Home Entertainment are teaming up to release a line of animated movies, based on popular toys and games, like GI Joe, Transformers, Tonka, and Candyland. Also, a teaser about Barbie: The Princess and the Pauper.
Leo and the Lions Gate, awards for Studio B
With a long list of professional accolades, Vancouver's Studio B Productions is one of the most applauded names in the industry. Three more awards have been added in June, both acknowledging the results studio's amazing efforts in the kids TV industry.
This month, I check out a few television cartoons to come to DVD, including a General Mills promotion, kid news reporters at the time of the American Revolution, Pokemon's sixth movie, and previews of its seventh, Shrek's extra features, bye-bye VHS, and a The Simpsons: Season Four contest.
A little late? Sure. Great DVDs? Yup.
Will the Pirates of the Caribbean come to TV? Leslie Neilsen is Zeroman! Plus, news on The Muppets of Oz, Transformer's 20th, and Duelmasters.
Ogre turns into rat - June 2004 CG Feature Headlines
Shrek plays dirty, in the great, time honoured tradition of DreamWorks films past.
This month, I check out a few television cartoons to come to DVD, including a General Mills promotion, kid news reporters at the time of the American Revolution,
Pokemon's sixth movie, and previews of its seventh, Shrek's extra features, bye-bye VHS, and a The Simpsons: Season Four contest.
Eminem's moon eclipsed at MTV Movie Awards, Spongebob movie details
Eminem's moon eclipsed at MTV Movie Awards, Spongebob movie details.
MuchVote 2004 encourages youth to have their say
MuchMusic launches another year of its youth federal election content, MuchVote 2004.
2004 Young Artist Awards acting Winners
A quarter of a century in existance, the Young Artist Awards have come a long way. This article chronicles the reason for the awards, as well as listing all of this year's nominees.
With the Daytime Emmys freshly presented, take a look at daytime television's best. While all winners in all genre categories are included, children's television winners are highlighted.
MuchMusic Video Award People's Choice nominees announced recently, and the list of stars nominated.
2004 Young Artist Awards acting nominations, movies
A list of nominees for the 2004 Young Actor Awards.
2004 Young Artist Awards acting nominations, television
Nominee list for the 2004 YAA.
Two interesting new interactive titles in this musical series, designed to stimulate physical, visual, verbal, musical, inter- and intrapersonal learning for even the youngest of viewers.
Created and lead voiced by comedian Howie Mandel, Emmy-nominated series Bobby's World comes to a new generation on a fun-filled, "best of" DVD.
3D Animated Feature News, May 2004
The Pink Panther turns CG, Rex Havoc
being written for DreamWorks, and a remark and poll about The Tale of Despereaux:
Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread.
Overview of the winners at the second annual Spacey Awards, brought to you by Space- The Imagination Station.
A Sneak Peak at Disney's Up-And-Coming
A look at upcoming CGI feature films from Disney and from Pixar, direct-to-video features, and live-action projects. Also, news of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Series.
To join The Apprentice in NBC's post-Friends Thursday line-up are Seigfried and Roy's talking white lion family. An all-star cast leads the series, but will the show survive in the wilds of the broadcast universe?
Upcoming animated features from abroad, spring 2004
Lots of new animation studios, founded abroad, are producing a solid
slate of feature films. Surprisingly these contenders all seem to have
historical themes, taking us from the age of the Vikings to the post-World
War II era in Italy.
3D Animated Feature News, April 2004
All about The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread, of Disney's novel adaptation One for Sorrow, Two for Joy, DreamWorks' Master P: Kung-Fu Panda and Rex Havoc, and a lost chihuahua, South of the Border.
Versus Disney, Animation Legal Beagle, Spring 2004
A look at two recent lawsuits against Disney, one by Winnie the Pooh's dumpster diving owners, and one by (Roy) Disney against Disney (Company).
Nemo vs Pierrot, Pixar News for April 2004
The story of a man who claims Pixar animated Finding Nemo in a single year, Disney and Pixar trying to rekindle their relationship once more, Pixar switching to Macs, and news on the upcoming features Cars, Rats, and other four letter words.
A slightly non-sequitorial look at Nicholas Moreau's first year as a writer for Suite101.com's Children's Television section.
Sesame Street 35th Anniversary Special, this Sunday
An overview of the Sesame Street 35th anniversary special, "The Street We Live On", airing on PBS, Sunday April 4 at 8:00 PM and Monday April 5 in the daytime.
Selected 2004 Daytime Emmy Nominations
An edited list of nominees for the 2004 Daytime Emmy awards, narrowed down to categories relevant to children's television.
Want to know what Kids' WB! shows are renewed, and what ones are set to debut? I've got all the info you want to know on next year's programming.
3D Animated Feature News, Spring 2004
DreamWorks mob comedy tries to avoid controversy, a third feature animation
studio rises from the dust of Walt Disney Florida, Pixar's CFO retires, notice of a Home on the Range preview.
TV Picks: A Full Court Miracle
A group of washed up basketball players get coaching from a washed up star, who they think is a reincarnation of Jewish figure Judah Maccabee.
DVD Picks: New Friends for Thomas
A review of Thomas and Friends: New Friends For Thomas, a new 6-episode DVD from HIT Entertainment and Anchor Bay Entertainment.
Thomas and Friends: Characters and DVDs
A look at the characters of Thomas and Friends, and the DVDs of their adventures.
An overview of notable moments in the development of the Thomas and Friends series of books, TV series, and DVD series.
The best of the March Break in Canada, on YTV and the Family Channel.
DVD Picks: The Tales of Beatrix Potter
The DVD release of the 1971 ballet picture of Beatrix Potter's tales are absolutely stunning.
Silverwing Takes Flight on Teletoon
"Long before the first migration, there raged a Great Battle between the Birds and the Beasts. This was fought to establish the balance of nature and the territorial limits of every species. The bats, being neither birds nor beasts, would not choose sides in the conflict. For this, a law was ...
DVDs for Kids: February 10th, 2004
A list of kids DVD released on February 10, 2004.
DVDs for Kids: February 3rd, 2004 releases
Boy geniuses, caped crusaders, capsized millionaires, elephant kings, killer whales, men of steel, trains, witches, wooden boys, horses in grey flannel suits, and computers wearing tennis shoes all illuminate TV screens starting February 3rd, 2004.
DVD Pick: Best Ever Sleepover!
Hang out with Zoe, Lauren, Jessica, Dana and Alex at their fun, activity-filled sleepover in "My Best Friend Forever: Best Ever Sleepover!" A new series, MYBBF is a great new DVD series for pre-teen girls.
A French man in his underpants, baseball playing birds, a comedic yak, titans in their teenage years, and a kids named Ian and Mimi. These are just some of the stories told by Studio B over the past decade and a half.
Annie Award nominees for animation
The 31st annual Annie Awards for animation are coming up. Who will win?
A Milestone 20th for ABC's Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade
Enrique, Clay, LeAnn, Jessica, Raven, Lance, Wayne, Bear, Bob and Doug are just of the thirty-five celebrity guests joining Regis and Kelly at the 20th Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade broadcast on ABC this 25th. Tours of new attractions, great preformances, and a great parade all are showcased in this ...
The Chipmunks Making a Comeback, as Tots
Alvin, Simon, Theodore. You know them as kids, but now, those kids have released a fantastic feature on DVD. Despite being 45 year old, the trio and the Chipettes are just pre-schoolers in "Little Alvin and the mini-Munks".
Christmas Cheer- Selected Holiday Specials
A collection of family-friendly movies, specials and special episodes to air this holiday season, on American and Canadian television.
Tons of Fun - Lilo and Stitch: The Series
As Lilo and Stitch prepares to debut this weekend on Canada's The Family Channel, I review the fun, all-around strong series, and explain why its one of the best new shows of the season, and one of the best shows ever for Disney.
Postman Pat Delivers the Goods Again; Other October Headlines
Postman Pat and his black and white cat return to TV next spring.
A medley of news flashes from the land of kids TV.
Silver-Screen Highlights: Fall 2003
Catch up on lots of kids movies in development, as well as the industry news that matters to you. This article includes the "Curious George" flick with Will Ferrell's voice, "Green Monkeys" by Nickelodeon, and "The Heffalump Movie" from Disney, as well as news Disney's Japan animator will respond "Oh Pooh!" ...
Halloween on TV -- A Schedule of Shows
Want to know what spooky episodes, specials and movies are on television this Halloween? You've knocked on the right coffin.
Gene Simmons' My Dad the Rock Star
Believe it or not, one of TV's newest enduring father figures is based on KISS' Gene Simmons. This new cartoon on Teletoon is a fun look at the life of Willy Zilla, a 12-year-old who just wants to be a boy, not a spectacle.
Oh, Goodness Gratious! Algebra? Headlines for October 2003
Eggington Productions has created a new educational 3-D series about-- algebra? Also, the Nicktoons digital cable channel, CSI goes family friendly, and Finding Nemo's nomination for the Hollywood Movie of the Year Award.
D'Myna Leagues is a Real Home Run
A great show from Studio B, new to America is D'Myna Leagues, baseball playing bird who are a load of fun to watch.
Remembering John Ritter ("Clifford", "8 Simple Rules") and the voice of Calliou, rumour of Gargoyles on DVD, theme song facts, "Finding Nemo", DVD releases, movie previews and musicals, limo stunt drivers, TV contests and more.
Silverwing through Xiaolin Showdown, a Fall Preview 2003-2004
Here’s the last bunch of kid shows for this fall’s preview. They include a mini-series where bats are the good guys, tingling spider senses, Fame revisited, turtles in a half-shell revisited, Scooby revisited, a variety show, and a rich Japanese hacker girl.
My Hero through Rugrats: All Grown Up, a Fall Preview 2003-2004
A comedic Brit superhero, a very non-traditional family, the music in everyday life, a survival game, a rag-tag mining ship, reality rocks, and finally Rugrats revisited.
Gadget and the Gadgetinis through My Dad The Rock Star, a Fall Preview 2003-2004
A world inside a head, a world under a bed. Video game addicts and video game inhabitants.
Gonzo filmmakers, a hooded fang, three Gadgets for the price of one and a Regina ghetto. Also KISS rocker Gene Simmons’ new brainchild idea, a semi-autobiographical story of his family life.
deafplanet.com through D'Myna Leagues, a Fall Preview 2003-2004
A multi-platform sign-language show, 101 little woof-woofs, Daffy Duck in space, and bird playing baseball. Also, a unique three network block. For the 18+ crowd, a surreal comedic soap opera.
Thirty-nine shows for those 6-18, it's an alphabetically ordered tossed salad of new programs. A jet-setting talking dog, a failed resort town, tame Tom Green-style stunt show, a hit Brit fox, historic character revisited, hockey lessons and video game characters in reality.
The foremost picks for the 2-5 year old crowd. Despite the "preschool" name, lots of these shows can be enjoyed by kindergardeners, or even grade ones. All educational in some way, tons of different themes. From monkeys to dolls, and ghosts to little robots, there's certainly a wide selection.
A run-down of kid-oriented DVDs available on August 19th, 2003, including Tom and Jerry: Hijinks and Shrieks, What's New Scooby-Doo?, Mucha Lucha: Heart of Lucha, Back To School With Franklin, and Roughnecks: Starship Troopers Chronicles - The Zephyr Campaign.
Compressed Kids Headlines: August 2003, Part 2
Quick snippets on the Muppet Babies 20th anniversary, and why you might see them on teens around town. Also, Telly Monster getting hit in the tummy in Philly, hot kids edutainment software titles, Marty Robinson of Sesame Street design a plant, Spongebob merchandise and a movie, and finally, I learn of ...
Compressed Kids Headlines: August 2003
Quick snippets on a Rocket Power special, Spiderman cartoon DVD, a Simpson's University course, WB's morning fall line-up, Teen Titans shattering records, German stations getting Nick shows.
An overview of DVD for kids, to be released in the first half of this month.
Care Bears Revisited and Revitalized
The Care Bears are making a surprisingly healthy comeback, and are new contenders on the children's scene once again, though not on television itself. As the series' release onto DVD and a new CG feature-length movie are announced, I look at where the $1.5 billion dollar, box-office record breaking cubs came ...
Rugrats stay all growed up as Klasky Csupo turns out new shows
Article discusses reasons for the end of Rugrats and The Wild Thornberrys, as well as the new shows they will be replaced with. Also, preview of a celebrity infested CD of songs for Sesame Street's 35th featuring the sixty best tracks from the past 3 and a half decades.
Review of a great new social sciences show "Timeblazers", featuring two characters who answer question by travelling through time. Also, a "where are they now?" on Kathryn Long, Goosebumps star, and a retro link to see old Goosebumps clips.
Why I love Clifford, the Big Red Dog
Overviews the return of The Big Comfy Couch, an upcoming Macy Gray cartoon, reviews Clifford the Big Red Dog, highlights new software and answers reader mail on the two-headed monster on Sesame Street.
A review of Nicholas Moreau and the upcoming Children's Television column, and two short reviews of Sesame Street and Stuart Little.