Baby Van Gogh : Look, Listen & Learn with Vincent VanGoat

I was prepared to be disappointed with the Baby Van Gogh video from the Baby Einstein Company and I freely admit that. My son and I had been let down by the Baby Van Gogh Color-Go-Round (which I have also reviewed here). So, I expected that a video of the same title might also be a disappointment. I am quite pleased to say, however, that my experience couldn't be any farther from what I had anticipated.

In a nutshell, Baby Van Gogh is 30 minutes of quality programming for your toddler. Its intention is to introduce children to various forms of human expression through language (poetry), art, music, and colors. There is no "plot" or real dialogue in this tape, but instead a montage of still images and film clips set to classical music.


The tape is divided into 6 segments, each dedicated to a particular color. The hand-puppet, Vincent Van Goat introduces each color with the start of a painting (on of Van Gogh's masterpieces) being created. This is followed by a short poem by Julie Aigner-Clark that is dedicated to expressing the color. Classical music chimes in the background and the "music videos" begin. Specific to the highlighted color, your child will be mesmerized as images ranging from a beautiful colorful birds, children at play, toys, animals, dance on and off of the screen. At the end of each color segment Vincent Van Goat reappears to introduce a completed masterpiece from the artist Van Gogh.

Video Detail
In order of appearance here is a bit of what's included in the video:

Yellow
Music:William Tell Overture, Rossini
Poem: When Yellow Sneaks Into My Day
Art: Wheat Fields with Reaper at Sunrise, Van Gogh

Green
Music: Promenade, Mussorgsky
Poem: "Green Slithers In"
Art: Lane in the Pulic Garden at Arles, Van Gogh

Orange
Music: Blue Danube Waltz, Strauss
Poem: "I'm Orange And Happy"
Art: 14 Sunflowers in a Vase, Van Gogh

Purple
Music: Bolero, Ravel
Poem: "Purple Feels Whacky"
Art: Orchard in Blossom with View of Arles, Van Gogh

Red
Music: Gaite Parisienne, Offenbach
Poem: "When I Wake Up Feeling Red"
Art: Fishing Boats on the Beach, Van Gogh

Blue
Music: Lullaby, Brahms
Poem: "If My Feelings Turn To Blue"
Art: The Starry Night

Additional Music
Great Gate at Kiev, Mussorgsky
1812 Overture, Tschaikovsky
Gymnopedie, Satie
Carmen Overture, Bizet


What We Like...
Unlike some toys and video which have a riling up effect on children this video does not. On the contrary, Baby Van Gogh has a very soothing effect. I have used this video along with a sleepy blanket and a plush toy as a means of relaxation.

The music is enjoyable and not annoying in the least. The classical tunes are played on piano and xylophone and are very pleasant. For the most part the compositions chosen for inclusion in this tape are a step off the beaten track from those normally found in children's toys. Unlike some electronically configured renditions of these classical pieces it is not irritating or annoying to the ear. As a musician myself, it is important for me to introduce the music of the masters to my child. He is very interested in music and enjoys this program. It is not uncommon for him to rock or dance to the beat. To observe a child just one year of age enjoying classical music is really a joy to see.

The imagery is so aesthetically pleasing that even I enjoy watching segments of this tape. Because it is always changing it keeps a young child's attention without overstimulating them.

Babies/Toddlers like to look at familiar objects. The music videos included include lots of children and babies as well as other baby familiarities. The toys featured in the video are great - there is a train, a sorting car, a car ramp and more.


What We Don't Like...
Between color segments some of the segues feature abrupt sound sequences. Some examples include a car horn, screeching tires, etc. My son actually blinks his eyes and has startled on occasion from these loud signals. They are really out of character with the fluidity of the rest of the program.

My son is not sure of the hand-puppets featured throughout the tape. For the most part he does ok with them and maybe even is a bit curious about them. However puppets have proven to be "iffy" on a few occasions and have scared him. The Vincent Van Goat and other puppets in this tape are friendly looking and not a "big" problem.

Overall
Baby Van Gogh is an educational video that is sure to stimulate all the senses of your baby or toddlers mind. The video, recommended for ages 1-4, is a favorite of my 1 year old. It is an understatement to say that this video truly delights the senses of sight and sound. We give it 4 stars!


_______________________________________
Additional info

-This program is available in both Video and DVD. A complementary CD-Rom, flashcards and book are also available for purchase.

Website
http://www.babyeinstein.com

Review of Baby Van Gogh Color-Go-Round
http://www.epinions.com/content_48602713732

**A portion of purchases of Baby Einstein Products helps to provide financial support to The Eden Institute and the Autism Society of America.