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I’m sure that there are probably a few people out there wondering just what exactly Schoolhouse Rock is all about. In fact, I’m guessing they’re curious about what the interest is in the little piece of nostalgia and educational history. If you ask anyone from Generation X and prior, they’ll more than likely tell you that more than anything, it defined a generation. It was just the fact that we learned from the show, but it was just a heck of a lot of fun. Sure, the animation wasn’t the greatest, but we didn’t care. These songs stuck with us, and more than anything else, helping out quite a bit. When it came time to learn about multiplication in grade school, many of us were already prepared. We knew a little about American history and everything in between. The idea for the show itself came from the brilliant mind of the late David McCall whose young son had quite a bit of difficulty remembering multiplication tables. However, he could remember lyrics to rock songs and then the idea hit: mix education with rock music and it will make it easier for youngsters to remember. It’s not just McCall that we owe a debt of gratitude for creating the show, but also the late Chuck Jones who told the then head of ABC, Michael Eisner to pick up the show. However, I don’t believe that back then anyone was quite prepared for the impact that Schoolhouse Rock would make on people and even perhaps American society at large. There’s also some great and insightful audio commentary on the second disc for a few of the songs. It’s interesting to known that INS workers have actually suggested to immigrants that they watch the America Rocks portion of the series to learn more about our history. It’s rare when an animated series can make such an impact that it’s used as such an extensive educational tool. I supposed though, that’s why it’s an Emmy winning series. Also, when you’re parodied on The Simpson’s, just as SHR has been, you know that you’ve made it into the public mind. With plenty of trivia and games, as well as a few hidden Easter eggs, this 30th anniversary edition of Schoolhouse Rock is definitely the ultimate collector’s edition. I’m sure it won’t be long before we’re hearing a new crop of children singing classic SHR songs like "Conjunction Junction" and "Lolly, Lolly, Lolly, Get Your Adverbs Here." Sure, the animation may not be the greatest, and in fact is quite primitive in most regards, but the show is such a classic, it really doesn’t matter. In honesty, Schoolhouse Rock gives me cravings to sit down in front of the television with a huge bowl of Cap ‘n Crunch, shred the roof of my mouth, and enjoy the show. This isn’t just a DVD for nostalgia purposes, it’s a collection that the whole family will definitely enjoy. Darn, that’s the end. -mike-
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Schoolhouse
Rock, which appeared on ABC way back in 1973, defined everything for
us. We may have hated going to school, but we loved Schoolhouse Rock.
It taught us about all the same things our teachers were attempting,
but it made learning fun. If only they would have used catchy songs
and lyrics in class, then maybe I would have picked up more. Sad to
say, but Schoolhouse Rock probably taught anyone from that age more
than any teacher ever did.
In
actuality, Schoolhouse Rock doesn’t have the standard central
character that most series would have. Interplanet Janet taught us
a little bit about the solar system whereas Bill taught us about the
process of how exactly a bill becomes a law. We even had Scooter Computer
and his friend Mr. Chips come along in the early 80’s to teach
us about software and hardware. Despite the fact that this was educational
programming, it didn’t necessarily fit into what would be expected.
Schoolhouse Rock was nothing like the educational shows on PBS, and
bared no resemblance to something like Sesame Street or The Electric
Company. Sure, they had songs to teach us as well, but there was definitely
something more magical about the world of Schoolhouse Rock and its
psychedelic animation.
This
DVD will definitely bring back many memories for that that remember
it, and is sure to attract fans who have never had the chance to experience
the venerable and classic series. There’s quite a bit of extras
in this set as well. For instance, the never release "Weather
Song" is included on the second disc, and will give children
great insight on exactly how weather works without being overcomplicated.
The main disc is set up quite well and divided into four sections:
Grammar Rock, Multiplication Rock, Science Rock, and America Rock.
You can play individual songs, play the whole group, or just play
the entire disc. There’s even a new song, "I’m Gonna
Send Your Vote to College." Although it’s nice to see an
attempt at making a new SHR song, it fails to truly capture the magic
of the original series.