There are no new songs on this DVD and for young fans that have a collection of DVD?s already there is essentially nothing ?new? here, except the chance to take a slow look at some songs and learn the words and actions. This is not really much of a bonus as kids usually get this type of DVD and play it to death; so the constant replaying teaches them the words at the usual pace in any case. My 4 year old knew all these songs by heart long before this disc. Having said all of that, my little girl did thoroughly enjoy this DVD and was not looking for anything more than what was on offer here She was extremely happy to be the proud owner of yet another Hi5 disc!

We have had a constant stream of Hi 5 DVD?s for the last 8 years into our house and the content and quality is certainly improving. From a parental point of view I find the ?acting? (for want of a better word) a bit overdone and the characters in Hi-5 are all a little challenged in the talent dept (to the point of being annoying to any discerning adult). Any comparison to Wiggles or Hooley Dooley?s would leave Hi-5 a very poor second, but I have to admit they have a level of appeal for young a child that is absolutely astounding. My kids aged 4 to 10 have all at some point been absolutely besotted with these 5 young singers and their characters, proving the old adage that ?there?s no accounting for people?s taste!?

On the 7th of March we went to Federation Square in Melbourne to see Hi 5 perform the songs from this disc in a free concert to launch the DVD. The square was jammed packed full of parents with prams and eager young fans all hoping to see Hi 5 up close. The Square had the big screen up and running so kids up the back could see and the atmosphere was really exciting. Hi-5 performed three songs (yes they mimed them) and got the audience singing and dancing along with them, a live cross to Kerrie-Anne on channel 9 to announce the biggest dance lesson ever and the crowd was moving and shaking! My only comment here was once they had finished performing they disappeared! For anyone not on the guest list Hi-5 was completely out of bounds! No autographs or pictures for the general crowd today.

But we were on the list, and from there we went to an auditorium and met Hi-5. My little girl got to say a (very) quick Hi to each of the 5 and a photo and autograph was to be had at the same time. Kellie, Charlie, Tim, Kathleen and Nathan each had a line for kids and they got through the queue very quickly. I have to commend the guys on how good they were with each individual child here and must comment on how they made each child feel welcome and special. I met Hi-5, eight years ago with my eldest child and went away very disappointed and the improvement this time was remarkable. These guys have certainly learnt the gentle art of pleasing their target audience.

This DVD is a quality production and is sure to become a favourite for younger kids. One of the great features of Hi-5 discs is that they put subtitles making this accessible for hearing impaired and for early readers. The Dolby sound is pure and crisp just like you would expect form a Village Roadshow production. Aspect ratio of 4:3 standard TV format (that?s for all you technical people ? of course it?s lost on the kids) Running for just over 50 minutes I think this disc represents great value and will make the perfect gift for the young Hi-5 fan, and who knows you will probably get 50 minutes of peace when it?s on. Like I have said so many times before, the more of these discs you have at the more variety you will give your kids and they appreciate having great discs to choose from.

THE EXTRAS

Special Features on this DVD form part of the DVD and basically allow the child the freedom to select a favourite part of the DVD and play it on demand. My four year old had no trouble in navigating the menu or finding her favourite songs. Well done on a well thought out and easy to use menu and DVD.

Choose a song-

With lots of songs on offer children can use the menu to scroll through and choose each song.

Play all the songs- this is a great feature and basically puts the songs on with out the in between dialogue.

Have a dance lesson ? learn all the moves you ever wanted to on this section. Kellie, Charlie Tim Kathleen & Nathan will step by step guide you through the actions to their songs.

Lets sing Karaoke ? what Childs DVD would be complete with out Karaoke? Made even more fun if you have surround sound through your stereo and a microphone to really belt out these tune!

Definitely one of the better discs these guys have put out and well worth adding to a child?s home library.

CONCLUSION

A new Hi-5 DVD with a bit extra, this DVD is a Hi 5 concert & virtual dance lesson all in one. Over the years Hi 5 have built up a large repertoire of popular songs and on this DVD Kellie, Charlie, Tim, Kathleen & Nathan, will walk you through the all the moves to some of their favourites including; L.O.V.E, Five Senses, Ready or Not & Living in a Rainbow.