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6 Degrees Entertainment

'Hero Elementary: Sparks' Crew Pet Rescue!'
(DVD / G / 2021 / PBS KIDS)

Overview: Its Sparks Crew to the rescue in ten pet packed adventures!

When an egg hatches and an unfamiliar bird emerges, Sparks Crew vows to reunite the bird with its parents. Then, a little girls kitten is on the loose!

Can the team observe how animals use their tails and apply that information to a rescue that will save the day?

DVD Verdict: For those of you that are not aware, 'Hero Elementary' is an American-Canadian children's animated television series created and produced by Portfolio Entertainment and Twin Cities PBS.

The series premiered on June 1ST, 2020 on PBS Kids and was created by co-creators Carol-Lynn Parente and Christine Ferraro, who previously worked on Sesame Street.

The series involves the students of the Sparks' Crew — Lucita Sky, AJ Gadgets, Sara Snap and Benny Bubbles — who are trained in superheroics by their quirky and enthusiastic teacher, Mr. Sparks.

Together the students work as a team, using their own unique superpowers as well as the "Superpowers of Science" to help people, solve problems, and try to make the world a better place

Contained in this brand new DVD release (that runs an AMAZING 125 minutes) are ten (10) high-flying tales that will keep your kids comfortably contented for hours!

The animation and art are a mixed bag, sure, but most times it's smooth and definitely reminds me of some old style comic books (which is always comforting).

The writing isn't as smart as 'Let's Go Luna' or 'Ready Jet Go,' but there are some funny jokes here and there and the show is educational, teaching kids about making science observations.

But, for me, the show's biggest strength is its characters. They're all likable, relatable, and diverse. For example: Lucita and Mr. Sparks are Latinos, Sara is biracial, AJ is Black and autistic, and Benny is plus-size. They're all good role models for kids, and are not brats, contrary to popular belief.

AJ is my personally favorite because I, too, am on the autism spectrum, and the way he's depicted is realistic. He has special interests, sensitivities to water and loud noises, and stims by flapping his hands sometimes.

Oh, and the theme song is really catchy, and the rest of the soundtrack is upbeat jazz-like music that fits the superhero theme well.

In closing, and with regard the main show, let alone all these smaller, 10 minute or so, pet-related videos, with deep characters, an expansive world, and fast pacing, 'Hero Elementary' is yet another hit show for PBS. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs.

www.PBSKIDS.org





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