Amazing Alaska Animals: The Adventures of Monty the Moose

Animated inserts of Monty the Moose are intermixed with scenic views of Alaska and its wildlife, shot between spring and autumn. Monty is an animated character with an English accent, and he takes the viewer on a guided tour, mostly focusing on wildlife, and wisecracking along the way. The photography is uniformly outstanding for all segments of the program. And the music--with five original songs--is even better. The advertising blurb touts the musical work of Alan O'Day and Janis Liebhart who have done work on Muppet Babies and National Geographic's Really Wild Animals series, but what really puts the music over is the vocal work of Jennifer Lind in songs like "Spirit of Alaska." Editing is good and well matched to the music. Feminists may flinch when animal courting behavior is accompanied by wolf whistles; otherwise, this is a very good production. Highly recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (E. Swanson)