Barney, Let's Go to the Zoo

I must admit I cringed when I found the review copy of the latest Barney installment waiting in my mailbox. Never having been a fan of the Purple Wonder, I briefly fantasized about tossing it straight into the trash bin and claiming that it "must have gotten lost in the mail." However my three-year old nephew, shrieking with delight, spotted the tape before I could get rid of the evidence. So I steadied myself to my fate, made a bowl of popcorn for the two of us, and sat down to what I expected to be the usual mind-numbing collection of song and dance numbers. (Never say I'm not a devoted aunt.) Imagine my surprise when I found the video to be, if not exactly "super-de-dooper," at least watchable. In this adventure, Barney, having (thankfully) left the plastic-smiling Backyard Gang of kids at home, visits the Fort Worth Zoo with B.J. and Baby Bop. Each of the three dinosaurs has a "mission"--Baby Bop wants to find the elephants, B.J. brings his camera to chronicle the trip, and Barney is concerned that all the viewers at home are having a good time. Dramatic tension arises when B.J. is unable to take a decent photo without something going awry, as the trio visit lions, tigers, and bears (oh my) along with a host of other furred-and-feathered friends. In addition to learning interesting facts about the animals (accompanied by good close-up footage), we also see footage of children doing animal impersonations (which the kids at home are also encouraged to do). Barney and friends sing ten songs, including two original compositions by Oscar winner Joseph K. Phillips, "Rock Like a Monkey" and "Everyone Needs a Nap." This video is -- dare I say it? -- almost educational, and even I walked away having learned a thing or two. Recommended, overall. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Asala)