Clifford the Big Red Dog: Rock N' Roll Clifford! and Team Clifford!

Featuring two programs (with four stories each), this entertaining entry in Norman Bridwell's acclaimed PBS-aired children's series continues the adventures of crimson canine Clifford and his friends dwelling on Birdwell Island. In the lead-off segment of Rock N' Roll Clifford, “Dog House Rock,” Clifford, T-Bone, and Cleo try to find a place in their song-and-dance group the Packstreet Dogs for their musically-challenged bud Mac. Also included are “Fan Mail,” “Stage Struck,” and “Embarrassing Moments,” in which Clifford's human owner Emily Elizabeth and her peers share humiliating experiences (wearing PJs to school; gum in hair, etc.). Team Clifford features “The Great Race” (Mac challenges lovable lug T-Bone to a collar-match race, cheating every step of the way but never dampening T-Bone's rule-abiding spirit or the encouragement from Clifford and Cleo), “Short-Changed,” “Basketball Stories,” and “Lucky Charm” (Emily learns that the loss of her lucky stone shouldn't affect her confidence in skating or herself). Sporting simple jokes, with nods to good manners and safety reminders (all the kids are wearing protective gear while skating), this is an enjoyable and sure to be popular program (that's also a bittersweet tribute to the talents of the late John Ritter, who voiced Clifford). DVD extras include activities, a tour of Birdwell Island, “Real Life Doggie Friends” segments and DVD-ROM features. Recommended. Aud: K, E, P. (J. Williams)