Elmo's Magic Numbers

Compiling two Sesame Street episodes focusing on math and starring friendly resident monster Elmo and his pals, Elmo's Magic Numbers opens with “Elmo and Max the Magician,” which includes a guest appearance by Will Arnett as a melodramatic performer whose smarmy “tricks” impress Elmo and Big Bird but seem easy to neighborhood friend Chris, who understands how Max uses addition, subtraction, and division for the stunts—which Chris can easily replicate (to Max's amazement). “Elmo and Zoe's Hat Contest” finds Elmo and Zoe competing in a “Who Can Wear the Most Hats on Their Head Day” contest, and features a visit from the Count—and several bats—as well as an exaggerated wayward spell from Abby Cadabby. Both shows also include traditional Sesame Street elements such as numbers and letters of the day, clips of real-life kids, “Elmo's World” and “Murray Had a Little Lamb” segments, and special vignettes (on soccer, weather, and a spoof of 30 Rock), as well as celebrity guests including David Beckham and violinist Miri Ben-Ari. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)