Recess: Taking the Fifth Grade

Disney gets failing grades for canceling this inspired animated series that views school life through the unique perspective of the playground and its attendant hierarchies, from savage kindergartners to king-of-the-world fifth graders. This DVD premieres three never-broadcast episodes that follow TJ and his gang of archetypes into the fifth grade. In the first story, TJ is moved to civil disobedience when the school superintendent paves over the playground, replaces lockers with inspirational posters, and serves up "nutritional paste" in the cafeteria. In the second story, the new fifth graders are invited to join a secret underground club that excludes "little kids." In the third, tomboy Spinelli must consider whether she is too old to trick or treat. Schoolteachers and administrators are portrayed as the enemy (which may strike a chord with young viewers) and the Saturday morning animation gets a "C," but the sharp and savvy writing is in a class by itself. An optional purchase. [Note: Recess: All Growed Down is also newly available on DVD at the same price.] Aud: P. (D. Liebenson)