Sesame Street: Elmo the Musical

This five-story compilation from the 2012-13 43rd season of Sesame Street focuses on counting and shapes, as furry three-and-a-half-year-old Elmo brainstorms with anthropomorphic stage curtain pal Velvet on an idea for a musical (Elmo's costume and the background scenery morph to match the song-filled story). “Athlete” has Elmo going up against an enormous competitor in various track and field events in order to score a pair of coveted golden shoes; “Circus” finds Elmo trying not to be discouraged after he is upstaged while trying to fill in when a ringmaster needs help; “Sea Captain” travels with Elmo and a crew of poultry sailors to the Bermuda Octagon to assist a huge whale named Moby Pink; “President” follows the youngest ever Commander-in-Chief as he goes undercover to solve a mystery; and “Prince” tells a tale of a scary dragon who is thwarted by monarch Elmo's quick thinking—and limburger breath. DVD extras include the bonus program “Let's Make Music,” and downloadable activity pages. Highly recommended. Aud: K, P. (J. Williams-Wood)