Sesame Street: Old School 1979-1984, Volume 3

The third in Warner Bros. and Sesame Workshop's release of classic volumes from the popular children's educational series, Sesame Street: Old School 1979-1984 features five episodes from seasons 11-15. The set kicks off with the location-footage-laden travelogue episode number “1316,” which finds Maria (Sonia Manzano) and Olivia (Alaina Reed) journeying by plane and bus to Puerto Rico in honor of Maria's 21st birthday. While Maria's Spanish-speaking family is excited about the preparations, no one is more enthused than Big Bird, who travels along with other Sesame residents—including garbage can-dweller Oscar the Grouch (who I've personally never seen walk before)—to the “Isle of Enchantment” for a big surprise party that will knock Maria's socks off (much of the gags revolve around her thinking—correctly—that she sees one of the gang when they should all be at home). For this episode, the day's letter is “A,” the number is “2,” and Bert and Ernie are featured, as well as Lily Tomlin in-character as little girl Edith Ann. Also including episodes with guest stars such as Itzhak Perlman, Madeline Kahn, Cab Calloway, and Harry Belafonte, as well as one centering on the 1983 New York City Marathon, this compilation features extensive extras: behind-the-scenes featurettes, an interview with Caroll Spinney (who plays Big Bird and Oscar), and the tearjearking segment “Goodbye, Mr. Hooper,” which was selected as a top 10 influential moment by the Daytime Emmys. An entertaining time capsule of childhood Americana, this is recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)