The Backyardigans: Christmas with the Backyardigans

Boasting sparkling 3-D CGI-animation, this colorful compilation from the Nickelodeon series features four episodes showcasing the music-filled imaginative backyard adventures of five friendly animal youngsters. The holiday-themed “The Action Elves Save Christmas” follows penguin Pablo, hippo Tasha, and um, pink antennae creature Uniqua as they picture themselves as secret-agent-like “action elves” Mr. Jingles, Flappy, and Snappy, a trio who travel underground to a secret workshop command center where they use tiny magic hammers and communicate with Santa, a.k.a. “Bowl Full of Jelly” (voiced by Conan O'Brien). The team must take action when Santa's magic sack is taken by the bumbling Abominable Brothers (played by moose Tyrone and kangaroo Austin), embarking on a chase through the mountains that leads to a showdown at an igloo hideout. All ends well with a lesson about cooperation in this winning tale that also features a catchy takeoff on “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Also including the episodes “Pablor and the Acorns,” “The Big Dipper Diner,” and “The Amazing Splashinis”—plus two music videos and a matching gift game—this festive program is recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)