Real Wheels: Rescue Adventures

Road Construction Ahead (1991) laid the groundwork for this live-action series that puts viewers behind the wheel of an array of service and rescue vehicles, while admirably enhancing youngsters' appreciation for the men and women who service our communities. This disc rolls out for the first time on DVD the inevitable post-9/11 There Goes a Rescue Hero (2003), There Goes a Police Car (1994), and There Goes a Rescue Vehicle (1999), each hosted by the overly enthusiastic Dave Hood, who may drive adults to distraction with his unfortunate tendency to downshift into clumsy slapstick. Hood is more effective pointing out each vehicle's controls and gadgets, as well as talking to actual workers and drivers who describe and demonstrate what they do, how their vehicles work, and the training required to operate them. What will keep the target audience truckin', of course, is the footage of ambulances, motorcycles, police cars, police boats, and helicopters in action. DVD extras include bloopers, sing-along songs, and a glossary. A strong optional purchase. [Note: Travel Adventures and Truck Adventures are also newly available on DVD at the same price.] Aud: P. (D. Liebenson)