Scrap Dragons

Ever wonder what happens to that soda can you toss in the recycling bin? This video takes us on a full tour of a scrap metal recycling yard, and shows us just what sort of munching, squashing, and smelting happens to aluminum, copper, and steel at the jaws of the huge machines known as "scrap dragons." Jason, the charming and articulate kid host, takes his dad to the scrap metal yard where they are met by Rob, the friendly scrap yard boss, who issues them hard hats and shows them around. In a role reversal that kids will enjoy, Jason is full of information for his relatively clueless father. Added bonuses are short math lessons ("how many cans in a bale?") and practical reasons for recycling (saving the earth is great, and you can make money too!). Shots are moderately interesting, and the script is believable and informative, if not especially entertaining. Kids will enjoy the footage of the gigantic scrap crushers doing their job -- the school bus being ground to dust was especially memorable. However, the montages of scrap being moved, crunched, loaded, etc. run extremely long and a needless preview at the beginning of the tape makes the whole point of the video -- the "scrap dragons" in action -- somewhat old by the time the last montage (lasting 6 minutes!) begins. Still, the reasonable price and informative content make this a good optional purchase. Aud: E, I, P. (E. Gieschen)