Postman Pat - Postman Pat And The Ice Cream Machine (DVD)

I'm sure you all remember Postman Pat, who could possilby forget the wonderful theme tune? It is arguably the best ever child's theme tune. Well he's back after a ten year rest, in Postman Pat's Ice Cream Machine! I've been fortunate enough to watch the DVD numerous times thanks to my wonderful two year old son and I thought I'd share mine and his thoughts with you.

***OVERVIEW****

This DVD covers four stories:
...
...The animation in the new Postman Pat tales are impressive and a real improvement on the original in terms of smoothness and their quality.


*** CHILD'S VIEW***

My two year old loves this and my ten month son is growing more and more keen. We quite often keep the neighbours entertained with a rendition of the theme song. He loves Pat and of course Jess and the red van. However there are so many other great characters ... more

I'm sure you all remember Postman Pat, who could possilby forget the wonderful theme tune? It is arguably the best ever child's theme tune. Well he's back after a ten year rest, in Postman Pat's Ice Cream Machine! I've been fortunate enough to watch the DVD numerous times thanks to my wonderful two year old son and I thought I'd share mine and his thoughts with you.

***OVERVIEW****

This DVD covers four stories:

Ted Glyn's amazing invention
A hungry goat
The village jumble sale
The Greendale Race.

All are excellent although I think the Greendale Race stands out for both me and my son. My son (like most two year olds) loves moving vehicles of all description so he is hooked by it. I like it because it reminds me of the hare and tortoise myth, without giving two much away.

Ted Glyn's amazing invention focuses on a new ice-cream machine that has been created. Julian - Pat's son!- and his friends come up with some wonderful new flavours but Pat is a bit too keen to try some with hilarious consequences.

The hungry goat is a wonderful episode. It focuses on a run away goat that is being chased around Greendale. The goat leads to a series of funny accidents and mishaps in the best slapstick tradition.

The village jumble sale again is a humorous episode focusing on the Greendale event. However, as always with jumble sales, someone puts your favourite old relic ( the one you haven't used for 20 years but holds some dear sentimental attachment for you) in the sale. How do you get it back?

*** COMPARISON***

I have to admit that I didn't watch alot of Pat as a child. However, I have recently revisited them and you can see the attraction for children. They are lovely tales and seem appropriate for your little ones to watch.
However, the animation has come along way since then. The animation in the new Postman Pat tales are impressive and a real improvement on the original in terms of smoothness and their quality.

*** CHILD'S VIEW***

My two year old loves this and my ten month son is growing more and more keen. We quite often keep the neighbours entertained with a rendition of the theme song. He loves Pat and of course Jess and the red van. However there are so many other great characters like PC Selby, Ted Glyn, Sanjay etc. My boy has a particular fondness for the Greendale rocket, the local train.
It has educational value too but it is subtle. I find children's programmes that are too blatantly educational annoying ( and I am a teacher). In this DVD your child learns but also enjoys themselves.

*** ADULT'S VIEW***

This is surprisingly important as any parent will tell you. Children will watch a DVD time and so inevitably will you. I have to say I really enjoyed this DVD. I found the stories very witty and they have plots that you see in comedies frequently.
My favourite character has to be PC Selby. He is the local police officer who takes his job a bit too seriously. He has a fantastic turn of phrase " very tricky characters thorn bushes, approach with caution" which he delivers in a cockney accent.
The other wonderful thing about this DVD is it represents such a happy, peaceful community. The tone of Postman Pat's Ice Cream Machine is a playful, happy one and that is exactly the kind of programme I want my little ones to watch.

*** EXTRAS **

Unfortunately this is the weakest part of the DVD. There is an Ice Cream Making game which will please your child for a little one but will not last. There are a number of better extras on children's DVDs than this one.

*** Product Information***

Released: 20th September 2004

Running time: 61 minutes

Extras: Ice-cream Machine Game

RRP: £ 16.99

*** CONCLUSION ***

Buy this! It will entertain both adults and children alike and with repeat viewings you will certainly get your money's worth. I'm sure you will be able to find it for cheaper than the RRP by now. And of course you will be singing the song for weeks.. .. altogether now " Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat and his black and white...." You see you do remember it.

 

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