Paramount Studios presents

Boohbah: Comfy Armchair (2004)

"Booooooooh baaaaaaaaaaah ..."

Stars: Emma Insley, Alex Poulter, Cal Jaggers, Phil Hayes, Laura Pero
Other Stars: Dash, Chris Langham, Robin Stevens, Linda Kerr Scott. Mark Ramsey, Harvey Virdi, Manuel Bravo, Vee Vimolmal
Director: various

MPAA Rating: Not Rated for (nothing objectionable)
Run Time: 01h:00:m:07s
Release Date: 2004-08-03
Genre: family

Style Grade	Substance Grade	Image Transfer Grade	Audio Transfer Grade	Extras Grade
C+	C+	A-	B+	C+

 

DVD Review

Speechless....

Has a children's program literally left you speechless to such a point, you don't know what to think? I'm referring strictly to a show that makes me think of the title of a Monty Python film: And now, for something completely different...

Boohbah is a British import from the folks that gave us those lovable Teletubbies with this latest project feauturing five truly odd, individually, tubby beings (or maybe marshmallow puffs dipped in leftover Easter egg dye). Designed for the very young (ages 1-4) to stimulate color recognition, motion activity, and name recognition with a backdrop of swooshing rainbows, Glenda the Good Witch crystal balls and swirling lollipop visuals in opening and closing sequences. Although the computerized sound effects and L.E.D. lights that adorn/supplement each character creeped me out (even while trying to put myself in the place of a toddler), maybe American tots are taking to this (and they must be to warrant a big-time DVD release).

Being the type that wants to find a bright spot in any kind of children's show (except for Barney, which REALLY creeps me out), I plead guilty to laughing at many of the mid-show setups in more adult-friendly, outdoor environments that feature human characters representing members of a family and neighbors (Brother and Sister, Grandmama and Mr. Man, amongst others) in comedic blackouts (reminiscent of speeded-up Benny Hill wacky moments) like Grandpapa attempting to sit in a brand new comfy armchair (thus the title) and is continually rebuffed by Little Dog Fido, even after the kids, watching from high in Boohbahland (I guess), decide to blow another one down his way. Cute.

Though it's not my cup of tea and I feel the constant tendency of the Bahs to go "Phft!" is a great habit to teach kids (tsk, tsk), others no doubt feel differently, so depending on your toddler's taste for the sillies, and willingness to take to them, Boohbah: Comfy Armchair will provide constant replays of an hour's worth of enjoyment.

Technically, it's a colorful show, which the DVD showcases brilliantly with its otherworldly imagery almost hypnotic at times. On the audio front, the Dolby 2.0 track is nicely expansive with a very spacious soundmix that captures the spacey approach of the opening/closing segments of every show.

Rating for Style: C+
Rating for Substance: C+

 

Image Transfer

	One
Aspect Ratio	1.33:1 - Full Frame
Original Aspect Ratio	yes
Anamorphic	no

Image Transfer Grade: A-
 

Audio Transfer

	Language	Remote Access
DS 2.0	English	yes

Audio Transfer Grade: B+ 

Disc Extras

Full Motion menu with music
Subtitles/Captions in English with remote access
Packaging: Keep Case
Picture Disc
1 Disc
1-Sided disc(s)
Layers: single

Extra Extras:

1. Look What I Can Do!
2. Special Message for Parents from Boohbah's creator Anne Wood

Extras Review: Armchair's only extras are insignificant and fluffy: Five minutes of kids jumping up and down on a pinwheel lollipopish slice of grass (if you're kid wants to join along, hey...it's your carpet), but the lack of interaction between the show's characters and the viewers at home was a huge drawback for me. Parents might be interested to check out the short interview with Boohbah's creator, who gives insight into what the show attempts to accomplish and the importance of encouraging exercise for kids at such a young time in their lives.

Extras Grade: C+
 

Final Comments

For more adventurous toddlers, Boohbah: Comfy Armchair might just be to their preference.

Jeff Rosado 2004-08-10