Video Librarian is the video review magazine for public, school, academic, and special libraries, as well as video fans who are interested in a wider variety of titles than what’s found in the average video store. The reviews are written by staff, librarians, teachers, and film critics. Video Librarian recently reviewed the Fascinating World of Insects in the September/October 2012 issue and gave the video 3 1/2 out of 4 stars with the Highly Recommended designation. The review is below:
Colorful still photos, microphotography, and live-action footage are combined to illustrate a variety of bugs in action—accompanied by cheerful background music—in this handsomely produced nature documentary. A female narrator introduces young viewers to the fascinating world of insects: what they eat, how they benefit humans, and how they respond to threats. Many will recognize several of the 11 featured specimens: grasshopper, ladybug, rhino beetle, firefly, mosquito, honeybee, water strider, ant, praying mantis, dragonfly, and butterfly. Although the squeamish may cringe at close-up shots of eyes, proboscises, and larvae, the program avoids scary depictions of insects devouring each other or being consumed. Body parts are clearly illustrated—legs, wings, horns, and so on—while new vocabulary words such as “entomologist” and “species” appear onscreen against a vivid green forest background as definitions are given. Five quizzes provide opportunities to recognize and name insects (or parts thereof), test one’s knowledge of characteristics, and choose (from multiple choices) the meanings of the “big words” introduced in the film. Also newly available is The Fascinating World of Mammals. Highly recommended. Aud: E, I, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)