Films and Dvds

Animal Planet: Growing Up Arctic (not rated; Jan. 8; ages 3-up): The polar bear, seal, walrus and penguin get love in this 4-episode package from the Animal Planet “Growing Up” docu-adventure series. Grade: A

Barney & Friends: Celebrating Around the World (not rated; Jan. 29; ages 2-5): Celebrating 20 years of exclaiming “Super-deeeee-duper,” the imaginary purple dinosaur circles the globe to teach young explorers different cultures. Not graded

Clifford The Big Red Dog: Be My Big Red Valentine and Playtime with Clifford (both not rated; Jan. 8; ages 2-5): The prior-released Valentine-themed title includes 88 minutes of episodes from the PBS series and comes in a Kid Case that allows preschoolers to tote in style. “Playtime” has 10 episodes new on DVD, nearly 2 hours of edutainment that could be recorded for free at home. Grade: B+
 
Dragonlance (PG-13; Jan. 15; ages 11-15): The animated feature debut of the Dungeons & Dragons franchise. “Dragons of Autumn Twilight” follows a barbarian woman with a magical healing staff who battles invading dragons with would-be heroes. Voices of Keifer Sutherland & Lucy Lawless. Grade: B