The Backyardigans: Tale of the Mighty Knights (NR, 2008)

Exhibiting the lively imaginations and diverse musical sensibilities that characterize the Backyardigans TV series, this DVD features five animated friends acting out a gentle adventure. The action opens in the backyard, which quickly transforms into a king's castle through the imagination of Tyrone the moose (voiced by Jordan Coleman) and Uniqua (LaShawn Jefferies), who imagine themselves as mighty knights, "never rude but always polite." King Pablo (Jake Goldberg) summons them for what they hope will be a daring task, but they are disappointed to learn involves only guarding an egg. Tyrone and Uniqua soon learn that this is no ordinary egg, and that keeping it safe will require not only knightly bravery but also the help of other characters they meet along the way.

Lessons about duty, bravery, and teamwork, mild action, and gentle humor make this DVD a fine choice for preschoolers, while a catchy soundtrack that seems influenced by rock operas from the 1970s will make this bearable for parents fielding the inevitable request for repeat viewing.

The beautiful 3-D CGI animation is especially effective in scenes set in waterfalls and lava pits, and the accompaniment of crunchy electric guitars and wailing solos keeps the action moving along.