Goodnight Moon and Other Sleepytime Tales (NR, 2000)

Following an animated opening featuring Tony Bennett, the picture-book Goodnight Moon -- a favorite with children for generations -- takes flight in a poetic and beautifully rendered retelling. Here night is depicted as a time and place of comfort. Along with much clever animation throughout, Billy Crystal reads "There's a Nightmare in My Closet," Natalie Cole brings Faith Ringgold's "Tar Beach" to life, Patti LaBelle tackles "Twinkle, Twinkle," and Lauryn Hill gives a hip-hop-influenced rendition of "Hush Little Baby." Aaron Neville performs "Brahm's Lullaby" to the animated accompaniment of various animals hitting the sack. Animated musical segments are interspersed with short live-action pieces. Here kids share insights into various aspects of the world of sleep. James and his sister Chloe address whether James, who is blind, is able to see in his dreams. Junior Native Americans build dreamcatchers.

GOODNIGHT MOON is a comforting multicultural stroll with the Sandman through the realm of sleep. The video, tenuously linked to the ever-popular children's book Goodnight Moon, features gorgeous animation, cute and funny real-kid segments, and rich musical offerings from the likes of Aaron Neville and Patti LaBelle. Parents may find themselves watching the video for the celebrity performances even after the wee ones are tucked away.

A lot of the bedtime bases get covered here, from nightmares to blankies. And while a lot of the musical segments might be somewhat frivolous, the interviews with real kids deal with important issues. The segment with a blind boy and his sister is particularly affecting, addressing disability without being in the least condescending.

Studio: HBO
Director: Ivan Reitman
Cast: Billy Crystal, Susan Sarandon, Tony Bennett
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 26 minutes
Theatrical release: January 1, 2000
DVD release: March 15, 2005
MPAA Rating: NR