Watch Kids' Reviews of
GUMBY: GUMBY'S ARCTIC ANTICS

This collection of a dozen Gumby episodes promises to entertain the whole family with great humor suitable for all ages. Its spectacular soundtrack really brings the show justice.

Like many other Gumby collections, this set revolves around Gumby's adventures which vary from episode to episode, but generally have some light comedy throughout. Something that really stands out to me on this DVD is the moment where Gumby actually talks about some historical facts, bringing a bit of education to this set.

Even though this collection's branded as Arctic, there are many episodes that leave the Arctic Circle and dive into history. Some of the best include visiting the American Revolutionary War or the voyage on the Mayflower. Gumby really makes them shine by bringing humor and unique adventures to each one. The genius writers even fit in an occasional fact here and there that teaches young viewers about history without it feeling like a lecture. It just feels like one character explaining the situation to another character. However, there are minor issues with some of the plots. Generally, Gumby episodes are very short which fits the style, but many of these are too open-ended and don't have a concrete finish. Almost all Gumby episodes feel a bit unfinished and seem to do little to address the conflict that made the story exist, which leaves the viewer slightly disappointed.

The quality of the stop-motion animation keeps at a superb level, despite these episodes originally being made across three decades, some as early as the 1950s. The writers, for the most part, did well in keeping the episodes interesting. There are some noticeable repeats in jokes or ideas. For example, there are two episodes where Gumby and Pokey somehow destroy an igloo and must rebuild it for the occupants. The two stories vary slightly, but have a very similar conflict. This makes the repeat episode rather boring. Something that the writers excel at (as they always did for Gumby) is the dialogue. The conversations are always natural, smooth and very realistic, despite all the characters being made from clay. These episodes of course also feature the original soundtrack of the show, which is recognizable and really adds to the experience. The music feels light and soothing, yet entertaining and fitting for each story.

My favorite episode is Gumby Crosses the Delaware River. In this episode, Gumby and Pokey enter a book about George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River, where he surprise-attacked enemy soldiers. Pokey and Gumby help Washington by sending Pokey in as a spy. The episode is filled with a good sense of humor and does teach kids about some historical facts. It represents a perfect bundle of learning and fun.

Like all other Gumby collections, the show revolves around family. There are some jokes here and there that will make teens and adults laugh, but it's mainly geared for younger kids. I recommend this for ages 9 to 18 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. In general, the episodes are great to watch, but some could have a better or different storyline to ensure uniqueness and the originality of writing. This DVD is available in stores now so go check it out.

Reviewed by Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

I believe the DVD Gumby: Arctic Antics is a great series because of its claymation and characters. I found it brought cheer to my Christmas and made me happy.

This DVD is a collection of holiday themed episodes from the 50s, 60s and 80s about Gumby and his friend Pokey as they look into famous stories about Christmas, Thanksgiving and the fourth of July. Gumby and Pokey are an iconic duo from the 60s.

This type of animation is known as claymation. It reminds me of Christmas movies such as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and other classics such as Santa is Coming to Town. They poke fun of the fact that the characters are clay by making them melt. I like how they incorporate live action with the animation. In one scene, Gumby and Pokey fall down into a pile of things and they are live action.

The characters in the show are fantastic. I love the banter between Gumby and Pokey. Gumby always tells Pokey to pay attention to the story they are watching, but he always disobeys. Instead, he helps the characters in the story.

The message of this film is to help people no matter the consequences. It spreads a message about helping friends or people in need. Pokey helps a prince who was scammed by shop owners when they gave him a plum tree with a pigeon in it. So, he tells a man with fairy dust to turn the tree and pigeon into gold. The prince is surprised of what happens and the girl he gives it to is ecstatic.

I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars recommend it to ages 6 to 9. This is available on DVD now so go check it out.

Reviewed by Carla P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13

I didn't watch Gumby as a child but I was aware of the cartoon, as we called them. What struck me watching these clips is how much is based on actual history. Learning about General George Washington crossing the Delaware River, the American Revolution, watching an infamous character from the famous book "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens come to life and see how Gumby deals with each of these is interesting. Learning a little about the Pilgrims and Thanksgiving is also a good lesson. Whoever heard of Santa Claus getting sick on Christmas Eve? Having Gumby, Pokey and a good witch come to the rescue is brilliant! Learning about Alaska? Wow, that is awesome! Who has ever seen a glacier? An Eagle? A Walrus? An Igloo? A Polar Bear? These stories are entertaining and enlightening and hold a child's interest. The focus throughout the series seems is one of teamwork and the importance of working together for the common good. The cover is very colorful. It looks like the characters are having fun on the sled, which is an indication of fun things to come!

This DVD has a number of clips, each telling a different story. The characters in each clip are interesting and fun. It is designed for younger kids, but older children will learn a bit about history by watching. The vocabulary is suitable for the target audience and the claymation and colors are fun for everyone to watch. The social models I gather from this DVD is one of teamwork and its importance. There is a bit of negative behavior in "A Pigeon in a Plum Tree," but Gumby works through it. In "Northland Follies" when a box falls on an igloo, Gumby and Pokey get even with the walrus and leave the scene, because they don't want to have to re-build the igloo again. All in all, the clips are funny and kids are engaging.

Critical thinking and problem solving skills are encouraged as well as doing the right thing. Gumby and Pokey get into lots of interesting situations and many come right out of pages in a book, yet they don't change history, they just add more fun to the story.

The DVD cover design is wonderful and appeals to its target audience. Claymation is a unique form of animation that is not frequently seen. The colors are bright and cheery and the characters are quite real looking. The menu allows you to go to a specific episode. I recommend it for ages 4 to 10 and give it 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewed by Tina B., KIDS FIRST! Juror

Gumby and Pokey, television's legendary clay characters, live one great adventure after another in a timeless world of stop motion magic and wonder. Join our favorite duo in this fun-filled collection of 50's, 60's and 80's episodes! When Santa gets sick right before Christmas, will the holiday be ruined or can the Witty Witch save the day and deliver the gifts with the help of a certain someone? Then, Scrooge escapes from his book and sets out to destroy all of the toys in Toyland, but luckily Gumby is there to save the day. From helping the Pilgrims, George Washington, and even the Moon Boggles, to rescuing a baby mastodon in the arctic, these unique shows will spark your imagination and bring a smile to your heart.