Review: 'Doc McStuffins' truly delivers with 'Toy Hospital'
Posted Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at 2:30 PM Central
by John Couture
I always love it when I am able to share my love of movies with my children. It's not often that they are able to enjoy the films that I review, so I consider it extra special when I get a chance to review family friendly entertainment with them.
I used quip that while my kids tend to watch the same things over and over again, but in the last year or so, it seems that their tolerance for shows wanes after a few weeks. I realize that at age three and almost five, they are simply growing up and progressing through age-appropriate shows, but I miss the days when they were content to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse non-stop.
One show that has remained a favorite over the years, especially for my daughter, has been Doc McStuffins. I have come to finally realize the secret behind its continued enjoyment with my kids, it's a show that has continued to grow with them.
Over the four seasons of the show, the creators have subtly aged Doc and introduced new concepts and social situations that mirror the experiences of children in that toddler/preschool age. The recent release of Doc McStuffins: Toy Hospital is no different.
This time, Doc and her toys are transported to a whole new place, McStuffinsville, and Doc finds herself in charge of her very own toy hospital. Doc sure has come a long way from her backyard clinic and I fully believe that this continual development arc is the key to my children's continued obsession with the show.
By introducing the concept of exploring a brand new world, the young audience is able to relate with many of the same feelings they experience as they make the transition from the home to daycare to school. My daughter will be starting kindergarten next year and I'm pretty sure that she will be better equipped to handle the transition after seeing Doc successfully navigate through the ups and downs of McStuffinsville.
As with most Disney Junior DVDs, the studio realizes that while the actual shows are the key selling point, it doesn't hurt to add a little something extra to make the kids feel special. This time around they have included a toysponder bracelet that is a dead ringer for the same one that Doc uses to travel to McStuffinsville. Not only is it a good value-add to the package, but my daughter has worn hers for a week straight and I'm convinced that she's drawing strength from it in much the same way Doc does in the show.
These are special times and it's always made all the more enjoyable when you can sit down with your kids and enjoy quality programming together. While sure, the show is aimed for them, the songs and storylines are enjoyable enough to keep your passing interest. It's certainly a lot less mind-numbing than say The Teletubbies or Barney.
The DVD contains the following episodes:
- Welcome to McStuffinsville
- Baby McStuffins/Selfless Snowman
- Runaway Love/Tour De McStuffins
- Bringing Home Baby
- Baby Names/Night, Night Lala!