Hi-5 are back with another glittery series of adventures, this time with a space theme for young astronomers. For children who can't get enough of the high energy team, this new DVD is sure to please. There are lots of new catchy songs that children will begin singing along to straightaway, including the opening song Hi-5 Base to Outer Space, which is a clear chart topper. There are plenty of minor keys in these songs, including Kelly's gentle Astronaut Kelly song,

There are also some reworked old favourites including Dream On and The Planets. The DVD follows the usual Hi-5 pattern which blends animation with big dances, children playing, and individual segments with each character. Charli does her giggly body movement scenes with Galaxy Goodtime (a familiar theme reworked to have a kind of astronomical theme), the planets, and rabbit in a hat. Jup Jup continues to trick Kathleen as she explores puzzles and patterns while having a space adventure and doing a few magic tricks. Nathan plays with shapes in space, dancing around the universe with the rest of the team or turning into into a genie. Tim makes music while he meets some tooting aliens, and makes strange scientific music, and Kellie and her puppet friend Chatterbox do word play with floating in a space ship or watching a magical eclipse.

Since Hi-5 came on the scene some five years ago, there have been many imitators, some reasonably good, but Hi-5 continue to stand out, for the consistent camaraderie, their varied and well coordinated talent as singers, performers, and dancers, the seriously educational writing which underpins the shows, and for their genuine youthful enthusiasm which really appeals to children. This new CD is full of all of the qualities that make Hi-5 among the best in children's entertainment, and the glittery space theme will appeal to slightly older children. The DVD comes with extras like karaoke, subtitles, the ability to view individual scenes, and an automated start. For more information on Hi-5, visit: http://ninemsn.com.au/kids/hi5/default.asp

Hi-5 Space Magic
Roadshow Entertainment
Produced by Helena Harris
DVD SRP $A24.95, Video SRP $19.95
50 minutes, rated G, October 2004

This review first appeared at Preschool Entertainment. It is reprinted here with permission.