Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #11850 in DVD
• Released on: 2002-09-23
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 86 minutes

Special Features
English
Region 0

Synopsis
A special 30th Anniversary DVD that rounds up many of the highlights of this cult children's television show, including the first ever show and an audio commentary from Zippy and George.

Customer Reviews

Probably my favourite ever children's programme
As a child in the early 1980's, there were plenty of children's programmes both on the BBC and ITV. Certainly as an under 10 yrs type of childrens programme, there was plenty that I enjoyed, some I remember as early morning school programmes, some on the BBC in the afternoon as sea-saw programmes and others on ITV as dinnertime programmes for example, there was one which was a school programme that I absolutely loved but can't remember what it was called, it was something to do with words and it included a to be continued type of children's drama for example, DARK TOWERS and THE BOY FROM OUT OF SPACE.

I also use to enjoy the ITV dinnertime programme FLICKS (flick through the pages) with Christopher Lillicrap (even that name couldn't put me off). Another ITV dinnertime favourite of mine was MOONCAT AND CO. with Beryl Read and various BBC sea-saw programmes for example, FINGERBOBS. Some of my absolute favourites though, included BAGPUSS, MR MEN, JAMIE AND HIS MAGIC TORCH, BUTTON MOON and MR BENN but if I was only allowed to choose one absolute favourite, then it would have to be RAINBOW, and ITV dinnertime classic that if I would have missed as episode, I am not exaggerating when I say that I would have been devestated, so I am sure you will know by now how highly I rated it.

To me, Rainbow was just the perfect children's programme, it was educational (but not in a boring way), it had enjoyable stories, at times it was truly hilarious and most importantly it had some of the most wonderfully unique and entertaining characters ever to appear on TV. ZIPPY, BUNGLE and GEORGE were all so different from each other but this was a very clever educational way of showing a child how to respect and get along with people that are different and that it is possible no matter how difficult. The fact that I always knew how ZIPPY, BUNGLE and GEORGE were feeling without even saying a word was one thing but the fact that they weren't real human beings made it even more incredible.

The great thing about Rainbow and most of the other children's programmes from that era and before, they never underestimated my intelligence as a child. GEOFFREY, BUNGLE, ZIPPY, GEORGE, ROD, JANE and FREDDY will never be forgotten. All together now, UP ABOVE THE STREETS AND HOUSE RAINBOW CLIMBING HIGH.....

TV History
Bought this for my 18 month old boy as he likes this and also button moon.
This DVD is worth buying just to watch the very first episode called "shapes". Its absolutely bizzare and bungle looks like a crazed werewolf with those wide open eyes. Zippy looks like he's got a bit of a problem going on aswell. Great stuff

Classic Rainbow Magic
Rainbow was undoubtedly one of Thames TV's all-time classics, and this DVD contains samples of all of the ingredients which made it such a unique and special show to watch. It's sure to entertain, and educate, children of all ages. Performances - whether from humans, such as the brilliant frontman Geoffrey Hayes or the great Rod, Jane and Freddy, or their (and our) furry friends, Bungle, Zippy and George - are packed with energy and professionalism, and the calibre of the scriptwriting is high. Each show blends together a characteristically warm, friendly and colourful mix of sketches, songs, films, stories and jokes, which cannot fail to leave the viewer with a sure feel-good factor.

Of special interest in this DVD is "Shapes", by John Kershaw, the first episode of the programme ever to be screened on ITV. Although Rainbow definitely changed and developed over the 20 years that it was produced, all of the vital elements were there right from the start. It's piece of television history which, in this case, the children will appreciate as much as their parents.

Highly recommended.