Free to Be You and Me
Average Rating: 4.5 Total Reviews: 51
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 On: 2008-08-20
Whats to say?
Free to Be You and Me is timeless, brilliant, and super fun for kids of all ages.
Great cast, wonderfully imaginative songs.
Too bad nobodys making an updated version!
On: 2008-08-13
My daughter now talks about being a police officer and pretends to direct traffic. She practices running races like Atalanta and my toddler asks me to show her the babies and she sings "free to be" all day long.
These stories and songs influenced me, opened the world to me, and they do the same for my young daughters. I remembered every word from my own childhood and sharing this with my daughters is emotional, special, and worthwhile.
Anyone who says female empowerment is no longer necessary is (1) not female; and (2) doesnt have daughters.
I credit these lessons with my sense of social justice and I hope my daughters develop this as well.
 On: 2008-05-08
Like many before me, I watched this as a kid in school for several years and was surprised to see a DVD release. The DVD has versions of songs not on the CD (a young Michael Jackson for example).
BUT
The DVD quality is pretty bad. It looks like someone put a video camera on a tripod and pointed it at the wall showing the old film on a screen (complete with things blocking the view) - Im serious. They didnt remaster it or even do a quality transfer.
This may be the only version you will see on DVD so holding off may not be wise if you have no other copy. I pulled a copy from Showtime a LONG Time ago and its MUCH MUCH MUCH better than the DVD. How sad...
On: 2007-12-31
Great DVD. Just as good as I remebered it as a child. My children love it. It is definitely a 70s piece, but the topics ring clear today too. Lots of music and many differnt stories make up this DVD. Every childs collection should have it.
On: 2007-09-30
Buy this DVD. Just do it. Lessons like equality, self realization, bullies and gender stereotypes are more needed in todays modern life than ever. So what if the technology is out of touch when the message isnt!
What is a 2 year old going to know of technology anyway? Mine loves good old sesame street over the fancier fare availble; and, believe me, Ive tried to get him into more modern stuff so I can bear to sit through it.
We complain that they spend hours in front of the TV and on Nintendo DS. Theyre just kids in the end and is it them or us succumbing to advertising or the cool gadets out there? Before they get too jaded try out Free to be... on them.
Remember: Weve read where parents said the DVD was too dated but I did not read where their kids said hey mom this DVD is soooo 1970s I just cant watch it.
On: 2007-09-29
In todays society it is so important to help children develop a positive self-image. This album does that in a very pleasing way. The assembled celebrities do an excellent job, through their songs, of making children feel as though they are worthy and important. I highly recommend this. It is a collection of songs that I used repeatedly, and often, when teaching as an entertaining way of getting the students to feel good about themselves. Highly recommend this DVD!
On: 2007-09-29
Theres a land that I see where the children are free
And I say it aint far to this land from where we are
Take my hand,come with me,where the children are free
Come with me,take my hand,and well live
In a land where the river runs free
In a land through the green country
In a land to shining sea
And you and me are free to be you and me
I see a land bright and clear,and the times comin near
When well live in this land,you and me,hand in hand
Take my hand,come along,lend a voice to my song come along
take my my hand sing this song
For a land where the river runs free
For a land in the green country
For a land to a shining sea
For a land where the horses run free
And you and me are free to be you and me
Every boy in this land grows to be his own man
In this land every girl grows to be her own WOMAN!
Come with me take my hand and we RUN!
In a land to the shining sea
In a land where it is always the 70s
... ... ... .. ... .... .. .. you and me
On: 2007-09-28
I was very familiar with the title and was pleased with the condition of the product and the speed of the shipment.
 On: 2007-05-12
I vaguely recall bits and pieces of video from my childhood, but it was still a bit of a shock when I got the DVD. The CD seems unfortunately timeless, but the DVD looks very very dated. Some of the animations (e.g. "Atalanta" and "Williams Doll") arent too bad, but the rest is too 70s. Get the CD instead, youll be much happier.
On: 2007-03-24
Kids loved this. Girls 7 (first grade) and 5 (pre k) and son 2 yrs. We moved from a very relaxed, well funded, full of arts school district to across the world, heavily congested, low funded little to standard art school district. Found the transition from fun sunny friends to competitive relatively unhappy community tough. This video really helped my 7 year old see her diversity in a soft and soothing way, believe it helped her move. Kids loved it for the entertainment value too. I swear I heard their brains blooming open with possibilities when they watched this. I loved the retro revisiting my childhood of it. It was a lot shorter than I remember it, which is handy for rewatching.
 On: 2007-02-10
I knew this stuff from the album, but hadnt ever seen the TV show. It is dated...cartoon unicorns flying off a carousel in Central Park. And unfortunately the video quality was obviously mediocre to start with. But it is fun, and the humorous parts are enduring. The songs are great too, as youd remember if you were young when this came out...
I left my 2 yr old this morning on the couch watching the puppet babies (Mel Brooks and Marlo T) doing the I AM A BOY/GIRL thing--she had a big smile on her face..
On: 2007-02-06
It is so nice to hear this music again! My daughter enjoys it immensely and itll be so nice to both be able to be nostalgic about it someday. I love that theyre putting these shows from my youth onto DVD so she can enjoy them also.
On: 2007-02-02
Sure, its dated, and not a lot of kids know who Rosie Greer is. But, if you dont love it for the simple childhood "niceness" factor, rent it for the kitsch factor -- a young Michael Jackson is a hoot!
On: 2007-01-17
Great DVD my 2 yr old loves it! I love watching it with him which is a nice treat!
Gret FAV!!!
On: 2007-01-05
Get this to go along with the dvd or album or just on its own if you dont let your kids watch the television (good idea). The stories fit todays child-rearing recomendations and work better than the video of older stars that todays kids dont know, like Rosie Greer.
by: laddfan2 On: 2006-12-13
I saw this as a little girl,when I was in 3rd grade. It was Thanksgivingtime.I loved the Boy meets Girl[they were hilarious] My favorite is Parents are People[good beat and so many costume changes]
Ladies First reminds me of[Im pretty,Im Prettier, Im Prettiest one of all from Sesame Street,You remember them? I bet KP and Ron can make chow out out of those tigers and feed the world.
Atalanta-I read this in either Elementary or Middle school.I thought.Hey! Thats from Free to be.. You and Me. A princess that doesnt mope around in her fancy dress,she runs,and thinks for herself,if she wants to marry or not.I want to[badly]
Williams Doll-I like the beat of the song and the faces of the kids teasing him.
Brothers and Sisters-I see June Angela"Julie" from The Electric Company in this with other people dancing.I love this song.
On: 2006-10-26
Its hysterical and pitiful that some of the other reviewers describe this program as though it is some subversive, dangerous, dogmatic propaganda.
WARNING: This program teaches children to love themselves and respect others and we all know how threatening and subversive those values are! Quick run back to the cave and hide! The sky is falling!!
If you believe little boys playing with dolls is sick and threatens their development, then you wont like this program. If you think its subservise propaganda to tell little girls its okay for them to be smart and strong, then you wont like this program either. On the other hand, if you are a nurturing parent and some of your goals include teaching your child to have a sense of self, to respect humanitys differences (gasp!) and to empower (double gasp!) them to reach for the stars, then youll enjoy sharing this program with your kids.
On: 2006-09-27
I love this DVD!! And so does my 3 yr old.
I too rented this on a whim and Im so glad I did. There is no better message to send to your kid than tolerance.
Proaganda? Yeah...LOVE was a new voice of the time. This is just a 45 minute movie showing kids that it is OK to be yourself.
I have to address Atalanta...finally a princess I can get behind!! My daughter is in full princess mode right now. She saw Cinderella and Barbie movies at our neighbors. Plus they have a closet full of princess dress-up gowns (even a wedding dress for a 2-4 yr old which I find a bit disturbing) But I let her play because she loves it.
She dresses up, twirls around and talks about being beautiful.
Disney has created this artificial world of beauty and helplessness. They wont be happy until Prince Charming sweeps in and carries them away.
What does Atalanta want? To read, travel the world and LEARN. She and John from the town have mutual respect and are friends.
The Ladies first girl in the pink dress was rude. Yes there is a custom of ladies first but she walked to the front of the line when other girls were waiting as well.
Seems some folks missed the point on this one.
Anything that is commercial free, not telling me what toothpaste to buy or what talking/blinking hammer to buy for my kid is all right for me.
And yes I will be taking my daughter to Disneyland.
And one more thing...Ms. Thomas is no Aretha but I think she is free to be....Ms. Thomas.
Cut her some slack, she was doing something positive, for the world.
On: 2006-08-01
I have always loved FREE TO BE YOU AND ME, but now I can also watch the DVD with my daughter. Its so great to be able to share with her the stories and the songs that I grew up with... She loves the babies (Mel Brooks and Marlo Thomas) the most!
 On: 2006-04-18
I rented this on a whim and it brought back a lot of memories from my 1970s days in elementary school. This video made its rounds in the public schools. The songs are catchy and the film quality is good.
But make no mistake, this is propaganda aimed at children. I will not be showing it to my kids.
Despite the freewheeling title, the message is that girls will find happiness only if they mimic boys.
Case in point: Atalanta, a princess, finds happiness when she competes with men in a footrace and when she rejects marriage so she can travel the world (on her fathers horse). She also designs and fabricates rocketships in her spare time.
Juxtapose that story with another cartoon where a femine girl in a pink dress and curls is devoured by tigers when she follows the custom of "ladies first." The tigers abide her request and throw her into a boiling cauldron. The narrator advises us that the boiling girl makes a very tasty meal.
Our "hosts", infant puppets voiced by Mel Brooks and Marlo Thomas, are revolting. There should be a law against using Mel Brooks voice for a baby. Apparently, I repressed memories of these creatures, but seeing them again brought back the horror. Needless to say, I fast forwarded through the disturbing puppetry.
Overall, this DVD is fun for thirtysomethings but should be kept away from children.
On: 2006-04-17
I rented this on a whim and it brought back a lot of memories from my 1970s days in elementary school. This video made its rounds in the public schools. The songs are catchy and the film quality is good.
But make no mistake, this is propaganda aimed at children. I will not be showing it to my kids.
Despite the freewheeling title, the message is that girls will find happiness only if they mimic boys.
Case in point: Atalanta, a princess, finds happiness when she competes with men in a footrace and when she rejects marriage so she can travel the world (on her fathers horse). She also designs and fabricates rocketships in her spare time.
Juxtapose that story with another cartoon where a femine girl in a pink dress and curls is devoured by tigers when she follows the custom of "ladies first." The tigers abide her request and throw her into a boiling cauldron. The narrator advises us that the boiling girl makes a very tasty meal.
Our "hosts", infant puppets voiced by Mel Brooks and Marlo Thomas, are revolting. There should be a law against using Mel Brooks voice for a baby. Apparently, I repressed memories of these creatures, but seeing them again brought back the horror. Needless to say, I fast forwarded through the disturbing puppetry.
Overall, this DVD is fun for thirtysomethings but should be kept away from children.
On: 2006-03-13
I just watched this for the first time in 30+ years. I forgot how much squishy liberal dogma was in there, but the songs sure are catchy. Curiously, my kids werent interested in it at all, but my wife and I wanted to watch.
P.S. Listen to Marlo Thomas with your eyes closed. Her singing is terrible!
On: 2005-08-27
I bought this because I remembered loving it when I was a kid in the 70s. Now, my daughter is watching it all the time. The basic theme is timeless even if our daughters already know they can be doctors. Its fun and socially educational.
On: 2005-08-06
This dvd brings me back to when I was growing up in the 70s. I am happy to share this with my kids. Who can forget the baby puppets in the hospital window trying to figure out if they are boys or girls or Rosie Greer singing "Its Alright to Cry." One of the highlights is the duet by Roberta Flack and a young Michael Jackson singing "You Dont Have to Change at All." I am so happy I am able to have this piece of my childhood to share.
On: 2005-07-28
My two year old just got this DVD as a birthday present. We have watched it three times. Although the animation and styles are a bit dated, and its kind of odd watching Micheal Jackson, the messages throughout are still timely and I still love it. It was one of my favorites as a child (I remember watching it at school) and Im so glad I can share it with my daughter now!
On: 2005-07-09
My 4 year old daughter likes her DVD. Dad bought it for her because he remembered it from his childhood. He was disapointed that some of the skits he remembered were not included in the DVD but on the whole it rated well with him. It gets watched pretty often in our house.
On: 2005-05-14
When my daughter was born, a relative and I wound up reminiscing about this album and how much we both loved it growing up. Next thing I knew, a copy of the DVD arrived as a gift for my daughter and me. The first time I sat down and watched, it brought back all my memories of being a little girl in the 70s. I could even still sing along with the title song! Right now, my daughter is too young to do much except listen as I sing or play music for her, but I hope she grows up enjoying these songs as much as I did. Yes, the visuals are dated, but I believe the messages of these songs are as pertinent now as they were thirty years ago. Best of all, the songs get their messages across without being "preachy." I think this is a fabulous alternative to much of whats out there for kids today, and dated as some elements may be, "Free to Be You and Me" is still a long, long way from going out of style.
On: 2005-02-24
This show was a favorite as a child, I loved to watch when it aired at home and in school. We also listened to the recording, we probably wore the groves off the record (remember records!). I now have two toddlers and they enjoy watching and listening to it as much as I did.
Though it may look dated, it is timeless. The universal messages, the wonderful writing, the cast and the music all make for an unequalled experience. I know my grandchildren will watch and enjoy as much.
On: 2004-12-04
I loved Free To Be You and Me as a child and I love it now as an adult looking back. As a young girl in the 70s, Free To Be taught me that girls could be anything they want and broke stereotypes for ALL children. It taught us all that are feelings were important and singing was a cure for just about anything. I love this DVD, but I am sad that they couldnt find room for Carol Channing and some of the others on the original record (found on the cd). This DVD is a must-have!
On: 2004-10-15
I have owned the CD and book since January 2004 and after alot of thought, I brought the DVD. I loved it alot. Some of the songs and scenes are not on the CD or book, which is great. A thing I would like to say. I had no problems playing the DVD on my Australian PS2 games and DVD player connected to a common medium sized TV one can get here.
On: 2004-09-07
I purchased this DVD for my almost-three-year-old through a sentimental haze; I suppose I hadnt seen this on television since 1977 or so. Back in the day, this show was broadcast annually, so I couldnt remember it too well - the puppets in the hospital nursery was about it.
But I certainly still had the songs in my head (my record was played daily) as well as the ideas, and these I wanted to share with my son. So, I bought the book and the CD and the DVD, all to make certain my son knows he is free to be, darn-tootin.
The DVD, however, has turned out to be somewhat of a letdown. As another reviewer wrote, it is dated. I cant see this show, in 2004, as the most effective vehicle to transport the message to little Sam. As for Mommy, I prefer to sing along with the CD, allowing my son to listen to what hes hearing and not get lost in (or perhaps bored by) what hes seeing on screen.
Somewhere on Amazon I read that the show was developed in response to the success of the record. This reassures me that the content is well-carried without the visuals.
Feel free to profit from my over-enthusiasm - I watched the DVD once after it arrived and probably wont again. And in Sams book, the Free to Be DVD probably earns 4 stars, but ranks rather at the bottom of his must-see-for-the-43rd-time list.
On: 2004-09-06
I purchased this DVD for my almost-three-year-old through a sentimental haze; I suppose I hadnt seen this on television since 1977 or so. Back in the day, this show was broadcast annually, so I couldnt remember it too well - the puppets in the hospital nursery was about it.
But I certainly still had the songs in my head (my record was played daily) as well as the ideas, and these I wanted to share with my son. So, I bought the book and the CD and the DVD, all to make certain my son knows he is free to be, darn-tootin.
The DVD, however, has turned out to be somewhat of a letdown. As another reviewer wrote, it is dated. I cant see this show, in 2004, as the most effective vehicle to transport the message to little Sam. As for Mommy, I prefer to sing along with the CD, allowing my son to listen to what hes hearing and not get lost in (or perhaps bored by) what hes seeing on screen.
Somewhere on Amazon I read that the show was developed in response to the success of the record. This reassures me that the content is well-carried without the visuals.
Feel free to profit from my over-enthusiasm - I watched the DVD once after it arrived and probably wont again. And in Sams book, the Free to Be DVD probably earns 4 stars, but ranks rather at the bottom of his must-see-for-the-43rd-time list.
On: 2004-08-30
Very few kids who grew up in the seventies didnt have the pleasure of viewing this tape in school, the library, or on television. We loved and learned the lyrics, the characters, and the lessons. It was so cutting edge for its time ~ boys playing with dolls, girls growing up to be firefighters, etc. Nowadays, our kids are weaned on computers, GameBoy, motor scooters and cell phones. Though we pray for acceptance, its not always easy to teach our kids today. Watching this video with a child today probably wont have the same positive effect it did 3 decades ago, but they might still enjoy the stories. The stars are filled with talent, i.e. Mel Brooks, Marlo Thomas, Alan Alda, and sickeningly enough, a young and innocent Michael Jackson before his transformation. I still remember the words to each song, especially Rosie Griers gentle, "Its Alright to Cry" and of course the title song, "Free to Be You & Me." I think this still belongs in a classroom, just not sure it will make as great an impact today as when it was released.
On: 2004-07-21
I know that sounds political, but in a large part, it is true. I had the record album when I was about five years old, and loved it. Now I find that my own children can enjoy it, too! I have two girls, now, and I never want them to think that being a girl is a hindrance to whatever they want to be. My oldest daughter (3 3/4 yrs old) says she wants to be a firefighter, and I always say, Thats fine. Do the same for your kids!
On: 2004-07-17
I watched this movie when I was little back in the 70s. My sister watched it in the late 80s, and now my kids watch it too. The talking babies are ADORABLE! (my kids love them!) and theres a part about not saying "ladies first" all the time, a part about women can do any job they like, and a part about a boy who wants a doll. Its great stuff.
by: Anonymous On: 2004-01-27
I enjoyed the Helping Song throughout the years. Found it in a Shel Silverstein book and realized they put to music his poem. William Wants a Doll bravely explores gender issues in a way that is honest and entertaining. Helping
Agatha Fry, she made a pie,
And Christopher John helped bake it.
Christopher John he mowed the lawn,
And Agatha Fry helped rake it.
Zachary Zugg took out the rug,
And Jennifer Joy helped shake it.
And Jennifer Joy she made a toy,
And Zachary Zugg helped break it. And some kind of help
Is the kind of help
That helpings all about.
And some kind of help
Is the kind of help
We all can do without. ~Shel Silverstein in Where the Sidewalk Ends
and put to music in Free to Be You and Me.
by: Anonymous On: 2003-06-18
This movie was one of earliest memories of kindergarden. I loved this movie after only seeing it once. However, ever since then I have been trying and trying to see it again. Every year since I turned 18 I have asked if it was out on VHS or DVD. Finally, Amazon had it! Thanks.
This movie brought me so much in the way I live my life. To love others, to respect others - but most of all Respect and Love myself!!
My most memoriable scene is the baby scene with Mel Brooks and Marlo Thomas "are you a girl baby or a boy baby" - making me realize that it did not matter when it came to friends or coworkers.
People make such a big deal that Michael Jackson is in this - I really never remembered this fact. But I did remember Rosie Grier and that made it more memoriable later in life when I learned he knits and when I actually met this remarkable man.
My Dog is A Plumber made me realize as a child that poety can be fun. Even though this was never my strong point nor my field in life, I still appreciate poety to this day because of this first little poem.
And finally, Parents are People allowed me to realize at an ealy age that my parents could make mistakes. This allowed me to get mad at them without hating them when they punished me. Which has (hopefully) made me a better adult in society.Thank you Marlo, each person and voice in the movie, and thank you Amazon!
by: Anonymous On: 2003-02-22
I myself watched this video when I was younger, and I loved it. I am thrilled to be able to share it with my son!
On: 2002-12-03
Remembering this from when I was a kid, I shared this with my 3 year old who giggled and sang and asked to watch it over and over...a lot of lifes lessons and yet a wonderful sense of humor mixed with song and stories...about growing up- being confident-individuality and just family warmth...in a very cozy way....famous stars join in to make this video a classic...but ones the newer generations may not know...still a treat to watch together and keep you smiling...
by: Anonymous On: 2002-12-01
This is that wonderful movie that you remember from elementary school--I cant recommend it more highly. Its worth its weight in gold!
On: 2002-07-12
I enjoyed this movie when I was a child, and now I have the pleasure of sharing this movie with my own children. I definitely recommend this movie for children of all ages. From live action to animation, Free to Be You and Me explores childrens perspectives about things like brothers and sisters to little boys playing with dolls. Free To Be you and Me features talents by Alan Alda, Michael Jackson, Roberta Flack, Marlo Thomas ,Rosey Greir,Kris Kristopherson, and Mel Brooks.
On: 2002-03-15
I enjoyed this DVD very much. If you wondered what Michael Jackson would have looked like if he didnt get that disease that turned his skin white or his nose ,eyes, lips,hair and chin job , watch this DVD for a classic moment of mike and Roberta Flack singing together. The songs are great and the little skits about growing up really kept my interest. By the way , the kids liked it,too.
by: Anonymous On: 2001-12-28
I watched this and sang these songs as a kid and I still know all the words to the songs (30 years later...) Free to Be You and Me teaches kids to be happy with who they are and celebrate their unique gifts. I am thrilled to be able to share it with my kids!
by: Anonymous On: 2001-12-12
I too, was a huge fan in the 70s and the 80s. I was so pleased to see this out on DVD. The songs, the messages are clear and poignant but presented in a fun, creative and very entertaining way. My generation grew up thinking (knowing) we could do anything and be anyone. This is a clear message for our children (or children soon to be). Beware, those who feel strongly about separation of gender rolls should not purchase this. Also, check out "The Me Nobody Knows" on DVD..another one from my camp days that is great!
On: 2001-11-21
When the cd was released I was ecstatic. Just like so many others, this stuff stuck with me all of my life. It is so heart-felt, so honest, so idealistic in a way that is actually humanly possible! Its the kind of idealism that nourishes a child well. So much has changed in the world, but I was glad to be reminded of that soft center that had been cultivated within me in my childhood and which I associated to completely with this music. Everytime I hear it, honest to God and I feel slightly embarassed about this, I kind of always want to cry. Great funk influences, great folk influences, terrific Diana Ross track, a few really funny pieces, and SO RETRO!!!! Honestly, there is alot to make this valuable to so many different people. So many generations. I keep wondering when Im going to hear some of it sampled in some spaced out electronica. Lovers of Free to Be and liberal ideals unite!
by: Anonymous On: 2001-10-23
i am so excited that they are releasing this onto dvd. i have been searching for it for months now. i remember watching this in my younger years (the 70s and 80s), and i just loved it. it has so many positive notes to it that i want my chidren to learn too. my daughter has the cd and plays it all the time. she even called one of our fish atalanta after the one story. thank you for releasing this. i think that everyone with children should get this. i think it has great lessons to teach.
On: 2001-09-18
I want to thank the company that is re releasing this to DVD... I remember watching this when Projectors were still the rage in 1983..
To the person that says that crying is for sissies, you must be one cold hearted person. This film shows that it is OK to feel and that we all must get along together... I see nothing wrong with this film.
This is a film that displays thought about growing up and about different types of feelings. It even has a small segment about a boy wanting a doll!Brilliant movie... It should help the yound ones of today with the peaks and valleys of growing up... I am going to order mine.. I am going to laugh, cry, and remember....
On: 2001-09-04
I have been searching for the VHS version of this production for 3 years now. Needless to say, I am beyond excited that it is being re-released on DVD. I was very influenced by this program when I first saw it in the third grade back in 1987. I was just learning how to be a best friend and how to deal with children teasing me for my very long and extremely coarse nappy hair, my white grandmother (shes biracial), and my funny proper accent. Watching this movie in Mrs. Hammonds 3rd grade class was eye-opening. It taught me that it was okay to cry about things and to talk about how I feel to family, friends, and bullies. I am definitely going to buy this DVD for my 15 month old son and his 1 month old twin sisters so they can enjoy it. Oh, and the scenes with the baby puppets (a boy and a girl who teach kids about the differences and similarities between girls and boys) are must see--believe me. The scenes are extremely funny--I laugh just thinking about them--and are great for little kids and for dispelling some common social conceptions and misconceptions about gender & gender equality. This program will re-enforce the lessons my husband and I are trying to teach our kids--epecially since we are a multi-racial family who speaks 3 languages at home and travels between our two homes. DO BUY THIS DVD when it becomes available.
On: 2001-08-29
This movie was such a positive influence on my life growing up.I have the cd and now I will be buying the dvd .It is a wonderful movie that deals with so many problems that occur in every day life for children. It is an upbeat and fun way to learn how to feel good about yourself as a child. I have been searching for the show since I had my first child. I am so happy they are re-releasing it. My son loved it when he saw it on television and he is 6. Thank you amazon for having this movie !
On: 2001-08-27
I recently became obsessed with this movie. Id seen it in pre-school and somehow remembered the songs, stories, and humorous skits up through college. And Im not alone! Others like me are frantically searching for this piece of their childhood, perhaps the only video to REALLY say to kids, "Just be yourself." A football player tells boys its okay to cry, a fairy-tale tells girls they dont have to get married, and Mel Brooks and Marlo Thomas approach subjects like gender roles and childcare in four skits that can have even grown-ups laughing out loud. Though the song featuring a young Michael Jackson singing "We dont have to change at all" is extremely ironic and more than a little sad, the video is a fun experience overall. The book and soundtrack are also both wonderful tools to have in raising open-minded children, but I must admit that as cheesy as it sounds, its the movie that really helped shape my life.
On: 2001-08-25
This is a movie my sister and I have tried to purchase for over 2 years now and have had to settle for the audio cassette! We are SO EXCITED this is out on VHS to pass on to our children! It teaches children, and reminds us adults, that its O.K. to be yourself and that its fun to be a child. The music is great and if you saw this as a kid, youll probably still remember all the words! Well worth the purchase to add to your childs video collection.
by: Anonymous On: 1999-01-10
Through stories and song, actors and cartoon characters,this 1974 production encourages children to respect and appreciate diversity in gender,race and various ages without resorting to stereotypes. This lighthearted celebration of being human was timely and unique when it was first released and it continues to have value as well as appeal for children of all ages. My children loved it and wore out the first recording we owned; now their children "know it by heart." Free to Be You and Me has been an excellent tool for introducing and reinforcing positive attitudes about their peers for students in my multicultural second grade class. Happily, the stories and music are still available in print and on tape and CD, but only on the video is it possible to see Rosie Greer singing "Its Allright to Cry" or to see the teenaged Michael Jackson and Aretha Franklin singing "When I Grow Up."
by: Anonymous On: 1999-01-06
This video is from the early 70s but is still very timely. Through live action and animation, humor and music, the cast examines individuality, stereotypes, tolerance, and respect for others. Ive given copies to the kids in my life ever since it became available on video and Ive got a new list all ready for the re-release.
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