Dora the Explorer: Dora's Mermaid Adventures Collection

I’ve long been a parent first and a reviewer afterwards when it comes to kids television show DVD releases. My first priority is to look at the value of each release and then the content. If my kids can watch whatever it is I’ve reviewed on Hulu or Netflix or Amazon Prime (or all three), chances are likely my endorsement is going to be pretty low. Dora’s Mermaid Collection is a release that actually has a pretty good value and here’s why. 

 

The first of two discs in the series, Dora Saves The Mermaids disappointed me at first. The three episodes in the set can be found for free for Amazon Prime users. Not everyone is an Amazon Prime subscriber so there’s that. Unfortunately my disappointment came from the fact that the first two episodes are taken from the very first season of the series (Fish Out Of Water  and Treasure Island) and the double length episode is derived from season 4, also available on Prime. 

 

For parents whose little ones love Dora there is a lot of history in the final episode which features such trivia nuggets that can be found on-line such as it is the last episode with the original cast as well as the last episode to feature some mainstays from the first four seasons (look it up and have fun). 

 

My disappointments aside I was pretty happy that the second disc in the series, Dora’s Rescue In Mermaid Kingdom, which the title episode is actually the sequel to Dora Saves The Mermaids, is completely derived from episodes from the 7th season (not available anywhere from a streaming company). 

 

In the grand scheme of things in regards to this release I have to give it a big thumbs up for value. For starters, the price. At just $14.99 (Amazon) you are saving about $3 as the discs are priced around $9 a piece (Amazon) individually. Secondly you get four regular length episodes and two double length episodes plus bonus features. If you don’t already own either of these discs that’s a pretty good deal, and like I said, the second disc is not available to view on any streaming service as of yet so that’s a pretty good deal. 

 

As far as content is concerned. If you are a parent with a kid that love to watch Dora, you know what you’re getting when you buy this collection. Educational interaction, adventure, light bilingual studies and moral guidance. Enjoy.