Like his free-spirited cousin Dora, the Explorer, eight-year old animated character Diego Marquez makes his film debut, an animal rescue extravaganza based on Nick Jr.’s show, Go, Diego, Go!. The preschool program focuses on animal exploration and discovery while incorporating Latin American culture, Spanish vocabulary, and plenty of audience participation. Based on the sweeping success of the series, The Great Dinosaur Rescue applies the same winsome elements to an original storyline that starts in a dinosaur museum with some fun facts about the fascinating reptiles. When Diego, Dora, and Baby Jaguar hear Alicia tell a story about a Maiasaura who got separated from her family, they know it’s time for a rescue. With a little help from viewers, the team jumps back in time to the age of the dinosaurs to find Maia and return her safely to Egg Island. But the journey has some obstacles to overcome--including muddy pits, rocky cliffs, and a rumbling volcano--which require teamwork, cool gadgetry, and Diego’s unique ability to communicate with animals. Preschoolers are invited to interact with the story as Diego rouses them--often in Spanish--to "Stand up!" and stretch, stomp, and jump. Integrating repetition, music, and movement, the film (like the series), is a standout for teaching problem-solving skills along with an appreciation of the animal kingdom. The DVD includes two bonus episodes, "Diego Saves Baby Humpback Whale" and "Rescue The Red-Eyed Tree Frogs." (Ages 3 to 5)
