'Alvin and the Chipmunks Fans To Be Introduced to A New Generation of the Treasured and Spunky Characters

"Little Alvin and the mini-Munks Debuts Direct-to-DVD April 27, 2004 From Bagdasarian Productions

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) April 22, 2004 -- Fans of Alvin and The Chipmunks," the #1 selling group in the history of childrens music, will embrace Little Alvin and the Mini-Munks, starring spunky Alvin, Theodore and Simon and their new friends The Chipettes as preschoolers learning to handle the emotional and behavioral issues facing little ones as they try to navigate the complex world of growing up. Featuring puppetry, live-action, imaginative 3-D computer animation and six new enchanting songs, this 80-minute feature length direct-to-video DVD filmed on high-definition, will be available nationwide April 27, 2004 for a suggested retail price of $19.95, from Bagdasarian Productions.

Recommended for ages 3-6, Little Alvin and the Mini-Munks is a wondrous blend of imaginative entertainment and valuable life lessons, created and written by Janice Karman and produced by her husband Ross Bagdasarian Jr., who continue the enduring legend of The Chipmunks, first introduced to the public with the mega-hit The Chipmunk Song," written and performed by Ross Bagdasarian Sr. in 1958.

Our self-image is formed during our pre-school years," says Karman. I wanted to create a show that was not only entertaining and musical, but focused on childrens emotional well being and improve their self esteem and communication skills." She also says several noted child psychologists participated on Little Alvin and the Mini-Munks to ensure that the lessons are age appropriate and handled honestly and directly."

What Sesame Street did for the educational I.Q. of preschoolers, Janice has done in this show for their emotional I.Q. As parents, we know our kids are going to sit in front of the TV, but this show is so positively re-enforcing that we parents will welcome it. And because it has layers of humor and insights, a parent can enjoy it along with their child," says Karmans husband, Ross Bagdasarian.

The fun begins as La Lu prepares her fanciful cottage for Little Alvin and the Mini Munks visit. Shes going to look after them for the weekend while David Seville is away working on a new song. Laughter and greetings abound as treasured favorites Little Alvin, Simon, Theodore and the Chipettes (Jeanette, Brittany and baby Eleanor) arrive. But Little Alvin holds back and is sad at Daves parting. La Lu helps him through this rough moment and sets the stage for the rest of the day filled with creativity, humor, memorable songs, and quiet moments of gentle life lessons familiar to young ones everywhere.

The creative and imaginative songs add another layer of insight and entertainment helping each character deal with an emotion or situation: Alvin morphs into a heartbroken Elvis, make that Alvis, to sing about sibling rivalry in the do-wop inspired Dumped for Someone New." Theodore feels left out and travels to a glorious fantasy world in Why Cant We Play?," Jeanette sings the musical apology, Im So Sorry" as she takes responsibility for eating her sisters cherry flavored lipstick and Sometimes I Lie" shows that occasionally even the littlest of chipmunks has a hard time telling the truth. All join to sing Friends," the song that Dave has gone away to write.

In addition to writing or co-writing all the songs, Karman also plays La Lu and communicates with The Chipmunks and Chipettes with great understanding, patience, love and humor, which will encourage and improve dialogue between children and their parents. She tries to calm fussy baby Eleanor with the sprightly Baby, Baby, Baby" filled with Karmans funny antics, and each character learns from her gentle tone and understanding ear. Karmans imaginative Feeling Centers" shows viewers what goes on in the minds of the characters putting faces and names to emotions like sad" and mad."

With bright bold colors, even pacing for young minds and eyes to follow, and distinctive personalities, Little Alvin and the Mini-Munks will charm a whole new generation of Chipmunk fans.

Chips of Advice," a bonus 30-minute parenting section is included on the DVD where Karman meets with several child psychologists and educators to discuss the issues raised on the program that are very important to a childs sense of well-being. Heres where parents can pick up valuable tips on how to handle situations and emotions like jealously, lying, cooperation, fair play, sharing, and expressing emotions.

Karman and Bagdasarian provided the voices for The Chipmunks and Chipettes as they have for the past 24 years. Jerry Rees, who has directed and co-written numerous special projects for Disney, directed the DVD and provided all the animation and special effects for the film.

A musical CD features all the songs from the DVD plus two bonus tracks not on the DVD: Ga Ga Goo" (the Mini Munks Theme Song) and the gentle Candlelight Lullaby." The 30-minute CD will also be available April 6 for a suggested retail price of $12.95 and includes a lyric booklet filled with colorful scenes from the DVD.

True American Idols, Alvin and the Chipmunks are some of the most recognizable and beloved characters and voices of all time. They have been entertaining kids and their families for over 45 years with an attitude that is as contemporary now as it was in 1958 when their meg-hit, The Chipmunk Song," was released. The Chipmunks instantly became a phenomenon selling an astounding 4.5 million records in the first seven weeks of release. It is still one of the most requested and recognizable Christmas songs of all time, ranked just behind White Christmas" by New Yorks WCBS-FM. The Chipmunks have sold more than 43 million records including 14 gold and platinum albums.

The Chipmunks made their television debut in 1961 with The Alvin Show. More than 100 new episodes of Alvin and the Chipmunks were produced for NBCs Saturday morning from 1983-1991. The show was #1 in its time-slot, earned 5 Emmy nominations, and was broadcast in over 100 countries.

Little Alvin and the Mini-Munks carries on The Chipmunks 45 year tradition of quality, non-violent programming and will delight, entertain and teach new generations for years to come.

For more information or to order Little Alvin and the Mini-Munks, please visit www.chipmunks.com.
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