Free to Be You and Me
This unique, highly acclaimed entertainment, stars Marlo Thomas, and features such celebrated talents as Alan Alda, Harry Belafonte, Mel Brooks, Rita Coolidge, Billy De Wolfe, Roberta Flack, Rosey Grier, Michael Jackson, Kris Kristopherson, THe New S
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(out of 68 reviews)
List Price: $ 19.95
Price: $ 12.91
Review by Morgan’s Mom for Free to Be You and Me
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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 70’s. 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 what’s 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.
Review by for Free to Be You and Me
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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 (she’s biracial), and my ‘funny’ proper accent. Watching this movie in Mrs. Hammond’s 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.
Review by Mara Mindell for Free to Be You and Me
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I recently became obsessed with this movie. I’d seen it in pre-school and somehow remembered the songs, stories, and humorous skits up through college. And I’m 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 it’s okay to cry, a fairy-tale tells girls they don’t 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 don’t 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, it’s the movie that really helped shape my life.
Review by dkr for Free to Be You and Me
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This dvd brings me back to when I was growing up in the 70’s. 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 “It’s Alright to Cry.” One of the highlights is the duet by Roberta Flack and a young Michael Jackson singing “You Don’t Have to Change at All.” I am so happy I am able to have this piece of my childhood to share.
Review by G. A. Byrd for Free to Be You and Me
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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. It’s fun and socially educational.