Yes, Virginia, there was a Sesame Street before the Age of Elmo. This 1993 collection highlights the role of music in the long-running series from Children's Television Workshop, and reminds us that such Jim Henson creations as Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Cookie Monster, and Ernie and Bert were once part of a true ensemble of Muppet superstars. Nothing against Elmo, of course: kids adore him and he makes enough appearances in this anthology (including the show-stopping "Happy Tappin' with Elmo") to keep today's tykes happy. Also included is Ernie's classic "Rubber Duckie" (really, who doesn't know the words to that?), Oscar's anthemic "I Love Trash," you-know-who's "C Is for Cookie," and Big Bird's Big Finale, a rendition of "Sing" that includes the entire cast. There are 27 tunes in all, and they don't all involve singing puppets: Ladysmith Black Mambazo turns up for one track, and the "Sesame Street Jam Session" includes some actual playing of instruments. --Tom Keogh

Studio: Genius Products Inc Release Date: 06/03/2003 Run time: 60 minutes Rating: Nr

This is a great video for kids ages 1 year and up. My 15 month old loves the music and characters and my 2 1/2 year old is still entertained. There is lots of music. We own many of the Sesame Street/Elmo's World DVD's and this one is one of their favorites.

My 15 month old twins have loved this movie ever since they started watching it about 5 months ago. This is the only movie that will keep their attention in the car and I have yet to find another that is as entertaining and captivating as this!

I purchased this video for my nephew after his first birthday. Neither of us can get enough of it and I can't tell who is more excited when I'm babysitting to watch this video. The final song, a unique version of "Sing" with Ladysmith Black Mambazo is so sweet it nearly makes me cry every time.

Be warned! Many of the classic Sesame Street songs listed on the back are only short clips spliced together. Argh!!! We bought this for classics like "Rubber Duckie" and "Put Down the Duckie," expecting to get the full songs that appear on other Sesame Street video compilations. The filler in between is a lot of cheesy 80's music that is too erratic and choppy for younger viewers.

I think my husband and I like this video more than my twin 16 month old boys! We know all the words. We all love to sing and dance to this DVD. My husband's favorite part is Bert's pigeon dance and mine is Ernie's "dance myself to sleep". Everyone loves Grover's "wabba-wabba-wabba is a monster song". I highly recommend this video.