National Geographic's Amazing Planet: Shark-a-Thon [VHS]

Everyone knows that sharks are super-cool. Sleek, fast, and strong, mowing down everything in their path, they're the ocean's equivalent of monster trucks. To help spread the word, National Geographic released Shark-A-Thon, a 30-minute package of some of their best shark footage, interspersed with a fun-sounding educational report delivered by alien Rip Rayon and his wacky crew. It busts up some myths (they're not all carnivores!), explains what makes a shark a shark, and illustrates it all with the beautiful filming we've come to expect from National Geographic. While it might not be exactly nightmare-proof, the narrators do go to great lengths to minimize the fear engendered by these mighty beasts. The capering of the aliens might turn off some adults, but young kids will love the fast-paced action of Shark-A-Thon. --Rob Lightner