Sprout Launches the All New “Let’s Grow” DVD Line in January 2010

HIT Entertainment, a leading provider of quality children’s entertainment, is partnering with Sprout, the first 24-hour preschool destination available on TV, on demand and online for kids ages 2-5 and their parents and caregivers, to launch a new DVD line for preschoolers and their parents.  The all-new series, titled “Let’s Grow,” focuses on life skills and lessons for preschoolers and features the most trusted preschool characters from HIT Entertainment and Sprout.  Lionsgate Home Entertainment, longtime distributor for HIT’s home entertainment, will release the first DVD of the series on January 12, 2010, with the next title scheduled for a second quarter 2010 date.

Each DVD in the “Let’s Grow” series is uniquely themed and the content will focus on different areas like safety, expressing feelings, manners and other preschool topics.  The “Let’s Grow” series contains episodes from HIT Entertainment’s library of programs including Barney™, Bob the Builder™, Thomas & Friends™ and many more.  The episodes are woven together by live action segments featuring hosts from Sprout’s original Sunny Side Up Show, along with their puppet friend Chica the Chicken.  Together they introduce the episodes, make crafts and play educational games themed to each DVD release.

A printed Parent Resource Guide will accompany each DVD and include additional information, such as tips, discussion starters and websites tied to the DVD’s theme.  Content for the guide was provided by educators, as well as experts from KidsHealth, the largest online resource of children’s health and developmental information.

The first DVD in the series, “Lend a Helping Hand” addresses helping friends and family and taking care of the community.  Hosts Kelly and Chica introduce each themed episode and demonstrate how kids can be helping hands through fun activities like creating and using a recycling bin and cleaning up after themselves.

“We are thrilled to join with our broadcast partner, Sprout, to launch this new DVD line,” said Jeff Deverett, Senior Vice President, Home Entertainment, HIT Entertainment North America. “With HIT’s vast library of programming and Sprout’s interactive and creative format, it is natural for us to come together for this uniquely themed DVD line for preschoolers. We are proud of this new series that is sure to entertain children and help parents by reinforcing lessons taught at home.”

“Sprout is so excited to be making its retail market debut with this new DVD series for preschoolers and parents,” said Tom Alexander, Sr. VP of Marketing, Sprout.  “At Sprout, we believe in inspiring interaction between parents and kids, and this DVD series perfectly captures the spirit of our network with its unique live-action segments featuring Sprout’s own talent and beloved preschool favorites like Barney and Bob the Builder.”