Adventures of The Galaxy Rangers – The Collection, Vol. 1
Koch Vision

This ’80s show holds up pretty well, even with its early-years CGI effects.

Space Cowboy themes have been part of science fiction since the genre began, and Galaxy Ranger played on that, with tales of star-hopping peace officers. Some of the stories actually have dual levels for adults and kids (not unlike the Paul Dini/Bruce Timm Batman, Superman, and Justice League series of the ’90s and early 2000s). Led by Zachery Foxx (voiced by the late Jerry Orbach) and the team of “Doc” Hartford (Hubert Kelly), Niko (Laura Dean), and Shane Gooseman (Doug Preis), the rangers roam the cosmos where, of course, evil baddies lurk beyond nebulas and star clusters, especially the Queen of Crown. This four-disc collection is the first of two sets that will feature all 65 of the program’s episodes. It’s one of those little-remembered but truly great lost animated series that kids (and any age sci-fi fans) will still enjoy today.

Minutemen
Disney

Disney has always done films with science fictionish elements, and this is a fun take on time travel with the geeks-become-heroes angle. Decades ago, this would’ve even hit theaters, though now we have a Disney Channel, where the movie first appeared. Featuring Jason Dolley, of Corey in the House, and Luke Benward, of How to Eat Fried Worms), it’s the story of a trio of boys right wrongs through a time vortex invention as “Minutemen,” until, of course, the grown-ups in the form of the FBI become involved as things build up to a don’t-mess-with-time crisis of literal black hole proportions and time paradoxes. The DVD also includes a “Making of” featurette, including a look at stunts and special effects, plus a music video by Corbin Bleu from High School Musical. Not four-star Disney but still fun.

Diary of a Spider… and More Cute Critter Stories
(Scholastic Storybook Treasures)
New Video Group

Scholastic Storybook Treasures presents this charming tale based on the book written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss, narrated by Angus T. Jones. The stories are cute–bugs and animals with human characteristics. Other tales include “Roberto the Insect Architect,” “Norman the Doorman” (a mouse who guards an art museum), “The Mysterious Tadpole” plus a bonus tale, “The Story of the Dancing Frog.” It’s 79 minutes of innocence and a touch of wonder, perfect for pre-schoolers and younger elementary school students, say K though 2nd grade.