Review and Giveaway: Balloonatiks CLOSED

My son loves his Nick Jr. so I have yet to introduce him to the world of superheroes. Batman. Spiderman. Superman. The Hulk. Iron Man. The closest he's come to them is a graphic on a hand-me-down t-shirt. The animation versions are just a bit too violent and scary for a toddler, in my opinion. But thankfully, the Balloonatiks have come to our rescue.

The Balloonatiks is a CGI-animated series and merchandise brand, with two paperback books, a series of comics and games and an interactive website under its belt. The series features voice talents of renowned actors such as Mark Hamill, Debi Derryberry (Jimmy Neutron) and Billy West (Futurama). The theme song is performed by Ray Parker Jr., who is famous for writing the Ghostbusters theme song. (Any 80's baby like me should love this!)

The Balloonatiks are a group of five ordinary teens who are mysteriously transformed into rubbery, bouncy balloons, each gifted with incredible abilities from their unique personalities. The characters include:

• Flator - the school jock who is able to grow to massive sizes
• Airbrain - the brainiac who can use his giant head as a hot air balloon
• Squeeker - the popular cheerleader who uses her high-pitched cheers to paralyze bad guys
• Sparky - the multi-talented activist who can stop opponents with her lightening bolts
• Bouncer - class clown and food lover who can transform into any kind of ball and bounce to amazing heights

The supporting cast includes Leaky, a frog-turned-mascot; Professor Swellhead, mentor and creator of the Balloonatiks; and Dr. Poppemoff, the evil mad-scientist out to take over Hot Air City.

I had the pleasure of reviewing Balloonatiks: The Collector's Set, a special edition DVD with two Balloonatiks episodes. In "Meet Deflator", Dr. Poppemoff creates an oversized latex monster to wreck havoc on Hot Air City. It is up to the Balloonatiks to combine their powers and defeat the monster before it can reach the city's main hot air valve. In "Pop Goes the Balloonatiks", villain Mr. Point descends upon Hot Air City to proclaim himself king. Can the team stop him before he can "burst their bubble" and take over city hall?

I wasn't sure what to expect upon hearing the concept but I was pleasantly surprised. The Balloonatiks were pretty fun! Besides, what kid doesn't love balloons? The theme song was really modern and catchy. The unique style reminded me of Jimmy Neutron, Backyardigans or Fanboy & Chum Chum. I liked that it was upbeat and not dark or scary for young ones. The colors were vibrant and held Nate's attention in spurts. He particularly enjoyed the scene where Bouncer gets a leak in his behind and farts bubbles. Boys... (honestly, Mommy let out a giggle too).

Overall, I think this DVD would be perfect for ages 3-8. Balloonatiks teaches children important messages such as problem-solving and teamwork in a fun, family-friendly format. I do wish there were a few more episodes included but the 23-minute running time makes it just long enough for the younger crowd to sit still for.

BUY IT: Balloonatiks: The Collector's Set will be released on July 15, 2010 and will be available at Walmart, Netflix.com and Amazon.com. (ARV $14.95)

WIN IT: One lucky reader is going to win their own Balloonatiks: The Collector's Set DVD before it's in stores!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit the Balloonatiks and tell me something you learned or click on the Balloonalair link and tell me your favorite Balloonatik. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Your preschooler will love zany, bubbly superheroes, The Balloonatiks! Win a collector's DVD @kris10chumley ENDS 7/4 http://bit.ly/aCJ612

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Add my button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

4.) Become a fan of Balloonatiks on Facebook. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on July 4, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 18+ only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: Thank you to the Product Review Place for this opportunity. I received a free copy of this DVD to facilitate my candid review. I was in no other way compensated for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed are solely mine. Your experience may differ.