Web Watch: Dove, Kids First! are online
By now, many studios--majors and independents alike--have found their way to the World Wide Web, creating their own sites to promote their product to the growing number of cyberphiles.
They're not the only ones, however, who have found a voice on the Internet. This week, Video Business takes a look at two sites sponsored by organizations dedicated to monitoring films for material they deem unsuitable for younger viewers. Each is committed to providing parents with the information they need to make informed viewing choices for their families.
The Dove Foundation (http://www.dove.org). This controversial organization announces at the top of its home page that it is a nonprofit group existing to "encourage and promote the creation, production and distribution of wholesome family entertainment."
That said, viewers scroll down the home page to a boxed area, from which they can venture into such subsites as "Dove in the News" or "Family Links."
VB selected "Hollywood and the Family," a site featuring columns by Dove founder Dick Rolfe. He offers a fascinating piece on Pocahontas, in which he tells the historical version of the life of the Powhatan princess, comparing it with the Disney film. He points out that, unlike in the animated movie, in which Captain John Smith converts to an Indian view of life, Pocahontas actually converted to Christianity.
Another subsite lists articles that make the case for family entertainment, and another, dubbed "Two for the Show," lists movie reviews written by Rolfe and 9-year-old Kadie Lukens.
Viewers can also click on the "Dove Retailer list" to find out which stores offer titles carrying the Dove seal of approval. And they can get information about each of the 1,500 Dove-approved movies. A quick click on the Top 10 Recently Approved list displays not only the films storylines but also a critical review of "what works" and "what doesn't."
Overall, the site is elaborate and thoughtful. Viewers seeking wholesome family entertainment will find Dove's site a valuable resource...
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URL: http://www.dove.org/vb9604.htm