It's Gotten Rotten 1996
Distributed by Bullfrog Films, PO Box 149, Oley, PA 19547; 800-543-FROG (3764)
Produced by Photosynthesis Productions
Director n/a
VHS, color, 20 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Education, Environmental Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Gerald Notaro, University Librarian, Nelson Poynter Memorial Library, University of South Florida, St. PetersburgIt's Gotten Rotten is a video about composting which could have interested a wider audience but chooses to specifically target the classroom. Set in a real classroom with real students, viewers and participants observe the joys of decay. Composting is the all-natural way to return energy to the microcosm. The students create their own heaps in various manner and scientifically chart the decay from microscopic to creepy-crawly. The resulting compost fuels a Lower East Side Manhattan GreenHouse Gardening project. More emphasis on the gardening benefits and less on the technical would increase the appeal of the subject. The video's pace is slow, and the midifile and generic guitar strum soundtrack is annoying and distracting. The instructional level is Middle through Secondary. With a high price ($195), It's Gotten Rotten is recommended only for those well-funded school collections seeking a title on the subject.