Arthur: It's Only Rock & Roll (2002)

TV. The Backstreet Boys' vocal collaboration suffuses this single 50-minute special episode of Arthur with original music from Francine and her rockin' band of school musicians. It should remain a popular disc to kids (even after 2007) as it addresses the fame of superstardom and the value of remaining true to one's roots (as Francine's group sings, "the music is all I need"). The Boys were modeled and drawn as animal characters in the Arthur world (as two bunnies and three bears) and their vocal performances are fluid and intimate. Bonus materials include four brief making-of segments, including the in-studio video of the Backstreet Boys performing the Arthur theme song. Fun, more mature, and impressive for an Arthur production. 4.5 stars.