A*mazing: video game challenge

This clip is from Series 1 Episode 21 of the popular children's game show A*mazing, produced by Southern Star Entertainment and broadcast on the Seven Network on 13 June 1994. The students in this clip are from Warrigal Road and Richlands East primary schools.

A*mazing (1994–98) pitted teams from two different primary schools against each other over five days. Points gained by each contestant were totalled to decide the winning school at the end of each week.

Contestants competed in computer game skills, general knowledge, spelling ability and physical agility. The program was also famous for a large and elaborate maze that was part of the studio set.

This clip is a good example of A*mazing's format. Presenter James Sherry introduces the contestants to Round Five, the video game face-off. The students attempt to score as many points as they can in 60 seconds while playing the Nintendo game Super Mario Bros 3 in front of a live studio audience.

The clip effectively utilises the split-screen technique to show the concentration of the contestant and their progress in the game. Sherry's narration usefully tracks progress for viewers who are unfamiliar with the game they are playing.