Christmas Movie Reviews

I was thrilled to get a copy of this video. It was filmed at a house across from my grade school. I remember we got to sit outside and watching filming...but our teacher told us we had to be as quiet as mice. We were. My school is also featured in the movie. I'll never forget the experience, or the movie.

I have four of the Addie Mills episodes on video. "The House Without A Christmas Tree". 1972- "The Holiday Treasure" 1973( about Thanksgiving) and "The Easter Promise" 1974. I inquired and was told that the last in the series. "Addie and the King of Hearts" was not put on video and is therefore unavailable.
I have no idea why not as I love the three that I do own. I was 14 when the first one The House Without a Christmas tree came out on TV.
It made a very strong impression on me. My dad had died suddenly two years before and he looked alot like Jason Robards.I was kind of dismayed by some (I assume younger reviewers?) who were disapointed in the lack of special effects. That's not why we love it. We didn't need special effects for it to make an impression on us. If we want that we can watch Star Wars. We love it for the heart warming message it conveyed. No amount of special effects could even come close to that.
And although I feel fortunate to own three out of the four movies. I'm greedy. I want the last one! Wahh !!!!

I grew up watching "The House without a Christmas Tree" & I am so glad that I could share this with my children (they love it). Every time I watch this movie it floods me with memories & brings tears to my eyes. I LOVE this movie & I bought the other two that go along with it "The Holiday Treasure" & "The Easter Promise" & the book "Addie and the King of Hearts". I wish that the networks would show this & bring back family values. I am so glad that I have the whole collection now!

Yes, you read correctly: four stars. Not five. Why, might you ask? Am I crazy? No, I am not. At least I don't think I am :)

I am a huge fan of Peanuts. Every year, I look forward to the holiday specials on television. A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is one of them. Yet, I must admit: much like IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN and IT'S THE EASTER BEAGLE, CHARLIE BROWN, this show is kind of dated. I do still love it -- the characters and classic Peanuts gags we have all come to cherish. Not to mention having a great storyline and wonderful soundtrack (second only to the superb score for BON VOYAGE, CHARLIE BROWN)! But truth be told, the animation in these earlier specials is sort of crude and the timing between most of the dialogue is very very very offbeat (example: when Lucy is whining about her Christmas Queen bit in the play, there are annoying pauses in the dialogue where there shouldn't be pauses at all. This error in timing is repeated through most of the show; and it does get somewhat boring).

Yet I still love them. There is just something about these shows that we can all relate to again and again. Yes, the later films, tv shows and specials are all better drawn, and the timing is right on the dot; and some have a much smoother feel.

But these, I think, contain a certain nostalgic feeling. And that's why they are "classics."

I realize that some fans may be angry with this review; that I am somehow insulting Charles Schulz. But, you know what? I am sure even he would agree, if he saw the Christmas show now, that, say, episodes from his Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show or the masterfully done NASA special is more smoothly-flowing and the timing is right on.

Before you click "no" under this review, watch the Christmas show again. You'll see what I mean by boring pauses in between much of the dialogue.

I am not being mean here; I'm just being perfectly honest about how I feel. And while A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is a true, honest-to-God classic, it is not the greatest Christmas special ever made.

As kids, we waited with great anticipation for Christmas to roll around and nothing marked the onset of the season like this Peanuts classic. As much an integral part of the holidays as the smell of turkey roasting, decorating the tree and the Arizona Cardinals not making the postseason. Possibly THE best soundtrack of all time, featuring Vincent Guaraldi's jazzy takes on Christmas classics and "Linus and Lucy." You owe it to yourself, your kids and grandkids to add this to your collection!

It is delightful to finally have "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on DVD, to be enjoyed year after year. The bonus feature, the 1992 sequel, "It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown", is also a great plus.

In the classic installment Charlie Brown learns the true meaning of Christmas. In the 1992 episode Charlie Brown and the gang attempt to keep the message in perspective while working through yet another Christmas play, as well as avoiding the urge to get caught up in the materialism of it (well, Sally doesn't actually avoid it). :)

I have been a huge fan of this movie since its release. Right up there in my ten best list. I own the VHS version and our family watches it together each holiday season. I have been wating for the DVD release for years and could not believe it when I saw it at Amazon. Ordered it right away. The best Scrooge ever. THANK YOU VERY VERY VERY MUCH!!!!!

Well, IT'S FINALLY HERE! "Thank You Very Much". The critics hated it, said it was too corny, too sweet. Well, when I first saw it in 1970, I loved "SCROOGE". I figured that the critics were only frustrated out of work actors, writers, composers, and directors. Full of sour grapes. I saw "Scrooge" that year well over 45 times. Let's see, I would have been, 15 years old, and my admission to the theatre then would have been, .25¢, a huge popcorn, .25¢ and a 22 oz. Coke, .10¢ and a big nestles chocolate bar, .05¢. Boy have times changed! Now to the film. GREAT score by an accomplished and AWARD winning musical genius, Leslie Bricusse, who also gave us, Willy Wonka, and others. The Cast, Albert Finney as SCROOGE, what a great entertaining performance. He is supported by a great cast, Sir Alec Guinness, as the late, Jacob MARLEY, Dame Edith Evans as Ghost of Christmas Past, and Kenneth More as the Ghost of Christmas Present. The ever favourite retelling of Charles Dickens', "A Christmas Carol" set to music and dance. A great compliment to that other Dickens' hit, "Oliver". "Scrooge" is full of life, love, music, & dance. This is a beautifully updated, yet authentic to the period, TREASURE. The critics are probably still mixed, but, I for one would like to say, "THANK YOU VERY, VERY, VERY MUCH, THANK YOU VERY, VERY, V-E-R-Y MUCH!" This Christmas is starting out on a Big Bright Note! Thank You Paramount Home Entertainment! You brought "Scrooge" out on dvd before another Christmas Passed! So, ADD some Holiday Cheer to your Christmas this year and Now everyone can, "Sing a Song of Gladness and Cheer!" The BEST Ebeneezer SCROOGE is FINALLY HERE! I have performed in the Milwaukee Rep. Theatre's "A Christmas Carol" over the years, completeing well over 2000 performances, if you like the Story, take it from me, this is the BEST!

Charles Dickens' 1843 short story entitled "A Christmas Carol" has provided a lot of inspirational material for film producers since the beginning of the film industry in the early twentieth century. Probably more than a dozen films have been based upon this short story with varying degrees of poetic license. In 1970, director Ronald Neame (who co-adapted Charles Dickens' novel "Great Expectations" to film in 1946, for which he received a shared Oscar nomination for Best Screenplay Writing) presented one of the more unique versions of classic story as a musical, entitled simply as "Scrooge". Not everyone who has watched this musical version has liked it as much as versions that have less poetic license, but the music and singing in "Scrooge" did not diminish the original story. Instead, it provided a unique way for the characters to express their emotions in each scene. Further, the Academy Awards recognized the film with four Oscar nominations for Best Original Music, Best Song (for "Thank You Very Much"), Best Costume Design and Best Set Decoration.

Playing the infamous, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge in this musical version was Albert Finney, who received a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy or Musical for the role. Joining him were Alec Guiness as the ghost of Jacob Marley, David Collings as Bob Cratchit, Edith Evans as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Kenneth More (1914-1982) as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Paddy Stone as the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come, Michael Medwin as Ebenezer's nephew Fred, Mary Peach as Fred's wife, Richard Beaumont as Tiny Tim Cratchit, Frances Cuka as Mrs. Cratchit, Karen Scargill as Ebenezer's sister Kathy, Laurence Naismith as Mr. Fezziwig and Suzanne Neve as Isabel Fezziwig. The songs that were sung in the film, including my rating for each, are listed below:

* "A Christmas Carol" (4.5, sung by Chorus).
* "Christmas Children" (4.5, sung by David Collings, Richard Beaumont and Karen Scargill).
* "I Hate People" (5, sung by Albert Finney).
* "Father Christmas" (4, sung by 'Street Urchins').
* "See The Phantoms" (4.5, sung by Alec Guiness).
* "December the 25th" (4, sung by Laurence Naismith & Chorus).
* "Happiness" (4.5, sung by Suzanne Neve).
* "You...You" (5, sung by Albert Finney).
* "I Like Life" (5+, sung by Kenneth More & Albert Finney).
* "The Beautiful Day" (4, sung by Richard Beaumont).
* "Happiness (reprise)" (4.5, sung by Suzanne Neve & Albert Finney).
* "Thank You Very Much" (5+, sung by Anton Rodgers (playing Tom Jenkins), Albert Finney & Chorus).
* "I'll Begin Again" (5, sung by Albert Finney).
* "I Like Life (reprise)" (5, sung by Albert Finney).
* "Father Christmas (reprise)/Thank You Very Much (reprise)" (5, sung by Albert Finney, children & Chorus).
* "A Christmas Carol (reprise)" (5, sung by Albert Finney & Chorus.)

Overall, for being engaging and entertaining, as well as having good music, I rate the 1970 musical "Scrooge" with 5 out of 5 stars and highly recommend it.

If you're a big fan of SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN and have only a peripheral interest in THE LITTLE DRUMMER BOY, this is the DVD for you. SANTA looks terrific, and the original name of the penguin ("Topper") has even been restored on the DVD (for some reason he's "Waddles" in syndication). If, however, you're like me and love both stories, especially if you've been watching LITTLE DRUMMER BOY since it was originally broadcast on the network, you're going to be super disappointed in the quality of that program. Another review mentioned DRUMMER BOY as being "grainy." "Grainy" is not the word. Although I understand it was made from the original film negative, it looks like they took the worst print copy to make a transfer from. There are white dust flecks all over the print. In some places the sound effects are missing: for instance, before Aaron sings "Why Can't the Animals Smile" there was a lead-in and lead-out of him beating his drum. On the DVD there is big empty silence instead. The noise and jeers of the crowd are also gone. In another spot, a man's voice is reading Greer Garson's narration. The night scenes seem murky; when Aaron comes up to the gates of the town, I remember being able to see the name "Bethlehem" over the gate. The DVD scene is so dark you can't make it out. In short, I'm not tossing out my DRUMMER BOY videotape. If SANTA didn't look so crisp and nice I'd probably get rid of the DVD. Disappointing...sorry, Rankin-Bass.

When I took American History in College, my teacher explained the political undertone of the Wizard of Oz. With that in mind, I was able to see the undertone of this story. First, for parents-as a kid I used to enjoy the annual showing of this feature. Now to the undertone:A baby, Santa Claus (capitalism), is abandoned on the doorstep of elves (industrialists). The elves are unable to get their product, toys, to town. When Santa grows up, he decides that he has to make the trip to town, but first he has to go through the territory of the winter warlock (socialism-regulation). Meanwhile, in town, the Burgermeister-who rules the town with all the zest of a communist dictator, has outlawed toys and set mandatory labor for all the kids in town (how commie of him). When Santa gets to town, he befriends the town schoolteacher (education) and is branded an outlaw for giving out toys (how capitalist of him). A cold war ensues between the burgermeister and santa with santa making an annual raid to pass out toys and foil the burgermeister. The end of this story explains well why communism doesn't work.

Excellent film for those that love classic Christmas stories. Buy it now. That's an order.

Wow, 3 Rankin/Bass specials on 1 DVD, and they are such great stories individually.

The First is "The Year Without a Santa Claus", when Santa gets the blues over humans attitudes towards Christmas. Narrated by Mrs Claus, it includes as usual a great soundtrack and excellent characters. Most fans loving the best, Heat Miser and Snow Miser. Jingle and Jangle, two of Santa's elves are pretty cute also.

The Second is "Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey", which I think is the most touching movie of the R/B collection. It is a re-telling of the birth of Christ with a sweet twist. It brings tears every watching. If you haven't seen this, it is a must. Wonderful inclusion on this DVD, especially if you want a break from the commercialism of Christmas.

And Thirdly "Rudolph's Shiny New Year", which tells the story of time, our calender year. Rudolph is asked to help Father time, when Baby New Year Dissapears. This is a must have to keep your R/B appetite filled. When Christmas is over, and you have watched all your favourite R/B Christmas specials......oh no.......but wait, there's one more to keep you entertained!

This DVD is definitely coming out at my house this Season, and everyone there-after.

Try this: walk into a public space singing "Nestor, Nestor, The Long-eared Donkey/He's a friend at Christmas for all the World To see" and I bet you that by the time you are at the "world to see" part the whole group of what-were-strangers is clapping and whirling. Let alone singing along! To me, these DVDs are about these things: happy, whirling happiness; love among long-departed friends; having fun. Watch these DVDs. Watch them in slow motion (if you must.) Sing along. Spray the words out. That is Christmas. For me. And for you.

heatmiser rocks!, no, really, i mean it. he rocks!

This adaptation can be seen now as purely a product of its era: the Materialistic Reagan Eighties. Critics at the time (mostly the TV sort) did handstands over this one, some even saying it was better than any other version.
I WILL come out and say the one good thing about this film is that it sent me back to reading the original book (I'd endured two adaptations that year--this, and the first Muppet version, from '92 with Michael Caine). But the script for this one simply PRETENDS to be a faithful adaptation: it's told primarily from Scrooge's perspective.....we're supposed to "bah" to his every "humbug" and vice versa. And Scott's performance is worthy of a Nicholson in "The Shining"--all high camp, with the star sparing no opportunity to chew the scenery and mug shamelessly at every close-up. Needless to say, the Great Scott's done better elsewhere. There's no real RANGE to this performance--even at the climactic meeting with the Ghost-Of-Christmas-Yet-To-Come, he seems unfazed. Scott's Scrooge doesn't seem to be a changed man in the end--I'm fully expecting him to FIRE Bob Cratchit Dec. 26!!
The lesson to be learned here? Ebenezer Scrooge isn't Wile E. Coyote.

There is a reason why TV critics did cartwheels when this movie premiered on CBS back in 1984- it's pretty darn terrific! The story is known to almost everyone. It's Christmas Eve in early 1800's England and at the office of Scrooge & Marley curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge mutters "bah humbug" about the upcoming holiday. He rebuffs a Christmas dinner invitation by his only living relative, his nephew Fred, and begrudges having to give his overworked, underpaid employee Bob Cratchit a day off. After the work day, Scrooge retires to his empty, depressing house for a dreary, lonely meal. It is then that Scrooge is confronted by the chained spirit of his late partner, Jacob Marley. Marley warns Ebenezer that unless he repents from his greedy, selfish ways he will be doomed to walk chained in the spirit world as Marley does now. Marley offers Scrooge a chance for redemption. A visit by three spirits, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, will arrive one after the other to give Scrooge the choice of either continuing on the path which his life is currently traveling or to strive for the path that leads to a better union with humankind.

With apologies to fans of Alastair Sim's portrayal, George C. Scott stands head and shoulders above all as the "best" Ebenezer Scrooge. To me, Scott's Scrooge is much more realistic. Sim's portrayal ran from two extremes- extremely nasty to extemely happy. Scott does a much better job of humanizing Scrooge in his two forms: the embittered miser and then later on the reformed repentant. The best example of how Scott shines over Sim is how they say Scrooge's line about boiling people in their own pudding and then burying them with a stake of holly through the heart. Sim's Scrooge sounds so malevolent when saying that line that he comes across as a total sociopath. On the other hand, Scott's Scrooge laughs while saying that line. One still get's the idea that Scott's Scrooge lacks Christmas spirit and compassion, but one does not think that he is insane! I also love how Scott plays Scrooge after his night of transformation. He has the initial glee of being given a second chance, but he approaches his relatives and Bob Cratchit with his new outlook in a reserved way that shows a man still unsure if he will be accepted by people he had treated with such disdain for so many years. The scenes of Scrooge with his bewildered (but overjoyed) nephew and his wife are quite moving.

This made-for-TV film has so much else going for it than just Scott's magificent performance. The set design, outdoor locations, and costumes really make early 19th century England come to life. It also follows the plot of Dickens' story fairly closely and the few changes and additions actually benefit the story's narrative such as having the ghosts visit all in one night and adding elements to explain how Scrooge ended up such an embittered man. The performances are uniformly great and compliment Scott very well. However, two stand-outs are David Warner as Bob Crachit and Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Also, as others have noticed, this is the only version of "A Christmas Carol" that has a Tiny Tim Crachit who looks like he really does have one foot in the grave. If you're looking for just one version of "A Christmas Carol" to add to your collection then this is the copy to get.

The only thing that stops this 1984 version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" starring George C. Scott as Ebenezer Scrooge could from being the best adaptation of all is that it was made for television. That is because every time we fade out for a commercial break and every time I think about how spectacular this film would look as a widescreen theatrical release, I have to be a bit disappointed. That being said, this is still a superb production, far and away the best of the made for television versions ("Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" comes second).

Scott's performance as Scrooge is very good for most of the film. You would think that since this is George C. Scott that playing a crotchety old miser would not be much of a stretch. But Scott actually does something different with Scrooge. This time around he is not bitter as much as he is worn down, more of an empty soul than a being consumed by darker emotions. Screenwriter Roger O. Hirson actually makes some excellent additions to the original story, fleshing out why the happy young Ebenezer we see in our visit to the past becomes the old Scrooge who undergoes this Yule time transformation. The only knock on the performance from my perspective is that like many fans of "A Christmas Carol" it is hard not to remember the superb performance by Alastair Sim in the 1951 film version and find the Oscar winning Scott coming second in the comparison. Still, this is arguably the most thoughtful performance of Scrooge you will see.

But even if Scott's performance is found lacking by such a strict standard (Sim's performance remains the standard by which all other Scrooge's are judged), the rest of this production is superb. The supporting cast is as fine as has ever been assembled to play the other roles: David Warner providing a nice twist on Bob Cratchit, Susanna York as his wife, Frank Finlay as the ghost of Jacob Marley, Joanne Whalley as Fan, the girl who got away from young Ebenezer, and Roger Rees as Scrooge's nephew Fred (and the film's narrator). The trio of ghostly visitors who visit Scrooge all in one night are equally strong, with Angela Pleasence as the Ghost of Christmas Past, Edward Woodward getting everybody to say "Look, its the Equalizer!" as the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Michael Carter as the best Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come that I have seen.

Director Clive Donner had done "Oliver Twist" for television two years earlier (as well as "The Scarlet Pimpernel"), and does another solid effort of presenting these well-known Dickensian characters and events. Production designer Roger Murray-Leach provides an old London towne that looks as great as any we have seen before for one of these films. But above all it is the cast and the thoughtful script that make this a superb adaptation. In the end my preference for the 1951 version comes down entirely to Sim's performance as the euphoric Scrooge. Fortunately, close counts for a lot when it comes to ranking favorite versions of "A Christmas Carol."

...Albert Finney's Scrooge and Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, are my favorites as well.
They are mainly the only two Christmas Carol's, I watch.
The animation in Magoo is so well done, and also is so adorable.

I first saw Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol as a child.. many years ago now.. loved it!! especially the music... and the animation. "Were despicable" is my favorite, the dancing.. the toothless grins singing!!!. The animation is excellent, still holds up after all these years. After not seeing it for many years, I was able to buy the video. After years of family enjoyment, the tape wore out and it was hard to replace. So glad to see that it has been rereleased and can be enjoyed by many other generations. 2nd only to Scrooge the musical with Albert Finney!

Since I was a child I have watched Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. One year when it was not coming on television my sister, my daughter and I went to the movies to see it. Mr. Magoo is like comfort food...you just feel good when you watch it. The songs are great. The image of a young Scrooge singing..."I'm All Alone in the World" is not only touching but the tune and words will stay with you. This movie is so good and children of all ages love it. I think it would be a great buy for anyone. Gather the family together, sit down...take some time out from the shopping to enjoy this wondeful movie.

...Albert Finney's Scrooge and Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol, are my favorites as well.
They are mainly the only two Christmas Carol's, I watch.
The animation in Magoo is so well done, and also is so adorable.

I first saw Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol as a child.. many years ago now.. loved it!! especially the music... and the animation. "Were despicable" is my favorite, the dancing.. the toothless grins singing!!!. The animation is excellent, still holds up after all these years. After not seeing it for many years, I was able to buy the video. After years of family enjoyment, the tape wore out and it was hard to replace. So glad to see that it has been rereleased and can be enjoyed by many other generations. 2nd only to Scrooge the musical with Albert Finney!

Since I was a child I have watched Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol. One year when it was not coming on television my sister, my daughter and I went to the movies to see it. Mr. Magoo is like comfort food...you just feel good when you watch it. The songs are great. The image of a young Scrooge singing..."I'm All Alone in the World" is not only touching but the tune and words will stay with you. This movie is so good and children of all ages love it. I think it would be a great buy for anyone. Gather the family together, sit down...take some time out from the shopping to enjoy this wondeful movie.

I love this film! I think that financial and parental obligations can cause Christmas to be a very stressful time for many people. The main character, played by Mary Steenburgen, is a very unhappy person. She is obviously in a rut and the fact that another Christmas is coming, with all that entails, is not helping. This is a great story about seeing what you have, instead of what you don't. It is very emotional, as fairy tales are, and has a wonderful moral. It is heartwarming and appeals to the child in all of us. My family and I watch it every year!

Next to It's a Wonderful Life, this is my favourite all time Christmas movie. It touched me in more ways than I ever imagined. It was filmed not far from where I grew up, so it has a special place in my heart. Watch for a little Sarah Polley in one of her first movie roles.

This is the type of movie you will either love or hate. My family happens to love it. We watch it every year, it is a must see, along with Prancer. A big part of the fun, is that it was filmed in the 80's and we like seeing the styles back then. I don't think it is for small children but older children will like it. I feel it is the type of movie that you enjoy more after viewing it once. You know what is coming and that no matter what happens it works out in the end. It is heartwarming, but a bit over the top. One of the reasons we love it is that we enjoy poking fun at the extremes the movie goes to just because the main character doesn't believe in Santa. Give it a try, and soon you will make it a part of your Christmas tradition. Maybe you will end up like my family and be able to recite the dialog.

All you have to say is "Wiggles" and my 20-month-old daughter runs to the TV. She'd watch Magical Adventure every day if we'd let her. So when this DVD showed up at the store, I thought it would be a nice change.

The first thing I noticed is the low production values. The camera operators seem to have difficulty keeping up with the action, and the sets and props look like a school play. All of that wouldn't matter if my daughter enjoyed it, but she lost interest in just a few minutes (something that doesn't happen with the other DVDs).

Because the actors look much younger, I'm guessing that this was shot long before the 1999 copyright credits would indicate. If the Wiggles had not become such a marketing bonanza, this one would probably still be sitting on some producer's shelf.

Most Australians, including The Wiggles, are Christian just like us, Americans...but some other people that come from Down Under, and the USA, are Jewish. All of those nineteen songs from Wiggly, Wiggly Christmas, were so sweet and cute, I felt Wiggle-crazy more, and more. There was also The Wiggles Concert where "(A Wiggly Christmas Medley)" took place at on stage, and "(Wags is Bouncing Around The Christmas Tree)", but most of all, I think "(Unto Us, This Holy Night)" is such a pretty song. I will always love you, Greg.

This one really gets ya wigglin'!! The songs are awesome and great!