Clays Movie Reviews

after watching all of fritz lang's films, most of them in black and white, I found myself especially in awe of the color and detail in this dvd....yes, there are strong hints from metropolis: the leper's advance is similar to the movement of the deadly sins and there are complex tunnel passages in both films...as in rancho notorious, the plot deals with hate, murder and revenge; deception and fate also play their strong roles...but it's the way this film looks visually--the colors, costumes, and architecture -- that sets it apart from all the other lang films...it's definitely worth viewing.

These DVD's are the Americanized version of a French animated series. There are 24 regular episodes and one special two-part expisode (one for every day in December through Christmas). The series is intended to ask the question 'What does Santa Claus do the other 364 days?' The answer is that he has adventures with his elves trying to find the perfect presents for good girls and boys around the world. Often his adventures take him into the real world, but sometimes he has adventures in places that are full of magic as well. The stories are really very clever. I particularly like the one where young Leon leads a semi-political movement against Santa Claus telling all the kids that Santa is just a trick by parents to make them be good. Leon's anti-Santa meetings look like mini-Nuremburg rallys.

I taped a bunch of these shows when they appeared on the old Family Channel. Everyone liked them so much that I bought all 7 disks when they came out last Christmas. The Disks are far superior to the video cassettes that were released a few years back. My children watch them year round.

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!

Wow! Where to start? What a wonderful set! Well lets start with:

Santa Claus is Comin' To Town, an exciting look at how Santa began. Good to put on for young children to help answer those burning Santa questions. At some points, questions are actually asked by children about Santa, which are answered by the narrator Fred Astaire. I really like the character of BurgerMeister MeisterBurger who is one of the evil characters Santa must get past to be able to deliver his presents. The score is wonderful too, my fave being "Put one Foot in front of the Other".

The Little Drummer Boy, which is found on the same disc as Santa Claus is comin to Town is right up there with the tissue factor as another R/B special Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey. This story is about a little boy named Aaron who has had a huge tragedy in his life, bringing him to hate humans. His only friends, therefore, being a camel, donkey and lamb who dance to the beat of his drum. The strange foursome end up being a part of the very first Christmas on that very holy night.

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, is probably most R/B fans favourite. The Story based on the song of the same name, follows Rudolph as he battles to gain respect, due to his bright red nose. He is joined by Hermey, one of Santas elves who wants to be a dentist, not an elf, and together decide to be "a couple of misfits". It is narrated by Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman and probably has the best set of songs as a whole out of all the other R/B specials. Plus with so many other great characters, Yukon Cornelious, Abominable, Clarice, Donner and Mrs Donner and of course Santa and Mrs Claus, you can't go wrong.

Frosty the Snowman, although animated and not claymation, is still one of my faves every year. Also based on the song of the same name it follows Frosty's adventures after his birth "Happy Birthday" by a group of school children. In particular, Karen, who gets quite good friends with Frosty and tries to help him from melting. My only complaint, which I think is the same as many, is that it isn't joined by Frosty's Winter Wonderland, the proper sequel. Instead it is joined by Frosty Returns. Now, this isn't a bad effort, but when you are a big fan of R/B and you watch this, it is very dissapointing. The animation is totally different to that of R/B, the characters are all different except for Frosty and when you know there is a great sequel out there, this just doesn't cut it. I probably will watch it very rarely.

I am from Australia, and for some reason, our tv stations stopped playing all these specials that I grew up on. I was really upset, even though now I am in my twenties. Fortunately I ended up finding these through internet search, which of course led me to Amazon. I am so happy that I have these(and others) and enjoy them so much. If you have never tried Rankin/Bass before, please do!

Oh my gosh! Great little pack of movies! Good price, very enjoyable! My advice: Just buy it!

I had fairly new copies of the VHS versions of the films in this DVD set, and what a difference the DVD made. The new sound is clean and full; the colors are deep and rich with no signs of static or dirt. Thank you to the wonderful people who worked so hard to fully restore these classic treasures of childhood. We can now finally see these the way they were meant to be seen. So much care went into this new set. The shows are not in wide screen since that is the way they were originally made, being "made for TV". This set has no less than 5 classic TV specials, placed on 3 discs and each of the discs has its own hardcover clamshell case. The artwork on each of the DVD covers is the original photos and title art from the films. I remember that some of the VHS copies had cheap aftermarket art. (These are identical to the DVD's you can buy separately of the same films). There is a slipcover box to hold the 3 cases in.

The "Frosty the Snowman" disc is an animated cartoon, and the story is driven by the unforgettable song. There is a nice introduction by Arthur Rankin on this DVD, describing the process of creating this gem and what the film meant to the producers and creative staff. There is also an animator's pencil test of the film, which shows how the cartoon is made. Unfortunately they did not include the original Frosty sequel, "Frosty's Winter Wonderland". For some strange reason the disc includes a project that was made by another studio and does not look anything like their stuff called "Frosty Returns". It's really poor quality compared to everything else in this set.

The next item is the Animagic blockbuster champion of Rankin/Bass TV specials, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer". This is one of the best family holiday films of all time, with great music, action, suspense, comedy, and adventure. The snow monster scared the heck out of me as a kid. What other show dealt with a monster by having a dentist elf pull his teeth? At 40 years old the story holds up very well. This disc is special since it returns the missing scenes and footage that the TV network had cut out over the years, to make more room for commercials. The disc has great supplemental extras too, such as a music video of the alternate song "Fame and Fortune", the original TV trailer, and a trivia game. Also has a neat caption reading alternate version you can use to help your kids with reading. The color and clarity of this disc is so good it looks like it is being played out in your living room. The stop-motion Animagic process predates the computer graphics we have today, and yet looks just as 3 dimensional. I prefer the Animagic; it gives the characters so much life and personality. And you can't help singing along with the wonderful songs; it is amazing how every word comes back to you. Tons of great songs like "Silver and Gold" by Burl Ives! The show is based on the title song that is much older than the show.

The 3rd disc does not have extras, but it has 2 specials making it a great deal. I had purchased one of the shows on VHS last year, "The Little Drummer Boy". If you have a copy in that format, throw it away. I am not kidding; the difference in the quality of the color, picture, and sound is astounding! The new DVD looks like it was filmed yesterday (while my VHS version was so blurry and static and colorless I honestly could not enjoy it). The Vienna Boys Choir performs the title song. This show is a tear-jerker, but well worth watching. By the way, this show had a sequel but it is not on this disc.

Also on the 3rd disc is "Santa Claus is Coming to Town". This is the storyline to show the history of Santa Claus, from a kid to the jolly old elf himself. What an adventure he has, battling the forces of evil to bring toys to the kids. Romance, comedy, mystery, it is all here. The Winter Warlock is still scary to me. And the cast includes Mickey Rooney, Fred Astaire, & Keenan Wynn. The musical score (background) compliments the film perfectly, and the great songs help carry the storyline. The Westminster Children's Choir sung in this film. This DVD version was also re-mastered to look like new, and it is beautiful indeed.

In closing, I was born in 1963, before we had full time cable TV, satellite, VHS, cartoon network, etc. The Rankin/Bass studios made the best holiday specials. It was a time when kids and even whole families plopped down to the TV specials at Christmas and it was an EVENT! We only had kid shows on Saturday mornings back then, and you had to wait a whole year to see these great shows again. We are very lucky to be able to buy these now and to enjoy them without the tons of commercials. I remember rushing to get snacks or bathroom breaks during commercials too. Now my son is enthralled with these shows that have passed the 40 year test of time.

If you want to see more treasure by this great studio, search for films by Arthur Rankin, or Jules Bass. Some are animated, some are Animagic but they all have great story, design, and music. Not all have made the jump to DVD yet, but buy the ones that have so they will be encouraged to release more of their library. I highly recommend:
"Here Comes Peter Cottontail"; "The Easter Bunny is Coming to Town"; "The Hobbit"; "The Year Without a Santa Claus" this DVD also has a rare treat "Nestor the Long-Eared Donkey"; "The Flight of Dragons"; "The Mad Monster Party" (a 90 minute theatrical film); "The Daydreamer"; "The Wacky World of Mother Goose"; Little Drummer Boy Book 2"; "The Emperor's New Clothes"; "Rudolph's Shiny New Year"; "Mouse on the Mayflower"; "Twas the Night Before Christmas"; "The Stingiest Man in Town"; "The First Christmas"; "Jack Frost"; and more all available at Amazon.com.

There are also 2 books sold here that I know of on this studio and their films, "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Making of The Rankin/Bass Holiday Classic", and "The Enchanted World of Rankin/Bass".

You can never go wrong with Angela Lansbury. I've always known it I guess, but, when you watch this movie and wish you still believed in Santa because of Mrs. Claus, it kind of reminds you!;)
Really, the songs are terrific, and you can watch the movie over and over again! I watched it four or five times the first day I got it! It's just one of those movies you can memorize the dialouge for, and yet, still sit, watch, quote and enjoy!(Probably mostly due to Angela!)
I was a little shocked at first that the movie was taking place in 1910, but the costumes were incredible! I especially loved the exquisite red dress "Mrs. North" (Mrs. Claus...Angela) wears at the Policemen's Charity Ball!!! Coincedentally, that's also when she sings one of the best songs in the film.
The plot is easy to follow, and it really holds your attention. You just can't wait to see what Mrs. Claus will do next!

"Mrs. Santa Claus" is a holiday musical delight that features Angela Lansbury (who else?) in the title role. In an attempt to try to imitate musicals of the '40s and '50s, Mrs. Santa Claus takes a spin with the sleigh and reindeer to test her new route Santa (Charles Durning). She becomes stranded in New York City after Cupid is injured. She then becomes entranced and enchanted as she is now part of the world of Avenue "A". In New York, she becomes a sort of a governess at Tavish Toy Factory, where Tavish uses children for his toymakers. Why? It's like they're his slaves. She desparately tries to stop tavish in his tracks, and not have the children work in such conditions. At a Christmas party on Christmas Eve, Cupid is finally healed, because back home Santa, Arvo, the head elf (Michael Jeter) wonder and are worried about where she is at. Will she make it back in time? I'll let you in on a little secret...she does!! Then, Santa takes her this year on his annual trip! Kids will probably enjoy this one a lot!

I recently bought this video online. I found it delightful. It has the flavor of an old time musical. Angela Lansbury, who never disappoints, was especially delightful in this film. The other members of the cast put in an excellent performance as well. In addition, the music, costumes, and the set were terrific. I highly recomnend this enjoyable, charming movie.

I remember watching this movie way back when it first came out. I loved it! My two year old son told me that he wanted a Santa Claus movie. This movie was the first one that came to my mind. I looked in every store trying to find it. Now I am glad I found the DVD and can't wait for him to enjoy as much as I have. We will make it a tradition to watch it every year.

I remember watching this movie for the first time way back in 1985. I have always loved it and it has remained my favourite Christmas movie. Few movies have the ability to mix magic and wonder with a real theme. How many children today have the luxury of believing in Santa Claus? I was told at an early age exactly what the deal was but that didn't stop me from feeling the magic the first time I watched Santa Claus: The Movie. As an adult...I can't help but feel a little sad to look back at the innocence and wonder that I had as a child. Gone are the days when I could go to bed at night, wondering if Santa Claus, or The Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy were going to visit me that night. I think this movie allows the child in all of us, whatever our age, the feel that magic and unquestioning belief once more. After all, in our increasingly busy and stressful lives, who doesn't need a little magic now and again? I don't care if some people think the special effects are not spot on. Keep in mind, this movie was made quite a while ago and can't hope to match the level of computer effects today. I've read other reviews complaining about this but hey, think about it:

If you don't believe...you'll never see.

i love this movie!! it absolutely captures the spirit of christmas. i have to admit though, if you are sick with the flu, i do not recommend you watch this, as the horrible costumes (polka dots and bright colors everywhere) will make you sicker. However, that small flaw aside, this movie gets better every time i see it! i love the fact that santa's workshop is visible to only those who believe. this movie always puts me in the christmas spirit. i have to watch it every year, before we get our tree, and i am all set for the joyful season! you'll love it!!!!!

I remember watching this movie way back when it first came out. I loved it! My two year old son told me that he wanted a Santa Claus movie. This movie was the first one that came to my mind. I looked in every store trying to find it. Now I am glad I found the DVD and can't wait for him to enjoy as much as I have. We will make it a tradition to watch it every year.

I remember watching this movie for the first time way back in 1985. I have always loved it and it has remained my favourite Christmas movie. Few movies have the ability to mix magic and wonder with a real theme. How many children today have the luxury of believing in Santa Claus? I was told at an early age exactly what the deal was but that didn't stop me from feeling the magic the first time I watched Santa Claus: The Movie. As an adult...I can't help but feel a little sad to look back at the innocence and wonder that I had as a child. Gone are the days when I could go to bed at night, wondering if Santa Claus, or The Easter Bunny, or the Tooth Fairy were going to visit me that night. I think this movie allows the child in all of us, whatever our age, the feel that magic and unquestioning belief once more. After all, in our increasingly busy and stressful lives, who doesn't need a little magic now and again? I don't care if some people think the special effects are not spot on. Keep in mind, this movie was made quite a while ago and can't hope to match the level of computer effects today. I've read other reviews complaining about this but hey, think about it:

If you don't believe...you'll never see.

i love this movie!! it absolutely captures the spirit of christmas. i have to admit though, if you are sick with the flu, i do not recommend you watch this, as the horrible costumes (polka dots and bright colors everywhere) will make you sicker. However, that small flaw aside, this movie gets better every time i see it! i love the fact that santa's workshop is visible to only those who believe. this movie always puts me in the christmas spirit. i have to watch it every year, before we get our tree, and i am all set for the joyful season! you'll love it!!!!!

HAns Christian andersen is a good movie. Andersen (Danny Kaye) is a cobbler who can't stop telling stories for the little kiddies. This gets him in trouble with the top bananas in town, who vote to have him run out for making kids miss school. Andersen moves to Copenhagen, falls in love with a beautiful french ballerina, and gets himself famous for his stories, all the while going from song to song with true Kaye spirit. It was a good movie, but not one to be overly thrilled about.

Danny Kaye plays the Danish cobbler-storyteller, Hans Christian Andersen. At the beginning he is said by the schoolmaster of the village of Odense he is causing trouble. The trouble is he tells stories to the village children, and they learn things like numbers falling in love and marrying each other. One town person said of his stories: They asked their daughter what time it was? She said "the minute and hour hands weren't speaking to each other. They were in love with the second hand. So they wouldn't make up until they met at 12 o' clock." After all the commotion with the village officials, Hans goes back to his cobbler shop. There his apprentice friend, Peter talks him into getting away from the village and going to Copenhagen.

Reluctant at first Hans agrees to go to Copenhagen with Peter. There Hans meets and falls in love with Doro (Jeanmarie), a beautiful French ballerina. But later learns that she is married to the demanding Niels (Farley Granger). Overwhelmed by his love for her, he is inspired to write, 'The Little Mermaid' for Doro. The story of the Little Mermaid, like Doro goes-that she looked for love from the wrong man. Hans becomes popular with the people of Copenhagen and his gift in telling stories to the children. So Andersen's fame grew out of his plays and stories. Some of the musical scores that stand out are the most known of Andersen's best loved works. Those most memorable numbers are from 'Inchworm,' 'Thumbelina' and 'The Ugly Duckling.' Hans later finds that the ballerina truly loves her husband, so Hans returns home to his village of Odense. There he tells his stories to the children who loves to hear his fairy tales. You may not find Kaye's usual comic flair here. He extends his more poignant side of the famous storyteller. This was Kaye's final film of his career beofre embarking on his life's love of working with Unicef. If you like to read about Andersen, he wrote his auto-bio, 'The Fairy Tale of My Life.' The film itself is a delightful children's story that the whole family can love.

Danny Kaye is Hans Christian Andersen. There's no doubt about it after you see this film. His portrayal of this writer is winsome and magical, and the songs he weaves coming from the stories he writes and reads cause the children everywhere to want to get out of their classrooms and go the town square or valley to hear him tell them.

The one spot I had difficulty with was with the scenes where Hans falls in love with the ballerina, and while it may have some historicity, I found it a little distracting. But this is a small thing, and overall, this is a marvelous film and highly recommended.

HAns Christian andersen is a good movie. Andersen (Danny Kaye) is a cobbler who can't stop telling stories for the little kiddies. This gets him in trouble with the top bananas in town, who vote to have him run out for making kids miss school. Andersen moves to Copenhagen, falls in love with a beautiful french ballerina, and gets himself famous for his stories, all the while going from song to song with true Kaye spirit. It was a good movie, but not one to be overly thrilled about.

Danny Kaye plays the Danish cobbler-storyteller, Hans Christian Andersen. At the beginning he is said by the schoolmaster of the village of Odense he is causing trouble. The trouble is he tells stories to the village children, and they learn things like numbers falling in love and marrying each other. One town person said of his stories: They asked their daughter what time it was? She said "the minute and hour hands weren't speaking to each other. They were in love with the second hand. So they wouldn't make up until they met at 12 o' clock." After all the commotion with the village officials, Hans goes back to his cobbler shop. There his apprentice friend, Peter talks him into getting away from the village and going to Copenhagen.

Reluctant at first Hans agrees to go to Copenhagen with Peter. There Hans meets and falls in love with Doro (Jeanmarie), a beautiful French ballerina. But later learns that she is married to the demanding Niels (Farley Granger). Overwhelmed by his love for her, he is inspired to write, 'The Little Mermaid' for Doro. The story of the Little Mermaid, like Doro goes-that she looked for love from the wrong man. Hans becomes popular with the people of Copenhagen and his gift in telling stories to the children. So Andersen's fame grew out of his plays and stories. Some of the musical scores that stand out are the most known of Andersen's best loved works. Those most memorable numbers are from 'Inchworm,' 'Thumbelina' and 'The Ugly Duckling.' Hans later finds that the ballerina truly loves her husband, so Hans returns home to his village of Odense. There he tells his stories to the children who loves to hear his fairy tales. You may not find Kaye's usual comic flair here. He extends his more poignant side of the famous storyteller. This was Kaye's final film of his career beofre embarking on his life's love of working with Unicef. If you like to read about Andersen, he wrote his auto-bio, 'The Fairy Tale of My Life.' The film itself is a delightful children's story that the whole family can love.

Danny Kaye is Hans Christian Andersen. There's no doubt about it after you see this film. His portrayal of this writer is winsome and magical, and the songs he weaves coming from the stories he writes and reads cause the children everywhere to want to get out of their classrooms and go the town square or valley to hear him tell them.

The one spot I had difficulty with was with the scenes where Hans falls in love with the ballerina, and while it may have some historicity, I found it a little distracting. But this is a small thing, and overall, this is a marvelous film and highly recommended.