Santa Jr.

Starring:Lauren Holly, Judd Nelson, Nick Stabile, George Wallace (II), Ed Gale, Rodger Bumpass, Diane Robin, Jaime Gomez, Kimberly Scott, Charles Robinson, Gene Davis, Antoine Furbert, Alan Shearman, Alexis Howard-Thomas, Marc Hershon, Chase Ellison, Wyatt Alvarez, Kris Romero, Madison Sedin, Wendy Hoover
Director: Kevin Connor
Studio: Good Times Video
Product Type: DVD

The Year Without a Santa Claus / Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey / Rudolph's Shiny New Year

Average customer rating:

excellent
Some were great...
A missing baby new-year... and no Santa?
Great Childhood Memories
fantastic musical!!

The Year Without a Santa Claus / Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey / Rudolph's Shiny New Year
Starring: Shirley Booth , Mickey Rooney , Dick Shawn , George S. Irving , and Bob McFadden
Director: Jules Bass , and Arthur Rankin Jr.
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

The Original Television Christmas Classics (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer / Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town / Frosty the Snowman / Frosty Returns / The Little Drummer Boy)
Frosty's Winter Wonderland/Twas the Night Before Christmas
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (50th Birthday Deluxe Remastered Edition)
The Original Television Christmas Classics
A Charlie Brown Christmas

ASIN: B00004VVPA
Release Date: 2000-10-31

Amazon.com

This DVD contains three holiday titles from Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass.

The Year Without a Santa Claus
Even Santa can suffer a case of the holiday blues. In this 1974 stop-motion holiday family favorite, a sparkly eyed Mrs. Claus (voiced by Shirley Booth) sings and tells about the year her hubby felt too weary and too unappreciated to prepare for his annual Christmas rounds. Mickey Rooney stars as the voice of Santa, a rosy-nosed puppet who travels incognito to Southtown in search of his tiniest reindeer, Vixen, and two well-meaning elves. Seems Mrs. Santa sent them to find proof of Christmas spirit--but all they've discovered is ambivalence about Santa's year off. Luckily, when Santa arrives and befriends a buck-toothed lad named Ignatius Thistlewhite, spirits begin to lift rapidly. Adult fans of this cousin to the 1970 television special Santa Claus Is Coming to Town will remember it as the Heat and Snow Miser movie. Their vaudevillian theme songs, complete with trombone and piano riffs, are hard to forget, but other treasured musical moments include "I Believe in Santa Claus," "I'll Have a Blue Christmas Without You," and "Here Comes Santa Claus." --Liane Thomas

Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
The wondrous story of Christ's birth is told by an unlikely source: Nestor, a gentle donkey with incredibly long ears and a first-hand knowledge of life in a stable. This simple tale, which takes place in the days of the Roman Empire, is about a humble couple about to take a long journey to Bethlehem and a small, insignificant donkey that is destined to help them along. By all outward appearances, Nestor does not deserve such a privilege. Stable animals tease him incessantly for his long appendages until, finally, he is cast out of the barn into the winter cold. Snow and ice bring about even greater calamity for Nestor until he receives a dose of divine goodness. Nestor meets Tilly, a heavenly cherub (voiced by Brenda Vaccaro) who imparts guidance to the despairing burro and tells him that soon he will be chosen to participate in a miracle involving a star, a baby, a lowly stable, and some travelers named Mary and Joseph. Short and sweet, this stop-motion Christmas gem from Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass is narrated by Roger Miller. Get out the hanky for an understated holiday classic that will appeal to families of all ages. --Lynn Gibson

Rudolph's Shiny New Year
Rudolph is legendary for saving Christmas, but did you know he saved the New Year as well? While Santa Claus is recuperating from his December sleigh ride, he receives a letter from an old friend, Father Time. Seems that Baby New Year is missing, and if the little tyke isn't found, Old Year will continue forever--a catastrophe for Father Time, whose job it is to keep things moving forward. A search party is essential, yet with such thick fog, there's only one reindeer fit for the job. "Rudolph with your nose so bright, you've six days left to set things right," says Santa. Trouble hits immediately when Rudolph discovers that Aeon the Terrible, a big-beaked monster bird, is also searching for the missing baby. Rudolph gets help from a giant whale and a good-natured caveman, who dish up plenty of song and dance in between narrow escapes in their race against the end of the calendar year. Sound far-fetched? Perhaps, but it contains as much magic as its predecessors, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, all produced and directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., and written by the esteemed Romeo Muller. The same stop-motion animation we've grown to love is here as well, and narrator Red Skelton has as trusted a voice as Burl Ives and Fred Astaire. While the New Year holiday will never be as celebrated as Christmas, this title is a welcome addition to any Rankin and Bass collection of holiday films. --Lynn Gibson

Description

At the North Pole, the Christmas rush is on. Everyone from elves to reindeer are merrily preparing for Santa Claus' yearly sleigh ride. Everyone…except Santa! Feeling forgotten by the children of the world, old St. Nick decides to skip his gift-giving journey and take a vacation. Eager to help, Mrs. Claus and two spunky little elves set out to see where all the season's cheer has disappeared to. Aided by a magical snowfall, they reawaken the spirit of Christmas in children's hearts - and put Santa back in action. Shirley Booth and Mickey Rooney (as Mrs. And Mr. Claus) are the starring voices in this wonderful Yuletide favorite. Year: 1974

Customer Reviews:

excellent.......2007-05-20

Not only did I get my favorite Christmas show, I got two other Christmas shows as well. The dvd was is great playing order and the year without a Santa Claus was much better than the vhs version. Thank you.

Some were great..........2007-05-14

Of the three movies, one were less than satifactory and was just plain sad! Rudolph's Shiny New Year was excellent, but the Year without a Santa Claus was to cliche and Nestor, the pathetic Christmas Donkey was just plain depressing. If you get it, get it for Rudulph.

A missing baby new-year... and no Santa?.......2007-03-24

This is a must for anyone having young children. Children of all ages should enjoy this cartoon for the Christmas season. Children always like to watch any cartoon about Santa and Rudolph. Not only are you getting one, but three Christmas cartoon classics. I may be an adult, but I still like watching these classics myself.

Great Childhood Memories.......2007-01-24

This DVD is great. It brings back all the memories of the holidays as a young child. It is hard to catch these shows on TV as they only air once during the holiday season. My daughters love them and I love seeing their reaction to the shows. Good buy.

fantastic musical!!.......2007-01-21

My 4 year old & my husband & I looooove this video!! The voice Artists are supremely talented: Mickey Rooney, Dick Shawn, Mr. Irving, etc.!! The music is wonderful & we highly recommend this as a holiday staple!
The Miser Brother songs are terrific!!

The Original Television Christmas Classics (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer / Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town / Frosty the Snowman / Frosty Returns / The Little Drummer Boy)

Average customer rating:

The nastalgia is nice...
All Corny, just like we remember~ I LOVE it~
Great Product and Price
A great compilation of Rankin-Bass products
LOVED IT

The Original Television Christmas Classics (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer / Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town / Frosty the Snowman / Frosty Returns / The Little Drummer Boy)
Starring: Burl Ives , Billie Mae Richards , Paul Soles , Larry D. Mann , and Stan Francis
Director: Kizo Nagashima , Larry Roemer , and Arthur Rankin Jr.
Manufacturer: Classic Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( O ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

The Year Without a Santa Claus / Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey / Rudolph's Shiny New Year
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (50th Birthday Deluxe Remastered Edition)
Peanuts Holiday Collection (A Charlie Brown Christmas/A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving/It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown)
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Frosty's Winter Wonderland/Twas the Night Before Christmas

ASIN: B0002I82Z0
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Description

The original television holiday classics now are available with deluxe packaging and a 12-song music CD with music from the all-time favorite television specials known the world over!

"Frosty the Snowman:" When Frosty the Snowman comes to life, he must weather a storm of adventures and the dastardly plans of an evil magician before he can find safety and happiness at the North Pole.

"Frosty Returns:" This is the adventure of a little girl named Holly and her very special friend, Frosty the Snowman. Holly has to convince the people of Beansboro to save the magical winter dust--and Frosty--when a power-hungry tycoon invents a product that will eliminate snow. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:" Christmas has been cancelled! Or, it will be if Santa Claus can't find a way to guide his sleigh through a fierce blizzard. Rudolph to the rescue!

"Santa Claus is Comin' to Town:" A cheery, delightful story tells how Kris Kringle got his start as the world's most famous gift giver by struggling to bring toys and happiness to the children of Sombertown.

"The Little Drummer Boy:" In this touching Christmas classic, an evil man kidnaps an orphaned drummer boy. After he escapes, he searches for his camel and finds him at the birthplace of the baby Jesus. Having no gift for him, he gives the only gift he has--a song on his drum.

All five titles are on three discs and contain Spanish-language tracks.

Customer Reviews:

The nastalgia is nice..........2007-05-16

It's nice at Christmas time to be able to pull this out and remember what Christmas was like as a kid. I've got several of the other stop-action movies as well, a worthwhile purchase!

All Corny, just like we remember~ I LOVE it~.......2007-01-26

Its nice to own the classics in ONE package, no more searching each year for the copies made from television. Great picture and sound quality.

Great Product and Price.......2007-01-16

Excellent product, price and shipping. This is a must for Christmas season with children.

A great compilation of Rankin-Bass products.......2007-01-12

This has been my daughter's favorite DVD(s) for more than a year. It has just about every stop-motion movie/show they made, plus two Frosy movies. It is only missing The Year without a Santa.

Nice packaging and a great value.

LOVED IT.......2007-01-11

It's great, all the cartoons i used to watch every christmas of my childhood. Picture quality is great too!!

Average customer rating:

Cute new story
Watch it for the elf!!
An Original Charmer...
Very Good Family Movie For The Holidays
Cute Little Movie For The "New" Type Of Christmas

Santa Jr.
Starring: Lauren Holly , Judd Nelson , Nick Stabile , George Wallace (II) , and Ed Gale
Director: Kevin Connor
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus
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ASIN: B0000AZT3S
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Customer Reviews:

Cute new story.......2006-12-18

This movie was cute all around? I like Jr, and the elf Stan, I lile Jr sleigh!Jr has lost his faith in Xmas.
Jr is cute too!

Watch it for the elf!!.......2006-11-14

I won't bore you with another telling of the story, but will just tell you that the entire movie is worth watching just for Ed Gale as Stan the elf. He did a fantastic job of playing a role that is usually kind of hard to make noticeable. There are so many elves in so many Christmas movies that you start to feel you've seen it all. The movie is well worth watching and I'll watch again just to see "Stan."

An Original Charmer..........2005-12-02

"Santa Jr." Is A Wonderfully Funny & Warm Family Christmas Film, The Cast Is Terrific...Especially Nick Stabile As The Title Character!! George Wallace Is Also Beyond Words Funny!! I Have Enjoyed This Tale For A Few Years And Will For Years To Come!!

Very Good Family Movie For The Holidays.......2004-12-25

This is a great movie to watch with the kids!

Cute Little Movie For The "New" Type Of Christmas.......2003-12-23

I only discovered this delightful little Christmas movie from 2002 a few weeks ago and I was very pleased with this "modern", Christmas story so very different from the great classics normally associated with the festive season. "Santa Jr.", from it's enchanting title, to its lovable performances and sentimental writing is sure to delight viewers and while it is no outstanding tour de force it is a film that is just right for this time of year where finally we get to find out more about the family of Santa Claus!

It seems that good old Santa has been sending out apprentices for a few years now to make sure the presents are all delivered on time in different parts of the world. "Santa Jr." tells the story of , you guessed it his son who is called surprise "Chris" (Nick Stabile) and who's full name is Chris Kringle which as this story progresses manages to get him into all sorts of trouble. Chris is the ultimate reluctant son who doesn't really want to follow in dad's illustrious footsteps but who has nevertheless been assigned the "West Coast Route". The story takes place in San Diego where Chris arrives to start his present drop a bit ahead of time just as the city is the victim of a thief robbing homes who's trademark is to carry out his housebreaking dressed in a Santa costume. Chris is accidently arrested while trying to deliver gifts and placed on trial despite the fact that the house robberies continue while Chris is in custody. No one believes who he actually is and when a decision on his fate can't be arrived at he is placed in the custody of his lawyer Susan over the holiday period. Once moved in and fitted with an alarm to stop him leaving the house Chris begins to make the best of his situation while frantically trying to phone home to the North Pole to speak with Dad only to get a recorded message stating that there will be a 45 minute delay as this is Santa's busiest time of the year. While in captivity however Chris begins to see and appreciate the great work that his father has done for years and gradually he gets the point of what Christmas should be about. After a series of "miracles", occur such as a bottomless bag of toys for the local children appears he also manages to restore Susan's belief in people and the holiday season for the first time since her parents death. After a number of very amusing incidents Chris manages to catch the Santa Bandit and also manages to get Susan together with Policeman Darryl who is responsible for keeping an eye on Chris while he is in captivity. Only at this happy resolution does Chris become eager to return to his future role at the North Pole and trades in a standard sleigh for a flashy Red Sports Car to do at least part of the trip in!

"Santa Jr.", does make delightful simple viewing in the holiday season. Nick Stabile makes a wonderful Chris and his performance is full of charm and humour that makes Santa Jr a very appealing character. His scenes of swapping "traditional Christmas practices", for "modern tecnology" such as a "modified" Santa suit more acclimatised for the warm San Diego Christmas and a "meter reader" that can tell if people have been "naughty or nice" this year are most amusing and he is the actor that really makes this film so enjoyable. Lauren Holly as Susan displays a wonderful sense of bemusement as the story progresses and she is just right as the serious lawyer who learns to love and feel again thanks to Chris's intervention in her life. Judd Nelson normally associated with much heavier entertainment as a rule has the largely colourless role of Susan's love interest here and at that level he manages well. George Wallace as Darryl's cake eating, Christmas decoration loving assistant steals every scene he is in with a very funny performance and his scenes of helping Chris decorate Susan's home for Christmas are wonderful in their humour and comic delivery.

Description

Long, long ago, the North Pole was ruled by the good fairy Lady Boreal and her enemy was the wicked wizard Winterbolt. To protect Santa Claus from Winterbolt's foggy fury, Lady Boreal grants Rudolph the Reindeer a magical, glowing nose. Years later, Rudolph and his friend Frosty the Snowman are called on to save a needy circus at a special 4th of July benefit. But their big-top act turns to big-time trouble when Winterbolt appears -- with a plan to steal Frosty's magic hat and extinguish Rudolph's legendary nose! Brought to shing Animagic life with the voices of Mickey Rooney, Ethel Merman, Red Buttons and Shelley Winters, this feature-length fable is a must-see for all seasons.

Year: 1979 Directors: Arthur Rankin, Jr., and Jules Bass

Customer Reviews:

Another Rankin/Bass Christmas Classic.......2007-07-02

Many used to recall ABC originally aired most of the Rankin/Bass Ani-Magic stop-motion specials while CBS aired Rudolph and the animated Frosty (of course, the Frosty spin-off, Frosty's Winter Wonderland was aired on ABC).

So witnessing the original special on ABC was definitely a treat and the fact both were actually put into Ani-Magic rather than just animation. The clever thing I loved about Rankin/Bass was how they could take something and give it a unique spin.

'Christmas in July,' was originally a name of a film, and later used by retailers as sort of a connotation of Summer Sales. But here, Rankin/Bass put a whole new unique origin behind Rudolph's red nose. Apparently before St. Nick wound up at the North Pole (with great allusions to the other Rankin/Bass specials, by the way), there was a wicked wizard known as Winterbolt.

After centuries of observing his ruthless, and apathetic ways, the Lady Borealis decided on taking action and sealing the wizard into a deep sleep with her magic. Regrettably, as Time marched on, Lady Borealis realized she could no longer contain the vile wizard. So with the remaining bit of her magic, she placed a spell upon a young reindeer, and as a result, he inherited a glowing red nose.

Ironically, Winterbolt discovers things have changed at the North Pole, and decides to spoil Santa's reputation with the children of the world. Inspired by his infamous genie of the staff (which obviously the Genie was getting his schemes from the Brain), Winterbolt uses his Ice Dragons to whip up a horrible winter storm on Christmas Eve. But as the story goes, Rudolph saved the day (note, no mention of Yukon, Hermie or the Snow Beast is mentioned here, which makes one wonder if the Snow Beast was once in the employ of Winterbolt, but let's not start analyzing here).

Naturally, Winterbolt isn't thrilled with this outcome, until he discovers if Rudolph dares use his nose for a selfish and wicked purpose, the reindeer's nose will be extinguished. After a brief futile attempt in doing so with the direct approach, Winterbolt retreats to his castle and learns about Milton, the Ice Cream man.

Every July, Milton comes and picks up a batch of ice cream for the Sea Side Circus at the Beach from the storehouse Santa lets him use. Except this time, Milton has his own problems. Milton's in love with the circus' tightrope walker, and naturally proposed to her. But on the day of their wedding, an evil carney has come to foreclose on the circus. (Here Ethyl Merman plays not only as the tightrope walker's mother, but owner and ringmaster of the circus.) And unless the circus can raise the money in time, there will be no more circus.

Mind you, this show was done in the Eighties, so you have to suspend some disbelief, since Winterbolt jumps at the chance for a scheme. Here, Milton suggests if Rudolph and Frosty come back with him, people from miles around would pay to see them. Though Frosty's kids and Crystal would love to go to the circus, Frosty reminds them if they went to the beach in July, they'd instantly melt.

Enter Winterbolt, who kindly pretends to help the Snow Family with special amulets to protect them from the heat. The catch, the amulets' powers cease when the final firework on the Fourth fades away. Naturally, it doesn't take Columbo to see what ol' Winterbolt has in store.

Anyway, rather than spoil the rest of the plot for you. This was one of Rankin/Bass' better holiday excursions because it was the first one to use several past Rudolph and Santa Claus specials to tie-in some of the backstories as well as provide a means for moving the plot along.

Now the interesting thing I note about 'Christmas In July,' was the writers currently were using specials which were aired more frequently on the networks. Because you'll notice a lot of cameos from characters from the current past specials, but at the same time, you wonder what happened to certain characters from the original specials of both Rudolph and Frosty. But the good thing here is, the story is rather well-conceived, you don't really care too much about continuity here.

And the real funny thing most people don't remember, before ABC Family started airing this special in July. I can recall when local cable channels started doing 'Christmas in July,' gimmicks for Summers sweeps, and the first thing they'd air was this special. However unlike this DVD version, the syndicated version had been edited for time constraints, so sometimes the altered one made no sense in several spots.

Overall, 'Christmas in July,' was one of those great specials you'd see in a blue moon, and was one of the rare ones which wasn't marred by commericalism you now see in most Holiday specials, or contain preachy morals as well. It was just fun to watch. Whether you're watching this during the Holidays, or on the Fourth, 'Christmas in July,' is definitely a purchase worth getting.

love the chrisi cartoons.......2007-01-15

I always loved these cartoons growing up, i always looked forward to christmas because of all the cartoons, but unfortunatly they dont play them on the tv anymore. i have 3 little kids any they watched them every single day.i think these cartoons are the best, and im an adult and i still look forward to watching them.

Rudolph & Frosty.......2006-02-24

Thank you so much. Amazon was the first time I have ordered anything on line. My 3 year old Granddaughter was thrilled with her new (hard to find) DVD.I will be back to your site. You made ordering so easy and delivery was great..A satisfied customer..

Barb

Frosty gets puppet-animated. Rudolph gets tricked. Children get confused........2005-12-30

I guess the highlight of this feature film is that we finally get to see Frosty the Snowman in Rankin/Bass's trademark stop-motion puppet-animation process, Animagic! Now, don't get me wrong, the original TV specials "Frosty the Snowman" and the sequel "Frosty's Winter Wonderland" were great but I think we all wish that they were done in puppet-animation like Rudolph, Jack Frost and Santa Claus. Unfortunately, that may be one of the only highlights of this film.

At a running time of over 95 minutes, there is very little to keep the story rolling. There is also an over abundance of non-sensical plot twists and flashbacks that even I found confusing, let alone the children this movie was targeted for. And unless your child is a fan of showtunes (and c'mon what child isn't?), then the songs which appear every few minutes will most likely bore them.

The plot concerns the evil King Winterbolt who was put into a long deep sleep by the magical Lady Boreal. Upon awakening, he finds there is a new king of the North Pole named Santa Claus, and decides to make him get lost in a blizzard courtesy of his snow-breathing dragons so that he may once again rule the North Pole with his evil ways. The only problem is Rudolph's nose, which he decides must be extinguished for his plans to be carried out. In one of the many flashback sequences we learn that Rudolph's shiny red nose which came from the magic of Lady Boreal, will go out if it is ever used for bad purposes, even once.

King Winterbolt decides to offer Frosty and his family magic emulets that will allow them to visit the great 4th of July Circus by the Sea without melting, but only until the "Final Fireworks Fade on the Fourth". Santa Claus agrees to pick them all up when the fireworks end and whisk them back to the North Pole before the Frosty and his wife and two children are turned into puddles of water.

But, Winterbolt's snow breathing dragons whisk up a storm to keep Santa and Mrs. Claus from reaching the circus in time. Meanwhile, Winterbolt gets some help from a mean-spirited reindeer named Scratcher, and the two decide to use their sneaky ways to blackmail Rudolph into using his nose for bad.

If this seems confusing, imagine actually watching this film or better yet, imagine a child watching this film! Like many of R/B's later efforts, this one is rooted more in the magic and mystical style of "Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" than the fairytale-ish style of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".

There are some crazy songs which I found very amusing, like "Don't Let The Parade Pass You By" which is sung by Ethel Merman in her crazy style. There are also some special guest stars including Jack Frost from "Jack Frost" and Big Ben the whale from "Rudolph's Shiny New Year". In fact, there are a lot of nice touches and this film with the three biggest stars of Christmas could have been really good, if only the writing were better, some of the songs were scrapped and the running time was shortened.

If you are a fan of Rankin/Bass's work, you will not want to miss this one although you most likely will have trouble getting your kids to sit through the whole thing with you.

**Warning!!** The DVD release of this film has the sound very badly out-of-sync which annoys one throughout the movie! Because of this I lowered my rating for this film from 3 to 2 stars. I'm surprised that Warner Bros would allow a DVD to be released like this, and what's worse is that the former VHS release did not have this problem!! Shame on you, Warner Brothers!

A lovely film indeed!.......2005-12-05

A fan of the Christmas classics as well, I feel that this sequel works quite well with the other films. Is it long? Perhaps. Is it scary? Not really. It does get dramatic just as much as it is cheerful. We get to see the Origin of Rudolph's Nose as well as Frosty's Hat.

In the spirit of Christmas, this film is well worth it. In July? Absolutely, especially when the winter temperatures seem to be gone forever and you begin to reminisce about winter and such.

Overall, this film grows on you, just because if you saw it as a child, you have a personal bond with it.

Average customer rating:

Santa Claus is coming to town
The best Christmas movie ever!!!!!
I have this version, just toss Mariah
Hey Sony/Classic Media! Please re-release these holiday specials properly!
A good story, but a better one was available ...

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
Starring: Fred Astaire , Mickey Rooney , Keenan Wynn , Paul Frees , and Joan Gardner (II)
Director: Arthur Rankin Jr. , and Jules Bass
Manufacturer: Classic Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Year Without a Santa Claus / Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey / Rudolph's Shiny New Year
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Frosty the Snowman/Frosty Returns
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (50th Birthday Deluxe Remastered Edition)

ASIN: B0002I82YG
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Description

The story of how Kris Kringle got his start as the world's most famous gift giver by struggling to bring toys and happiness to the children of Sombertown.

Customer Reviews:

Santa Claus is coming to town.......2007-02-08

The kids don't know who the characters are, but what the heck...they love it. Maybe, just maybe some kid will want to see some other work of these guys.

The best Christmas movie ever!!!!! .......2007-01-16

This movie gives you the history of santa in a fun and enjoyable way, by having random outbursts of song and dance. Dont be fooled by the cover anyone of any age can enjoy this clay animation film. Not only does this movie teach us about christmas but it also teaches us how to care for others by sharing. If your a fan of christmas movies than this is a must have classic!

I have this version, just toss Mariah.......2006-12-27

I understand and relate to the people who complain about the Mariah Carey "extra" with this video. Yes, it stinks, and they should release these old shows as they were intended to be seen WITHOUT the modern "extras". But, in my version it is a separate disk, and I just tossed the thing in the trash. As far as I can tell, otherwise, this is the original version I saw as a child. Of course, by the late 70s, I'm sure my version was chopped up for commercial television. Anyway, I think the video is fine, and you don't HAVE to watch the disk with Mariah Carey's song. Use it as a coaster, or toss it in the trash, or let your 2-year-old write on it with permanent marker. Its a good show for this time of year, and I'm glad I bought it.

Hey Sony/Classic Media! Please re-release these holiday specials properly!.......2006-02-18

I AM NOT RATING SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN WITH 1 STAR BECAUSE I THINK THIS SPECIAL ALONG WITH RUDOLPH & FROSTY ARE EXCELLENT HOLIDAY SPECIALS WITHOUT A DOUBT!!! I WOULD HAVE RATED THIS WITH 5 STARS IF IT WASN'T FOR THE $UCKY MUSIC VIDEOS THAT SONY/CLASSIC MEDIA KEEPS RELEASING ON THIS AS WELL AS THE RUDOLPH DVD'S. WHOEVER FROM SONY/CLASSIC MEDIA KEEPS COMING WITH THESE STUPID EXTRAS SHOULD BE FIRED! BRING BACK THE DVD RELEASES THAT WERE OFFERED BEFORE THE YEAR 2004 BECAUSE THIS MARIAH CAREY & DESTINY'S CHILD IS PURE CRAP AND I THINK ALOT OF THE DIE-HARD RANKIN-BASS FANS ARE FED UP WITH THESE STUPID-ASS SO-CALLED MUSIC VIDEOS!!! DO US A FAVOR SONY/CLASSIC MEDIA AND RELEASE THESE WITHOUT THE DUMB VIDEOS!

A good story, but a better one was available ..........2005-12-28

... the Story of the real Saint Nicholas. If they had started with him as the real Nicholas was, priest and then Bishop of Myra, and told of some of his real miracles, and then added the fantasy elements of his transformation into the Santa Claus of today, it would have been an incredible classic. A perfect bridge between the Rudolph/Snow Miser type specials, and the Nestor/Little Drummer Boy ones. As it is, its a fun show with some good songs and memorable villains. But it could have been so much more.

Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town/The Little Drummer Boy

Average customer rating:

Two classics on one DVD
Classic Christmas TV
I Love These Rankin and Bass Christmas Specials!
A Rankin & Bass Classic!
wonderful!

Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town/The Little Drummer Boy
Starring: Fred Astaire , Mickey Rooney , Keenan Wynn , Paul Frees , and Joan Gardner (II)
Director: Arthur Rankin Jr. , Jules Bass , and Takeya Nakamura (II)
Manufacturer: Classic Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

The Year Without a Santa Claus / Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey / Rudolph's Shiny New Year
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Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (50th Birthday Deluxe Remastered Edition)

ASIN: B00006II5M
Release Date: 2002-09-24

Amazon.com

Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
This 53-minute, 1970 animated film may be the most delightful of those sundry, stop-motion animated Christmas perennials that show up on television during the holidays. The clay animation production, boasting a wonderful musical score and art direction that occasionally underscores the flower-power era in which it was born, tells the story of Santa's origins, in which Kris Kringle decides to get toys into the hands of poor children in gloomy Sombertown. Charmingly narrated by Fred Astaire and featuring voices by Mickey Rooney and Keenan Wynn, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town presents a nice bridge between two generations of entertainment, the classic and the hip. --Tom Keogh

The Little Drummer Boy
The model animation techniques in this 1968 Rankin and Bass TV chestnut are primitive by today's standards, and picky kids may reject them out of hand. The story, however, which elaborates on the popular Christmas song about a shepherd boy who plays his drum for the baby Jesus and makes the animals dance, is a little more tough-minded than you might expect. The kid begins the story as what we'd now call a neglected child, a surly urchin who says he hates all people. He's pulled back from the brink, first by learning to make music, and then by his encounter with the Christ child. The underlying message alone--that everybody has something worth contributing--qualifies the show for holiday-perennial status. The big-name voice performers, Jose Ferrer and Greer Garson (who narrates), may be a little too ponderous for the occasion, but the familiar cartoony tones of Paul Frees (aka Boris Badenov) and June Forey (aka Rocket J. Squirrel) help liven up the proceedings. It's only 23 minutes long, so it's worth a shot for younger children. --David Chute

Customer Reviews:

Two classics on one DVD.......2007-01-11

The DVD includes two classics for almost the same price as one. Also, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town includes the full length version that is not seen on television any more because of commercials. On TV there are two scenes deleted that you will get on this DVD.

Classic Christmas TV.......2006-11-25

Rankin-Bass presentations (from full-length films like The Hobbit and The Last Unicorn to their classic Christmas specials) are legendary. They might seem a bit out-of-date compared to today's high-tech standards of animation, but Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town (presented in claymation style) still retains the innocent exhuberance it had since it was first televised in the late 60s. The Little Drummer Boy is a lesser known holiday claymation by Rankin-Bass, but tells an interesting take on the Christmas story. These two movies, along with Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Frosty, Jack Frost, etc., are classics of Christmastime--enjoyable for people of all ages!

I Love These Rankin and Bass Christmas Specials!.......2005-10-16

I watched these Rankin and Bass Christmas productions on TV when I was a child and I loved them, I especially like The Little Drummer Boy which is narrated by Greer Garson and is a beautiful heart-stirring story about the true meaning of Christmas! Santa Claus is Coming to Town is good too about how this boy grew up to became Santa Claus and I highly recommend this DVD set!

A Rankin & Bass Classic!.......2004-11-10

I was a bit stunned to see that this first appeard on TV in 1970. I could have sworn I watched it in the 1960's alongside Rudolph and Charlie Brown.

In anycase this is one of those great Rankin & Bass stop motion animated films detailing the life of Santa Claus from the time he was just a baby. The story is told by a friendly postman voiced by Fred Astaire.

Santa is taken in by the Kringles a family of toymakers and once he grows into a young man he begins delivering the toys to the children of Sombertown.

This earns him the status of public enemy #1 from the towns Burgomeister who has outlawed all toys and Kris must think of more secret methods to get the toys to the children.

Along the way we see how Kris gets the name Santa clause, his red suit, flying reindeer, and how the night for delivering toys was chosen.

Mickey rooney voices Kris/Santa and does so with gusto. But Keenan Wynn is the standout as his gruff, but sweet portrayal of the Winter Warlock.

The film also features some great songs such as the title sung by Astaire and "Put one foot in front of the Other".

Over 30 years later I now watch this one with my kids and still enjoy it. But get it on DVD since so much is cut out today to make room for commercials.

wonderful!.......2004-06-22

I highly reccomend this for ANYONE and if you liked this you will probably like The Year Without a Santa Clause and the 1964 original Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer.

Average customer rating:

The Xmas that Almost Wasn't
A Christmas Movie You May Not Remember
Paul Tripp Saves Christmas in this Musical Yultide Classic!
One of best old time Family Holiday movies
My First Movie

The Christmas That Almost Wasn't
Starring: Mischa Auer , Lydia Brazzi , Adriano Cornelli , Antonio De Martino , and Francesco Doria
Manufacturer: Henstooth Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Fantasy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

Christmas Snow
The Christmas Star
A Christmas Wish (aka The Great Rupert)
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An American Christmas Carol

ASIN: B0000A9GJK
Release Date: 2003-10-07

Customer Reviews:

The Xmas that Almost Wasn't.......2007-03-26

The movie is somewhat corny, but when your 11 years old and it comes around every year, you don't care. This movie was an annual tradition as Christmas shows go, like to March of the Wooden Soldiers and Charlie Brown. It mysteriously disappeared in the early to mid '70s. By then I was entering my late teens so I didn't care. But this is one of those TV shows that you need to see to help bring back those childhood images, like watching it in the living room of your parent's old apartment.

PS: does anyone know whatever happened to Paul Tripp?

A Christmas Movie You May Not Remember.......2007-02-09

As a child, I remember going to the theatre each year at Christmas time and seeing a different holiday movie. I don't know why I remember this movie more than some of the others I've seen. I don't think it is destined for cult status like A Christmas Story, but there's something about the charm of The Christmas That Almost Wasn't. The grinch-ish landlord threatens to foreclose on Santa's workshop and it's the kids to the rescue. It's the age old Gricnh stealing Christmas with a different twist. I only gave it 2 and a half stars, but I would reccomend it for anyone's holiday movie collection.

Paul Tripp Saves Christmas in this Musical Yultide Classic!.......2003-12-12

Pioneer kids tv educator:Paul Tripp makes his leep to

The big screen in this musical Christmas tale that is

both heartwarming,funny and pogient.

"The Christmast That Almost Wasn't"tells the story of

a mean and vindictive miser:"Phinease T.Prune"(played by

romantic singing lead:Rosino Brazzi of "South Pacific

Movie Fame).Who hates Christmas and Santa so much..that

he buys up the entire North Pole..Including Santa's work-

shop and home and raises his rent bill so high!

That Santa can't pay the rent and he hires a struggleing

lawyer:"Sam Whipple"(Paul Tripp)to help him deal with

"Mr.Prune".

Seeing that "Prune"will not listen to reason and he

refuses to disregard the rent bill.

"Whipple"gets Santa a job at"Prim's Dept.Store"where

he listens to the kids'Christmas wishes ,entertains them

and helps to sell "Mr.Prim's"(played by another well known

kids tv personality:"Wonderama's","Just For Fun's"and

"Let Take A Trip's"Sonny Fox)toys during the holidays.

But "Mr.Prune"is not one to be foiled by two good

guys.

And he conspires with his manservant:"Bascome"to

ruin the plans of our heroes.

Will he succeed in evicting The Clauses and their

workers and ruin Christmas for everyone?!

The film has a wonderful story and beautiful songs

performed by Mr.Tripp(who also wrote the tunes with Mr.Ray Carter),Mr.Brazzi and the actors playing
Santa and Mrs.Claus(Played by Mr.Brazzi's late wife Lida).

The sets are dark but charming and the acting is superb.

For anyone..who wants a truly charming and tuneful

Yultide Fantasy?

This is the one film to have.

One of best old time Family Holiday movies.......2003-11-09

If you are looking for a great family movie for Christmas, this is it!! My family has been watching this every year since it was released in 1966. My grown children still come home ( with thier children) to watch this movie together.

My First Movie.......2003-09-05

This was the first movie I saw in a movie theater. I, too, remember standing in line during a cold winter in Levittown, Long Island waiting with my friends to see this movie. Now, I share the memories with my own children.

Average customer rating:

Santa Claus is coming to town
The best Christmas movie ever!!!!!
I have this version, just toss Mariah
Hey Sony/Classic Media! Please re-release these holiday specials properly!
A good story, but a better one was available ...

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Comedy | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

The Year Without a Santa Claus / Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey / Rudolph's Shiny New Year
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Frosty the Snowman/Frosty Returns
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (50th Birthday Deluxe Remastered Edition)

ASIN: B000A345EE
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Customer Reviews:

Santa Claus is coming to town.......2007-02-08

The kids don't know who the characters are, but what the heck...they love it. Maybe, just maybe some kid will want to see some other work of these guys.

The best Christmas movie ever!!!!! .......2007-01-16

I have this version, just toss Mariah.......2006-12-27

Hey Sony/Classic Media! Please re-release these holiday specials properly!.......2006-02-18

A good story, but a better one was available ..........2005-12-28

General Santa Anna: Su Alteza Serenisima

Average customer rating:

A story too long for a movie

General Santa Anna: Su Alteza Serenisima
Starring: Jr. Pedro Armendariz , Isaura Espinoza , Blanca Guerra , Alejandro Parodi , and José Carlos Ruiz
Director: Felipe Cazals
Manufacturer: Desert Mountain
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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La Mujer de Mi Hermano
Downfall
Pan's Labyrinth (New Line Two-Disc Platinum Series)

ASIN: B0002ABTV2
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Description

From acclaimed director Felipe Cazals, a highly praised portrait of the generally despised General Antonio López de Santa Anna, who fought his way to the presidency of Mexico in 1833 but quickly revealed his true intentions by becoming dictator of that rich and storied land. In 1836, despite personally leading the army against the Texas rebellion and destroying the defenders of the Alamo, he lost the war of Texas Independence. Nonetheless, he held the reins of government four more times through connivance and temporary heroism. Finally exiled from his homeland, he was allowed to return a few years before dying in 1876. Cazal's film examines the final three days of Santa Anna as he remembers his past.

Customer Reviews:

A story too long for a movie.......2006-10-02

One would not learn much Mexican history from this movie; one would have to know it already. For those who do know, or subsequently learn, some Mexican history, this movie could be interesting. Americans generally know of only one part of Santa Anna's life, his failed Texas campaign. In fact, however, Sam Houston and a few other other influential Texians, with some difficulty, kept Santa Anna from being lynched and sent him overland under guard to Washington, D.C., and an interview with Andrew Jackson, who sent him back to Mexico by sea. Santa Anna participated in the later, and quite distinct, war with the United States, in the war against European invaders, and in many intrigues in the shifting politics of nineteenth-century Mexico. He lived a long life and was president of Mexico on eleven occasions. At least, eleven is the count offered by the note at the end of this movie. The whole story is far too long to tell in a movie.

Except for one short segment, appropriately in blank and white, the movie is set in the last three days of Santa Anna's life, when he has various visitors. The short segment is about the funeral, with full military and religious honors, for his leg, lost in battle. Lest viewers think this a bit of overdone drama, they may need to be told that such a funeral actually took place.

The DVD has English subtitles, but not English voice-overs.

Average customer rating:

Great Movie - List of the Soundtrack ???
" THIS IS CUTE "
Warm Fuzzy
Snow White meets the Godfather

Stealing Christmas
Starring: Tony Danza , Lea Thompson , Angela Goethals , Betty White , and David Parker (IV)
Director: Gregg Champion
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

Comic Criminals | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

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Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus
A Boyfriend for Christmas
The 12 Days of Christmas Eve
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Eve's Christmas

ASIN: B0002JP4UU
Release Date: 2004-10-12

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie - List of the Soundtrack ???.......2006-12-24

Hi Everyone
I have recently seen this movie and loved it 2 days before Christmas
Really enjoyed the soundtrack hymns played by the various artists
Does anyone know where i could obtain a list of these songs?
In Particular who sang "Its Christmas time again?"
Can anyone help me
Appreciate your feedback...
Cheers and Merry Christmas !!!

" THIS IS CUTE ".......2006-12-19

WHO WOULDA THOUGHT I'D LIKE A XMAS STORY WITH TONY DANZA ? WELL, IT'S CUTE AND A LOT BETTER THEN SOME OF THE STUFF SHOWING ON T.V. THIS SEASON . I GOT IT DISCOUNTED ON AMAZON AND I'LL TELL YOU , IT WILL REMAIN WITH THE FEW OTHER HOLIDAY DVD'S I OWN . VERY CUTE AND FOR ALL FAMILY MEMBERS EVEN THE HUM-BUG MEMBERS, AS IT HAS DANZA IN THE BEGINNING AS AN INEPT WANNA BE BANK ROBBING SANTA . ALLS WELL THAT ENDS WELL .

Warm Fuzzy.......2006-06-21

I absolutely LOVE this movie!! It is such a great movie to put you in the "Holiday Mood" I also think that Lea Thompson, Tony Danza and Betty White do a great job with this movie. I edited my review because I have watched this movie so many times since my first review. It truly gives you the "Holiday Spirit" if you need it!! I highly recommend this one! If you're not sure, rent it before buying it!! Happy Holidays 365!!

Snow White meets the Godfather.......2006-02-12

Good ideas for movies are so rare that it hurts when filmmakers waste a good one. Elevating "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" to a movie for the whole family was a good idea, but the filmmakers apparently were determined to show that they were not going to be sentimental or soft-hearted about any of this. So, they made the main character a thug. Instead of transforming gradually throughout the film, he remains a thug and then turns a somersault at the end, betraying his partner and saving the town. He falls for Lea Thompson. That's understandable, who wouldn't? What is incredible is that she is portrayed as falling for him! Why? What is the attraction? He's ugly. He acts so obviously like a criminal that it's incredible that everyone isn't suspicious. This particular romance is repulsive. And as if to make sure to kill the movie, the filmmakers choose a repugnant girl to play the daughter.
So, unless you own every other Christmas movie there is, I suggest you buy something else.
I give the movie two stars because of Lea. I'm not a fan, but her brief moments on the screen are of such quality as to make all the other actors look second-rate.

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