Olive the Other Reindeer

Starring:Drew Barrymore, Dan Castellaneta, Joe Pantoliano, Edward Asner, Peter MacNicol, Tim Meadows, Jay Mohr, Michael Stipe, Diedrich Bader, David Herman, Tress MacNeille, Mitch Rouse, Kath Soucie, Billy West (II), Matt Groening
Director: Steve Moore
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Product Type: DVD

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Simpsons creator Matt Groening helped create this delightful animated adaptation of the popular Christmas book. Originally shown on the Fox channel in 1999, Olive deals with a upstanding dreamer of a pooch (voiced expressively by Drew Barrymore) who hears Santa's angst when Blitzen breaks a leg just before the holiday, messing up Santa's delivery schedule. Olive hears Santa's quote about "all of the other reindeer" as "Olive, the other reindeer," and she is convinced she must go to the North Pole to help. Using equal parts traditional Christmas themes (unselfishness, the importance of being good instead of naughty) and Simpsons-esque humor (wordplay, contemporary cultural references), the 45-minute short is a refreshingly fun holiday pleaser. Purists may chafe at the action pieces and a scene in a rough 'n' tumble bar, but the filmmakers keep the spirit--and the unique look--of J. Otto Seibold's and Vivian Walsh's book. With some snappy songs (including one performed by R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe) and great zingers (one reindeer calls Rudolph an urban legend), it's a fine holiday time for ages 5 and older. --Doug Thomas

Description

In this delightfully funny animated adventure, "Olive, the Other Reindeer" is erally a kind-hearted dog who sets out to save Christmas when she hears that Blitzen is injured and Santa can't find a replacement! With the help of a smooth-talking penguin named Martini, Olive heads for the North Pole to join the flying reindeer team - but along the way, they must defeat an evil mailman who wants to end Christmas so he can carry less mail! With an all-star voice cast featuring Drew Barrymore, Ed Asner, Dan Castellaneta and Peter MacNicol, "Olive, the Other Reindeer" is sure to become a holiday tradition for young and old!

Customer Reviews:

The BEST holiday cartoon ever.......2007-06-02

Unlike the decidedly negative message of "Rudolph" (that is, unless you bow to the will of the crowd, you'll be scorned), this movie is all about embracing and celebrating difference. It is GREAT for kids-- and is just fantastically done. This is my very favorite of ALL of the holiday shorts. I think you'll like it too! :-)

My favorite show of the season!.......2007-03-15

This is a very oddly drawn, but very funny Christmas special. Olive has a sidekick named Martini, meets men named Round John Virgin and Richard Stands, and has problems with a hard of hearing ant friend and an abusive postman. The tunes are great, and the moral of the tale is a good one too. More for adults in the wordplay than kids, although they will like it too.

Should be a Christmas classic.......2007-01-23

I've heard about this, but haven't seen it until now. I can't believe that it isn't as popular as all of the other Christmas shows, because it's really good. If you see it for the first time, it will become one of your yearly Christmas viewing traditions. It has become one of mine. It is for both kids and adults.

Olivw the Other Reindeer.......2007-01-12

This video is very cute and children love it. It is true to the book but adds more details. The voices are great and there are some very funny lines that only older children or adults will understand. It is not offensive in any way, just fun.
It plays on the idea of what happens when words are misunderstood.

Fun for kids and adults too!.......2007-01-10

I originally saw this when it aired on TV, years before my daughter was even born, and loved it! It's a modern jewel among all the older Christmas stories like Year Without a Santa Claus and such.

This year I decided to buy it for my 2.5 year old. She watched it over and over and over. Sometimes three times a day! It's as wonderful as I remember. It is great for the kids and adults too. It's a must have in the Christmas video library.

A Christmas Carol/Olive, the Other Reindeer

Average customer rating:

The BEST holiday cartoon ever
My favorite show of the season!
Should be a Christmas classic
Olivw the Other Reindeer
Fun for kids and adults too!

A Christmas Carol/Olive, the Other Reindeer
Starring: Drew Barrymore , Dan Castellaneta , Joe Pantoliano , Edward Asner , and Peter MacNicol
Director: Steve Moore
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD