Crtic Cinema Video Library - Family & Holiday Titles

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Elf
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Starring: Ferrell, Will Asner, Ed Caan, James Asner, Edward Asner, Ed Newhart, Bob Love, Faizon Favreau, Jon Favreau, Jon Richter, Andy
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Director: Favreau, Jon	Rating: PG	Running Time: 1 Hour 35 Minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 7.1/10 (IMDB)	Color Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound

Barnes & Noble It's not easy to make a Christmas classic. For every A Charlie Brown Christmas and Miracle on 34th Street, there are countless films that put special effects where their hearts ought to be. Elf is a rare exception. With genuine charm and the immense likability of its star, Elf gives holiday cheer a good name. Will Ferrell stars as Buddy, a human raised by elves at the North Pole. But the over-six-foot-tall Buddy literally does not fit in, and he ventures to New York (via the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, the sea of swirly, twirly gum drops, and the Lincoln Tunnel) where he is reunited with Walter, his biological father (James Caan), a children's book editor, who was not aware of Buddy's existence. Clad in yellow tights and a whimsical elfin coat, Buddy's childlike enthusiasm for all things sugar and all things Christmas converts cynics like Walter, melts the heart of Jovie (indie queen Zooey Deschanel), a wary department store clerk, and inspires the faith that is needed to power Santa's sleigh. There are warm and wonderful scenes, including Buddy and Jovie's impromptu duet of "Baby, It's Cold Outside," and Buddy's inevitable tangle with a department store Santa ("You sit on a throne of lies," Buddy tells the imposter). The supporting cast is another of this film's gifts that keeps on giving: Mary Steenburgen as Walter's very understanding wife; Bob Newhart as Walter's adoptive elf father; Ed Asner as Santa; and real-life dwarf Peter Dinklage as an author who doesn't much appreciate Buddy's mistaking him for one of Santa's helpers. Donald Liebenson All Movie Guide For his sophomore stab at directing, actor/writer/director Jon Favreau (Swingers, Made), took on this holiday comedy starring Saturday Night Live-alum Will Ferrell. Ferrell stars as Buddy, a regular-sized man who was raised as an elf by Santa Claus (Edward Asner). When the news is finally broken to Buddy that he's not a real elf, he decides to head back to his place of birth, New York City, in search of his biological family. Elf also stars James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, Zooey Deschanel, and Bob Newhart. Matthew Tobey PRODUCTION AND TECHNICAL NOTES: Presentation: Pan & Scan Sound: Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound Features: Disc One: How They Made the North Pole; Film School for Kids; Tag Along With Will Ferrell; That's a Wrap; Fun holiday featurettes: Santa Mania, Kids on Christmas, Deck the Halls, Christmas in Tinseltown; Widescreen and fullscreen versions of the film; Spanish language track; Make your own Christmas book and greeting cards for your friends; Disc Two: Buddy's Adventure Game: The Down Mt. Icing, Elf in the City, Snowball Fight, Fix Santa's Sleigh; More fun with Buddy: Elf karaoke, Read-along Language: English, Espa�ol, Espa�ol Editions: Dubbed Time: 1 Hour 35 Minutes

Frosty the Snowman/Frosty Returns
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Starring: Wolfe, Billy De (II), Jackie Vernon Vernon, Jackie Frees, Paul Foray, June
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Director: Jr., Arthur Rankin	Rating: NR	Running Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 7.1/10 (IMDB)	Color Stereo

Amazon.com A double bill starring Frosty: Frosty the Snowman Jimmy Durante narrates this Christmas story that is based on the song of the same name. To make up for the fact that her students are in school on Christmas Eve, the local schoolteacher hires the magician Professor Hinkle to entertain the kids. Unfortunately, he's not a very good magician. Frustrated in his attempt to pull a rabbit out of his hat, he throws it away in anger. Outside, the kids build a snowman (what to call it? Harold? Oatmeal? Frosty!), and when the hat blows onto it--Happy Birthday!--it comes to life. Professor Hinkle decides he wants the hat back so he can make money off of its newfound magical properties, but the kids want to save Frosty. When the temperature starts to rise, a new problem threatens Frosty's existence. Karen, the leader of the children, comes up with a plan to save him: take him on a train to the North Pole, where it's always cold. With a cameo by Santa Claus, and the promise of Frosty's return every year, this story of life, death, and holiday cheer is glazed with the sweet frosting of hope and happiness. A true holiday classic. Frosty Returns In the same way that many a Hollywood sequel has little to do with the first film, Frosty Returns has almost nothing in common with the original Frosty the Snowman, aside from a man made of snow. The biggest difference is that this Frosty doesn't need a magic hat to come to life. The story: In the town of Beansboro, old Mr. Twitchell has invented an aerosol spray that can remove snow without the hassle of shoveling or plows. This frightens Frosty, who enlists the help of amateur magician Holly and her friend Charles to stop the old coot. Made in 1992, Frosty Returns has an animation style that looks like a cross between the old Schoolhouse Rock and Peanuts cartoons, with voice talent that includes Jonathan Winters, Andrea Martin, Jan Hooks, Brian Doyle-Murray, and John Goodman as Frosty. The story may be divisive, pitting children against adults and a pro-snow contingent against anti-snow people, but the songs are catchy and the message is one that ultimately empowers kids. Like a hero from an old Western, this Frosty is a wanderer who leaves when his job is done so he can work his magic elsewhere. --Andy Spletzer --This text refers to the DVD edition.

Grinch (Deluxe Edition), The
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Starring: Carrey, Jim Tambor, Jeffrey Baranski, Christine Tambor, Jeffrey Howard, Clint Baranski, Christine Sterling, Mindy Krull, Suzanne Krull, Suzanne Shannon, Molly
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Director: Howard, Ron	Rating: PG	Running Time: 1 Hour 45 Minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 6.0/10 (IMDB)	Color DTS Surround Sound

Amazon.com Under a thick carpet of green-dyed yak fur and wonderfully expressive Rick Baker makeup, Jim Carrey is up to all of his old tricks (and some nifty new ones) in this live-action movie of Dr. Seuss's holiday classic. He commands the title role with equal parts madness, mayhem, pathos, and improvisational genius, channeling Grinchness through his own screen persona so smoothly that fans of both Carrey and Dr. Seuss will be thoroughly satisfied. Adding to the fun is a perfectly pitched back-story sequence (accompanied by Anthony Hopkins's narration) that explains how the Grinch came to hate Christmas, with a heart "two sizes too small." Ron Howard proves a fine choice for the director's chair with a keen balance of comedy, sentiment, and light-hearted Seussian whimsy. Production designer Michael Corenblith gloriously realizes the wackiness of Whoville architecture, and his rendition of the Grinch's Mt. Crumpit lair is a marvel of cartoonish, subterranean grime. Then there's Cindy Lou Who (Taylor Momsen), the thoughtful imp who rallies her village to recapture the pure spirit of Christmas and melts the gift-stealing Grinch's cold, cold heart. You've even got a dog (the Grinch's good-natured mongrel, Max) who's been perfectly cast, so what's not to like about this dazzling yuletide movie? The production gets a bit overwhelmed by its own ambition, and the citizens of Whoville (including Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, Molly Shannon, and Bill Irwin) pale in comparison to Carrey's inspired lunacy, but who cares? If a movie can unleash Jim Carrey at his finest, revamp the Grinch story, and still pay tribute to the legacy of Dr. Seuss, you can bet it qualifies as rousing entertainment. (Ages 5 and older.) --Jeff Shannon --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition.

Home Alone
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Starring: Culkin, Macaulay Pesci, Joe Stern, Daniel Heard, John O'Hara, Catherine Minter, Kristin Goethals, Angela Ratray, Devin Ratray, Devin Snell, Terrie
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Director: Columbus, Chris	Rating: PG	Running Time: 1 Hour 43 Minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 6.3/10 (IMDB)	Color Dolby

Amazon.com Now and forever a favorite among kids, this 1990 comedy written by John Hughes (The Breakfast Club) and directed by Chris Columbus (Mrs. Doubtfire) ushered Macaulay Culkin onto the screen as a troubled 8-year-old who doesn't comfortably mesh with his large family. He's forced to grow a little after being accidentally left behind when his folks and siblings fly off to Paris. A good-looking boy, Culkin lights up the screen during several funny sequences, the most famous of which finds him screaming for joy when he realizes he's unsupervised in his own house. A bit wooden with dialogue, the then-little star's voice could grate on the nerves (especially in long, wise-child passages of pure bromide), but he unquestionably carries the film. Billie Bird and John Candy show up as two of the interesting strangers Culkin's character meets. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern are entertainingly cartoonish as thieves, but the ensuing violence once the little hero decides to keep them out of his house is over-the-top. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Home Alone 2 - Lost in New York
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Starring: Culkin, Macaulay Pesci, Joe Stern, Daniel Heard, John Curry, Tim Fricker, Brenda O'Hara, Catherine Schneider, Rob Schneider, Rob Bamman, Gerry
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Director: Columbus, Chris	Rating: PG	Running Time: 2 Hours
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Category: Family	User Rating: 4.9/10 (IMDB)	Color Dolby

Amazon.com This somewhat unpleasant 1992 sequel to the blockbuster Home Alone revisits the first film's gimmick by stranding Macaulay Culkin's character in New York City while his family ends up somewhere else. Again, the little guy meets up with colorful people on the margins of society (including a pigeon woman played by Brenda Fricker) and again he gets into a prop-heavy battle with Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern. The latter sequence is even worse than the first film in terms of violence inflicted on the two villains (director Chris Columbus, who also made the first film, can't seem to emphasize the slapstick over the graphic effects of the fight). The best running joke finds a concierge (Tim Curry) at the swank hotel where Culkin is staying trying and failing to prove that the boy is on his own. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Home for the Holidays
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Starring: Hunter, Holly Bancroft, Anne Bancroft, Anne Durning, Charles Guttenberg, Steve McDermott, Dylan Stevenson, Cynthia Danes, Claire Danes, Claire Hatosy, Shawn
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Director: Foster, Jodie	Rating: PG-13	Running Time: 1 Hour 43 Minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 6.2/10 (IMDB)	Color Stereo

Amazon.com Holly Hunter plays a Chicago-based single mom who--on the day before Thanksgiving--loses her job and is informed by her daughter of the latter's intention to surrender her virginity while on a weekend-long affair. If that's not enough, Hunter's character then has to fly to Baltimore to join her fractious family for another difficult Thanksgiving. Robert Downey Jr. is terrifically charming as her prankish, gay brother, and Anne Bancroft and Charles Durning show plenty of comic resilience during the predictably interesting Thanksgiving dinner scene. The script by W.D. Richter (Brubaker) avoids the usual clich�s in family dramas--the deepest, darkest secret revealed here involves the painfully sweet revelation of a 40-year-old crush. Jodie Foster, directing her second feature, focuses instead on the inevitable softening of old grudges and disappointments with time. This is a wise as well as wonderfully fun movie. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Ice Age
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Starring: Leguizamo, John Leary, Denis Leguizamo, John Black, Jack Bader, Diedrich Black, Jack Root, Stephen Bader, Diedrich Bader, Diedrich Bagley, Lorri
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Director: Saldanha, Carlos	Rating: PG	Running Time: 1 Hour 21 Minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 7.3/10 (IMDB)	Color Dolby

Amazon.com Just as A Bug's Life was a computer-animated comedy inspired by Akira Kurosawa's The Seven Samurai, the funny and often enthralling Ice Age is a digital re-imagining of the Western Three Godfathers. The heroes of this unofficial remake (set 20,000 years ago, during the titular Paleolithic era) are a taciturn mastodon named Manfred (voiced by Ray Romano), an annoying sloth named Sid (John Leguizamo), and a duplicitous saber-toothed tiger, Diego (Denis Leary). The unlikely team encounters a dying, human mother who relinquishes her chirpy toddler to the care of these critters. Hoping, against all odds, to return the little guy to his migrating tribe, Manfred and his associates need to establish trust among themselves, not an easy thing in a harsh world of predators, prey, and pushy glaciers. Audiences that have become accustomed to the rounded, polished, storybook look of Pixar's house brand of computer animation (Monsters, Inc.) will find the blunt edges and chilly brilliance of Ice Age--evoking the harsh, dangerous environment of a frozen world--a wholly different, and equally pleasing, trip. Recommended for ages 4 and up. --Tom Keogh --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition. DVD features The new short film "Scrat's Missing Adventure: Gone Nutty" showcases the well-timed animation--strongly influenced by Chuck Jones's Road Runner-Wile E. Coyote shorts--that made that frantic little character so effective as a comic foil. It's interesting to compare the Oscar�-winning short "Bunny" with Ice Age. The viewer can see the Blue Sky artists developing the more angular and less detailed look that's become the studio's signature. Like Sid the Sloth, the title character in "Bunny"... read more

It's a Wonderful Life
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Starring: Stewart, James Reed, Donna Reed, Donna Mullenger, Donna Belle Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore, Lionel Blythe Mitchell, Thomas Travers, Henry Travers, Henry Faylen, Frank
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Director: Capra, Frank	Rating: NR	Running Time: 132 minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 8.6/10 (IMDB)	Black & White Stereo

Amazon.com essential video Now perhaps the most beloved American film, It's a Wonderful Life was largely forgotten for years, due to a copyright quirk. Only in the late 1970s did it find its audience through repeated TV showings. Frank Capra's masterwork deserves its status as a feel-good communal event, but it is also one of the most fascinating films in the American cinema, a multilayered work of Dickensian density. George Bailey (played superbly by James Stewart) grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls, dreaming dreams of adventure and travel, but circumstances conspire to keep him enslaved to his home turf. Frustrated by his life, and haunted by an impending scandal, George prepares to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. A heavenly messenger (Henry Travers) arrives to show him a vision: what the world would have been like if George had never been born. The sequence is a vivid depiction of the American Dream gone bad, and probably the wildest thing Capra ever shot (the director's optimistic vision may have darkened during his experiences making military films in World War II). Capra's triumph is to acknowledge the difficulties and disappointments of life, while affirming--in the teary-eyed final reel--his cherished values of friendship and individual achievement. It's a Wonderful Life was not a big hit on its initial release, and it won no Oscars (Capra and Stewart were nominated); but it continues to weave a special magic. --Robert Horton --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Lion King (Disney Special Platinum Edition), The
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Starring: Broderick, Matthew Irons, Jeremy Irons, Jeremy Jones, James Earl Guillaume, Robert Broderick, Matthew Kelly, Moira Lane, Nathan Lane, Nathan Sabella, Ernie
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Director: Minkoff, Rob	Rating: G	Running Time: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 7.7/10 (IMDB)	Color Dolby

Amazon.com essential video Not an ideal choice for younger kids, this hip and violent animated feature from Disney was nevertheless a huge smash in theaters and on video, and it continues to enjoy life in an acclaimed Broadway production. The story finds a lion cub, son of a king, sent into exile after his father is sabotaged by a rivalrous uncle. The little hero finds his way into the "circle of life" with some new friends and eventually comes back to reclaim his proper place. Characters are very strong, vocal performances by the likes of Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and Whoopi Goldberg are terrific, the jokes are aimed as much (if not more) at adults than kids, the animation is sometimes breathtaking, and the music is more palatable than in many Disney features. But be cautious: this is too intense for the Rugrat crowd. --Tom Keogh How good-looking is the DVD restoration of Disney's popular animated film? Take a look at the serviceable but dull film clips incorporated in the plethora of extras and compare them to the vivid gorgeousness of the film presentation. This "special edition" also adds a 90-second song ("Morning Report") that originated in the lavish stage musical. To Disney's credit, the original theatrical version is also included, both restored and featuring two 5.1 soundtracks: Dolby Digital and a new Disney Enhanced Home Theater Mix, which does sound brighter. As with the Disney Platinum line, everything is thrown into the discs, except an outsider's voice (the rah-rahs of Disney grow tiresome at times). The excellent commentary from the directors and producer, originally on the laser disc, is hidden under the audio set-up menu. The second disc is organized by 20-minute-ish "journeys" tackling the elements of story, music, et cetera, including good background on the awkward Shakespearean origins at Disney where it was referred as "Bamlet." The most interesting journey follows the landmark stage production, and the kids should be transfixed by shots of the real African wildlife in the animal journey. Three deleted segments are real curios, including an opening lyric for "Hakuna Matata." Most set-top DVD games are usually pretty thin (DVD-ROM is where it's at), but the Safari game is an exception--the kids should love the roaring animals (in 5.1 Surround, no less). One serious demerit goes to the needless and complicated second navigation system that is listed by continent, but just shows the same features reordered. --Doug Thomas Family Fun, Michael Trotman "A Must-Buy for your family DVD collection."

Monsters, Inc.
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Starring: Goodman, John Crystal, Billy Goodman, John Buscemi, Steve Coburn, James Tilly, Jennifer Peterson, Bob Ratzenberger, John Ratzenberger, John Gerson, Dan
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Director: Silverman, David	Rating: G	Running Time: 1 Hour 33 Minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 8.0/10 (IMDB)	Color Dolby

Amazon.com The folks at Pixar can do no wrong with Monsters, Inc., the studio's fourth feature film, which stretches the computer animation format in terms of both technical complexity and emotional impact. The giant, blue-furred James P. "Sulley" Sullivan (wonderfully voiced by John Goodman) is a scare-monster extraordinaire in the hidden world of Monstropolis, where the scaring of kids is an imperative in order to keep the entire city running. Beyond the competition to be the best at the business, Sullivan and his assistant, the one-eyed Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal), discover what happens when the real world interacts with theirs in the form of a 2-year-old baby girl dubbed "Boo," who accidentally sneaks into the monster world with Sulley one night. Director Pete Doctor and codirectors David Silverman and Lee Unkrich follow the Pixar (Toy Story) blueprint with an imaginative scenario, fun characters, and ace comic timing. By the last heart-tugging shot, kids may never look at monsters the same, nor artists at what computer animation can do in the hands of magicians. --Doug Thomas --This text refers to the Theatrical Release edition. DVD features The all-new animated short "Mike's New Car" is the promoted highlight of the DVD release of Pixar's hilarious film. However, this short--as good as it is--is far from the only new footage here. If you saw Monsters, Inc. early in its theatrical run, you missed the outtakes included here. Bits seen or heard about in the movie--commercials, guided tours, the "Company Play"--are shown uninterrupted and are a delight. The easily navigated extras are broken into two parts. The Monster World should... read more

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Full Screen Edition)
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Starring: Chase, Chevy D'Angelo, Beverly Quaid, Randy Randolph, John Ladd, Diane Ladner, Rose Diane Marshall, E.G. Roberts, Doris Roberts, Doris Lewis, Juliette
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Director: Chechik, Jeremiah S.	Rating: PG-13	Running Time: 97 minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 6.8/10 (IMDB)	Color Dolby

Amazon.com The third installment of the Griswold family saga is a significant improvement over their previous vacation (National Lampoon's European Vacation). Disaster-prone dad (Chevy Chase) discovers just how dangerous the Christmas season really is, as the Griswolds' old-fashioned holiday celebration turns out to be more "Bah! Humbug!" than Christmas cheer. Chase is right at home with the outrageous slapstick and often cheerfully tasteless humor, and John Hughes's script is stuffed full of classic Christmas movie references, but Randy Quaid practically steals the film as the unemployed relative with his malicious grin and mooching lifestyle. Not exactly a holiday classic and a bit spotty, but this gag-filled comedy is just obnoxious enough for the Scrooge lurking inside everyone. And fear not, a happy ending awaits all. Watch for future star Juliette Lewis as Chase's teenage daughter. --Sean Axmaker --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition. Amazon.com You know exactly what you're getting in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: another goofball, slapstick comedy of chaos and catastrophe with Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and family. This time, there's no traveling involved: Clark and Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) prepare for a nice Christmas with the kids (played by none other than Juliette Lewis and Roseanne star Johnny Galecki), when their home is invaded by backwoods cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his brood, along with assorted other crazy... read more

Nightmare Before Christmas (Special Edition), The
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Starring: Elfman, Danny O'Hara, Catherine Sarandon, Chris Shadix, Glenn Shadix, Glenn Reubens, Paul Page, Ken Ivory, Ed Ivory, Ed Durst, Debi
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Director: Selick, Henry	Rating: PG	Running Time: 1 Hour 16 Minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 7.7/10 (IMDB)	Black & White DTS Surround Sound

Amazon.com For those who never thought Disney would release a film in which Santa Claus is kidnapped and tortured, well, here it is! The full title is Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas, which should give you an idea of the tone of this stop-action animated musical/fantasy/horror/comedy. It is based on characters created by Burton, the former Disney animator best known as the director of Pee-wee's Big Adventure, Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and the first two Batman movies. His benignly scary-funny sensibility dominates the story of Halloweentown resident Jack Skellington (voice by Danny Elfman, who also wrote the songs), who stumbles on a bizarre and fascinating alternative universe called ... Christmastown! Directed by Henry Selick (who later made the delightful James and the Giant Peach), this PG-rated picture has a reassuringly light touch. As Roger Ebert noted in his review, "some of the Halloween creatures might be a tad scary for smaller children, but this is the kind of movie older kids will eat up; it has the kind of offbeat, subversive energy that tells them wonderful things are likely to happen." --Jim Emerson --This text refers to the DVD edition. DVD features Using the exhaustive laser disc version as a start, the Nightmare DVD is a fascinating disc with more than 450 production and design images, a deft storyboard-to-film example, and deleted scenes. Director Henry Selick delves deep into the making of the film in his audio commentary and in a 20-minute documentary. The film also features two Tim Burton shorts, the stop-motion Vincent (his first film, which is rarely seen) and the half-hour Frankenweenie. In a welcome trend, the disc contains DTS... read more

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
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Starring: Ives, Burl Richards, Billie Mae Richards, Billie Mae Soles, Paul Francis, Stan Orenstein, Janet Scopp, Alfie Banas, Carl Banas, Carl Dixon, Peg
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Director: Nagashima, Kizo	Rating: NR	Running Time: 2 Hours 15 Minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 7.8/10 (IMDB)	Color Stereo

Amazon.com This classic 1964 television special featuring Rudolph and his misfit buddies set the standard for stop-motion animation for an entire generation before Tim Burton darkly reinvented it in the early 1990s. Burl Ives narrates as Sam the Snowman, telling and singing the story of a rejected reindeer who overcomes prejudice and saves Christmas one particularly blustery year. Along the way, he meets an abundance of unforgettable characters: his dentally obsessed elf pal Hermey; the affable miner Yukon Cornelius and his motley crew of puppies; the scary/adorable Abominable Snow Monster; a legion of abandoned, but still chatty, toys; and a rather grouchy Santa. In addition to the title song that inspired it, this 53-minute tape is crammed with catchy tunes such as "Silver and Gold" and "Holly Jolly Christmas." Those who grew up looking forward to watching Rudolph every Christmas season will undoubtedly be able to recite the quotable quotes ("I'm cuuuute. She said I'm cuuuute." "Herbie doesn't like to make toys.") as well as any Casablanca cult audience. --Kimberly Heinrichs --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town/The Little Drummer Boy
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Starring: Astaire, Fred Rooney, Mickey Wynn, Keenan Frees, Paul Gardner, Joan Lester, Robie Sacino, Andrea Lynn, Dina Lynn, Dina Thomas, Greg
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Director: Jr., Arthur Rankin	Rating: NR	Running Time: 1 Hour 25 Minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 7.7/10 (IMDB)	Color Stereo

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

Santa Clause (Full Screen Special Edition), The
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Starring: Allen, Tim Reinhold, Judge Reinhold, Judge Crewson, Wendy Reinhold, Judge Lloyd, Eric Gross, Mary Tamada, Paige Tamada, Paige Crewson, Wendy
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Director: Pasquin, John	Rating: PG	Running Time: 1 Hour 37 Minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 5.9/10 (IMDB)	Color Dolby

Amazon.com Divorced toy company executive Scott Calvin (Tim Allen of Home Improvement and the Toy Story movies) is pleased to have his son Charlie for Christmas, though the boy himself isn't happy about it. But when Santa Claus accidentally topples off the roof of the house and falls with a thud in the snow, Scott finds himself taking the merry old elf's place and earning new respect in his son's eyes. When the night ends, the reindeer take them to the north pole, and Scott discovers that by donning the fabled red suit, he's inadvertently agreed to become the next Santa Claus. The next morning he wakes up in his own bed and thinks it's all a dream--only Charlie remembers it with crystal clarity. Scott now has to deal with his suspicious ex-wife (Wendy Crewson, Air Force One) and her psychiatrist boyfriend (Judge Reinhold, Beverly Hills Cop), who both think he's playing tricks with Charlie's mind, and also with his own out-of-control body, which is putting on weight and growing a prodigious beard. The Santa Clause probably won't supplant It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street as anyone's favorite holiday film, but it's an enjoyable, straightforward family film, anchored by the affable charisma of Allen. Bret Fetzer --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Sleeping Beauty (Special Edition)
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Starring: Costa, Mary Shirley, Bill Reithermann, Wolfgang Felton, Verna Luddy, Barbara Allen, Barbara Jo Holmes, Taylor Thompson, Bill Thompson, Bill
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Director: Clark, Les	Rating: G	Running Time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
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Category: Family	User Rating: 7.4/10 (IMDB)	Color Dolby

Amazon.com Disney's 1959 animated effort was the studio's most ambitious to date, a widescreen spectacle boasting a gorgeous waltz-filled score adapting Tchaikovsky. In the 14th century, the malevolent Maleficent (not dissimilar to the wicked Queen in Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) taunts a king that his infant Aurora will fatally prick her finger on a spinning wheel before sundown on her 16th birthday. This, of course, would deny her a happily-ever-after with her true love. Things almost but not quite turn out that way, thanks to the assistance of some bubbly, bumbling fairies named Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather. It's not really all that much about the title character--how interesting can someone in the middle of a long nap be, anyway? Instead, those fairies carry the day, as well as, of course, good Prince Phillip, whose battle with the malevolent Maleficent in the guise of a dragon has been co-opted by any number of animated films since. See it in its original glory here. And Malificent's castle, filled with warthogs and demonic imps in a macabre dance celebrating their evil ways, manages a certain creepy grandeur. --David Kronke --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition. DVD features Most of the beauty of Disney's Sleeping Beauty DVD comes from the dazzling restored picture that looks as sharp and vivid as films produced decades later. You can watch it in its 70mm widescreen anamorphic glory or in pan-and-scan format, but if you think you'll prefer the latter, a widescreen-to-fullscreen comparison of the "Once Upon a Dream" scene will show you how much you're missing. There's a bevy of historical material: a commentary track that includes art director Eyvind Earle, Mary... read more

Toy Story
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Starring: Hanks, Tom Allen, Tim
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Director: Lasseter, John	Rating: G	Running Time:
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Category: Family	User Rating:	Color Stereo

Amazon.com essential video There is greatness in film that can be discussed, dissected, and talked about late into the night. Then there is genius that is right in front of our faces--we smile at the spell it puts us into and are refreshed, and nary a word needs to be spoken. This kind of entertainment is what they used to call "movie magic," and there is loads of it in this irresistible computer animation feature. Just a picture of these bright toys on the cover of Toy Story looks intriguing, reawakening the kid in us. Filmmaker John Lasseter's shorts (namely Knickknack and Tin Toy, which can be found on the Pixar video Tiny Toy Stories) illustrate not only a technical brilliance but also a great sense of humor--one in which the pun is always intended. Lasseter thinks of himself as a storyteller first and an animator second, much like another film innovator, Walt Disney. Lasseter's story is universal and magical: what do toys do when they're not played with? Cowboy Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks), Andy's favorite bedroom toy, tries to calm the other toys (some original, some classic) during a wrenching time of year--the birthday party, when newer toys may replace them. Sure enough, Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) is the new toy that takes over the throne. Buzz has a crucial flaw, though--he believes he's the real Buzz Lightyear, not a toy. Bright and cheerful, Toy Story is much more than a 90-minute commercial for the inevitable bonanza of Woody and Buzz toys. Lasseter further scores with perfect voice casting, including Don Rickles as Mr. Potato Head and Wallace Shawn as a meek dinosaur. The director-animator won a special Oscar for "the development and inspired application of techniques that have made possible the first feature-length computer-animated film." In other words, the movie is great. --Doug Thomas --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Toy Story 2
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Starring: Hanks, Tom Allen, Tim
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Director: Unkrich, Lee	Rating: G	Running Time:
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Category: Family	User Rating:	Color Stereo

Amazon.com John Lasseter and his gang of high-tech creators at Pixar create another entertainment for the ages. Like the few great movie sequels, Toy Story 2 comments on why the first one was so wonderful while finding a fresh angle worthy of a new film. The craze of toy collecting becomes the focus here, as we find out Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) is not only a beloved toy to Andy but also a rare doll from a popular '60s children's show. When a greedy collector takes Woody, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) launches a rescue mission with Andy's other toys. To say more would be a crime because this is one of the most creative and smile-inducing films since, well, the first Toy Story. Although the toys look the same as in the 1994 feature, Pixar shows how much technology has advanced: the human characters look more human, backgrounds are superior, and two action sequences that book-end the film are dazzling. And it's a hoot for kids and adults. The film is packed with spoofs, easily accessible in-jokes, and inspired voice casting (with newcomer Joan Cusack especially a delight as Cowgirl Jessie). But as the Pixar canon of films illustrates, the filmmakers are storytellers first. Woody's heart-tugging predicament can easily be translated into the eternal debate of living a good life versus living for forever. Toy Story 2 also achieved something in the U.S. two other outstanding 1999 animated features (The Iron Giant, Princess Mononoke) could not: it became a huge box-office hit. --Doug Thomas --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Los Angeles Daily News, October 20, 2000 "The computer maestros at Pixar Studios are working at the top of their game, but just as importantly, so are the screenwriters." --This text refers to the VHS Tape edition.

Video Visits Travel Collection: Discovering Egypt
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Starring: Egypt, Discovering
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Director:	Rating: NR	Running Time: 2 Hours
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Category: Family	User Rating:	Color Stereo

Description Visit modern Egypt with its crowded bazaars in Cairo and Alexandria, the famous dam at Aswan, and the intriguing River Nile. At El Alamein, visualize one of the most important battles fought during World War II. Marvel at awesome pyramids, huge monuments, and dazzling tombs. Experience the incredible sights of treasures from King Tut�s tomb, the Great Pyramids at Giza, and remnants from the ancient city of Thebes. Extra Features: Great Pyramids at Giza - Great Pyramids at Giza probably took a half-million men and 20 years to build. Learn how these great wonders of the world were constructed. See recreations of what they looked like 4,000 years ago. And explore the intricacies of their clverly designed corridors. Find out how mummies were made. Learn the names of important Egyptian Gods and the influence they had on everyday lives of ancient Egyptians. See the death mask of King Tutankamen and some of his tomb's incredible treasures. Ancient Egyptian Cities - Travel down the Nile and visit ancient temples, palaces and tombs in Memphis, Luxor, Abu Simbel and Alexandria - the last capital of ancient Egypt. Hear the story of Egypt's last ruler, Cleopatra, and how her romances with Roman generals Julius Caesar and Marc Antony spelled final doom for the Egyptian Empire.