In the same year that he directed a handsome version ofThe Scarlet Pimpernel for television, Clive Donner also made this worthy 1984 small-screen production of theDickens tale. George C. Scott can't quite muster a decent English accent, but he does bring some new colors to this movie's interpretation of Scrooge, making the character less nasty for the sake of nastiness and more a product of a life of lovelessness. The supporting cast is first-rate, and the production is far more handsome than most TV fare. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• HiFi Sound
• NTSC

Asin: 6303824358
Subjects:  1. Christmas   

A mixed bag as variations on A Christmas Carol go, this 1970 British musical tells the usual story of Scrooge (Albert Finney) and his spirits on Christmas Eve, although the whole thing is set to music by Leslie Bricusse. Except for Finney's feisty and involved performance, however, there isn't much to recommend this. The songs, which absorb so much of the evolving story line and emotions, are not all that good. Plenty of support, however, from the likes of Roy Kinnear (Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory) and Dame Edith Evans (Tom Jones), the handsome production is directed by veteran Ronald Neame (The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie). --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• NTSC

Asin: B00005NBBJ
Subjects:  1. Christmas   

A true television classic, The Homecoming was the second movie (after 1963's Spencer's Mountain) based on Earl Hamner's autobiographical writings about love, pride, faith, and survival in rural America during the Great Depression. The Homecoming introduced the Walton family, a 1930s mountain clan living a hardscrabble existence that forces patriarch John Walton (Andrew Duggan) to seek work, far from home, in the city. When John fails to return home, as promised, on Christmas Eve, his iron-willed wife Olivia (Patricia Neal) keeps a lid on their children's worry. Oldest son John-Boy (Richard Thomas), who privately dreams of becoming a writer but worries about disappointing his parents, is dispatched to find his dad. Graceful yet harder-edged than the subsequent TV series The Waltons (which recast several characters and ran for nine years), The Homecoming reveals, albeit understatedly, much about the pain of poverty even as the family draws strength and closeness through endurance. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• HiFi Sound
• NTSC

Asin: 6301805429
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

This 1962 special marked the last hurrah of Mr. Magoo, who starred in 43 cartoon shorts, including two Oscar® winners, from the UPA Studio between 1949 and 1959. Magoo appears as Scrooge in a Broadway production of "A Christmas Carol" in this minimally animated hour. The play-within-the-show features forgettable songs by Jules Styne and Bob Merrill: Tiny Tim ("played" by the animated character Gerald McBoing-Boing) sings, oddly, of "razzle berry dressing" and "woofle jelly cake." This retelling of Dickens's holiday standard is much tamer than Richard Williams's Oscar-winning adaptation: the ghosts aren't scary, nor does Magoo confront the specters of Ignorance and Want. Small children who might be frightened by more dramatic versions of the story will enjoy this mild program. And the self-satisfied chuckles and bromides Jim Backus gives Magoo in his lighter moments remain as delightful as ever. This film is suitable for ages 6 and older. --Charles Solomon ... Read more

Features

• Animated
• Color
• NTSC

Asin: 6301175239
Subjects:  1. Children's Video   

This is the desert-island choice of the many versions ofA Christmas Carol, with a magnificent, full-bodied portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge by Alastair Sim that leaves everyone else in the dust. Lean and direct, this film's version of the story wastes no time trying to impress viewers with the magical nature of the spirits' visitations. Director Brian Desmond Hurst keeps the focus on Scrooge's life story, beautifully simplifying and underscoring the theme of lost women with a haunting musical refrain from the folk song "Barbara Allen." Sim's commitment to the role is at times astonishing; his Scrooge's Christmas-morning ecstasy is a marvel of giddy technique. Watch for Patrick Macnee (Steed inThe Avengers) as the young Jacob Marley--the actor made his screen debut in this 1951 production.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Features

• Animated
• Color
• NTSC

Asin: 6302946727
Subjects:  1. Christmas   

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 ... Read more

Features

• Black & White
• Closed-captioned
• NTSC

Asin: 630289915X
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

The Littlest Angel
by Bridgestone Multimedia
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (25 September, 1997)
list price: $14.95
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Editorial Review

Springtime means fresh starts. But for young Ryan Newman, his family's fresh start in a small town leaves him feeling dejected and lonely. Enter the Littlest Angel, Heaven's sweet but accident-prone rookie. His first earthly assignment is to help Ryan make new friends, a task that proves difficult for the blond-headed cherub. Littlest Angel zooms back to Heaven for some loving reassurance from the Understanding Angel (voiced by Naomi Judd) and learns, "There are always second chances." Very little discussion about Easter enters into the plot, classifying this 26-minute video as a very lightweight entertainment piece for youngsters. --LianeThomas ... Read more

Features

• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (29)

littlest angel - brentwood home video - dvd
an overlooked musical classic with fine performances by many stars. Johnny Whittaker is the boy who goes to heaven but doesn't like it there for various reasons. Fred Gwynne is his guardian angel, trying to make Johnny feel comfortable in his new home. Memorable songs and stars like Tony Randall, Cab Calloway, Connie Stevens, EG Marshall, and others make this a treat for all ages. The quality of the print is very good, considering this was filmed on videotape in 1969. Brentwood usually delivers good quality prints at a bargain price.

The Littlest Angel is a classic!
When I say it's a classic, of course, I refer to the Johnny Whittaker version--not the cartoon.I saw it once, years ago, when I was 8 years old myself, the same age as the character Michael in the movie.That movie made an impression on me that has lasted to this day, and I have wanted to see it again.Well, I now have.I have found and ordered the video from LDS Video Store, an online store.(...)

Having said that, it is my hope that "The Littlest Angel" will be made available on Amazon.com, and that the picture of the cover of this particular version will be changed, as it is obviously incorrect.The version offered here is a cartoon, not the Whittaker movie, and the picture of the cover needs to be that of the cartoon.

I know where to get this video!!!!
I too have been looking for this video since forever.I loved it as a child and was saddened when they stop showing it only to show a cartoon version.Well, weep no more folks!!! You can buy it at ChristianBook.com and the best thing is.....it is only 3.99!!!!I am unsure of the quality as I have not watched my copy yet.I hope this makes your holiday out there!
Merry Chirstmas to all!God Bless! ... Read more

Asin: 6304688369
Subjects:  1. Miscellaneous   

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation
by Warner Studios
Average Customer Review:
VHS Tape (03 February, 2004)
list price: $6.93 -- our price: $6.58
(price subject to change: see help)
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Editorial Review

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 and/or stuffy relatives. Complications, of course, are inevitable. The film is preceded by National Lampoon's Vacation (1983) and National Lampoon's European Vacation (1985) and followed by National Lampoon's Vegas Vacation (1997). Directed by Jeremiah Chechik, who went on to do Benny & Joon and the Sharon Stone remake of Diabolique. --Jim Emerson ... Read more

Features

• Color
• Closed-captioned
• Dolby
• NTSC

Reviews (234)

Classic Christmas Comedy
This is one of my favourite Christmas movies.

It's all about a Father, who wants his family to have the perfect family Christmas - but like everybody, he's not perfect.. and he causes some major problems.

It has all you need in a good Seasonal film. Humour, morals (come on, the ending had something) and the ability to make you really excited about Christmas, especially if it's close.

I only saw it for the first time last year - but I watch it quite a lot. It's one of those films which are addictive. You watch it once and you watch it again and again and again.

It's a real Christmas classic for me.

Just a warning though: It's not your average Christmas film. There's some rude words and suggestions in it. Thing is though, I think it's been edited for the UK.. because something that has been described in the movie wasn't on my DVD.

10/10 - Great Seasonal Comedy

The number one Christmas comedy ever!
Hands down, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation is the best Christmas comedy ever filmed. I make it habit to watch this movie about ten million times between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. Even after seeing the film so many times that I can recite it word-for-word, Christmas Vacation remains as hilarious and entertaining as the previous holiday season. More than just a seasonal film, it's one of those rare comedies that it near perfect from beginning to end.

Following the ongoing exploits of Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and the Griswold family, this particular rendition of the classic Vacation movies is arguably the best. As in the previous films, Clark's goal is to create the perfect vacation for his family. Only this time, instead of hitting the road for Wally World, the Griswolds stay at home in suburban Chicago.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus (mere months away from signing on to play Elaine on Seinfeld) makes several appearances as Clark's annoying, yuppie neighbor Margot - a character accompanied by her equally yuppie partner, Todd (Nicholas Guest). Randy Quaid makes a return appearance as Cousin Eddie (playing the same role from the original Vacation film). As Clark's less-cultured relative, Eddie is a man whose "heart is bigger than his brain". Beverly D'Angelo also returns in her previous role as Clark's wife, Ellen.

When Clark vows to create "the most fun-filled old-fashioned family Christmas ever," things naturally go awry. With the Griswold family and their in-laws living under one roof, the relatives constantly get on each other's nerves. Clark sets out to decorate the house for Christmas, and his quest culminates in a 25,000 light extravaganza that cover every square inch of the house. In the process, he nearly breaks his neck several times and knocks out Todd and Margot's window with a flying lance of roof gutter ice.

The laughs multiply several times over when Cousin Eddie arrives uninvited and parks the family RV in the Griswold driveway. He brings his wife Catherine, their two kids Ruby Sue and Rocky, and their lovely dog "Snots". The crescendo of disaster steadily increases as Christmas Day approaches with the agony compounded by Clark's failure to receive his annual Christmas bonus. Clark's big Christmas surprise for the family is that he's putting in a pool, but in order to start work as soon as the ground thawed out, he had to put down a hefty deposit which his check won't cover without the Christmas bonus.

After a Christmas Eve in which the turkey explodes, Aunt Bethany's cat electrocutes itself, Uncle Lewis burns down the tree, and a squirrel gets loose in the house, a late night knock on the door gives Clark hope. A deliveryman hands him an envelope which fell between the seats - the fabled Christmas bonus.

But when the bonus turns out to be a membership in the Jelly-Of-The-Month Club instead of the cash he expected, Clark goes nuts. He extensively curses his boss, Frank Shirley, and tells the family that a nice Christmas gift would be Shirley wrapped in big red bow. Wanting to do something nice for Clark, Cousin Eddie takes the request literally. He kidnaps Mr. Shirley and delivers him to the Griswold house where Mr. Shirley reveals he cut out Christmas bonuses this year. Clark confronts him, and Mr. Shirley agrees that it was the wrong thing to do. He reinstates the bonuses, and tells Clark to add twenty percent. The whole family erupts in celebration, but their Christmas party is soon crashed by a SWAT team which takes the house by siege.

Originally released in 1989, Christmas Vacation has surprisingly little content that makes it look "dated". As such, it's certain to be a holiday viewing tradition for generations to come...

The DVD Report

Un-Special Edition
Well I am a big fan of the movie and I got it of christmas on VHS a long time ago.This christmas,I got the SE DVD along with CV2 and, The movie deserves 10 stars out of 5, but the SE DVD deserves NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The commentary is AWFUL, because not only is Chevy chase not in it, but Beverly will not shut the f--k up about her hair and boobs, Quaid has a LOT to say, Miriam Flynn keeps on bragging about how big she is and everyone keeps on interrupting each other- VERY RUDE.

Another thing I noticed is that the ornament that comes with the DVD-It's GARBAGE. It's made of styrofoam- easy to break and we threw it away. Oh, and also that on both DVD's on the back there is a shot of the Griswalds with their tree by there owner. In the movie, it dosent include that.

So I will write a positive review when something SPECIAL of the movie will come out. ... Read more

Asin: 079070546X
Subjects:  1. Feature Film-comedy   

A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Original Sound Track Recording Of The CBS Television Special
by Fantasy
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (19 September, 2000)
list price: $14.98 -- our price: $13.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The first time you listen to this disc you will undoubtedly be transported directly back to your childhood. Charles Schulz's Peanuts characters will go toe-tapping and funky-dancing through your mind's eye. Play it a few more times, though (ignoring the dialogue snippets, if you can), and you will begin to truly revel in Guaraldi's wonderful, humorous, deep piano playing. You'll hear why he's such an influence on new age ivory tickler George Winston, but you'll also realize that Winston's holiday music never quite sparkles with the underlying passion, and humor, that twinkles in these grooves. Buy it for the nostalgia--keep it because it will remain one of the most enchanting albums in your holiday collection. --Michael Ruby ... Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (152)

Christmastime is here, Happiness and Cheer...
Two things that make "A Charlie Brown Christmas" TelevisionSpecial so special is its classic and universal message of spirituality over materialism, and of course, the music.The animation may as well be primitive cave drawings compared to today's technical wizardry, but when you have something as heartfelt as this, I'll take it.Even if one has never seen the TV special, this CD stands on its own.The songs are suffused with a jazzy piano, and some even feature children singing.Forty years later the risk of incorporating these two elements have made this into a holiday classic for generations still to come.I dare anyone to keep still and not crack a smile when they hear "Skating".And yet what's alluring about almost all the tracks is how they can be somewhat melancholy, but never bleak, always teetering on the edge of childhood wonder and joy."Christmastime is Here" particularly comes to mind.It's a little sad in the delivery, but never distant.Its warmth and intimacy lie in the promise of invitation to brave the cold, scary world together. It should be a year-round sentiment.This is holiday music at its best and it rightly deserves a spot with the other Holiday classics.

A wonderful and fun interpretation of Christmas!
This is another one of my favorite Christmas collections.These are fun, lighthearted musical renditions and interpretations of old Christmas classics.The scores are done with class, creativity, and fun, and are very very enjoyable.This is great music to play during a Christmas get-together, or before Christmas dinner, and has become a staple in our home during the Christmas season.Although this is professionally done music that adult critics will appreciate, my kids like it, which means that it passes the "acid test" for our home.

The CD is reasonably crisp and clear, and the recording seems to be of fairly high quality.Recommended.

Twelve great tunes, twelve great memories
This wonderful CD contains twelve great tunes, twelve great memories, from the 1965 cartoon classic - A Charlie Brown Christmas. Originally put out in 1985, this CD (with a running time of about 40 minutes) is an excellent addition to your collection of Christmas music CDs, or even just for its own sake. My children love hearing the cartoon music again, and we listen to it quite often in the car. But, even more than that, this music is great for Christmas mood music, and I recently had it playing in the background for a Christmas party I hosted.

So, if you are looking for a great Christmas purchase, then this is the one to make. My family and I love this CD, and highly recommend it to you and yours! ... Read more

Asin: B000000XDJ
Subjects:  1. Christmas    2. Christmas / Chanukkah    3. Contemporary Jazz    4. Cool    5. Holiday    6. Mainstream Jazz    7. Pop    8. West Coast Jazz