5 comments about Bad Santa.

1. I couldn't stop laughing at one of the things John Ritter says in the movie. Great Christmas movie. (very adult though)



2. I guess if I was my hubby I would have given the movie 5 stars but I just couldn't, probably because it's one we definately have to hide from the kids. But hay it made him happy.



3. I liked this movie when I'd seen the original, but to have the director's cut and unrated version on one disc is great.



4. This just goes to prove that artists often are not the best judge of their art, as Terry Zwigoff, in his Director's Cut here, completely RUINS one of the finest comedies I've ever seen, a hilarious antidote for those who hate the holdays, a vulgar comedy with an angry spirit and an ultimately uplifting experience, has been transformed here (hard to believe this was the intended version) into a completely miserable film.
   Gone is the voice-over in the opening bar scene; gone are many, many funny scenes; instead of being a 'dark comedy', as Badder Santa is (and likewise Bad Santa, both recommended over this swill), this movie here is simply dark. As in pretty darn depressing. The whole mood of the film is different. It's just not funny.
   Even the ending is changed, something far less triumphant.
   
   If you have never seen this movie, first off, it is NOT a "holiday film", as many mistake it for, and thus hate it; rather, it is indeed an antidote, for those of us who say, hate It's A Wonderful Life.
   
   Secondly, if you are a BIG fan of Bad Santa, please DON'T be tempted by this; all you need is Badder Santa, that I would give five stars to easily.
   
   It's a shame this version was ever released.
   
   This DVD is a waste of time and money. Skip it.



5. Bad Santa is a pretty good movie, but in watching Bad Santa and Badder Santa, I found that Bad Santa is not worth your money. BUY BADDER SANTA!! It is much more funny. This movie is not for kids anyway so you might as well buy the funnier version. :)

5 comments about Angel in the Family.

1. GREAT MOVIE FOR THE HOLIDAYS I LOVE MEREDITH BAXTER. SHE IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE ACTRESSES AND THIS IS A GREAT FAMILY MOVIE.



2. The idea of this film is false, and not remotely realistic, which no other reviewers seem to mention! Meridith is great as always, and the characters, apart from the father, are realistic enough, but hardly superb. There are a lot of missing elements in the plot lines. Both girls hate each other and feel their lives are harder than anyone elses, which in some ways is realistic, other ways, pathetic. The dad is acting a little too hard all the way through. He seems out of his mind and like he should be avoided. At times Meridith is invisible, at other times, not. I don't believe, and the bible does not teach that people die and become angels, so the whole idea is goofy. But for young kids, be aware that it is about death and life after death, not really something for young kids.
   
   However, there are some bright spots. The idea that the mom held the family together is quite realistic, and something folks can relate to. The idea that the little things we do affect our future, or even eternity is clear and note worthy. It started some conversations and thoughts going in our family. Not really a feel good movie for the holidays, but definitely of the Christmas sort. I wouldn't buy it. Rent it if you want an evening with adults, but again, not the best out there.



3. The idea of reconciliation and completing loose ends is good but many don't have a second chance after they die!
   
   a soso movie with a peaceful feel except when the psychological monster fights with her sister.



4. I haven't had a chance to view the product but was very happy with the time it took to arrive.



5. This was sent to me by mistake. I did not purchase this item. I just previewed it.
   
   Thanks!
   
   Pam

5 comments about Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special.

1. WOW! It's been a while since I have seen this on prime time television in 1988. I will admitted this is just plain stupid Chrismas fun but I enjoyed this immensely! Pee Wee Herman and a host of great stars including Cher, Oprah Winfrey, k.d.lang,Whoop Goldberg, Grace Jones, Frankie and Annette and the whole Playhouse gang! This is a delightful holiday special with the insane humor the series was known for. Thanks for finally put it on DVD!!!!



2. I was thrilled to finally find this available for purchase!! We recorded this on VHS when originally shown on television. But tapes get old and now the boys are grown and the poor tape was getting passed around every Christmas. I immediately bought four copies and it is exactly (though, of course, minus the '80s commercials-awwwww)just like the original network showing. Pure PeeWee, pure camp. Thanks! I love it!!



3. i love pee-wees playhouse and had to have this. it's pretty ridiculous and will probably be used as background entertainment at future christmas parties... sitting down to watch it once was enough. My favorite part might have to be kd langs performance, it was a perfectly psychotic song & dance routine (while wearing a dress!!) i was actually embarrassed for her.



4. My sister laughed at me for even buying this, but before we knew it, we were watching and reminiscing and having a great time. Watching this Christmas special brought me back to all those Saturday mornings as a child, watching Pee-Wee's Playhouse.
   There are so many celebrities on this show. I think my favorites were Frankie Avalon, Annette Funicello, and Little Richard.
   Bottom line: Very cheesy, but if you were a fan of Pee-Wee growing up, you will not want to miss out on this!



5. I used to watch this movie every Christmas with my family. We had lost the tape a few years ago, and when I found this dvd we started the tradition once again.

5 comments about Tokyo Godfathers.

1. The phrase in the title came from one of the three homeless characters when they found a baby in the trash, but it also applies to anime fans and this film. There are not many cases in this genre in which you can watch a story that has the effect this one has on the feelings of the viewer. I do not pretend to be an expert on anime, far from it, but the only anime production that had a similar effect on me was Grave of the Fireflies. Just the mere fact that "Tokyo Godfathers" can be put in the same echelon as that masterpiece should be telling.
   
   When an unlikely trio of homeless people finds a very special Christmas present, their world is shook in ways in they do not think possible. Thus, a bitter old man, an ex-drag queen and a teenager with a grudge towards her family embark in a quest to find the parents of the beautiful baby girl they found in the trash. The story starts out slow, but it gradually draws you into it, until you are hopelessly hooked. Little by little we come to understand the facts that led the three characters to their current situation and we are mesmerized by their search, which leads them to interact with an array of characters that range from desperate to happy to be alive.
   
   I particularly enjoyed the graphics of this movie, but you need to understand that these differ from the common benchmark for the genre. In the film we get drawings with a good amount of detail in the main characters and in the background when it is close-up. But the general background and people that are not as relevant to the story are drawn with a lot less details. I interpreted this as a way to highlight what is important, but different people will have different interpretations for its purpose. Another aspect that surprised me is how good the tone of the voice of the different characters blended with the mood. I have seen many anime films in which the voices of the characters are a monotonous high-strung dialogue, and this one is not like that at all.
   
   This is a movie that portrays the worst and best in human nature, and many layers in between. Therefore, there are portions that are heart-wrenching and others that are uplifting. It definitely has all the components of a great dramatic story. There is even humor sprinkled throughout the story, helping alleviate the mood at times, but not detracting from the seriousness of the plot. Simply put, this is a masterpiece that you cannot miss.



2. I didn't know what to expect when I watched Tokyo Godfathers, but loved it by the end. I've seen Millennium Actress and Perfect Blue, neither of which sincerely moved me, although the animation was beautiful.
   
   I loved this film because it was set in the everyday, making it much more accessible for the viewer. I cared for the characters and was touched by the small miracles the movie centered around. It had a great blend of drama and humor, and in the end it inspires hope, which I don't normally associate with Satoshi Kon's anime. All in all, I was pleasantly surprised!



3. The lives of three homeless people are plunged into chaos when they find an abandoned baby on new-year's eve. Do they keep it or do they start an impossible search for the parents in snowbound Tokyo?
   
   Diverting, but felt like it was not explored as fully as it could have been. The characters are definitely fascinating, but seem to lack something in depth.



4. Tokyo Godfathers is the third film created by Satoshi Kon. Those who are familiar with his works, knows how complicated it can be to follow them. They usually require 2 to 3 watches to come close to understanding. His nonlinear style of storytelling usually leaves the viewer confused. Tokyo Godfathers on the other hand is very straight forward with a few plot twist.
   
   Tokyo Godfathers is a comedy drama. The story is about three homeless people who find an abandoned baby while digging through trash. They take the child and begin trying to take care of it until they decide to find the real parents. During their travels they come in contact with familiar faces plus reflect on their past.
   
   The characters is the biggest attraction for me. They seem almost too real at times and it's hard not to like them. I mean, their bums and they never really let you forget that. The dialogue at times is hilarious and the voice acting is very solid. There isn't much character development but I feel they have some depth. The writing is done very well in some areas. The peoples reactions on a crowded train with smelly bums is very easy to relate to. Me living in NYC, I understand that situation all too well when I use to ride the subways.
   
   The animation and artwork is very well done. This film shows another side of Tokyo that alot of anime titles don't even touch. You get a good look at the dark and gritty landscapes. Heavily polluted alley ways, full of garbage and cardboard boxes being used as homes.
   
   Now the film does have deeper themes that will touch most people. One of them being divine intervention. This is something that came into play many times. I have to admit this did grate on my nerves a bit and I felt it just happended too much. I just don't believe in it and I felt it kind of stretched logic a bit much. I really didn't care for the soundtrack even though it did fit well for this type of film.
   
   This is still a great anime film that I toss on once in awhile for that feel good feeling. Even I get tired of massive violence and angst at times. I highly recommend this to those searching for something more mature and light hearted. The film is also sub titled. There is no english dialogue for those who hate to read.



5. I have to admit that this movie had a slow start for me. I tried watching it twice and tired out both times. But then on one sleepless night I gave it a third time and was completely engaged until the very end. I have to confess that my attention span has been conditioned by Hollywood, where plot takes off within a few minutes. With Tokyo Godfathers, traditional storytelling takes the stage, and important character development stacks up at the beginning, making for a very fun, very eventful second half to the movie. The combination of the three characters becomes a circus as half-truths from everyone involved suddenly starts to clash. The comedy is very sophisticated, even when it is slapstick, and exceeds the standards of most hollywood humor. The ending is absolutely flawless. I'm so glad I didn't give up on this movie.

5 comments about M. Hulot's Holiday - Criterion Collection.

1. I saw this movie many years ago and wondered how i'd find it today. i needn't have worried. this is timeless humor revealing a bygone age. our kids - 4 and 6 - watched it with little trouble. it's harmless family entertainment - hard to find now. it's also intelligent, even harder to find. it's not selling products, or pushing an idealogy. it's good clean fun with the biggest messer-up in history! kids and adults alike will love the way trouble flies to monsieur hulot, the way he effortlessly leaves tidy scenes in total chaos. When he goes on holiday few love him, mostly kids and one or two unpretentious people. It's a long movie, but our kids wouldn't take a break. Scene after scene of mishaps and minor disasters kept them riveted to the screen. This will be a well-watched movie!



2. This film is slow, boring and even irritating to watch at times. I just don't get French humor.OK, they think Jerry Lewis is a comic genius; that explains everything.



3. Oh, the utter charm of this 1953 black and white movie. When people come to stay at our house, I eventually have them watch this movie, and allow no conversational chatter about the grandkids or the weather...one might miss something!! There is a sweet innocence here, some dry humor and a few pokes of fun at things that...need poking.
   
   If only there were more Mr Hulot films!! Does this film have a plot? Not really. Mr Hulot goes to the seaside for holiday and accidentally, and quite hysterically for us, impacts the same group of fellow holiday makers. One of the superb ironies, and there are many, is that Mr Hulot ends up with the most charming girl, and dances with her dressed in a shirt with a huge lobster on it. (His idea of a pirate costume for a costume ball)
   
   Watch for the shark scene, the card players, the funeral wreath...watch this movie.



4. Having never seen a Tati film in my 40 something years, I was probably expecting too much from this 1950's French comedy. It certainly has its merits. There are some lovely visual gags, which are very clever and funny as well, together with a set of characters who develop with the film.
   
   I found that at 83mins it dragged a bit and whilst the jazzy music theme was great the first time I heard it, after the theme had been repeated about a dozen times it began to get on my nerves. Tati himself was undoubtably a talented visual comedian, and if he had been working 30 years earlier, before the introduction of sound would probably have been a bigger star. If I had seen this film when I was very young I'm sure that it would have made a lasting impression on me (like Laurel & Hardy) and I would have rated it much higher.
   
   As it is, I probably need to see it again to fully appreciate it. Then it may get four stars.



5. Tastes in comedy must have really changed in the last 50 years. I found most of the humor in this to be very strained. How did this film ever win at Cannes? Must not have been anything better that year.
   
   There are simply too many fabricated events: people almost getting hit by cars, spilling things, bumping into each other, etc. People getting scared by the "shark" was just silly. How could anyone think that looked like a shark?
   
   There were a few convincing slapstick moments that made me laugh. What I liked most about the film, though, is that it brought me back to a time when people HAD to interact with others more than they do today. And it was something special to go on a picnic, or ride a horse, or go to the beach.

5 comments about Christmas Unwrapped - The History of Christmas (History Channel) (A&E DVD Archives).

1. Every segment to this interesting and relevant documentary tells so much about where we get our traditions, yet sometimes it feels rushed. It could have been a whole hour longer and I would not have moved from my seat!



2. Harry Smith does a nice job narrating this history of Christmas and is backed by a well-rounded and erudite group of experts on Christmas, religion, and folklore.
   
   This documentary appeared on The History Channel ten years ago but it isn't outdated. It's nice to have for an annual Christmas season viewing.
   
   Stephen Nissenbaum, Historian at the University of Massachusetts, reminds us that Christmas in old time England was really like a carnival similar to today's Mardi Gras in New Orleans. We also hear from Alan Dundes of the Folklore Department at U.C. Berkley, Leigh Eric Schmidt and Elaine Pagels, both of the Religion Department at Princeton University and A. W. Purdue, Historian at Open University in England.
   
   For those who see a modern day conflict between the religious and secular aspects of the season, Penne L. Restad, Historian at the University of Texas, says that there has always been other ceremonies associated with the Christmas season in addition to Christ. This conflict goes back to the very first celebration of the liturgical feast.
   
   The story reveals the Pagan roots for many of today's traditions and shows that many traditions we think "ancient" are recent inventions. It studies the cultural material of Christmas - trees, shopping, and songs.
   
   Rev. Forrest Church, Minister at All Souls Church in New York City points out that people have deep needs to connect with family and friends during the Christmas season. This illustrates how Christmas is more than just a time to attend a church service; it's a time for family gatherings.
   
   This year, why not gather with your family to view "Christmas Unwrapped."



3. What a wonderful production! There is a history and story to Christmas that you never knew! This makes a wonderful gift for any age.



4. When I was a kid (60 years ago) I thought we had always celebrated Christmas the same for about the last 2000 years or so. Surprise!! We hadn't!! Very enlightening.



5. Good to finally get to the truth on some of these holidays. Christmas will never be the same! Excellent video.

5 comments about Disney Princess - A Christmas of Enchantment.

1. This DVD rehashes old Disney cartoons into a "Christmas" theme--I say "Christmas," beacuse a couple of the cartoons have little to do with Christmas. Additionally, the new animation that was created for this DVD is as bad as I've ever seen. If you like rehashed older cartoons that you can get on better DVD sets and crappy animation that makes the princesses look robotic, go ahead and waste your money on this one. Otherwise, skip it.
   
   SHAME ON YOU DISNEY--THIS DVD IS NOTHING BUT A CHEAP AND SHODDY ATTEMPT TO GET A FEW DOLLARS!
   
   IF I COULD, I'D GIVE THIS DVD A RATING OF "0"



2. I actually was a little bummed with the animation in this, but the songs are great, and my four year old watched it well into July then I finally had to "lose" it for awhile because I couldn't handle hearing anymore Christmas songs when it was over onr hundred degrees outside!
   
   I have a 2 year old & 4 year old who love it more than anything!



3. I ordered this product in early (very early) December -- it is now, the 2nd week of January & I still haven't received my item. This was to be a gift for my niece but I haven't received it yet. Amazon provided no reason for the delay, just that it was not being sent yet. Not a good reason.



4. I watched... I TRIED to watch this dreadful movie. It is clear how much Disney spent on this awful movie.
   Basically they use old cartoons, pre-made stuff and even clips from the original movies.
   The newly animated parts are laughable, the princes move as much as a stone statue and the princesses mouths don't even match the voice-work.
   The absolute worst was "12 Days of Christmas", the princesses sing about what they are getting. Jasmine sings she is going to get an emerald ring or something.
   They just us a scene from Aladdin where she and Aladdin ride on the carpet and have only put an emerald ring in the upper right of the screen - how creative!
   
   The cover is better than the whole movie combined, I hope Disney are ashamed of themselves after this.



5. I purchased Disney Princess-A Christmas of Enchantment for my granddaughter age 4. She loved it and we watched well into July! My second granddaughter age 3 is expecting a baby brother next month and has requested Grammy bring the DVD to Seattle for her to watch after her brother is born. Grammy purchased a second DVD for her to keep at her house.
   Grammy like this particular DVD because it is old cartoons she watched when she was very young! Everyone is a winner!!

5 comments about The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey.

1. This was a very good family friendly movie. There were some excellent lessons about ridiculing people who are different, recovering from deep losses and respecting others.
   
   It is all about relationships and how deep personal losses don't have to destroy your life. There was some cute dialogue between the little boy and Jonathan Toomey as the new nativity set was carved.
   
   This is not the Bourne Identity, so don't expect fast paced action. This is more about human beings than car crashes and pyrotechnics.
   
   The only reason I didn't give it a better review is that there could have been more chemistry with the actors. The emotions were a little flat, so it is not as good as it could have been.



2. Loved the movie as much as the book. Was very true to the book. I laughed and cried. It touched my heart.



3. i loved this film haveing lived all most the same story luckly i had 3 uncles to steep in i was 5 when my father died i hated him for that but learned like Jonathan life can be special plus my last name is TOOMEY.The movie looked great on my new LCD what thay can do with CG is wonderfull.



4. I was given this movie by my mother-in-law to watch over the Christmas holiday. My only regret is that I did not watch it sooner. This is a beautiful and sincere Christmas story that truly touches the heart. I highly recommend this movie with a nice cup of hot chocolate, warm Christmas cookies, and a handkerchief--you will need it!!



5. This was a wonderful story of a family that kept their priorities straight no matter the loss of family and leaving a home they loved.
   The story is based on another man who lost his wife and ended up being loved and cared for by a family who lost their father and husband. No matter the situation we can still be an encouragement to others if we get beyond our pain. I highly recommend this movie for the entire family.

5 comments about A Christmas Memory.

1. This version of "A Christmas Memory" takes a few liberties with the Capote text and is definitely a second to the original version starring Geraldine Page. However, the performances of the various principals in this version, especially of Eric Lloyd, are endearing and are thoroughly convincingA Christmas Memory.



2. I would highly recommend this movie. It is a remake of the Truman Capote film shown on television for many years. The quality is excellent.



3. Once again Hollywood has decided that a genius author is not good enough for their film efforts. Although the color is welcome, the acting superb, and the little Truman adorable, the screenwriters have added several unwarrented scenes and twists to the original plot. I guess if they feel they are better than Shakespeare, who is Truman Capote to be spared? The original is much superior even if it is in black and white.



4. Whether it's Geraldine Page or Patty Duke playing in this fantastic film, it's always a pleasure to pop each movie into the player, come 'fruitcake
   weather' each year. The 'fruit jar' drinking glasses bring back pleasant memories of growing up in the South in the '30s and '40s...this is a delightful film for the family.



5. I love this movie and of course Patty Duke done a great acting job.I'm a Christmas movie fanatic!!!!

5 comments about Classic Cartoon Favorites, Vol. 8 - Holiday Celebration With Mickey & Pals.

1. It's true that not all the shorts here are technically Christmas related, but neither was the original 'From All of Us to All of You', for anyone who goes back far enough to recall this one. It debuted on 'Walt Disney Presents'(as it was called at that time) back in 1959. Basically, this is one of the earliest Christmas specials for children(predating 'Mr.Magoo's Christmas Carol' and 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer', both from the early 60s). I actually caught it on both 'The Wonderful World of Disney'(the show's title during the '70s) and, later, on the Disney Channel(back when it wasn't just 'Saved by the Bell'-styled kiddie shows). 'From All of Us to All of You' did offer a currier and ives scene from, I believe, the film 'Melody Time'(available on DVD). However, no Christmas identification was specifically given to this winter excerpt, borrowed from the previous film, and it oddly didn't affect the cheerfull holiday mood of the show one bit.
   Also, I realize that everything from film to stage theater to the funny papers were far from politically correct in the day, but if that's all that 'modern' parenting has to worry about, turn on 'Barney'. It's pathetically annoying and, quite likely, will raise your toddler to become a goofy moron, but it beats having to explain to them that dogs tails are for themselves to wag only, guns are for adults, and cartoons are...well, cartoons.



2. Super Holiday classic cartoons! Just what you remembered as a child...let it take you and your children away to some fun holiday time with Disney's best cartoons! Quality is great! A must have for your holiday collection!



3. I have purchased two other Disney Christmas videos for my three year old son, and he and the whole family enjoys them tremendously. However, I was shocked and disappointed by this video. I am not a conservative person, but I do monitor what my young child watches. And while I may be a little conservative about what he watches, this was really too much. There were several racially derogatory scenes and Donald and the Chipmunks get into a military style battle over popcorn. Some parents don't mind animated violece, and I will tolerate a scuffle or two, but for me, this was too much. In my oppinion, pass on this video and look into Classic Holiday Stories VOL 9 or Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas. After all, isn't Chrismas about peace and kindness?



4. This cartoon has been a classic in our family and seeing it again on DVD format was great as it brought back memories from childhood Christmas.



5. Mickey's Christmas Carol is my all time favorite Christmas video. The other cartoons on the dvd make it that much better. It's a good buy for Christmas, entertaining and fun.