1 comments about Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks.

1. My husband and I love Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks, and this DVD is an excellent mini-tour of all these parks have to offer. It's about a 5-6 hour drive to the Parks from where we live, so whenever we get "homesick" for our favorite getaway spot, we just pop in this DVD and relive former visits to this special place. The peaceful music, excellent & well-written narration, and outstanding photography show the parks in all their spendor at all times of the year. Bonus features are also fun and include a "trivia" game and special tour of the Caverns with new facts that not even we knew about. Whether you are new to Sequoia or one of its seasoned veteran hikers, you'll love this DVD. We do!

5 comments about A Christmas Carol (Colorized).

1. "A Christmas Carol" don't appear on television anymore so this is a good investment. It will round out your Christmas holiday to sit down with eggnog and cookies and view this timeless classic.



2. I own the VHS version I purchased at Blockbuster over 10 years ago.
   This is a classic and to readily enjoyed by the young and old. As others have noted, I used to scour the TV guide every week from Thanksgiving on to find a time to enjoy this film.
   The best element of this film, which is shared by the Teledrama with George C Scott is the serious nature of the pre repentant Scrooge.
   The Muscial Scrooge with Albert Finney makes him a comic character. This is shared by a great version with George Bacchus as the voice in Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol.
   In this sense, I prefer the George C Scott version, filmed during the Wall Street era of the 80's, where Scrooge is well groomed, intelligent, and flawed. He is the consumate conservative businessman of both Dickens time, and our own.
   I enjoy and own both versions.



3. Amazon seems to have mixed up the reviews, so I will say that I am writing about the 1999 DVD of Alistair Sim's A Christmas Carol as released by VCI. I also have the 2007 release, and this 1999 disc is MUCH more enjoyable. Not a perfect transfer of the movie, but good enough to get lost in and revel in Sim's and all the other actors' marvelous performances.
   
   Avoid the 2007 2-disc set at all costs.



4. This is by far the best version of A Christmas Carole out there. Black and White all the way!



5. Be careful what you're buying here. Pictured is a 30 minute animated version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL with the VOICE of Alistair Sim. But read the other reviews and you'll discover that they're describing the live-action 1951 version in which Alastair Sim played Scrooge also. Both are great films. If you want the animated version, do an Amazon search using the two principle voices as your search criteria: "Alastair Sim Michael Redgrave".

No comments about Santa's Pocket Watch.

No comments about Holiday Family Collection 4 Movie Classics.

No comments about Perfect Lies.

No comments about Spring Holiday Survival Video.

1 comments about Santa Claus Is Coming to Town.

1. This is an enjoyable telling of how Santa Claus became who he is today. Keep in mind that this story is completely fabricated by the minds of Rankin/Bass, not the real history of how the myth of Santa Claus evolved. With that in mind, it is quite inventive.
   
   Where did he get his red suit?
   Why does he go down the Chimney?
   What about his reindeer and his "Ho Ho Ho"?
   
   These questions and others are all answered as a young boy grows to manhood while a despotic mayor forbids toys of every kind in his town.
   
   It's not quite the same storytelling level as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, but it is done well enough.

5 comments about It's A Wonderful Life (Deluxe 50th Anniversary Edition).

1. Although it didn't impress much at the time of it's release, this film probably more than most others, goes to show that eventually the cream always rises to the top. It's just a charming, heart-warming film with a nice mix of comedy, drama, sadness, despair and joy which makes it difficult for any human being to not be touched emotionally in some way by this film. The screenplay is very good, the casting excellent and James Stewart shows why he is considered to be among the greatest screen actors of all time.
   
   The DVD though isn't all that much to shout about. The Special Features are pretty decent with a very good documentary about the film hosted by Tom Bosley of "Happy Days" fame being the standout but it's placed on the the "B" side of this single disc. Fortunately with the advent of Blu-ray and the much greater capacity such a format affords, we don't have to put up with this inconvenience any longer. The sound quality is in the original mono format which has been THX mastered which makes it the best possible mono quality that you can find. However, it would have been nice if they were to provided Dolby or otherwise 5.1 Surround Sound Options as well. The picture quality has been restored but not very well as visual imperfections exist throughout the film suggesting either a poorly preserved master or that the restoration job wasn't the best.
   
   I note at the time of writing that a Blu-Ray version is out there and I wonder if they made any more audio and visual restorations and if so, I will certainly put it on my list of Blu-Ray titles to get in the future. If you are not too picky about the "dirtiness" of the picture quality, this DVD is certainly one for your collection that bears the test of repeated viewing and enjoyment.
   
   Recommended.



2. For many, "It's A Wonderful Life" is a staple to their holiday traditions. With all major networks vying to get their hands on this mediocre blockbuster, this little film transforms from ordinary to cult status every holiday. As a viewer, outside of the final act, this Jimmy Stewart classic is more than just a Christmas movie, but instead a powerful Capra film that demonstrates an America from long ago. It shows a small-town America, without the plowed Wal-Mart roads or big-box makeovers. For this critic, it demonstrates the power of independent business, and why we may never find this type of service ever again. As an independent, downtown shop owner of about a year and a half myself; "It's A Wonderful Life" transformed this viewing from holiday pastime to dedicated film exposing the corruptive nature of capitalism as well as the realism of independent business. With this change in tact, Jimmy Stewart's words become more emotional, Donna Reed's actions become more honest, and our little Christmas film transforms into a man's journey to search for himself. I cannot denounce that this is a holiday film, Stewart screams "Merry Christmas" throughout the entire ending, but before that final conclusion there are about two hours of small town America and one man's struggle to escape. "It's A Wonderful Life" is a powerful blend of realism and fantasy, individualism and community, dreams and truth, as well as frustration and joy. The cast is superbly placed in their respective roles and Capra's action behind the camera stands boldly in place. This is not just a movie, but an experience coupled with foreshadowing - giving George not just a glimpse of a world without him - but also a glimpse of a world without small business
   
   "It's A Wonderful Life", the film itself, is beautifully crafted. With new editions being released each season, one can easily see the crisp beauty of Capra's image. Its characters; George Bailey, Mary, Sam Wainright, Potter, Bert and Ernie, and even Clarence seem to jump from the screen, giving us imaginative citizens to this quaint town of Bedford Falls. Capra not only gives these characters spirits and souls, but also the town. Capra built three blocks of Bedford Falls so that he could capture the honesty of the town that Stewart so adamantly wanted to leave - and upon doing this gave this little town a soul of its own. Watching this film, Stewart's portrayal of George Bailey runs the gambit of powerhouse acting. Stewart, freshly back from the war, was worried if he could carry the weight of Bailey's cynicism. His ability to care for Bedford Falls, while always dreaming of wanting to escape could only be portrayed through Stewart's Americana eyes. When he screams at Mary, denouncing his desire to be on the ground floor in plastics, or when he yells at Potter's bid to join him - we scream with him. This film works from an acting standpoint because we believe in the characters - we trust the actors to give us a slice of their souls for these roles - and they do. One cannot fault anyone in this film for their acting and that is a rarity in today's Hollywood.
   
   Capra's eye in this film seems far more advanced than the credit he has received. His enormous sets, the birth of a new "snow", and his ability to create a world we care for without having to travel the globe. What I enjoy about "It's A Wonderful Life" is that Capra tricks you by the end. Here we believe, outside of the brief opening, that this is just your typical drama, a man's life is shown in scope so that he can see his full worth, but then sneakily Capra brings in (depending on your religious basis) a huge science-fiction element that was unheard of during the time. One cannot argue the validity of science fiction vs. religion in this film - since Joseph is portrayed by the stars and planets. Sure, Clarence was an angel, but there is this aura of the supernatural. Clarence offers no evidence that he is, in fact, sent by the man upstairs, so one has to question the time this film was released, the faith in spirituality, and the fact that Capra's Clarence could be alien, vegetable, or mineral. This film teeters between drama and science fiction, while so many critics award this film the "feel-good" holiday movie during December; I find it a bit strange that perhaps this film lead to so many other science fiction movies of the same nature. Perhaps the "Cloverfield" monster could be considered a Clarence to someone in New York City? I may be stretching a bit, but what pulls me into this film time and time again is the fact that Clarence is not of Earth, yet George easily believes. He listens, follows, and - with some resistance - does what Clarence orders. This is a film without guns, without explosions, without the President getting on his red phone - but instead a film where a celestial being can visit someone without fear, anger, or confusion. This is why I collect the "Alf" television series.
   
   Overall, "It's A Wonderful Life" remains in constant rotation no matter the time of year in my home. The acting is superb, the sci-fi element seems fresh every time, and the growing fact that George Bailey is pro-independent business means quite a bit in this rushed Wal-Mart world. Bailey, and this film, is the voice for the little man, the quiet shopkeeper who doesn't want to sell to Potter, but instead dreams of keeping their home-style values. The spark between Potter and Bailey can be seen in every facet of today's growing world, as the rich continue to get richer - the less fortunate work harder and feel more held back. Dreams are traded for jobs - communities are strengthened by friendships. This film is a time capsule for the future, as we discover convenience overcomes customer service; it is nice to look back and see a world like Bedford Falls. The science fiction element to this film, yep - that is what I am considering it - comes in sharp and remains powerful throughout. Did anyone else see Jimmy Stewart's eyes throughout those scenes? Brilliant! While this film will remain a staple through the holidays, I persist that you watch it away from the holiday to see the real message behind the film. Capra was a genius in creating this film, and subsequently crafted a cult film that will remain forever. Even today, nearly thirty years since my first viewing, I am more impressed that ever. It is a film that grows with you, and that is quite a rarity in today's cinema.
   
   Grade: ***** out of *****



3. This film, starring the brilliant James (Jimmy) Stewart, is one of the best movies made since film first started rolling. I don't know that words can really capture the magic of this film.
   
   A true holdiay classic, and a great movie! A must have for your collection!



4. This is by far my favorite movie of all time. George Bailey is so real. I have been that man. A guy looking for the glitz and the glamour only to settle for small town life raising kids and going to work everyday. He is never the richest in terms of money, but when it comes down to it you finally realize money is not all that matters.



5. Every home should have this movie in their DVD library and watch it every year. It has been my all-time movie favorite for many years that everyone can name my fav.
   
   The moral of this story is so touching to help someone realize how 'wonderful' their life is and the people in it. It will help remind you of your true gifts in your daily presence.
   
   A must own movie!
   
   Merna
   
   Pocket of Pearls: A 30-day pocket workbook to start hearing a softer voice inside of you!

1 comments about Little People: Christmas Fun.

1. could these people be anymore inaccurate? I have a great memory when it comes to dates and years and I receieved this movie when I was 7 years old in the spring of 1990. I swear to you. I really really enjoyed this movie and all the fun things they did for christmas. I still have the video, as I do with all the little people videos though I'm 22 years old and I've passed it down to my younger siblings and younger cousins and even show it to children I babysit and they all love it. Even my father loves it. A wonderful gift for the whole family to enjoy during the holidays with all that present buying, christmas carols, cookies, dinner and so forth. Basically this story is about a girl Penny and boy Timmy who go christmas shopping with money they have saved up and penny ran out of money when she tried to buy a red sled for timmy and she was so sad she couldn't afford to get timmy a present and she's feeling sad all throughout the trip to their grandparents for christmas and they try to help her out all while talking about christmas spirit, eating christmas cookies,decorating the tree, funny moments with lucky the dog, looking for a christmas tree in a lot and so forth. But then penny's grandfather helps her fix up an old sled to give to timmy and she also learns that the spirit of christmas shouldn't be about money and presents and one should not get caught up with the materialism of it, but it is really about giving and recieving love from the ones close to you. Also this video came with a booklet full of fun christmas activities and puzzles such as making christmas gifts to give like pasta necklaces, cooking delicious christmas recipes, wrapping a bunch of little gifts in a creative way with crepe paper, decorating pencil cups and so on.

1 comments about Christmas at the Cathedral Dome.

1. The entire TV production crew should have been fired after the taping of this concert. The evidence is in 80% of the video. I've never seen so many technical people intruding on a concert. Every close-up of the conductor showed TV crew beyond him -- eating snacks, chewing gum, talking and daydreaming. Whenever the camera was trained on Montserrat Marti, you saw more technical people beyond her. When the camera pulled back to show the entire orchestra and chorus, there were giant shadows on the walls of the cathedral from crewmembers walking around in front of the TV lights.
   
   It gets one star as a DVD. If it were being judged for just the music, it should have four stars. It's worth the price just for the wonderful mother-daughter duet (Montserrat Caballe and Montserrat Marti) on "Leise Rieselt Der Schnee." Luckily, you can listen to the audio without the video.