1 comments about Out of This World:Apollo Moon Landing.

1. This video is very boring! I only rate it a two because it shows real clips.

No comments about Animal Holiday.

5 comments about Nutcracker.

1. Okay the "11" reference was to a dated movie called Spinal Tap.
   
   If I could rate this video higher than 5 stars I would have. It is excellent. Baryshnikov at his peak and wonderful ballet all around.
   
   My 3-year old daughter has become a big fan of the Nutcracker and she loves dancing. this is the perfect movie for her. Having said that the Balentine Nutcracker is excellent in a different way. The Nutcracker is a story that is fairly fantastical. Therefore, it helps alot to have strong narration. This video is light on the narration and therefore if you aren't familiar with the story you may not understand how the storyline is moving along. On the otherhand the Balentine Nutcracker is MUCH lighter on dance and heavier on the storyline. The compliment each other well.



2. by dane youssef
   
   Perhaps the best interpretation of "The Nutcracker" ever made. Baryshnikov's finest hour. And as even the most ballet-ignorant know, that barre' is set pretty high.
   
   I have seen Mikhail Baryshnikov dance in the much-praised chick-flick "The Turning Point." And I have seen him dance his own interpretation of "Don Quixote." Good. Great, even. But not as much as fellow Russkie ballerino Nureyev's stab at "Quixote." And I have seen much more of him dancing. The man defies gravity, as well as many other laws. A ballet dancer, in the country of America, has been treated like a movie star. But this may very well be his best work, artistic-wise.
   
   Mikhail Baryshnikov is man who hardly needs an introduction, as he is a man who is synonymous with ballet. The man is a household name, Baryshnikov is at his best here, which is more than difficult, even for him. Celebrated USA ballerina Gelsey Kirkland (who was a regular partner and even girlfriend of dear Misha at the time) actually proves to be a credible match. And even takes it to a higher level than he does in HER solo scenes.
   
   This was the first "Nutcracker" I've ever seen. I have seen several interpretations of "The Nutcracker" since then, and this one still stands as the best of the lot. There are no real children in this cast. The children's roles are played by adults in adolescent-looking wigs.
   
   The idea to make this a movie rather than a live stage piece kind of works. It allows for more visual effects than a straight live piece would have.
   
   There is a moment where Ms. Kirkland dances a solo all by herself, that sequence actually left be breathless. When she shakes her pointed feet like bells, the music jingles in pitch-perfect sync. She doesn't seem to be following the music at all. The music seems to be following her.
   
   It's so beautifully and perfectly done, that as someone who takes ballet and has danced on the stage, that it actually hurt to watch.
   
   The day that I can move as gracefully and exquisitely (on her worst day, I mean) may never come. Kirkland actually, in that one scene, manages to steal the movie away from Baryshnikov. Baryshnikov's leaps, turns, jumps and pirouettes are as breathtaking as always, and somehow never seem to get old. Misha's striking presence and Peter Pan-like mobility just.. well, makes you want to get up and dance. Or just jump around. He doesn't so much leap as much as soars.
   
   Baryshnikov puts some little touches of humor here and there. There's a lovable old man at the Christmas Party who attempts to dance and hurts himself, as well as a toy soldier who stubs his toe. Baryshnikov has always seemingly had the soul of a child and the heart of a clown.
   
   The Arabian Coffee Dance has been deleted for running time, I'm sorry to say. As has Mother Gigogne. Not to mention The famed "Waltz Of The Snowflakes" is a powerhouse, the ballet corps sway to the music so beautifully, for the briefest moment, we actually forget about Baryshnikov and Kirkland.
   
   Is Baryshnikov trying to give himself more screen time, Clara or the ballet itself? Alexander Minz proves to be invaluable as a supporting player in the role of Drosselmyer. I was reminded of Fred Astaire. He moves around with his long, willowy limbs in a way that seemed almost inhuman. I seriously doubt ever got half the credit he deserved throughout his life.
   
   He had an effective, amusing cameo in "The Turning Point." Baryshnikov continues to prove time and time again what we already know--the greatest ballet dancer of any generation will always be a Russian.
   
   The choreography is riveting, some of the best I've ever seen. Although, the honor for "World's Greatest" go to "Singin' In The Rain." Maybe the Russian could put dances together now. He's reportedly a great teacher of dance as well.
   
   While many of the special-effects look a bit outdated, it remains a riveting experience. After all, most ballet movies are just filmed dancing and this one takes the effort to actually be something of a movie.
   
   The acting is not much, nor is there as much plot as is traditional, a as this "Nutcracker" focuses more on the dancing and music. The pyrotechnics (the dancer's rapidly-moving muscular limbs and the way they and the music truly gel).
   
   Despite Mr. Baryshnikov in the title role and given prominent first billing, the star of "The Nutcracker" is Gelsey Kirkland as Clara, as this is all Clara's story.
   
   Mnay movies have attempted to translate this legendary dance story to the screen, usually with disastrous results. For example, the mistake the 20th Century Fox movie "George Balanchine's The Nutcracker" made was if they were going to made the ballet into a movie, they should have done something for the movie that they couldn't do for a live production. Alas, they did not. It moved so slowly and the whole movie was so badly-lit, it looked like somebody boot-legged the whole thing with a camcorder.
   
   The solo duets are just as enjoyable. The dancers, are in fact, so good that they almost threaten to outdo the leads.
   
   It's a beautiful story, more with flair and style in it's depth. It's a revised fairy tale.
   
   When Misha and Gels prance together, their body movements almost in perfect parallel... it's beautiful and breath-taking. They seem to be connected internally somehow. These are two people... brought together by dance. It's every little girl's dream... and that's exactly what the "Nutcracker" should be.
   
   [...]



3. This version may not be the most sumptuous one, but never a Nutcraker presented the most perfect ballet couple to dance and act this famous ballet. It is worth the price because you will see it seberal times and your grandchildren will enjoy too.



4. This production is fabulous! Baryshnikov is at the height of his talent, and Kirkland is breathtaking. The best Nutcracker I have seen.



5. Perhaps the best interpretation of "The Nutcracker" ever made. Baryshnikov's finest hour. And as even the most ballet-ignorant know, that bar's set pretty high.
   
   I have seen Mikhail Baryshnikov dance in the much-praised chick-flick "The Turning Point." And I have seen him dance his own interpretation of "Don Quixote." Good. Great, even. But not as much as fellow Russkie ballerino Nureyev's stab at "Quixote." And I have seen much more of him dancing. The man defies gravity, as well as many other laws. A ballet dancer, in the country of America, has been treated like a movie star. But this may very well be his best work, artistic-wise.
   
   Mikhail Baryshnikov is man who hardly needs an introduction, as he is a man who is synonymous with ballet. The man is a household name, Baryshnikov is at his best here, which is more than difficult, even for him. Celebrated USA ballerina Gelsey Kirkland (who was a regular partner and even girlfriend of dear Misha at the time) actually proves to be a credible match. And even takes it to a higher level than he does in HER solo scenes.
   
   This was the first "Nutcracker" I've ever seen. I have seen several interpretations of "The Nutcracker" since then, and this one still stands as the best of the lot. There are no real children in this cast. The children's roles are played by adults in adolescent-looking wigs.
   
   The idea to make this a movie rather than a live stage piece kind of works. It allows for more visual effects than a straight live piece would have.
   
   There is a moment where Ms. Kirkland dances a solo all by herself, that sequence actually left be breathless. When she shakes her pointed feet like bells, the music jingles in pitch-perfect sync. She doesn't seem to be following the music at all. The music seems to be following her.
   
   It's so beautifully and perfectly done, that as someone who takes ballet and has danced on the stage, that it actually hurt to watch.
   
   The day that I can move as gracefully and exquisitely (on her worst day, I mean) may never come. Kirkland actually, in that one scene, manages to steal the movie away from Baryshnikov. Baryshnikov's leaps, turns, jumps and pirouettes are as breathtaking as always, and somehow never seem to get old. Misha's striking presence and Peter Pan-like mobility just.. well, makes you want to get up and dance. Or just jump around. He doesn't so much leap as much as soars.
   
   Baryshnikov puts some little touches of humor here and there. There's a lovable old man at the Christmas Party who attempts to dance and hurts himself, as well as a toy soldier who stubs his toe. Baryshnikov has always seemingly had the soul of a child and the heart of a clown.
   
   The Arabian Coffee Dance has been deleted for running time, I'm sorry to say. As has Mother Gigogne. Not to mention The famed "Waltz Of The Snowflakes" is a powerhouse, the ballet corps sway to the music so beautifully, for the briefest moment, we actually forget about Baryshnikov and Kirkland.
   
   Is Baryshnikov trying to give himself more screen time, Clara or the ballet itself? Alexander Minz proves to be invaluable as a supporting player in the role of Drosselmyer. I was reminded of Fred Astaire. He moves around with his long, willowy limbs in a way that seemed almost inhuman. I seriously doubt ever got half the credit he deserved throughout his life.
   
   He had an effective, amusing cameo in "The Turning Point." Baryshnikov continues to prove time and time again what we already know--the greatest ballet dancer of any generation will always be a Russian.
   
   The choreography is riveting, some of the best I've ever seen. Although, the honor for "World's Greatest" go to "Singin' In The Rain." Maybe the Russian could put dances together now. He's reportedly a great teacher of dance as well.
   
   While many of the special-effects look a bit outdated, it remains a riveting experience. After all, most ballet movies are just filmed dancing and this one takes the effort to actually be something of a movie.
   
   The acting is not much, nor is there as much plot as is traditional, a as this "Nutcracker" focuses more on the dancing and music. The pyrotechnics (the dancer's rapidly-moving muscular limbs and the way they and the music truly gel).
   
   Despite Mr. Baryshnikov in the title role and given prominent first billing, the star of "The Nutcracker" is Gelsey Kirkland as Clara, as this is all Clara's story.
   
   Mnay movies have attempted to translate this legendary dance story to the screen, usually with disastrous results. For example, the mistake the 20th Century Fox movie "George Balanchine's The Nutcracker" made was if they were going to made the ballet into a movie, they should have done something for the movie that they couldn't do for a live production. Alas, they did not. It moved so slowly and the whole movie was so badly-lit, it looked like somebody boot-legged the whole thing with a camcorder.
   
   The solo duets are just as enjoyable. The dancers, are in fact, so good that they almost threaten to outdo the leads.
   
   It's a beautiful story, more with flair and style in it's depth. It's a revised fairy tale.
   
   When Misha and Gels prance together, their body movements almost in perfect parallel... it's beautiful and breath-taking. They seem to be connected internally somehow. These are two people brought-en together by dance. It's every little girl's dream... and that's exactly what the "Nutcracker" should be.

5 comments about A Very Wompkee Christmas.

1. A little mystery, a little danger and a lot of excitement make a wonderful story for younger children. These new chacters are very family friendly. The songs included are great. A nice feature to the DVD is that you can access these songs individually should your child want to just sing along to the music. The animator sketching the characters is an interesting Disneyesque feature. We can't wait for the book and the plush characters to be available for purchase.



2. I love the Wompkees! Finally, a holiday program I can watch with my three year old where she isn't overstimulated, and I'm not bored to tears. The Wompkees are entertaining for young and old alike. The characters are cute and funny. This is a DVD I won't mind watching over and over. The songs are catchy...not kitschy. My daughter is already hoping to find a plush "Twig" doll under the tree.



3. This is an extremely enjoyable film that is perfect for young children and parents to watch together. The color, animation and sound are all excellent and the story is destined to become a classic. The DVD's bonus features include a fun 'behind the scenes' look at a very talented artist drawing the Wompkee characters. The Wompkees should be on everyone's Chistmas list this year!



4. My family loves this movie! We first saw it on PBS and fell in love with the sweet green Wompkee creatures. My mom got the DVD for my little brother (who's 6)and he watches is a million times a day. He even makes up new stories for the Wompkees and tells us all about them. Also the songs are really sweet and get stuck in your head. P.S. Don't tell anyone that I watch the mnovie over his shoulder sometimes (I'm 14).



5. Although the Wompkee creatures themselves are cute and the overall story is fine, the Ice Queen continually uses the word "hate" throughout her scenes in the movie. Perhaps I'm in the minority here, but I don't like hearing that word, particularly with the inflection used in a young children's movie. I don't quite understand why it was necessary.

5 comments about Dream for Christmas.

1. "A Dream for Christmas" is a hidden holiday treasure from the halcyon days when made for television movies were actually worth watching. Written by Earl Hamner, it is the story of a Baptist minister (Hari Rhodes) who relocates his family from Sweet Clover, Arkansas to Los Angeles in the 1950s. When the family, which includes his wife (Lynn Hamilton), his mother (the astounding Beah Richards), and four children, arrives at the church, they find that the congregation has dwindled and that the church is about to be demolished by a developer. In the weeks that follow, the family begins to adjust to a life very far removed from Sweet Clover, while the pastor struggles to build up his congregation and prevent the church's demolition.

   The intriguing part about this film is that although nearly the entire cast is African-American, it is not as much about that as about being a family, and building a faith community. We see people of all classes, from the successful developer to the women (including the pastor's wife) who clean for the "rich folk" in Beverly Hills. The children's adjustment is particularly hard, especially for Emmaree, the older daughter who must face adolesence and the cruelty of urban teens at the same time. The older son's struggle to take on a more manly role in the family is realistic and not mawkish.

   The lead actors in this film are among the greatest unsung performers of their time, often taking almost journeyman roles again and again, always turning in their best work. Given the time in which this film was made, it is amazing to see all of these great actors in one great film, yet sad to think that it has been so rarely seen.

   I heartily recommend this film for your holiday collection, especially for those looking for positive films about the African-American experience. I wish that this had been made into a series, but, alas, there was no way America was ready for a series about a black family in 1973. That this film was made at all is a great tribute to everyone involved and particularly ABC, which presented it as part of its "Movie of the Week."

   GET THIS MOVIE!




2. How this movie has somehow fallen through the cracks and has not become an annual holiday classic is a mystery. I remember watching this movie two years in a row (1973-74?) on ABC during the Christmas season. I was only about 10 or 11 the first time I saw it, but I have never forgotten this movie; it is that moving. Hopefully, some show business mogul will happen across this movie and begin showing it annually. This one deserves to be every bit as well-known and loved as "It's a Wonderful Life".



3. A simple story of love, true values, and miracles.



4. I too watched this movie back in 1973 & 1974 with my younger brother when I was young and still living at home. I looked forward to it. This movie has been on my mind the last 2 years. I finally decided to search the internet until I found it. It's a great Christmas tradition starter. It brings back fond memories of when I was a child - wonderful memories. It's a great movie with great African-American actors. It's a GREAT family movie.



5. It's a Wonderful Life Part of our Christmas celebration are the Christmas movies. We start about Thanksgiving and watch one a night. A tradition that we love. This year as I was ordering some new ones and looking at what I already have I remembered "A Dream for Christmas." Other reviewers have given you the story. I think the most important lesson in this movie and one kids need to get is that life cannot be lived without hope and that Christmas can be a celebration with very few gifts. This movie should be on DVD and should be considered a classic as it gives a similar message as It's a Wonderful Life. It is a wonderful life and should be lived to the fullest.

3 comments about The Incredible Adventures of Wallace and Gromit/Robbie the Reindeer (Hooves of Fire/The Legend of the Lost Tribe).

1. wallace and gromit is just beyond appreciation....and no matter in what format it comes it has to be great!! three time academy award winner nick park has taken claymation to newer heights...and i strongly feel that it is THE most beautiful, impressive and absorbing animation ever done!! wallace and gromit dvd is A MUST SEE and A MUST HAVE for everyone!!!



2. Love Wallace and Gromit and also Robbie the Reindeer. I'm not actually rating this dvd, as I have a question below.

   I'm just wondering, what version of Robbie the Reindeer does this set contain? You may know that there is an "updated" version w/the voices of Britney Spears and Ben Stiller of all people.
   Though I could go on a long rant about the ridiculousness of that endeavor, at this point I'm just wondering which version of Robbie is contained in this dvd. The original or the "new and improved"?

   Thanks to anyone who can help.




3. To answer your question, this is the "Americanized" version of Robbie but it has the option to use the UK sound track. The one saving grace from the American special is that it has an extra Robbie episode - "The Legend of the Lost Tribe" - which the original UK DVD did not. It is a good story but you still have to get used to the new voices. If you're a true Robbie fan, you will and add this to your collection! To get more info, look up the Robbie DVD by itself, not w/the W&G package. Hope this helps!

5 comments about Tom and Jerry - Paws for a Holiday.

1. This is flat-out false advertising on part of the producers of this DVD. It has NOTHING to do with Christmas or the holiday season at all, despite the cover graphics showing Christmas tree lights, holly, etc. Some idiot who obviously feels that a few cartoons which partly include skating or snow in them makes this a "Christmas" cartoon ought to be fired. Most of the cartoons on the DVD don't even have that.
   I got ripped off purchasing this DVD believing what the cover represented would be the content of the material. Don't make the same mistake and avoid this DVD or video!!



2. I wish I coud give this DVD the rating of no stars that it richly deserves. What a waste of money! With all of the quality cartoons from the 1940's and 1950's that are available in the studio archives, I do not understand why the cynical empty suits at Warner Brothers would choose a collection from a period when the animation and story lines were at their absolute lowest point in terms of quality.

   The only semi-quality offering on this DVD is Mice Follies from 1954, which was duplicated on another recent DVD titled Tom and Jerry's Greatest Chases.




3. If I could give it a negative star I would. This DVD has absoulutely NOTHING to do with Christmas and is blatant false advertising. Even the Tom & Jerry classic "Night Before Chirstmas" is not included which should have been an obvious choice for a "Christmas" DVD. Obviously, this is another example of MGM ripping their customers off. I am amazed that they can get away with this stuff. Luckily I was able to return mine to Walmart and get my money back. Save yourself the time and don't even bother getting it in the first place.



4. In terms of a Christmas DVD, this is completely useless. It doesn't even contain the 1941 classic "The Night Before Christmas." I can't think of any other reason why it was not included other than the cartoon containing traditional Christian Christmas carols, which is a terrible reason to withhold a cartoon from a Christmas-themed DVD. The cartoons that are included also don't have much to do with Christmas either; only two of the seven cartoons included have snow, ice, or winter themes.

   However, this DVD is useful for a different reason. This is the first DVD of classic Tom and Jerry cartoons that is totally uncut and in original aspect ratio. And it also contains some less popular but still classic Gene Deitch and Chuck Jones produced shorts from the 1960s. The Hanna-Barbera cartoons, of which there are two on this collection, are all being released eventually in big collector's edition sets in the future. Warner Brothers does not have any publicly-known plans to release the 1961-1967 cartoons, though, and this may be the only way to see a few of them logo-free on a completely uncut collection.

   This DVD is also significant because it is the first time a Gene Deitch produced cartoon (in this case, "The Tom and Jerry Cartoon Kit") has been released on home video in the USA. The Gene Deitch cartoons (made 1961-1962) are rather hard to find logo-free, unless you have easy access to Japanese laserdiscs.

   As a Christmas DVD, it's almost completely useless, but if you have a different interest (like seeing a Gene Deitch cartoon logo-free), this DVD isn't totally worthless. I would, however, only recommend it if you can find it at a very cheap price.




5. Never mind what the other reviews say,some episodes on this DVD don't feature any snow because it's that it's supposed to be a collection of 7 seasonal episodes. The episodes on this disc are...
   1.)Mice Follies(This episode doesn't exactly take place in winter but it does feature ice skating.)
   2.)Desings On Jerry
   3.)The Tom And Jerry Cartoon Kit(My favorite cartoon by William L. Snyder because usually the rest of his cartoons are bad.)
   4.)Snowbody Loves Me(Oh,yeah...the DVD continues with my favorite producer,Chuck Jones!)
   5.)I'm Just Wild About Jerry
   6.)The A-Tom-Inable Snowman
   7.)Advance And Be Mechinized
   But if you like Mice Follies but don't want it on this DVD,then buy Tom And Jerry's Greatest Chases(another DVD including the same episode.) But if you love Chuck Joones and your favorite Tom And Jerry cartoon from the Gene Deitch years is "The Tom And Jerry Cartoon Kit",than than this the disc just for you. So good-luck.

2 comments about National Geographic's Animal Holiday.

1. Although my 7 year old doesn't think this video is adorable, I do; to him it's cool. He received this as a Christmas gift from his 2 older brothers, and still pops it in to watch it. We just played it for our 8 month old, too. National Geographic did a great job capturing the animals, making it enjoyable for all ages, and sometimes comical! Highly recommend this video.



2. Adorable is a great word for this video-a very nice change from animation and the kids are completely intrigued to see the live animal footage set to holiday music and with Santa doing the voice over...a classic in the making!

1 comments about Very Wompkee Christmas.

1. The Wompkees, big-eared elfin characters, are preparing for a wonderful Christmas celebration, as it is Christmas Eve in the magical world or Wompkee Wood. Twig, the smallest Wompkee, is praying and hoping that her wish will come true. That she will be able to fly just like all of the other Wompkees of Wompkee Wood, like Scout, and Buster, and Daisy. It doesn't look as if little Twig will get her wish, until Iglora Borealis, the evil ice witch, tries to ruin Christmas for the Wompkees, and it's up to little Twig to save Christmas, and all of Wompkee Wood.

   A VERY WOMPKEE CHRISTMAS is an adorable movie for all fans of Teletubbies, as it is done with 3D animation that will have toddlers bursting with joy and excitement. Twig is a fun character, with an adorably squeaking voice, who learns a very important lesson just in time for the holidays. Filled with original songs that young viewers will love to sing-along with, A VERY WOMPKEE CHRISTMAS is a must-have, that you can watch the whole year through.

   Erika Sorocco

1 comments about Jazzscapes: Music With a View - Visions of Christmas.

1. My husband is the Jazz officianado and he really liked the music on this DVD, I like it too but couldn't tell you why. The fire place is okay to watch, but the scenery change view is very enjoyable. Snow on pines, ornaments, homes decorated for the season tastefully. Very enjoyable. Something you could put on your large screen TV during the family gathering and be sure it would make a nice addition.