5 comments about Christmas Carol - The Movie.

1. Forget Shrek and The Polar Express. This little English film has the greatest animation ever. See for yourself!



2. I just watched this version of the classic tale, and I am moved to tears. Forget what others here have said commenting on the animation, and pay attention to the story. The animation was superb with great use of shading and cg blends.
   
   More importantly, this film has heart. It emotes. It conveys with power the ideals Dickens intended in his tale. Honor Christmas everyday. Keep its meaning and joy in your heart.
   
   The only other animated film I have ever seen that comes close to this level of stroy telling and emotion is Grave of the Fireflies.
   
   Buy this one. You will not be dissapointed. Share it with the family. Watch it on Christmas Eve. Watch it in July. Watch it whenever.
   
   ~William Nichols~



3. I received this dvd yesterday and have attempted to watch it 3 times and just cannot become interested in it. I have always been a huge Christmas cartoon fan and Christmas fan in general but this movie completely bores me and lacks the feeling of other versions that I have seen.
   I gave it two stars for the theatrical beginning and ending being included in special features as I honestly enjoyed them, but the movie itself simply felt flat to me. To each his own though and if you decide to purchase this dvd I hope that you enjoy it. It just isn't one that I can recommend.



4. I have almost every version of a Christmas Carol there is, and this is one of my favorites. I can watch it over and over again. It does take some liberties with the story, but all in all, it is great! For all ages...



5. Being 22, I grew up knowing the story of the Christmas Carol in movies and theatrical shows. I tend to think that the one I saw most - the 1992 release - as being my favorite, but I happened upon this version during a cable TV special. I first thought, Oh geez another animated project...but I was surprised by the sheer depth, character and beautiful animation of this movie. The actors who voice the characters are brilliant (and Kate Winslet gives a stellar performance on the theme song, "What If") and the mice bring much needed fun to a rather serious kind of story; the animation is interesting (especially during the Ghost of Present scenes with the swirling colors and images intermixed with the gorgeous music), although a bit old in comparison to today's standards it is still a nice combination and very decent for the early 2000s. Overall, it's one of the best versions of the timeless story--a family favorite for sure!

5 comments about Home Alone.

1. It's funny how certain films bring back fond memories of a certain time and place in one's life. I can remember back when this film came out in the early nineties and I was a kid at my Grandmother's house in Matteson, Ill (which ironically enough is a suburb of Chicago) for Christmas and sometimes Thanksgiving, always watching this film year after year for the holidays. It was like a tradition of sorts. This movie never failed to make my cousins and I laugh and I enjoyed the film enough to where I actually took my own sled and attempted to sled down the top of my staircase at home and out the front door during the wintertime...it didn't work out quite as well as the movie. I won't go over the synopsis of the film, I think it's been explained enough times. I would recommend Home Alone to any family or anyone looking for a film to watch around the holidays.



2. I think just about everyone in America has seen this move.
   And for good reason, it's fun, it's clean, it's a good time.
   Great story, decent acting, and good direction make this a must see for parents with kids.
   Recommended.



3. I still remember when I saw this movie as well as the second one and to me these will always be Macaulay Culkin's two greatest movies. I think what also made the two home alone movies great were the bumbling burglars played by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern it's sad that Hollywood had to make a third and fourth Home Alone with such disaster. I think we're also waiting for the first two movies two come out on blu-ray I know that I'll be getting those for my new blu-ray collection. I know it sounds a little mean but I also like watching these movies before Macaulay Culkin's sad decline from the movies and what he's done with his life. That out of the way if you're looking for a good family funny Christmas movie get these movies in your collection because while you might like to get it on blu-ray sadly there isn't a release date yet so for the price I
   say again get the first two movies and leave the third and fourth movie
   on the store shelves...



4. This dvd has alot of deleted scene's that made me feel like watching the first time all over again. There are awhole alot of features that were worth every penny, shipping and handling and waiting that was all worth it. Now I'm gonna go watch this film again.



5. Home Alone was one of the funniest film released in 1990 and is still a Christmas classic to me , tweleve years later. Macaualy Culkin became a star with this film and Joe Pesci showed more acting talent om this film. The ending in the film is one of the funniest and when I have kids I'll show them this treasured classic.

5 comments about Santa's Slay.

1. A very funny and enjoyable Christmas flick. Goldberg does an excellent job at being a hilarious killer santa, worth the buy for the Christmas season alone. The deaths are very cool and the film itself isn't too bad either.
   
   If you like this one i would recommend you get "Silent Night, Deadly Night" it is the best killer santa flick ever made.
   
   Buy This!



2. I cannot believe that this movie was actually made. The plot goes something like this: Santa isn't really the nice, jolly fellow we all know and love. He's really the son of Satan. The only reason that he's been acting so nice all of these years is because he lost a bet to an angel 1000 years ago, requiring him to be the person we all know and love for the next 1000 years. However, the 1000 years is now up and Santa has a lot of evil to catch up with. The only thing that can stop Santa are two teenagers and the grandfather of one of the teenagers. Sound like fun? It is.
   
   The whole premise of this film is just an excuse for 80 minutes of gratuitous violence involving Santa (who is played by wrestler, Bill Goldburg). Come on, admit it, haven't you ever wanted to see Santa walk into a bar and kill everyone in sight, just for the hell of it? This film is not "Citizen Kane", but it does achieve what it set out to do, which is to make an enjoyable Christmas horror/action film and it achieves it very, very well. This is why I have given it five stars. Don't be put off by the cover. This is the film you should be watching when you realize that you can't possibly face another viewing of "It's a Wonderful Life".



3. I only recently had an opportunity to see this rather odd little Christmas film for the first time and I have to admit that despite being a great fan of traditional Christmas stories along the lines of "Miracle on 34th Street", and "White Christmas", I did greatly enjoy this "different", take on dear old Santa Claus. From the ferocious looking cover on the DVD it certainly didn't appear a terribly promising cinematic experience however I found myself feeling equal parts fear, laughter and amazement at what unfolded. Wrestler Bill Goldberg surprisingly makes an inspired casting choice as Old St. Nick as we certainly have never seen him before and his mean looking face, huge bulky body and deep sinister voice really made the character a memorable one. For a low budget production "Santa's Slay", actually manages to have a polished expensive look to it and some of the special effects were actually very well done considering. Turning just about every well loved Christmas tradition on its head the most memorable visual for me in "Santa's Slay", in among the excessive violence and grisly deaths, is the impressive "slay' driven by Santa which is a sinister looking vehicle led not by Reindeer but by a rather menacing Buffalo with big horns that somehow is a most suitable companion for this very angry Santa who would never be mistaken for Edmund Gwenn's "Kris Kringle".



4. This movie is awesome! My friend and I watched it, as we are both huge Goldberg fans, and we laughed our butts off from start to finish! Granted, the plot will not win an Emmy, nor will the characters win any type of awards themselves, but this movie just has so much hilarious moments in which Goldberg kills these poor unfortunate souls who have no idea what's about to happen to them. Watch the Christmas dinnner scene, for one, and tell me that just isn't some of the most brutal comedy you haven't seen! If you are a Goldberg fan or a fan of movies that don't take themselves too seriously, then you will enjoy Santa's Slay. You're next!!! LOL Just had to say that.



5. If you love Christmas movies, then this is one for you. It tells the story that Santa is Satan's son who spreads holiday cheer all over the town of Hell Township. (When I say holiday cheer I mean death.) I love when it's Christmas morning and the two kids open their presents. (And get their heads blown off right in front of their entire family.) I highly recommend this great family Christmas classic to everyone! If you love Christmas, Santa, and slashers, you'll love SANTA'S SLAY!!!

5 comments about Christmas With SCTV.

1. All I can say is it's about time!!! I have cherished my 20 year old vhs copy I taped of the christmas episodes. For all the years SCTV was around, in these few episodes was concentrated some amzing comedy. Even after several viewings with a friend, we were watching Martin Short as THE KID FROM DELIVERANCE (banjo dude) and she was laughing so hard, again, that she peed herself!!! Every one of the guys at SCTV in their prime.



2. I watched this a few weeks ago at my uncle's house and I cannot understand why this is funny.
   They ridicule other cultures,employ cheap stereotypes, and laugh at genuine human pathos and loneliness. How and why is that funny?



3. I can't give this 5 stars because there are some things about SCTV that never worked. For one, the laugh track was a bad idea. But you get lots of great comedy in these two episodes that is priceless. Martin Short as the kid from "Deliverance" playing the banjo on the Count Floyd Christmas show; Rick Moranis as Richard Dreyfuss in Neil Simon's "Nutcracker Suite", John Candy as Divine singing "Santa Bring My Baby Back" with the Juul Haalmeyer Dancers on the Dusty Towne Christmas show; and Catherine O'Hara as Dusty doing some awful Rusty Warren-esque jokes. O'Hara is also great as Lola Heatherton in her special "The Love Spirit". Plus Candy as Orson Welles, Dave Thomas as Liberace, Moranis as Elton John, Andrea Martin as Marsha Mason, Pre-Teen World, and perhaps funniest of all, Candy and Eugene Levy as the Schmenge brothers ("The Happy Wanderers!")
   There's commentary on both episodes but O'Hara and Short together get a little annoying at times.
   It's great to relive a time when Andrae Crouch was the biggest thing in gospel music and the video revolution was in it's early stages (Moranis as Gerry Todd). And speaking of Crouch, how many shows today would showcase a full blown gospel number like "Soon And Very Soon" with a banner on the wall behind the singers stating "He is thy Saviour"? And do it purely for the sake of good entertainment?
   A great DVD that any SCTV fan will want to watch year after year.



4. It's not the "best of" SCTV...it's just a great holiday focus edition.
   
   Fun to watch and remember some of the best comedy available.



5. I really enjoyed the Liberace Christmas skit and Christmas with the Smenges. I love all of the SCTV skits and am not sorry I bought this one. They are all so talented and funny and very young - it's fun to see them so young.

5 comments about Call Me Claus.

1. This is a really great tape to watch and so much fun for the holidays came in in great shape and arrived ontime



2. This is the right way to do a Christmas movie - it's clever, it's fantastic and it isn't afraid to let the real reason for the season be a part of the joy. Anyone who likes to giggle at a movie while wrapping gifts or sing along with kids at Christmas while setting out the nativity will enjoy this movie. The casting is perfect, by the way.



3. Whoopi Goldberg adds a new twist to a Santa Claus story that is not only entertaining but well acted. Excellent addition for anyone who has a Christmas movie collection.



4. This is an ok little DVD with Whoopie. I have other DVD's with Whoopie that I like better. The Associate, Jumpin Jack Flash are two that I have that I prefer over Call Me Claus.



5. Cute version of the Scrooge X-Mas story, especially if you are a Whoopi Goldberg fan.

5 comments about A Christmas Carol (2 versions: Colorized & Original Black and White).

1. 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.



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



3. 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".



4. In December 1845 Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol was first published. Many consider it the best short story (70 pages) ever written. There have been more film versions of A Christmas Carol than any other story, the latest has Micheal Moore as Scrooge. This version in B&W is by far the best. Other reviews praise the style and narrative of this version, and miss the fact that this is the story word for word as Dickens wrote it. Dickens like Shakespeare is best in his own words. Alastair Sim heads a great cast, Even death is the best one ever done. I have watched this movie on TV, DVD, and VCR, every Christmas Eve since the late 50's when it first came out on TV. (except the two Christmases I spent in Viet Nam) It's as much a part of my Christmas as a Christmas tree, and the best story of redemption ever written.
   The only suggestion I have to improve the movie is read the story then watch the movie.



5. Very good adaptation on film for of this classic book written by Ch. Dickens but I think there are more adaptations much better as release.

5 comments about The Christmas Gift.

1. This movie has been a holiday favorite of mine since I first saw it. I've always been a huge fan of John Denver, his music, and have loved him as an actor as well. I think he really shines in this movie. It's warm, meaningful, and fun as well. It always brings a smile to my face and tears to my eyes, especially as the main character John Denver plays, George Billings, sings a song to his movie daughter about finding love again.
   
   Here is a man not looking forward to the Chrismas holiday season, as he lost his wife a year before at Christmas. He wants to throw himself into his work, get away from his New York apartment and everything that reminds him of his wife and his loss.
   
   He takes his daughter to Georgetown, Colorado(oh how I would love and give just about anything to live in a town like this!) on a "supposed" vacation, which is actually a mission from his slave-driver, money-grubbing boss to search out the "pickings"...i.e., find out if this quaint, beautiful town can be turned into a money-making resort.
   
   What George doesn't expect is to fall in love with this town and it's wonderful residents who all amazingly, from child to oldest adult, have a deep belief in Santa Claus.
   
   I love all the quirky fun characters in this movie. I love seeing the antagonist, George Billing's boss, Mr. Renfield, get taken down a peg or two by the town standing together to keep him from buying out their town. I love Aunt Hennie, her jolly brother Bud Sawyer of Busy Bee cab company, Susan, George's new surprising(to him) love interest, Jake Richards, Scruff, and the wonderful Alex, George's daughter, excellently played by Gennie James. (I wonder what happened to her?).
   
   This movie will always be a favorite of mine, moreso now since I have experienced the same thing as George Billings. 5 years ago, at Christmas time, I lost my husband. Christmas had always been a favorite holiday of ours, along with our son, and losing him at that time was so hard. I lost interest in the holiday for a long time.
   
   Happily now, I have a wonderful new husband of one year and am ecstatically looking forward to the holidays. Yes you can find love again! I am proof of that! And he is awesome! Now if I can just find us a place to live in the beautiful tress with seasons and snow at Christmas, I will truly be in heaven. (big smile)
   
   I encourage everyone to buy this movie and make it a family holiday tradition as I have. It will warm your hearts. Oh yes, I absolutely believe in Santa Claus! =D
   
   Now if only I could find a copy of this move on DVD....



2. Love, love, love this movie!!! This is one of my VERY favorite Christmas movies...I look forward to watching it every Christmas. It has such a warm, hometown feel about it, where neighbors care about each other, and the true spirit of Christmas is shared amongst each other. I cannot recommend this movie highly enough...it is definitely a keeper!!!



3. I am a Christmas movie addict, but if forced to choose only one Christmas movie, this would be my pick! I love everything about this movie from the stars (John Denver, Jane Kacmarek, Gennie James) to the setting (Georgetown, Colorado) to the story (big-city father and daughter help save small, folksy town and learn the real meaning of Christmas). This is a classic that I have enjoyed for years. I wish it would come out on DVD -- my VHS is wearing out and I dread the day that it wears out. I will be devastated. At any rate, I highly recommend this movie. It is a beautiful Christmas classic. I feel like I am stepping back in time and into a better place every time I watch it.



4. I keep checking to see if they have put this movie on DVD yet...what's the holdup? This is my favorite Christmas movie! It reminds us that we all need to slow down and watch the snow! The way Georgetown was decorated reminds me of how my old hometown used to be decorated. It's wonderful to see all of their lives in Georgetown intermingled...they cared about each other and about their town! Of course, Johnny Denver is one of my favorite singers and his acting in this movie is outstanding. The other actors and actresses were perfect for this move as well! My VHS is wearing out...please put on DVD!



5. Very hard to find classic movie which we have been looking to purchase since it was on TV. Unfortunately, the video quality is 'fair'and not any better than our original recordin. Hopefully, some day it will be remastered into DVD format.

5 comments about The 12 Dogs of Christmas.

1. The main actress who played Emma has a wooden expression when some expression is expected (e.g. when being yelled at). Plus she is not particularly cute or adorable. Poor casting choice.
   
   As to the plot and story line, it is slow. Shrinking this movie down to 1 hour would make it better. And the plot isn't particularly logical. E.g. a parent letting a female child travel on her own to stay with someone without prior agreement, and didn't even write or call to confirm her arrival.
   
   I keep expecting the movie to become more exciting but after watching half the movie, I had to view it at 60x until near the end. Even the finale is kind of lame.
   
   I guess this may be suitable for people who loves dogs and are not critical of its flaws.



2. I bought this movie for a Christmas present for my grandaughters. We watched it Christmas Day and we loved it. There just arent enough dog movies for me....so what a great find to have a Christmas one.Set back in the 1930's, they started a dog orphanage and some 75 years later...many are closing due to lack of funding. Gave me alot to think about. A must own movie for dog lovers.



3. One of the worst movies I've seen in years. The characters merely went through the motions like they were doing a "walk-through" rehearsal. The lead girl never even tried to act. Her expression never changed at all even when she should have been squealing. So bad!



4. 1931, and it's hard enough keeping people fed--let alone dogs. The town of Doverville decides to impose a 1906 law that states no dogs in town. Their newly-elected Mayor opts to hire his brother as the town's dogcatcher.
   
   Into this comes Emma, who's been sent to stay with her Aunt Dolores, who is really not her aunt but an old girlfriend of her father's. Emma's father has promised her he'll be there by Christmas, but Dolores advises her she's heard those words before from him and don't believe it.
   
   But, Emma still has hope. She's found a puppy that's she'd hidden from Dolores and claimed for her own. She's also made a friend of the lady by the river who keeps a dog orphanage.
   
   Unfortunately, the town has claimed the land near the river. The dog orphanage will be closed at Christmas and all the dogs impounded.
   
   It's going to take a miracle to even get the dogs fed, let alone keep them safe past Christmas.
   
   "12 Dogs of Christmas" is a sweet, old-fashioned tale of faith even in hard times. The story teaches great lessons about teamwork and thinking outside of the box to solve seemingly insurmountable problems.
   
   My one star deduction on this film was primarily due to the DVD itself. Parts were so dark the picture was extremely hard to see. Also, I am not sure I would show this film to very young children because seeming mistreatment of dogs may disturb them.



5. OK, so I read all the reviews for this movie before I took a chance on getting it. Some people thought it was great and other, well maybe not so great, but in the end I decided to go for it, and I am glad I did. It is a made for "TV" movie but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot of heart. Here is a movie that is made for anyone who loves dogs. Sentimental? You bet!! And why not. It is about time someone made a movie about people who just want to help stray dogs, and protect them from the evils of non-dog lovers. Here is a movie that wants your kids to care about someone other than themselves. This movie is great and it is something that the whole family, from grandma to the 5yr old, can watch together without any embarrassing moments. If you have a true dog lover in your family or love watching movies with happy endings, then this is for you and your family
   The 12 Dogs of Christmas

2 comments about Warren Haynes Presents: The Benefit Concert Volume 8.

1. 1st off, the title IS filmed in widescreen. 2cd, you need to "select" the "audio" button on your clicker to change to 5.1. No audio selection included on setup menu?
   
   Now, if you have 'The Deepest End" get this title.
   
   AND OR, if you like good blues, jazz and Southern R&R - buy it.
   
   BC, Warren Haynes is one of the best pickers on the Planet.



2. This is a 5 star concert dvd in all aspects. First, the net proceeds from this concert and dvd go to "Habitat for Humanity". Warren Haynes, who is a member of the Allman Brothers Band, has his own band "Government Mule". He has been doing this benefit concert in Ashville, North Carolina for 18 years. Now, the music, it begins with a pre-jam session at a small venue.
   The main concert begins with the Taj Mahal Trio performing some great blues classics. Other highlights include: Marty Stuart and his fabulous superlatives, they have a touch of blue-grass with gospel leanings. The John Popper Project performs excellent jam music with great harmonica work. The New Orleans Social Club performances are outstanding and soulful. The performances by Warren Haynes and Government Mule are outstanding, especially their performance of a reggae version of "Soulshine". There are also guest musicians which include Dave Mathews, Brandford Marcelus (he is phenomenal on the saxaphone), Taylor Hicks, and Randall Bramblett on saxaphone. Taylor Hicks sings and plays great harmonic music. There are some outstanding collaborations in this concert, which make it more special. The harmonica work, along with the saxaphones, in these collaborations are awesome. There is bonus material, which includes an outstanding collaboraation of "Walking to New Orleans". The concert is about 2 hours and 45 minutes. This is an outstanding concert dvd. If you like jam band music, you'll enjoy every minute of this dvd. It's for a worthy cause, and the music is great. I highly recommend it.

No comments about Christmas Offerings.