5 comments about Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July.

1. A fan of the Christmas classics as well, I feel that this sequel works quite well with the other films. Is it long? Perhaps. Is it scary? Not really. It does get dramatic just as much as it is cheerful. We get to see the Origin of Rudolph's Nose as well as Frosty's Hat.
   
   In the spirit of Christmas, this film is well worth it. In July? Absolutely, especially when the winter temperatures seem to be gone forever and you begin to reminisce about winter and such.
   
   Overall, this film grows on you, just because if you saw it as a child, you have a personal bond with it.



2. I guess the highlight of this feature film is that we finally get to see Frosty the Snowman in Rankin/Bass's trademark stop-motion puppet-animation process, Animagic! Now, don't get me wrong, the original TV specials "Frosty the Snowman" and the sequel "Frosty's Winter Wonderland" were great but I think we all wish that they were done in puppet-animation like Rudolph, Jack Frost and Santa Claus. Unfortunately, that may be one of the only highlights of this film.
   
   At a running time of over 95 minutes, there is very little to keep the story rolling. There is also an over abundance of non-sensical plot twists and flashbacks that even I found confusing, let alone the children this movie was targeted for. And unless your child is a fan of showtunes (and c'mon what child isn't?), then the songs which appear every few minutes will most likely bore them.
   
   The plot concerns the evil King Winterbolt who was put into a long deep sleep by the magical Lady Boreal. Upon awakening, he finds there is a new king of the North Pole named Santa Claus, and decides to make him get lost in a blizzard courtesy of his snow-breathing dragons so that he may once again rule the North Pole with his evil ways. The only problem is Rudolph's nose, which he decides must be extinguished for his plans to be carried out. In one of the many flashback sequences we learn that Rudolph's shiny red nose which came from the magic of Lady Boreal, will go out if it is ever used for bad purposes, even once.
   
   King Winterbolt decides to offer Frosty and his family magic emulets that will allow them to visit the great 4th of July Circus by the Sea without melting, but only until the "Final Fireworks Fade on the Fourth". Santa Claus agrees to pick them all up when the fireworks end and whisk them back to the North Pole before the Frosty and his wife and two children are turned into puddles of water.
   
   But, Winterbolt's snow breathing dragons whisk up a storm to keep Santa and Mrs. Claus from reaching the circus in time. Meanwhile, Winterbolt gets some help from a mean-spirited reindeer named Scratcher, and the two decide to use their sneaky ways to blackmail Rudolph into using his nose for bad.
   
   If this seems confusing, imagine actually watching this film or better yet, imagine a child watching this film! Like many of R/B's later efforts, this one is rooted more in the magic and mystical style of "Life and Adventures of Santa Claus" than the fairytale-ish style of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".
   
   There are some crazy songs which I found very amusing, like "Don't Let The Parade Pass You By" which is sung by Ethel Merman in her crazy style. There are also some special guest stars including Jack Frost from "Jack Frost" and Big Ben the whale from "Rudolph's Shiny New Year". In fact, there are a lot of nice touches and this film with the three biggest stars of Christmas could have been really good, if only the writing were better, some of the songs were scrapped and the running time was shortened.
   
   If you are a fan of Rankin/Bass's work, you will not want to miss this one although you most likely will have trouble getting your kids to sit through the whole thing with you.
   
   **Warning!!** The DVD release of this film has the sound very badly out-of-sync which annoys one throughout the movie! Because of this I lowered my rating for this film from 3 to 2 stars. I'm surprised that Warner Bros would allow a DVD to be released like this, and what's worse is that the former VHS release did not have this problem!! Shame on you, Warner Brothers!



3. Thank you so much. Amazon was the first time I have ordered anything on line. My 3 year old Granddaughter was thrilled with her new (hard to find) DVD.I will be back to your site. You made ordering so easy and delivery was great..A satisfied customer..
   
   Barb



4. 
   
   I always loved these cartoons growing up, i always looked forward to christmas because of all the cartoons, but unfortunatly they dont play them on the tv anymore. i have 3 little kids any they watched them every single day.i think these cartoons are the best, and im an adult and i still look forward to watching them.



5. Many used to recall ABC originally aired most of the Rankin/Bass Ani-Magic stop-motion specials while CBS aired Rudolph and the animated Frosty (of course, the Frosty spin-off, Frosty's Winter Wonderland was aired on ABC).
   
   So witnessing the original special on ABC was definitely a treat and the fact both were actually put into Ani-Magic rather than just animation. The clever thing I loved about Rankin/Bass was how they could take something and give it a unique spin.
   
   'Christmas in July,' was originally a name of a film, and later used by retailers as sort of a connotation of Summer Sales. But here, Rankin/Bass put a whole new unique origin behind Rudolph's red nose. Apparently before St. Nick wound up at the North Pole (with great allusions to the other Rankin/Bass specials, by the way), there was a wicked wizard known as Winterbolt.
   
   After centuries of observing his ruthless, and apathetic ways, the Lady Borealis decided on taking action and sealing the wizard into a deep sleep with her magic. Regrettably, as Time marched on, Lady Borealis realized she could no longer contain the vile wizard. So with the remaining bit of her magic, she placed a spell upon a young reindeer, and as a result, he inherited a glowing red nose.
   
   Ironically, Winterbolt discovers things have changed at the North Pole, and decides to spoil Santa's reputation with the children of the world. Inspired by his infamous genie of the staff (which obviously the Genie was getting his schemes from the Brain), Winterbolt uses his Ice Dragons to whip up a horrible winter storm on Christmas Eve. But as the story goes, Rudolph saved the day (note, no mention of Yukon, Hermie or the Snow Beast is mentioned here, which makes one wonder if the Snow Beast was once in the employ of Winterbolt, but let's not start analyzing here).
   
   Naturally, Winterbolt isn't thrilled with this outcome, until he discovers if Rudolph dares use his nose for a selfish and wicked purpose, the reindeer's nose will be extinguished. After a brief futile attempt in doing so with the direct approach, Winterbolt retreats to his castle and learns about Milton, the Ice Cream man.
   
   Every July, Milton comes and picks up a batch of ice cream for the Sea Side Circus at the Beach from the storehouse Santa lets him use. Except this time, Milton has his own problems. Milton's in love with the circus' tightrope walker, and naturally proposed to her. But on the day of their wedding, an evil carney has come to foreclose on the circus. (Here Ethyl Merman plays not only as the tightrope walker's mother, but owner and ringmaster of the circus.) And unless the circus can raise the money in time, there will be no more circus.
   
   Mind you, this show was done in the Eighties, so you have to suspend some disbelief, since Winterbolt jumps at the chance for a scheme. Here, Milton suggests if Rudolph and Frosty come back with him, people from miles around would pay to see them. Though Frosty's kids and Crystal would love to go to the circus, Frosty reminds them if they went to the beach in July, they'd instantly melt.
   
   Enter Winterbolt, who kindly pretends to help the Snow Family with special amulets to protect them from the heat. The catch, the amulets' powers cease when the final firework on the Fourth fades away. Naturally, it doesn't take Columbo to see what ol' Winterbolt has in store.
   
   Anyway, rather than spoil the rest of the plot for you. This was one of Rankin/Bass' better holiday excursions because it was the first one to use several past Rudolph and Santa Claus specials to tie-in some of the backstories as well as provide a means for moving the plot along.
   
   Now the interesting thing I note about 'Christmas In July,' was the writers currently were using specials which were aired more frequently on the networks. Because you'll notice a lot of cameos from characters from the current past specials, but at the same time, you wonder what happened to certain characters from the original specials of both Rudolph and Frosty. But the good thing here is, the story is rather well-conceived, you don't really care too much about continuity here.
   
   And the real funny thing most people don't remember, before ABC Family started airing this special in July. I can recall when local cable channels started doing 'Christmas in July,' gimmicks for Summers sweeps, and the first thing they'd air was this special. However unlike this DVD version, the syndicated version had been edited for time constraints, so sometimes the altered one made no sense in several spots.
   
   Overall, 'Christmas in July,' was one of those great specials you'd see in a blue moon, and was one of the rare ones which wasn't marred by commericalism you now see in most Holiday specials, or contain preachy morals as well. It was just fun to watch. Whether you're watching this during the Holidays, or on the Fourth, 'Christmas in July,' is definitely a purchase worth getting.

3 comments about Christmas in Rome [DVD Video].

1. Well, if you've been hankering for a traditional Christmas, here it is. Spanning the years from the early fifth century, when the beautiful church of Santa Maria Maggiore was built in Rome (where these performances were recorded), to the mid-18th century (when the latest pieces were composed), this DVD celebrates angels and shepherds viewed through the music of the Italian Baroque composers. Composers include Victoria, Palestrina, Frescobaldi, Carissimi, Josquin, A. Scarlatti, Corelli and Vivaldi. Major pieces include Scarlatti's cantata O di Betlemme altera, Corelli's Concerto grosso in G minor op.6 no.1 Christmas Concerto and Vivaldi's Gloria RV 589, performed by Trevor Pinnock and the English Concert with Nancy Argenta as soloist. The shorter pieces are performed by the Gabrieli Consort and Players led by a young Paul McCreesh. A short opening fanfare is played by the Renaissance wind band Pifferari.
   
   All of the historically informed performances are superb, as expected from these splendid musicians. The instruments are fascinating in appearance, especially to those unfamiliar with these older, authentic instruments. My favorites are Jeremy West's cornett, which resembles a funhouse clarinet and sounds surprisingly full and warm given its curved shape, and Paula Chateauneuf's 6-8 foot long chittarone (a lute on steroids). The church looks gorgeous: with its gold filagreed walls and columns, mosaic tiled floors, stunning Baroque paintings and frescos, lovely altars, porticos, balconies: the camera simply doesn't know where to pan next. This is a splendid DVD, filmed in performance Dec. 1992. The digitally remastered widescreen picture is crisp and clear, sound in PCM stereo and DTS 5.1 is warm and full. The performances last 102 minutes. The camera is mobile, showing the church in all it's beauty, the performers to best advantage and Rome with all its eternal grace. This is a very traditional Christmas.
   
   If the beauty of a traditional Baroque Christmas celebration is something you've craved, search no more. This is a superb DVD which you'll probably play often during the Christmas season, as well as the rest of the year. Most strongly recommended.
   
   Mike Birman



2. I just got this today, and it's a real treat. I'd like to second Mr. Birman's review. The English College Concert Choir and the Gabrieli Consort do a superb job in artistic interpretation of Christmas music from the Renaissance and Baroque eras. It's quite fitting that the concert take place in Santa Maria Maggiore, as many eminent composers, including Palestrina, worked there, and because it supposedly possesses Jesus' original crib. The choristers are always expressive, and the music is a joy to listen to. Even if you can't listen to this on Christmas, this is a great DVD to listen to/watch at any time of the year.



3. I was expecting a better quality of the music and the pictures together. Otherwise I still like the music.

3 comments about Bill and Gloria Gaither: Homecoming Christmas.

1. This is one of the better videos. I love the footage about the kids in South Africa. I would recommend this video for any Gospel Music Nut.



2. This was a joy to watch. The music and the scenes of the aid to the South African orphans was very touching. The program was put together very well .



3. These dvds have been such an encouragement and vehicle for JOY in my family's lives!!!!!

5 comments about Richie Rich's Christmas Wish.

1. The last Richie Rich topped this one, but this one is pretty good. David Gallagher was probably as good as a replacement you could have gotten for Macullay Culkin. This movie has great actors that added major points like David, Jake Richardson and Michelle Tractenberg. Its a good kids holiday movie.



2. In December, I am a pushover for movies that have something to do with Christmas. I am sad to say that this was almost a complete waste of time. The plot is to old, and the story is quite thin. The ending does not even carry much weight. The only thing that saves this from being a complete disaster is that there are some comical moments, as well as some interesting interaction amongst the characters. Don't cut into your Christmas Preperation time for this one.



3. Though not anywhere near as good or as affective.

   The story is a little different, but much the same. Richie Rich wishes that he was never born and it comes true, not by an angel though, but by a wish machine. And then realizes how wonderfull life reall is... Also things that make this movie not so good is the fact that it has cheezy dialogue(even for a G rating, they could have got better dialogue),bad effects,and a mediocre take on "Its a Wonderfull Life" chances are children will like this playfull romp. If they can't sit through and appreciate "Its a wonderfull Life" maybe they'll appreciate this, even if you can't.

   God Bless ~Amy




4. My family and i have enjoyed Richie rich's x-mas wish since it came out. It is a great holiday experience for the whole entire family. And David Gallagher and Michelle Tractenberg couldnt have been better. I enjoyed this movie and hope other have or will enjoy it too!!



5. Richie Rich's Christmas Wish is a great movie. I really enjoyed it as it kept me entertained while I had the flu. I was laughing in alot of parts and it has a very interesting plot. It is true as one reviewer said, this movie in a way symbolizes Its a Wonderful Life but I enjoyed this one more because I cant stand sitting down to watch a Black and White film that was made in like the prehistoric years! I like this 7th Heaven dude better than the Home Alone dude because he fits the role of Richie Rich better. I recommend you to watch it. I watched it the other day on national television. It rocks!

No comments about GOOD EATS WITH ALTON BROWN : Vol. 1 = Meats, Sweets and Holiday Treats.

2 comments about The Christmas Story Keepers.

1. Wonderful animated telling of the Christmas story. Our five year old son is a big fan of this series of videos from Zondervan. Presents an exciting tale of persecuted Christians in the Roman empire who keep the Gospel alive by verbally repeating the Bible. In this video the Christmas story is told. Great for children.



2. Zondervan's Story Keepers series is a fun way for children to learn the Gospel. Written from a broadly Christian perspective, these cartoons are ecumenically-minded and can be enjoyed by Catholics and Protestants alike. My children especially like the Easter video.
   
   By the way, since the stories are set in the Apostolic era, it would have been impossible for the Story Keepers to "repeat the Bible"--it hadn't been written and canonized yet!
   
   What the stories do convey, perhaps unintentionally, is the pedigree of the oral Tradition, as the Gospel was "handed-on" (the literal meaning of the word "Tradition") for decades before being written down.

5 comments about Yogi's First Christmas.

1. This is a super Christmas movie. Yogi gets into some funny situations. I suggest watching this film if you have not seen it yet.



2. I am surprised none of the cartoon buffs have commmented on this cartoon.

   Yogi's First Christmas has become one of the beloved Christmas specials since it aired.

   It features all the characters created by Hanna-Barbera and has a pretty good story.

   Story borrows a bit from the Grinch who stole Christmas.

   Snively an evil character, and a character known as Herman
   Hermit are attempting to close down JellyStone National Park
   and place the blame of it's failure on Yogi Bear.

   Ranger Smith gives Yogi Bear the boot, but Yogi and
   others plan a way to save Jellystone using the old
   Christmas spirit.

   This animated film is a classic.

   Daws Butler as Yogi Bear will always be remembered
   as a great actor who provided the voice for one
   of the most cherished character of all time,
   Yogi Bear.

   Of course the special comes complete with all the Christmas songs one would expect.




3. Although the movie is great , the quality was not very good. I rated the quality as a 1 of 5.



4. Every home should have a copy of Yogi Bear's first Christmas. I grew up watching this cartoon and it always brings back some lovely memories of Christmas time. The movie is all about Herman the Hermit and a naughty boy named Snively. Watch how they both team up and try to close down Jellystone park where Yogi lives. In a battle of good versus bad an entire star cast comprising Ranger Smith, Boo Boo, Huckleberry hound, Snagglepuss, Cindy Bear and many more are working harder to try and save the lodge. The fact that all this happens at Christmas time makes the cartoon so much more magical...Wonderful songs, tree trimming, Santa Claus, winter sports and so much more make a great story line. A must watch for the young and the young at heart - Yogi Bear's first Christmas !



5. I can't believe this cartoon is not available on DVD yet! It definately belongs on the shelf with Rudolph, Frosty and Santa Clause is Coming to Town. I enjoyed this cartoon growing up and my 2 year old is now asking to watch Yogi's Christmas. The story is great and it is awesome to see all Yogi's friends together in one movie. It definately brings back some fond memories

1 comments about Kamichu!, Volume 4: Holiday Confessions.

1. This fourth and final volume of Kamichu does indeed use holidays as a main part of its plot as the first episode starts with Matsuri wanting to ban Christmas celebrations and start a new tradition at her shrine and involve Yurie in the ceremony. She's facing an uphill battle as most of the townspeople have a soft spot for Santa-san, as he is called in Japan. Even her own little sister is against her! The weakest episode on the disk concerns Yurie just lounging around beneath her heated table and doing absolutely nothing on New Year's Day. Then it's on to Valentine's Day as Yurie is determined to make her own batch of chocolate for Kenji. She finds out just how much the people at her school care for her when she accidentally forgets it at home. But the real test will come when she has to face Kenji. Will she be able to declare her love for him?
   
   Except for the New Year's episode, Volume 4 was a continuation and conclusion of a great show that everyone should check out. The animation is comparable to film features and never skimps or cheats like some other shows. The music matches the otherworldly nature of the story and gives a very traditional Japanese feel to Kamichu. But I have to say that the characters are the main reason I fell in love with this show. The writer conveys a strong sense of believing that Yurie and her friends are an absolute Good. Yes, even Matsuri, with her money-grubbing ways, really cares for Yurie and the other townspeople, and wants them to return to their ancestral ways. In addition to the sympathetic nature of the characters, they are just plain interesting, in terms of personality and design. Beautiful! As I've commented before, I also admired the fact that the writer of the show focused almost exclusively on the positive effects a child with divine power could have on the world and those around her. This is a feel-good show. Passionate, positive, and pretty to look at.
   
   For a completely opposite point of view on divine power, you should check out the Death Note manga from Viz.

4 comments about A Very Cool Christmas.

1. Children under the age of eight may enjoy this. Over that age it stretches credulity to the point where it snaps completely. It's a morality tale that loses its way long before the ending in sheer disbelief at what you're seeing, at least if you've made it out of grammar school.



2. Finally a studly Santa. This movie is pure fun. I enjoyed this movie because it was really entertaining and and something different on the Xmas theme. George Hamilton is great as the new groomed but still gentle and kind Santa. Brooke Devin is delightful and the ending with Donna Mills a great twist. As for credibility, C'mon folks this is a Santa movie.
   
   Perhaps the ending had more meaning for me than others because I had the same story line happen to me with my little brother when I was 19. (Minus the ride with Santa)
   
   Lighten up this a great holiday movie.



3. I enjoyed this new take on the traditional Santa Claus tales. George Hamilton was a refreshing, familiar face to see in this updated version of teaching the Christmas Spirit to today's youth.



4. This movie lacks imagination the Santa is horrible. My kids thought this movie was boring and I lost them during family night to sponge bob. Save your money and time.

3 comments about Holiday in Mexico.

1. I have to admit it was a very well done movie, and I did enjoy it. Unfortunately, I have a small dislike for Jane Powell, formed after I saw Hit The Deck and Small Town Girl. She did, however, sing beautifully in this movie - I was impressed, to say the least. Her performance, however, lacked a special something. At times I found her annoying, though perhaps that was her intention - to make the character annoying. The story line was nothing wonderful, but cute and fun to watch. Roddy McDowall was excellent - this is the first movie I have seen him in as a child actor - he is extremely cute, and Jane Powell and he make a cute couple. Jose Iturbi's piano playing was excellent, and his performance, (acting), was quite good. Walter Pidgeon was very good as Jane Powell's father - he fit the role perfectly. Overall this was a very entertaining movie, and a fun way to spend two hours, but it's not anything special. I would actually like to give it a 3.5 rating, but since it is impossible, I chose to raise the rating to a 4 - because of Jane Powell's superb singing, and Roddy McDowall. I recommend this movie to fans of Jane Powell, Jose Iturbi, and Roddy McDowall, but if you were like me, looking for a good musical, there are tons better out there.



2. MGM's musical songbird, Jane Powell, started her illustrious movie career in her mid-teens with two pictures on loan-out to United Artists--SONG OF THE OPEN ROAD and DELIGHTFULLY DANGEROUS. After her warm up in these films, Louis B. Mayer brought her home to star in her first big MGM technicolor musical--HOLIDAY IN MIXICO. Metro pulled out all stops for this film and made it a lavish, musical showpiece.

   Walter Pidgeon played her dashing father, an ambassador to Mexico, and Roddy McDowell was her young, handsome friend. Illona Massey sang and seduced, Xavier Cugat gave us his Latin rhythms and Jose Iturbi embraced the ivories with musical fireworks and charm.

   Local Mexican flavor (on MGM's back lot) gave a sparkle to the colorful production numbers and Jane sang four tried and true favorites in her youthful but rich soprano voice--ITALIAN STREET SONG, LE FILLES DE CADIZ, I THINK OF YOU and AVE MARIA. The last was staged in a dazzling concluding concert in a Spanish, Hollywood Bowl type, ourdoor theater. One could almost hear the heavens singing with her.

   Jane went on to star in such hits as A DATE WITH JUDY, TWO WEEKS WITH LOVE, ROYAL WEDDING and the classic SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS but she got her big start here. Treat yourself to a holiday of beautiful music with HOLIDAY IN MEXICO.




3. I enjoyed HOLIDAY IN MEXICO very much.It is a lighthearted and humorous look at young women's adolescent"crushes".All the actors are good,especially Walter Pidgeon,as the American ambassador and Roddy McDowall as Jane Powell's boyfriend. Also Jos'e Iturbi plays the piano brilliantly and Xavier Cugat and his orchestra give us some bright latin music. Jane Powell in her first major film,as the teenage daughter of the ambassador,with her singing,acting and good looks,is superb.