2 comments about Christmas With Jack Benny.

1. The content of this DVD rates five stars - Jack Benny was a comedy genius, and the two shows included on this DVD both testify to the man's talent, and the quality of The Jack Benny Program.
   
   This DVD contains two holiday-themed episodes of Benny's program - the first of Jack's annual Christmas shopping debacles (originally aired Dec. 15, 1957) and his first New Year's episode (Dec. 27, 1953). Both are classics - the Christmas show (portions of which were included on the 1994 CBS-TV special "Television's Christmas Classics") features a hysterical turn by Mel Blanc as the department store clerk who loses his sanity to Jack's pestering, and the New Year's show is a bittersweet half-hour.
   
   The DVD receives only four stars from this reviewer, however, because it's so skimpy. The two shows are all you get. There's no excuse for that; over its fifteen year run, the Benny show had numerous Christmas and New Year's programs, any of which could have been included here.
   
   Some reviewers might also deduct a star for the mediocre audio/video quality, but considering the show's age, the picture and sound seem reasonable.
   
   All things considered, "Christmas with Jack Benny" is a wonderful but sadly brief glimpse of the great Benny program's hysterical version of holiday cheer.



2. So many years later, this is still funny. I have long been a fan of the Jack Benny Program on old time radio, but had never seen the television shows. I was surprised though, how good the first episode looked and sounded. Frankly I expected worse.
   
   While the New Year's show is only so-so, the Christmas episode is superb. It's a testament to both how well developed his character miserly was and to the writing that made him so. It's easy to see why he was quietly one of the giants of comedy. He works the comedic pause better than anyone.
   
   While the DVD itself offers pretty much nothing more than the two episodes, I recommend it based on the relatively cheap price and the merits of the Christmas show alone. I suspect that this will become regular holiday viewing for me for years to come.

5 comments about Ebenezer.

1. I have been looking for this movie for a long time. A must see.



2. First of all in honor of Mr. Jack Palance, I would like to take the time to say how I appreciated his work since I first saw him in the movie "Shane" many years ago. Mr. Palance having passed away this very month, November 10, 2006 is a great loss to the industry and his fans. He is missed. My condolences to his family and friends.
   Now, on to the movie. Although some aspects of the Dickens story are definately presented, they are used as a base for the film and not its entire plot. Set in the old west we find Ebenezer, a bitter old money grubbing cheat, owning a saloon and cheating others, namely Rick Schroder. Cheating him out of his money, homestead, and ultimately even his horse, Samuel Benson (Schroder, tries to convince others that he had been cheated. That night the three spirits appear as in the classic version, showing Scrooge his past, the present, and his possible future along with that of Tim Cratchitt.
   Of course Ebenezer has a huge change of heart and the scene of him trying to join in to the festivities via a play where is is attempting to portray father christmas is most touching. As Ebenezer becomes flustered and a look of regret crosses his face Tim comes to his side and begins to sing with him. It is a very moving moment.
   Amy Locane did and excellent job in her role as Erica Marlowe, the love interest of Samuel (Schroder). Her smile alone is enough to light the scenes.
   I won't give away any more of the film for those who haven't seen it but in my opinion it is wonderfully entertaining and progresses the message within Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" beautifully.
   This movie is now alongside my other Christmas classics. It is watched each and every year multiple times.
   
   Quotes from the movie:
   Scrooge says to Ghost of Christmas Future, "I've already met the other two nuts."
   As Scrooge walks down the walkway he meets carolers singing Away in A Manger, "I'll send you away to a manger!"
   Ghost of Christmas Past asks if he kept his promise of returning the money Mr. Fezziwig, Scrooge says, "Ya know, I don't like you. I don't like you at all. And another thing" Ghost "Blah blah blah".



3. I have watched this movie yearly for many years...my VHS was about to give out when the DVD came out. I watched it in DVD this year. I really enjoy this movie. Most highly recommended.



4. I saw first saw this movie on TV (don't remember date) and ordered it in VHS immediately after show. I have been trying to obtain on DVD format and finally it is here. I really like Jack Palance and have seen him in many Christmas movies in his later years. I probably have all of them. I watch Christmas movies year round and would recommend to those who just love Christmas Carol related movies and Christmas itself!! Still waiting for the Marlo Thomas version "It Happened One Christmas" to come out....I loved that one too!!



5. I love this movie. I don't like westerns, but I saw this on t.v. years ago and kept an eye out for it. When I did't find it in stores I went to the Amazon website. It is a good movie.

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.

2 comments about Fat Albert's Easter Special.

1. I've recently purchased this DVD. I've been waititng for Albert and Co. to be released on DVD at affordable prices. This special is an emotional one because it teaches us how valauble a life is. After watching it, I felt like crying after the kids witnessed Mudfoot in a fatal accident from Rudy's practical joke. Just as Albert said, Easter meant new life and rebirth of life. Forget about Peter Cottontail and movies with Easter egg hunts, this TV special is a must watch for all ages, and Fat Albert fans, too. Wholesome shows like Fat Albert are rare to find today, one where you can learn and have fun too with everyday characters. Thank you Bill Cosby and Filmation for a wonderful series.



2. This was one of the later 70's episodes, which featured inserts of the Brown Hornert cartoon shorts, rather than the musical breaks featured in the early 70's shows. This Easter themed show starts out with the Gang rushing to watch the Brown Hornet and his spacey Easter heroics, before settling back down into a story about Rudy playing a practical joke that lands old Mudfoot in the hospital, and the Gang coming to terms with how to deal with it. It's more about goodwill than the Easter Bunny, but they manage to decorate some eggs in the meantime.
   
   All in all, a worthwhile show that kids today should love. Since it's touch upon the Easter holiday is light, this special can be enjoyed anytime of the year. It's only a half hour show, with a find the Easter Bunny game as an extra, but it's offered at a low price. I think it's a must have for Fat Albert fans both new and old!

No comments about The Flight Before Christmas.

5 comments about One on One.

1. I was so delighted to see that this Robby Benson movie was at least available on VHS and that some copies were available on Amazon.
   
   Benson would be about my age these days having come from my generation. I was equally shy and as sensitive, in his portrayals, when I was growing up and loved his work for that reason. It showed sensitive loving guys like me existed: That not all guys are jerks or don't have feelings for others, let alone can be hurt easily by the words of others when those words are unkind and not meant to help a person improve.
   
   I've always been an empath all my life and feel what others feel, which also makes me a sensitive. Robby Benson had the same gift, but did a great job channeling it into the arts vindicating those of us who are like him, which is why I love his films, like I said.
   
   He always showed that you can be a great warrior with your battles in life and still not sacrafice your sensitivity toward others as you strive to live in this world and pursue your dreams to make them come true.
   
   One on One is a great simple story of one young man's battle to make his dreams real, even when he faces resistence while he works to discover himself and get "his act together". In the end, he finds himself and understands the gifts he's been given which is a great message for any teenager to see and hear. In fact, its a universal message at any age in my half a century of living.
   
   The VHS tape cover was in great condition to my delight and surprise. The VHS quality was par for what VHS was next to all the HD quality gracing the market place today. No complaints. Nice to watch the story again. Excellent for the price. Thanks for making it available on Amazon!
   
   I gave this a 5 because of the story even though the cinematography approach was different back when the film was made vs how things are done today. It's still a great story!



2. I cant believe this movie isnt on dvd yet. I actually saw it in the theater and loved it, mostly because I was a basketball nut, too and played hours and hours.
   I saw this recently for the first time in ages and I have to admit, I loved it. Yeah, there are some cheesy parts, some dated scenes, but it still works. The music of Seals and Crofts fits into the movie very well and I liked the performances.
   Why is this film not on dvd?



3. Synopsis: The jump from high school basketball to college ball isn't as easy as Henry Steele (Robby Benson) thought it would be. When he fails to keep up with the progress of the other players on the team Coach Moreland (G.D. Spradlin) begins to pressure Henry into renouncing his scholarship. When he refuses to quit the coach takes drastic and unethical measures to force him off the team. With the help of Janet (Annette O'Toole), his lovely tutor and potential love interest, Henry must discover whether he has the talent and determination to prove himself both on and off the basketball court.
   
   Critique: `The still waiting for a DVD release `One On One' from '77 is an entertaining teen coming-of-age film that works for adults as well. Benson and O'Toole are terrific together and G.D. Spradlin is perfect as one of those people you absolutely love to hate. It's hard to believe this film hasn't made it to DVD format yet, somebody wake up out there!
   
   My Rating: -4 1/2 Stars-.



4. OK -- I admit that I saw this move at the theater when it first came out, and I have less hair now. OK, OK, a LOT less hair. Doesn't change the fact that of thousands of movies since then, this is one of a few that has stuck in memory, and I'd like to own a copy. I'm not writing a review for those of you who think you may want to watch it, I'm writing this with the hope that someone with recording equipment and a copyright will move toward the 21st Century and make a DVD. C'mon -- I gave up VHS years ago, and if we can do Mr. T on disc, we can do this.



5. I am 39 and I viewed this movie on TV in 1979 and found it tobe one of my favorite movies of all time.

2 comments about A Clay Aiken Christmas.

1. This is a wonderful, family-orientated dvd for the beautiful holiday of Christmas. You can get right into the Christmas spirit by putting this in, lighting up your tree and drinking hot cocoa. There is a variety of holiday songs sung by a variety of talented singers. This is not a dvd that will disappoint. It would make a great Christmas gift for anyone - those who are huge fans of the singer Clay Aiken and those who just enjoy Christmas carols.



2. I just received my Clay's Christmas Special DVD from Amazon and I couldn't wait to watch it.
   
   The verdict?
   
   The wait was worth it.
   
   I have one complaint about this Christmas special. It is way too short. I would have loved to see more of Clay, Barry, Yolanda Adams, and Clay, Clay, Clay!
   
   And what happened to Megan? I would have loved to watch and hear her sing.
   
   This Christmas special and the way it was done made the show somewhat more real, the behind the scenes, the chatting that took place between the performers, etc, allowed viewers to have a more intimate experience of the show.
   
   As Clay said he wanted us to sit back and enjoy the songs and he will show us how the show is made. This Christmas DVD did exactly that. A not so traditional format of a traditional Christmas show.
   
   I thought that using the choir as part of the audience was a brilliant idea. Seeing the audience standing up to become part of the performance for the last song - WOW and very neat!
   
   Clay looked confident among veteran singers like Barry and Yolanda and he is as always, a natural performer. Barry was right when he said Clay is the real deal!
   
   Get this DVD as Clay invites us to spend a special Christmas with him and his guests!

5 comments about Best Christmas Pageant Ever.

1. I eagerly anticipated sharing this 'new' classic Christmas movie with my family and young ones. And after playing the DVD, I was definately not disappointed with the story: It's definately a classic.
   
   However, I was greatly suprised at the quality (or total lack thereof) during the film itself. Not only was it dark and grainy, but parts of it changed color for a few split seconds at a time. (Kind of looked like a homemade vcr to dvd conversion).
   
   The movie is a great family friendly holiday movie....but I would definatley pass on this DVD edition unless it is an absolute favorite. It would be much better to wait on a better future edition.



2. When I was in the third grade my teacher, Ms. Curtis, read this book to our class. I completely fell in love with the story and the characters. A few years later, around the Christmas season, this movie was on tv. It follows the book very closely. It has such a good message regarding tollerance of others. The real lesson in this movie is learned by the mom(played by Loretta Swit). I bought this dvd for my parents, myself, and my in-laws a few years ago. We have all made it a tradition that when things get to crazed and we seem to loose our Christmas spirit,in the process of creating "the perfect Christmas", we pop in this DVD and get a good reminder of the most important part to the season. I cannot wait until my three are old enough to really enjoy this movie and understand the message behind it. I highly recommend this DVD to someone of any age.



3. it is touching and funny. Has a great moral and shares the true meaning of Christmas without being preachy



4. This has got to be one of the BEST Christmas Movies around. Saw it years ago on Lifetime TV, taped it, and lost it. I was so glad to have found it here to get one for myself and my sister.



5. I remember loving this movie when it was on TV in the early 80's. I have looked for it for several years, and just recently found it here last month. It's just as cute as I remember it. I'm glad I finally found it on DVD. It's a tiny bit cheesy, but it's still cute.
   
   I disagree with the comments regarding quality. No, it hasn't been remixed for 5.1 surround sound or video quality improvements, but it looks just as good as it did in 1983 when it was broadcast on TV. In reading the reviews before I ordered, I was concerned that it would look like a bootleg or something, but it does not. It's just fine for what it is.

No comments about Sabrina the Animated Series: A Witchmas Carol.

No comments about Christmas Crafts: Holiday Treats.