The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection - The Essentials (Manos, the Hands of Fate / Santa Claus Conquers the Martians)

Description

Join Joel and his "robot friends" as they're forced to endure two of the worst movies ever made. To maintain their sanity, they hilariously skewer the films' performaces, special effects and dialogue.

Customer Reviews:

MST3K The Essentials indeed!!.......2007-07-20

Watching Manos is down right torture. Joel and the Bots make this a more enjoyable torture. I read in the MST3K guide that the whole process of making this episode was difficult because the movie is so bad. After viewing it, I fully understand. What a horrible, god awful piece of garbage this is. The perfect movie for the crew in the Satellite of love and having Mike Nelson show up as Torgo in a skit , makes this one a must see. As for Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, well, lets just say that Manos blows this one away. If there were any two movies to call essential for MST3K, they hit the nail on the head. I will keep my fingers crossed for Essentials 2!!!

TWO GREAT EPISODES , BUY WHY RE - RELEASE MANOS?.......2007-06-03

This is a great set,but I would have rather had another episode other than "Manos" that hasn't been released yet! If you are familar with the show, you know this set includes two great episodes "Manos Hands of Fate" and "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians". If you are not familar with it, it isn't a bad place to start. This is a very funny show for those who "get it". I just hope they can continue to obtain the rights to the movies and keep releasing these gems. The essentials DVD collection (2 disc set) contains all that was included on the first Rhino single disc release of "Manos". The "Santa Claus Conquers The Martians" episode is a classic and this is the first time it has been released on DVD.

DVD.......2007-04-11

The show is still funny BUT - I prefer the orignial cast and crew and would not pay over $10.00 ( shipping included ) for this DVD.

Good choice.......2007-03-14

Anything from the folks at Best Brains is a winner, as far as I am concerned, but I was hoping for more special features. Nonetheless, if you want to pick 2 essential episodes those would be it. Manos is one of my top 5 fave episodes, and it had been years since I'd seen Santa Claus Conquers the Martians. So, if you are a die-hard MST3K fan like me you'll still love it no matter what.

"Ziggy had Garfield nuetered? Now that's funny!".......2007-02-28

If anything this is one of my favorite MST3K collections, as it contains two of the funniest episodes ever produced:

"Manos: The Hands of Fate"? YES! This episode is definitely the best of the two, as one of top 100 worst films of all time has been skewered in every way shape, and form, even the opening sequence itself. This episode contains really funny riffings that run at a fast rate. And as you can tell from the title of this review, this contains my favorite host segment: the Cartuner, a device that mixes two unfunny comic strips in one and makes the comic funny. This a sheer way to end MST's fourth season with a bang. 10/10

"Santa Claus Conquers The Martians" is another favorite of mine, as Joel and the bots really rip on another Saturday-morning children's film involving Martians trying to find jolly ol' St. Nick himself to bring Christmas to Mars. As stupid as this film is, the commentary with Joel and the 'bots is uproariously funny, host segments and all. Let's have a Patrick Swayze Christmas for this one, why don't we? 9.5/10

In addition, you'll also get a funny half-hour outtake reel. 8/10

The Year Without a Santa Claus / Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey / Rudolph's Shiny New Year

Average customer rating:

CLASSIC
excellent
Some were great...
A missing baby new-year... and no Santa?
Great Childhood Memories

The Year Without a Santa Claus / Nestor, The Long-Eared Christmas Donkey / Rudolph's Shiny New Year
Starring: Shirley Booth , Mickey Rooney , Dick Shawn , George S. Irving , and Bob McFadden
Director: Jules Bass , and Arthur Rankin Jr.
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004VVPA
Release Date: 2000-10-31

Amazon.com

This DVD contains three holiday titles from Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass.

The Year Without a Santa Claus
Even Santa can suffer a case of the holiday blues. In this 1974 stop-motion holiday family favorite, a sparkly eyed Mrs. Claus (voiced by Shirley Booth) sings and tells about the year her hubby felt too weary and too unappreciated to prepare for his annual Christmas rounds. Mickey Rooney stars as the voice of Santa, a rosy-nosed puppet who travels incognito to Southtown in search of his tiniest reindeer, Vixen, and two well-meaning elves. Seems Mrs. Santa sent them to find proof of Christmas spirit--but all they've discovered is ambivalence about Santa's year off. Luckily, when Santa arrives and befriends a buck-toothed lad named Ignatius Thistlewhite, spirits begin to lift rapidly. Adult fans of this cousin to the 1970 television special Santa Claus Is Coming to Town will remember it as the Heat and Snow Miser movie. Their vaudevillian theme songs, complete with trombone and piano riffs, are hard to forget, but other treasured musical moments include "I Believe in Santa Claus," "I'll Have a Blue Christmas Without You," and "Here Comes Santa Claus." --Liane Thomas

Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
The wondrous story of Christ's birth is told by an unlikely source: Nestor, a gentle donkey with incredibly long ears and a first-hand knowledge of life in a stable. This simple tale, which takes place in the days of the Roman Empire, is about a humble couple about to take a long journey to Bethlehem and a small, insignificant donkey that is destined to help them along. By all outward appearances, Nestor does not deserve such a privilege. Stable animals tease him incessantly for his long appendages until, finally, he is cast out of the barn into the winter cold. Snow and ice bring about even greater calamity for Nestor until he receives a dose of divine goodness. Nestor meets Tilly, a heavenly cherub (voiced by Brenda Vaccaro) who imparts guidance to the despairing burro and tells him that soon he will be chosen to participate in a miracle involving a star, a baby, a lowly stable, and some travelers named Mary and Joseph. Short and sweet, this stop-motion Christmas gem from Arthur Rankin Jr. and Jules Bass is narrated by Roger Miller. Get out the hanky for an understated holiday classic that will appeal to families of all ages. --Lynn Gibson

Rudolph's Shiny New Year
Rudolph is legendary for saving Christmas, but did you know he saved the New Year as well? While Santa Claus is recuperating from his December sleigh ride, he receives a letter from an old friend, Father Time. Seems that Baby New Year is missing, and if the little tyke isn't found, Old Year will continue forever--a catastrophe for Father Time, whose job it is to keep things moving forward. A search party is essential, yet with such thick fog, there's only one reindeer fit for the job. "Rudolph with your nose so bright, you've six days left to set things right," says Santa. Trouble hits immediately when Rudolph discovers that Aeon the Terrible, a big-beaked monster bird, is also searching for the missing baby. Rudolph gets help from a giant whale and a good-natured caveman, who dish up plenty of song and dance in between narrow escapes in their race against the end of the calendar year. Sound far-fetched? Perhaps, but it contains as much magic as its predecessors, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, all produced and directed by Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr., and written by the esteemed Romeo Muller. The same stop-motion animation we've grown to love is here as well, and narrator Red Skelton has as trusted a voice as Burl Ives and Fred Astaire. While the New Year holiday will never be as celebrated as Christmas, this title is a welcome addition to any Rankin and Bass collection of holiday films. --Lynn Gibson

Description

At the North Pole, the Christmas rush is on. Everyone from elves to reindeer are merrily preparing for Santa Claus' yearly sleigh ride. Everyone…except Santa! Feeling forgotten by the children of the world, old St. Nick decides to skip his gift-giving journey and take a vacation. Eager to help, Mrs. Claus and two spunky little elves set out to see where all the season's cheer has disappeared to. Aided by a magical snowfall, they reawaken the spirit of Christmas in children's hearts - and put Santa back in action. Shirley Booth and Mickey Rooney (as Mrs. And Mr. Claus) are the starring voices in this wonderful Yuletide favorite. Year: 1974

Customer Reviews:

CLASSIC.......2007-08-04

Just like I remembered it when I was a kid. My son (11) also enjoyed it alot! The figures are still a great way to do animation.

excellent.......2007-05-20

Not only did I get my favorite Christmas show, I got two other Christmas shows as well. The dvd was is great playing order and the year without a Santa Claus was much better than the vhs version. Thank you.

Some were great..........2007-05-14

Of the three movies, one were less than satifactory and was just plain sad! Rudolph's Shiny New Year was excellent, but the Year without a Santa Claus was to cliche and Nestor, the pathetic Christmas Donkey was just plain depressing. If you get it, get it for Rudulph.

A missing baby new-year... and no Santa?.......2007-03-24

This is a must for anyone having young children. Children of all ages should enjoy this cartoon for the Christmas season. Children always like to watch any cartoon about Santa and Rudolph. Not only are you getting one, but three Christmas cartoon classics. I may be an adult, but I still like watching these classics myself.

Great Childhood Memories.......2007-01-24

This DVD is great. It brings back all the memories of the holidays as a young child. It is hard to catch these shows on TV as they only air once during the holiday season. My daughters love them and I love seeing their reaction to the shows. Good buy.

The Original Television Christmas Classics (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer / Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town / Frosty the Snowman / Frosty Returns / The Little Drummer Boy)

Average customer rating:

Ahhh.... A REAL Christmas!
The nastalgia is nice...
All Corny, just like we remember~ I LOVE it~
Great Product and Price
A great compilation of Rankin-Bass products

The Original Television Christmas Classics (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer / Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town / Frosty the Snowman / Frosty Returns / The Little Drummer Boy)
Starring: Burl Ives , Billie Mae Richards , Paul Soles , Larry D. Mann , and Stan Francis
Director: Kizo Nagashima , Larry Roemer , and Arthur Rankin Jr.
Manufacturer: Classic Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002I82Z0
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Description

The original television holiday classics now are available with deluxe packaging and a 12-song music CD with music from the all-time favorite television specials known the world over!

"Frosty the Snowman:" When Frosty the Snowman comes to life, he must weather a storm of adventures and the dastardly plans of an evil magician before he can find safety and happiness at the North Pole.

"Frosty Returns:" This is the adventure of a little girl named Holly and her very special friend, Frosty the Snowman. Holly has to convince the people of Beansboro to save the magical winter dust--and Frosty--when a power-hungry tycoon invents a product that will eliminate snow. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer:" Christmas has been cancelled! Or, it will be if Santa Claus can't find a way to guide his sleigh through a fierce blizzard. Rudolph to the rescue!

"Santa Claus is Comin' to Town:" A cheery, delightful story tells how Kris Kringle got his start as the world's most famous gift giver by struggling to bring toys and happiness to the children of Sombertown.

"The Little Drummer Boy:" In this touching Christmas classic, an evil man kidnaps an orphaned drummer boy. After he escapes, he searches for his camel and finds him at the birthplace of the baby Jesus. Having no gift for him, he gives the only gift he has--a song on his drum.

All five titles are on three discs and contain Spanish-language tracks.

Customer Reviews:

Ahhh.... A REAL Christmas!.......2007-08-10

I long for the days when it was okay to celebrate The Birth of our Savior alongside the grace and generocity of a fat man in a red suit. These movies remind me of a simpler time and I am so thankful every time I watch them. There have been occasions when it wasn't Christmas time that I pulled the movies out and watched them just to harken back to a time when people understood the true meaning of love and sacrifice and frivolity and family togetherness and gratitude and... well you get the picture.

My one knock on this collection (and it's not really a knock so much as a preference) is that I don't much care for Frosty Returns. Was just never my favorite. But I love the others and will continue to watch them as long as the DVDs will hold out!

The nastalgia is nice..........2007-05-16

It's nice at Christmas time to be able to pull this out and remember what Christmas was like as a kid. I've got several of the other stop-action movies as well, a worthwhile purchase!

All Corny, just like we remember~ I LOVE it~.......2007-01-26

Its nice to own the classics in ONE package, no more searching each year for the copies made from television. Great picture and sound quality.

Great Product and Price.......2007-01-16

Excellent product, price and shipping. This is a must for Christmas season with children.

A great compilation of Rankin-Bass products.......2007-01-12

This has been my daughter's favorite DVD(s) for more than a year. It has just about every stop-motion movie/show they made, plus two Frosy movies. It is only missing The Year without a Santa.

Nice packaging and a great value.

Santa Claus - The Movie (20th Anniversary Edition)

Average customer rating:

Dudley Moore fans will be SORELY disappointed....
Wonderful
OLD SCHOOL XMAS MOVIE
classic Christmas movie
Still enjoyable!

Santa Claus - The Movie (20th Anniversary Edition)
Starring: Dudley Moore , John Lithgow , David Huddleston , Burgess Meredith , and Judy Cornwell
Director: Jeannot Szwarc
Manufacturer: Starz / Anchor Bay
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000A2XC1C
Release Date: 2005-10-04

Amazon.com

The producers of the Superman movies took a shot at revitalizing the myth of Santa Claus with this 1985 feature. Unfortunately, the results were much less compelling than the flagship Superman feature, despite a script by one of the latter's key writers (David Newman) and a story structure that is essentially a carbon copy of the Man of Steel's movie. The first half of Santa Claus: The Movie is a ponderous origins tale, in which we learn that Santa was actually a woodcutter saved from certain death by elves and taken to the North Pole to begin life as the chimney-dropping hero of children everywhere. The second half involves a world-class villain (John Lithgow) who recruits an outcast elf (Dudley Moore) in a scheme to sabotage old St. Nick. While it aims to become a Christmas classic in the hearts and minds of generations to come, the film never really engages an audience, partially because Santa himself is merely a supporting player in the drama. Jeannot Szwarc (Supergirl, Jaws II) directs with a disabling lack of vision, and the special effects are terrible for such an expensive production. Sorry, but it's coals in the stocking for this flick. --Tom Keogh

Description

This is the delightful story of a master toymaker who discovers a magical kingdom of elves at the North Pole. There he is entrusted with wondrous, special powers - to become the world's most beloved patron of Christmas…Santa Claus! And there he meets Patch (Dudley Moore), and eager-to-please elf who becomes mixed up with a dastardly toy tycoon's (John Lithgow) plans to take over Christmas. And so begins Santa's greatest adventure of all - to rescue his faithful elf and to save Christmas for all the children of the world!

Customer Reviews:

Dudley Moore fans will be SORELY disappointed...........2007-08-25

I don't know how this movie got under my Dudley Moore radar. I am a fan of all His work going back to "Beyond The Fringe", and I never saw this movie until now. I'm not so much disappointed in Dudley Moore, but the writer and director. What an embarassment to this great comedic actor! Why they couldn't have written a better part for this man is the question[why Dudley accepted the role is another]. My guess is that He was too nice of a guy-which Dudley was-to walk off the project. Ridiculous[and UN-FUNNY]lines they have Him say and His supporting cast is the worst[or at least their parts were written/directed terribly also]. This looks like a role that the younger Dudley Moore may have had, like his role in Alice in wonderland-20 years earlier, but not after Dudley had risen to the heights he had["Foul Play","10", "Arthur",etc.]. I truly wish I had not seen this film. I found it to be degrading to a comedic actor of Dudley Moore's caliber. God Bless Him for being a nice guy and agreeing to be part of this lame and WEIRD version of the Santa Clause story. To me, it would be like an Ex-President being asked to take a job as a small town Mayor-BENEATH HIM. My young niece and nephew DID NOT enjoy it either. They called it "weird" and "boring". Not for adults or children and certainly not for people only wanting to see Dudley Moore. They will be disappointed, as I was. R.I.P. Dudley Moore and Thanks for the laughs[in other movies]!

Wonderful.......2007-07-19

I love this movie and have ever since I was a child. It brings back the whole story of Santa claus and for children it makes them believe in Santa. You can't go wrong with this show.

OLD SCHOOL XMAS MOVIE.......2007-04-16

I bought this movie because I remembered I watch it when I was a kid and thought it was a really neat movie. Couldn't find it anywhere except on amazon.

classic Christmas movie.......2007-02-08

This is the Christmas movie I saw when I was a child and spent years trying to find again. It has great actors and is very entertaining for all ages.

Still enjoyable!.......2007-02-01

What a cute 80's movie! As an adult I still enjoy it........it had been a long time since my last viewing. I look forward to showing this movie to my children. Definitely a magical way to enjoy Christmas time.

Average customer rating:

Cute Movie for the Whole Family
Very cute and funny Christmas movie
single santa seeks mrs. claus
charming wonderful what more can iIsay
Not a good overall movie

Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus
Starring: Crystal Bernard , Thomas Calabro , Steve Guttenberg , Diane Robin , and Armin Shimerman
Director: Harvey Frost
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000AJJMXW
Release Date: 2005-11-08

Description

DVD: 05-51362 Single Santa Seeks Mrs. Claus Steve Guttenberg (Three Men and a Baby), Crystal Bernard (Wings), and Thomas Calabro (Melrose Place) star in a Christmas charmer about Santa's son and his search for a wife. Nick (Guttenberg) is due to replace his retiring father, and needs a Mrs. Claus, so Santa's adviser sends him down to Southern California. There he meets Beth Sawtelle (Bernard), a workaholic widow whose advertising job with Andrew West (Calabro) leaves precious little time for her son, Jake (Dominic Scott Kay). Concealing his identity, Nick stars in a series of Christmas commercials for the agency as he tries to make sure Jake and Beth both believe in Santa Claus—no easy task in her case! Running Time: Approx. 85 Minutes/Color/NTSC/Stereo

Customer Reviews:

Cute Movie for the Whole Family.......2007-07-25

There is nothing objectionable in this movie, just good entertainment. I think the actors did a good job - especially the little boy who played Jake - and I love Crystal Bernard's hair! The only thing the director could have asked for is a little more emotion from her - I saw more when she played Helen on Wings! But it is a good movie, the kind you want to watch curled up on the couch with hot chocolate on a snowy afternoon!

Very cute and funny Christmas movie.......2007-03-09

I enjoyed this movie and will include it in my yearly Christmas movie watching at Christmas time.

single santa seeks mrs. claus.......2007-02-21

This is a very good way to order movies. It was very easy and fast.

charming wonderful what more can iIsay.......2007-02-19

A wonderful holiday fantasy from the Hallmark channel. With Crystal Bernard and Steve Guttenburg. A single workaholic mom bring up a great kid, Santas son read to take over the family business but must find a wife ( Mrs Claus) first. One of the most charming holiday movies made in recent years. It is a must to own. I love this movie!!!!!

Not a good overall movie.......2007-02-11

I watched this movie with the TV muted and the closed captioning off. So my review is only based on the visual aspect of the movie.

The main thing that "stuck out" to me on the movie was the growth on Guteberg's lip. I found it very distracting, and I could not take my eyes off of it.

I recommend watching the movie with sound on. This way you will not notice the Gute's lip sore.

Note: In the sequal it appears that the lip sore was surgically removed. Check it out.

The Year Without a Santa Claus (Deluxe Edition)

Average customer rating:

The Year Without a Santa Claus (Deluxe Edition)
Starring: Shirley Booth , Mickey Rooney , Dick Shawn , George S. Irving , and Bob McFadden
Director: Arthur Rankin Jr. , and Jules Bass
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000S0PLGA
Release Date: 2007-10-02

Description

At the North Pole, the Christmas rush is on. Everyone from elves to reindeer are merrily preparing for Santa Claus's yearly sleigh ride. Everyone except Santa! Feeling forgotten by the children of the world, old St. Nick decides to skip his gift-giving journey and take a vacation. Eager to help, Mrs. Claus and two spunky little elves set out to see to where all the season's cheer has disappeared. Aided by a magical snowfall, they reawaken the spirit of Christmas in children's hearts and put Santa back in action.

Average customer rating:

great
Mrs, Santa Claus
mrs santa clause
An Old Fashioned Christmas Movie
Angela Lansbury academy performance

Mrs. Santa Claus
Starring: Angela Lansbury , Michael Jeter , Terrence Mann , Lynsey Bartilson , and Bryan Murray
Director: Terry Hughes
Manufacturer: Lions Gate
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000AQRYT
Release Date: 2003-09-23

Amazon.com

Much closer to Hello, Dolly! than your usual Christmas special, Mrs. Santa Claus joins two distinct genres: holiday family fare and the Broadway musical. This song-studded extravaganza was especially designed for TV by Broadway legend Jerry Herman, whose songs are just as incorrigibly catchy on the small screen as they are on the stage. Herman uses one of his favorite leading ladies from the theater, Angela Lansbury, in a tale of Santa's "invisible wife," who takes the reindeer off for an impulsive week-long adventure in New York City. Unexpectedly becoming a suffragette and labor organizer (it's set in the early 20th century), Mrs. Claus twinkles merrily at all who cross her path. This is a problem, dramatically speaking, because what's compelling about someone who twinkles all the time? The costumes are by Bob Mackie (duh), the choreography by Chicago director Rob Marshall. And just try to get the melodies out of your head. --Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

great.......2007-07-05

It must be me but this product came in much faster than said and in great shape

Mrs, Santa Claus.......2007-03-02

This is a wonderful movie, well on it's way to being a classic.

mrs santa clause.......2007-01-10

very enjoyable movie for all ages angela lansbury at her best yet again.

a must see film

An Old Fashioned Christmas Movie.......2007-01-09

With absolutely no entertaining Christmas specials, shows , or movies in recent years, this movie is a wholesome, family film . Angela Lansbury is as delightful as ever, and the movie is visually exciting in an old fashioned way. We need more of this type of entertainment instead of the junk that Hollywood has produced lately.

Angela Lansbury academy performance.......2006-11-10

Angela Lansbury is brilliant! She is truely a grand dam of our time! She only improves with age. Mrs. Santa Claus is truely a classic waiting to be discovered! The story line is believable, Mrs. Lansbury makes the movie. She gives (as usual) a flawless performance. I hope she does more projects.
JC Howard

Average customer rating:

CLASSIC
Santa Claus is coming to town
The best Christmas movie ever!!!!!
I have this version, just toss Mariah
Hey Sony/Classic Media! Please re-release these holiday specials properly!

Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town
Starring: Fred Astaire , Mickey Rooney , Keenan Wynn , Paul Frees , and Joan Gardner (II)
Director: Arthur Rankin Jr. , and Jules Bass
Manufacturer: Classic Media
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000A345EE
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Customer Reviews:

CLASSIC.......2007-08-04

Just like I remembered it when I was a kid. My son (11) also enjoyed it alot! The figures are still a great way to do animation.

Santa Claus is coming to town.......2007-02-08

The kids don't know who the characters are, but what the heck...they love it. Maybe, just maybe some kid will want to see some other work of these guys.

The best Christmas movie ever!!!!! .......2007-01-16

This movie gives you the history of santa in a fun and enjoyable way, by having random outbursts of song and dance. Dont be fooled by the cover anyone of any age can enjoy this clay animation film. Not only does this movie teach us about christmas but it also teaches us how to care for others by sharing. If your a fan of christmas movies than this is a must have classic!

I have this version, just toss Mariah.......2006-12-27

I understand and relate to the people who complain about the Mariah Carey "extra" with this video. Yes, it stinks, and they should release these old shows as they were intended to be seen WITHOUT the modern "extras". But, in my version it is a separate disk, and I just tossed the thing in the trash. As far as I can tell, otherwise, this is the original version I saw as a child. Of course, by the late 70s, I'm sure my version was chopped up for commercial television. Anyway, I think the video is fine, and you don't HAVE to watch the disk with Mariah Carey's song. Use it as a coaster, or toss it in the trash, or let your 2-year-old write on it with permanent marker. Its a good show for this time of year, and I'm glad I bought it.

Hey Sony/Classic Media! Please re-release these holiday specials properly!.......2006-02-18

I AM NOT RATING SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN' TO TOWN WITH 1 STAR BECAUSE I THINK THIS SPECIAL ALONG WITH RUDOLPH & FROSTY ARE EXCELLENT HOLIDAY SPECIALS WITHOUT A DOUBT!!! I WOULD HAVE RATED THIS WITH 5 STARS IF IT WASN'T FOR THE $UCKY MUSIC VIDEOS THAT SONY/CLASSIC MEDIA KEEPS RELEASING ON THIS AS WELL AS THE RUDOLPH DVD'S. WHOEVER FROM SONY/CLASSIC MEDIA KEEPS COMING WITH THESE STUPID EXTRAS SHOULD BE FIRED! BRING BACK THE DVD RELEASES THAT WERE OFFERED BEFORE THE YEAR 2004 BECAUSE THIS MARIAH CAREY & DESTINY'S CHILD IS PURE CRAP AND I THINK ALOT OF THE DIE-HARD RANKIN-BASS FANS ARE FED UP WITH THESE STUPID-ASS SO-CALLED MUSIC VIDEOS!!! DO US A FAVOR SONY/CLASSIC MEDIA AND RELEASE THESE WITHOUT THE DUMB VIDEOS!

Average customer rating:

I Believe in Santa Claus
Starring: Karen Cheryl , Dominique Hulin , Armand Philoxene Meffre , Jeanne Herviale , and Jean-Louis Foulquier
Director: Christian Gion
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000TEUSIQ
Release Date: 2007-10-02

Description

Young Simon wants only one thing for Christmas -- for his mother and father to come back home from abroad in time for the holidays. Fortunately a little yuletide magic steps in, and soon he's off for the adventure of a lifetime aboard a jet liner that takes him to the North Pole, where he encounters Santa Claus, a fiendish ogre, and much, much more! Featuring a score by acclaimed composer Francis Lai (Love Story), this enchanting family favorite is perfect for any time of year.

Average customer rating:

The Year Without a Santa Claus
John Goodman Will Make You Believe In Santa
Wow, is this bad
About as bad as it gets
More like 3 ½.

The Year Without a Santa Claus
Starring: Dylan Minnette , Hunter Ballard , Barry Barton , Daniel Magill , and Austin Barton
Director: Ron Underwood
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000J10F2I
Release Date: 2006-12-12

Amazon.com

Based on the classic 1976 animated Rankin and Bass Christmas special The Year Without a Santa Claus, this 2006 live-action, modernized version of the story features John Goodman as Santa Claus, Delta Burke as Mrs. Claus, Eddie Griffin as Jangle, Ethan Suplee as Jingle, and Chris Kattan as Sparky. In both productions, Santa is disgusted with the commercialization of Christmas and feels overworked and underappreciated. Add in a bad cold and Santa declares that he is canceling Christmas this year and it falls to two elves, Jingle and Jangle, to restore Santa's faith by finding a child who understands the true spirit of Christmas. The most striking differences in this new production are the cynical, almost satiric portrayal of the extreme commercialization of Christmas at Santa Company (complete with punk rocker dolls, violent video games, and a crazed employee named Sparky who dreams of taking Santa's place as action-hero-inspired "Extreme Santa"), a makeover of the elf Jangle as a television-junkie obsessed with talk shows, a less prominent role for Mrs. Claus, and a twist on the young boy and town Mayor story line that focuses less on encouraging the boy (who just happens to be the Mayor's son in this version) to believe in Santa Claus and more on inspiring the Mayor's realization that his relationship with his son is much more important than his political ambitions. While neither version has the warmth of the more optimistic Rankin and Bass animated specials like Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Frosty the Snowman, this latest live-action version of The Year Without a Santa Claus is full of modern day references that will date it in future years, is somewhat crass, and at times downright unlikable. (Ages 9 and older) --Tami Horiuchi

Description

When his devious head elf, Sparky (Kattan), tells him that he must "keep up with the times" no matter how materialistic Santa Claus (Goodman) resists, fearing that the holiday has become far too commercial. Convinced that no one believes in him anymore and that people have forgotten the real meaning of Christmas, Santa decides to take the year off and not deliver any gifts, much to the dismay of his two closest elves, Jingle (Suplee) and Jangle (Griffin). When Santa tells them that he doesn't think there are any children left who still care about the true spirit of Christmas, the two elves decide to prove him wrong. But their efforts are complicated by Heatmiser and Snowmiser, the two feuding sons of Mother Nature (Kane), whose help Jingle and Jangle will need if they want to save Christmas.

Customer Reviews:

The Year Without a Santa Claus.......2007-01-17

A great addition to my Holiday Collection. Goodman is outstanding as Santa and the story line does follow the cartoon enough to remind you of the original. The supporting cast made it interesting and entertaining! Recommend for the entire family!

John Goodman Will Make You Believe In Santa.......2007-01-05

Originally a claymation holiday film made almost forty years ago, THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS gets remade into a live action movie. THe plot is simple and the solution is relatively simple as well, but the fun of this film is getting through the story. Sure, you know everything will work out in the end, but that takes some of the worry out of the entertainment process. You can sit back and enjoy the lighthearted festivities just in time for the holidays.

John Goodman delivers a solid and entertaining version of Santa. Delta Burke plays Mrs. Claus with dignity and grace, and an understated love for her husband. Chris Kattan stars as an obnoxious elf. Ethan Suplee and Eddie Griffin star as Jingle and Jangle, two of Santa's favorite elves.

The plot stays much the same in the remake as it was in the original version. Santa is tired of the commercialization of Christmas and thinks of going off to retire. (In the original he got sick.) Where Mrs. Claus saved Christmas in the first movie, Jingle and Jangle are largely responsible for the events that pull Santa back to the Christmas spirit. The movie has a lot of funny bits, especially with Jingle and Jangle as they try to prove they're elves to Iggy, the mayor's son. He wants to believe in Christmas and bring it to the people in his town, but he's struggling with his own doubts. Vixen, Santa's reindeer, is also on hand to bring a few laughs.

Although the movie can keep the adult attention, it's too simple to do justice to that audience. But that isn't the audience THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS is going for. The movie is for the kids, and it succeeds well.

THE YEAR WITHOUT A SANTA CLAUS is a good addition to the family DVD collection. It will become a holiday favorite that the kids will want to see again. And again.

Wow, is this bad.......2007-01-05

I love the animated version of this and when I saw there was a live-action one I thought, "hey--John Goodman, Michael McKean, Harvey Fierstein, how bad can it be?" Really, really bad. When puppets from the early 70s have more charisma than the actors do, something is really wrong with your movie. This could have been good but it never quite figures out if it wants to be an homage, a parody, or a "hip" update. Between that and Chris Kattan chewing up all the scenery--just spend your money on the original.

About as bad as it gets.......2007-01-04

Make no mistake we are in "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" territory here. This is about as bad as Christmas movies get. I don't where to start. Th Bad CGI effects, the sets that look like they were built for a middle school play or John Goodman playing "Jolly Old St. Nick" like a grumpy coke addict going through detox. Just say no!!

More like 3 ½. .......2006-12-13

There's no way that any movie could possibly be as awful as people make this sound. I can't believe all the moaning and hating and overreacting. The original can be neither outdone nor ruined, so they didn't even try. This is just fun. Just a new version. A tribute if you will. No one may harm, change, or spoil the brilliance of the original, or its memories; that's nonsense. It's untouched.
Now I'm someone who ADORES the original with a passion. It's my favorite special. I own every single Rankin/Bass holiday special, and not just the Christmas ones. I watch the entire marathon every year. I am a serious fan. But am I offended by this? No! It's harmless.

That said, I knew not to expect too much; The Year Without a Santa Claus was always begging to be done in live action, but this was much too quick and small-scale of a production to begin living up to the full potential it had. There were very funny parts, and things I didn't understand the reason for. Why exclude the wonderful songs? I watched the Snow Vs. Heatmiser clip dozens of times and wow, it got my hopes up for an outstanding film. Of course the rest didn't have that musical feel. And why did they combine likable Mr. Thistlewhite with the Mayor, completely changing Ignatius and producing the far-too-familiar plotline: "busy parent doesn't spend enough time with family, ends up with disillusioned kid for holidays"? There were things I thought should've been kept from the cartoon that weren't.

And yes, Santa really is portrayed a bit TOO mean, cranky, disgruntled and un-merry from the start. You can see where this was adapted from, but then there are times it totally shoots off in its own direction. Few, it appears, appreciate all the departure from the classic. I personally didn't either. But there's nothing truly wrong with this if you treat most of it as a light-hearted good time (unless you have a bad time with it, in which case we can't help you, just watch the masterpiece of an original because everyone loves that.)

And just as in the original, the Miser Brothers are the indisputable best part of the whole shenanigan. Should they have been given their own classic holiday special? Absolutely. Who doesn't adore them? They just have that something that makes them probably two of the best characters ever. So, so classic...you could go on and on about their greatness in the original. But about the new one: thank goodness they didn't have the nerve to think of omitting the Miser songs. The movie really would've helped itself to focus more on them, and for whatever reason it dragged everything else out and made far less use of the good ol' boys than I'd hoped to see. Their first scene is still by far the best in the film, so far ahead of everything else it's not funny. No wonder that was the preview.

As to their depictions; Harvey WAS sort of an odd choice for Heatmiser, though I can't say he didn't do a fine job or looked wrong. I'd confidently say that Michael was the best cast person in the movie; he just does a darn good human Snowmiser. Now, I know everybody was shocked at the absence of the Mini Misers, and furthermore the presence of-GASP!-girl dancers helping each of the Misers. While I understand that they might not have wanted the whole `Mini Me' thing going on in live action, I too missed the Minis. But you know what? They totally took my idea with those ladies! XD For years I've said that when the Brothers sing their excellent, mighty songs, they ought to have showgirls to dance with them. They created almost exactly what I imagined in this movie--fiery style girls and icy style ones. Amazing. I know the skimpiness of the outfits strikes many as inappropriate for a family flick, but honestly, it isn't really that risqué of a scene. Snowy and Heat only dance with the girls, nothing more. ^~ I loved all the costumes, and the dance moves, and loved the songs and characters to begin with, so overall I completely love that scene.

The rest of the cast? No real problems. The elves could've looked more elflike. Delta, Carol (great Mother Nature), and mostly everyone else did very well even if they differ a bit from their "old selves." So what's so bad about it to deserve all the bad-mouthing? Well, to remake such a classic is kind of daring. And it surely could have been a few hundred times better. [But they never attempted to change, spoil, ruin or outdo the cartoon, and I don't know why that's so hard to understand. These things can just as easily be ignored.] I can see where critics could claim that it lacks heart. A lot of it does. The original overflows with it, and hoping for something that good will lead to nothing but disappointment. And perhaps, it seems, outrage.

DVD:

The Object of My