March of the Wooden Soldiers

Amazon.com

The most lavish feature built around Laurel and Hardy, 1934's March of the Wooden Soldiers is also the most bizarre. Opening unpromisingly with one of several mawkish numbers derived from Victor Herbert's musical Babes in Toyland, the antics of toyshop laborers Stannie Dum and Ollie Dee are worked into a scenario midway between Lewis Carroll and the Brothers Grimm. Nursery-rhyme characters come and go in a surreal fantasy, with the evil Mr. Barnaby threatening to evict Widow Peep from her shoe unless he receives her daughter Bo in marriage. The movie culminates in a full-scale invasion of Toyland by the yeti-ish Bogeymen and their defeat by the 100 six-foot wooden soldiers which Stan and Ollie have built by mistake. Henry Brandon gives a characterful performance, while 1930s child star Charlotte Henry is an appealing heroine. Directors Gus Meins and Charles R. Rogers milk the slapstick to an increasingly unnerving degree. Reputedly Hardy's favorite among the double act's features, March of the Wooden Soldiers emerges now as their most audacious screen appearance. --Richard Whitehouse

Customer Reviews:

Inferior DVD presentation, there are better copies out there........2007-07-13

Skip this version, there is a better RESTORED version that offers the film in both B&W & Colorized versions:

March of the Wooden Soldiers

See the excellent reviews about that restoration.

Very good, maybe neccessary.......2007-06-08

Laurel and Hardy DON'T need to be in colour, they are perfect in B&W, however this is the one film that might be the exception. Even in B&W you can tell how glorious the film would be if the backgrounds and characters were in colour - and it works. It won't change your life but will make a brilliant film that bit better, and different.

March of the Wooden Soldiers.......2007-03-21

Just as I expected it would be. Great find!

Good Experience.......2007-03-09

The delivery of the merchandise was timely the picture clarity and product is excellent for a classic DVD. The overall experience was great!!!

A great Holiday Movie Classic.......2007-02-27

I remember this movie on TV every Thanksgiving when I was a kid. For some reason they stopped showing it in the mid 80's - to early 90's it has become a forgotten classic. Though I am not a fan of colorization for old B/W movies, I really like this version. It is very well done the colors do not look fake and bring out the details of the film which one could not always see in B and W. This movie color or Black and White is a true wonder to see. It is a gift from the not so distant past. The back drops and props bring in memories of the grand old amusement parks like Coney Island, or roadside America and The late Great Danbury Fair in CT. Full of fantasy and bewitching fun. Laurel and Hardy bring a magic to this film that should be seen by all. Buy it it is great for the kids and for the whole family

Average customer rating:

Not at all what I was expecting!!
My favorite Christmas movie
Pure Magic!
A Wonderful Christmas Tradition
love the theme!

The Nutcracker Prince
Starring: Kiefer Sutherland , Megan Follows , Mike MacDonald , Peter O'Toole , and Phyllis Diller
Director: Paul Schibli
Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002VEP08
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Amaaon.com

This animated version of the Christmas classic is more about combat than dancing, which will make it appealing to boys leery of a female protagonist. When Clara (voiced by Megan Follows) is delighted with his gift of a nutcracker on Christmas Eve, toy maker Drosselmeier is inspired. He tells the tale of how his nephew rescued a princess and was promised her hand when the evil Mouse King turned him into the nutcracker, making him a prince only among dolls. That night, Clara has fitful dreams about the battles between the Nutcracker Prince (Kiefer Sutherland), backed by his legion of toy soldiers (including a commander voiced by Peter O'Toole), and the enormous mouse and his minions. When the prince is finally victorious, he invites her to come to his doll kingdom. A dream-conjured Drosselmeier obligingly shrinks her and she climbs through her dollhouse castle door into a world of flying swans, sugarplums, and ballerinas. This 68-minute movie based on E.T.A. Hoffman's book The Nutcracker and the Mouse King will interest ages 2 through about 10. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Customer Reviews:

Not at all what I was expecting!!.......2006-12-22

I purchased this DVD based on all the positive reviews, however after viewing it, I was extremely disappointed.

I watched this movie with my two-year old son and my four-year old daughter. The movie starts out simple enough w/Clara and Fritz heading home to the party. However, the storyline vears off from the original ballet version when Drosselmyer begins to explain to Clara how his nephew became the Nutcracker. It takes the viewer into a mini-subplot about a king (who is rather rude) and his Queen (whom I assume is supposed to resemble Mother Ginger?). I found this part of the storyline to be annoying and unnecessary. My daughter (who has seen the ballet version of the Nutcracker) kept looking at me confused wondering who these characters were (since they are not part of the ballet version).

Then my two-year old basically jumped into my lap when the Queen Rat's son (very ugly and mean looking) came back to life after it appeared to be dead. I am fully aware of the battle between the mice and the soldiers and expected a certain amount of violence. However, when the camera zooms in closely on what appears to be a dead rat and then the rat jumps up and roars w/it's ugly face, I don't find that appropriate for small children. Talk about causing nightmares!

My daughter was also very disappointed that there was no Land of Sweets (this movie has Land of Dolls) and that the "best part" was missing (performances by foreign countries -- China, Arabia, Russia, etc.).

This movie was a huge disappointment!!!! Not recommended if you're looking for the ballet storyline.

My favorite Christmas movie.......2006-12-07

I had been looking for this movie for years. I used to watch this every year on HBO and couldn't remember the name of it. When I searched for the nutcracker I thought I would never find it but here it is. This is a great version of the nutcracker. I would recommend it as a family holiday tradition movie.

Pure Magic!.......2006-11-28

A film which has surpassed the test of time is the only way I can describe 'The Nutcracker Prince.' A true Christmas classic with stunning animation, a wonderful story and beautiful music and songs. It's also appealing to both genders and people of many ages. It features action for the boys and romance for the girls with everything else in between. The tale of how the Nutcracker 'came to look the way he does' is filled with humour but like the whole film leaves you with a feeling of compassion for the poor nutcracker and as it turns out poor Clara. The film has a perfect balance of both sentimental moments of sadness matched with moments of absolute joy and an ending that will please all.

Moments to watch out for include:
Clara's dance and song with the Nutcracker (my favourite scene in the film), the scene where Marie (the typical teen doll) struts her stuff and sends a mouse catapulting through the air, Marie's entrance into The Land Of The Dolls, Clara and the Nutcracker's ballet dance in The Land Of The Dolls and Clara's final emotional battle against the Mouse King (that's right the girl even gets to fight on her own behalf for once).

Overall the film has many wonderful morals for children of all ages. From lessons of courage and self-sacrifice to accepting ones self and accepting the changes that come with growing up, 'The Nutcracker Prince' is a masterpiece that deserves to be nurtured and appreciated; watched time and time again.

A Wonderful Christmas Tradition.......2006-10-21

I found this movie, the VHS version, when I was in high school...and I still love to watch it every Christmas! It is such a sweet movie, and I love the music. I never knew the words to "The Nutcracker Suite", until this movie.

This movie is entertaining for ALL ages, and it will fast become a wonderful Christmas tradition once you see it. I'm SO glad that they finally have it out on DVD!! Can't wait to get mine!

love the theme!.......2005-12-13

My kids enjoyed this movie - a cartoon.
I enjoyed the music - especially the Theme from the Nutcracker Prince, "Always Come Back To You."
Does ANYONE know where I can find the soundrack, or just that song?
Thanks

Average customer rating:

Inferior DVD presentation, there are better copies out there.
Very good, maybe neccessary
March of the Wooden Soldiers
Good Experience
A great Holiday Movie Classic

March of the Wooden Soldiers
Starring: Richard Alexander , Frank Austin , Billy Bletcher , Henry Brandon , and Baldwin Cooke
Director: Charley Rogers , and Meins, Gus
Manufacturer: PASSPORT VIDEO
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0000DJYPN
Release Date: 2003-12-09

Amazon.com

Description

Also known as Babes In Toyland, this 1934 classic stars Laurel and Hardy as Stanley Dum and Ollie Dee, who do their bumbling best to help poor Little Bo Beep (Charlotte Henry who, a year earlier, played the title role in the all-star Alice in Wonderland) escape the evil clutches of Barnaby (a truly frightening Henry Brandon) and his band of Boogeymen.

Also included is a special bonus: The rare 1921 silent short A Lucky Dog, which marked the very first joint appearance of Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy

Customer Reviews:

Inferior DVD presentation, there are better copies out there........2007-07-13

Skip this version, there is a better RESTORED version that offers the film in both B&W & Colorized versions:

March of the Wooden Soldiers

See the excellent reviews about that restoration.

Very good, maybe neccessary.......2007-06-08

March of the Wooden Soldiers.......2007-03-21

Just as I expected it would be. Great find!

Good Experience.......2007-03-09

The delivery of the merchandise was timely the picture clarity and product is excellent for a classic DVD. The overall experience was great!!!

A great Holiday Movie Classic.......2007-02-27

Average customer rating:

Possibly the "Worst" Film Ever Made -- But How Can I Hate This One?
Wacky, smart and funny Christmas fun
Santa Claus failed to conquer - no DVD was in the case!
The title is a giveaway
Brilliantly Dumb Christmas Movie

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
Starring: John Call , Leonard Hicks , Vincent Beck , Bill McCutcheon , and Victor Stiles
Director: Nicholas Webster
Manufacturer: Delta
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ASIN: B00008G7EG
Release Date: 2002-09-17

Description

The children of Mars are depressed and no one seems to know why. When Martian leaders go to see their most ancient wise man, he tells them that the children of Mars need the joy of Christmas... and Santa Claus!

Customer Reviews:

Possibly the "Worst" Film Ever Made -- But How Can I Hate This One?.......2007-08-21

If you say "Santa Clause Conquers Martians" is the worst film ever made, I won't disagree. I think I have recently seen much worse (and more costly) films coming from Hollywood (how about "Son of the Mask"?), but I am sure that even kids would find "SCCM" stunningly terrible with its wooden acting, impossible plot and incredible dialogues (a girl says to a Martian with antennae in his head: "Are you a television set?") and the cheaply set obviously made from cardboard.

For some die-hard filmgoers, certain "bad" films become good because of their badness, but I seriously doubt "Santa" would be one of them. I enjoyed watching it - its robot, miniature spaceship and fearful "Polar bear" - they all look cheap, and kind of fun to be sure, but the film's pace is very slack. The "joy" of watching silly things like a bargain-basement robot moving awkwardly (and suddenly forgotten in the middle of the plot) soon evaporates because of the poor, really poor direction.

[PIA ZADRA] But I couldn't hate the film for ... how can I? Pia Zadra (her debut, with her face painted green) appears as "Girmar" ("Girl" + "Martian"), who keeps watching television (or intergalactic TV from Earth). Concerned daddy Kimar insists that kids on the Mars needs Santa Claus, travels to the Earth and kidnaps him from his workshop. It's family and love!

Oh, and the story. "Santa Clause Conquers Martians" - this silly title tells you all, you may think. Well, it surely conveys to us the film's utter silliness, but not exactly the content. Actually, in this film Santa (or Santy Claus as the film calls him) does not "conquer" the Mars and its green-faced residents. As I said, he is only abducted by them (together with two earthling kids Billy and Betty); Santa in fact "conquers" the Martians with toys, humor and his routine Ho-ho-ho! Here is a film waiting to be remade by Tim Burton.

But seriously, the most charming part is that Martians here are mostly kind and gentle, not ferocious, brutal and ruthless killers of H. G. Wells. The leader Kimar strictly forbids destroying anything and anybody and sticks to his principle to the end. Considering the time it was made (it was 1964), maybe we shouldn't make fun of its apparently silly story about the benevolent aliens "conquered" by Santa Claus and his toys.

Well, anyway, sit back and enjoy yourself. This is a "family picture" Ed Wood might have done.

Wacky, smart and funny Christmas fun.......2007-05-11

I know it's become hip to pan this film has one of the worst ever, but that is not the case. This humorous, good-natured film is a bizarre mix of Holiday movie with the sci-fi genre.... and it works. Sure the budget is low, the effects chintzy, but it captures and innocence and magic kids today need badly. Much like the Martian kids do in the movie.

Love this film, hope someday someone gives it a good remastering.

Santa Claus failed to conquer - no DVD was in the case!.......2007-02-27

We got the DVD wrapped as new, yet there was no DVD in the case. Luckily, Amazon did a great job sending us a replacement immediately, but it was upsetting that the PASSPORT VIDEO has such poor quality control....

The title is a giveaway.......2007-01-20

If you go by the title alone, you've got to say to yourself "This has got to be high camp". I can't imagine that anyone associated with this project thought for one minute that they were creating a classic. The sets, the costumes, the acting... all really cheesy. I did have fun watching the whole mess, though. My 10 year son and I watched it last year and laughed out loud all the way through. I guess I would only recommend this film to people who understand camp and would certainly not suggest that people who want a more traditional approach to Santa waste their time. For that, you might watch "Polar Express".

Brilliantly Dumb Christmas Movie.......2006-12-24

Yes Virginia there is such thing as brilliantly dumb. This movie has all the marks of B Movie. Awful acting, flimsy plot, stupid dialogue, crappy effects and cardboard costumes. Heh Heh just the way I like it. Look this movie isn't some cruddy senitmental box office busting Christmas movie it turns the formulaic Christmas movie story on its head. Instead Martians with green face paint and fake metal helmets kidnap two earth kids and Santa Clause and take them to Mars so that they can make space toys for Martian kids. That alone should make you buy the thing. Junk yes, Art yes!

Average customer rating:

Great childhood memories!!
The Tale From My Childhood:
Great family movie; poor reproduction
Overlooked Animated Classic.
Great Kids Movie

The Snow Queen
Starring: Louise Arthur , Lillian Buyeff , Sandra Dee , June Foray , and Tommy Kirk
Director: Bob Fisher , Phil Patton , and Alan Lipscott
Manufacturer: Westlake Ent. Group
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0006HU2X2
Release Date: 2004-10-01

Customer Reviews:

Great childhood memories!!.......2007-06-09

I was so excited to find this on DVD! This was one of my favorite films growing up and I never thought I'd get a chance to see it again. I hope I'm not naive in thinking that today's children would love it as much as I still do. I do some baby sitting for kids in the neighborhood and I thought I'd bring it with me the next time....hope the kids have fun with it!

If you're over 40 or 45, you may also remember this film. As I get older, I appreciate my childhood memories so much more. I remember going to the Village Theater with my best friend and seeing this on a Saturday matinee. Sweet, sweet memories! Sorry if it sounds hokey! :)

The Tale From My Childhood:.......2007-02-08

"Snezhnaya koroleva' (1957) aka "The Snow Queen" directed by Lev Atamanov is a beautiful animated movie of my childhood that I'd seen dozens times back in Moscow even before we had a color TV. It is creative, colorful, sometimes dramatic and intense, and always poetic and moving Russian adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale of voyages "The Snow Queen". Seeing it last night after such a long time together with my husband, we both agreed that this is one of the timeless classics. This story of the devoted heart of a little brave girl and the friendship and love which are above everything and are worth to fight for and to go to the end of the world, will never get old. Two best voices of Soviet stage and cinema participated in the narrating of "The Snow Queen", Maria Babanova - The Snow Queen and Yanina Zhejmo - Gerda. Zhejmo was absolutely charming as Cinderella in the Russian adaptation "Zolushka" (1947) which is also one of my all time favorites.

The film was released on DVD by the company "Films by Jove" with the original Russian soundtrack and English subtitles and is available from the company's site. Four more excellent films by Lev Atamanov are included on the DVD: "Golden Antelope", the Indian fairy tale and three short animations, "Bench", "Cyclist", and "Fence" adapted from the cartoons of Herluf Bidstrup, celebrated Danish artist, famous for his comics, humorous drawings, series of graphical anecdotes, and caricatures.

Great family movie; poor reproduction.......2006-11-03

This movie is a treasured memory from my childhood; along with The Grinch and It's a Wonderful Life, The Snow Queen was a Christmas TV staple until it just vanished. Finding it 30 years later was tough, but worth it. This Russian film is wonderful family viewing (although the sappy Art Linkletter intro is skippable), and you almost have to forgive the extremely poor quality of the print (which includes obivous missing chunks) and awful sound. Still, the story of the indomitable Gerda searching for her kidnapped brother rings as true as ever, and is also a welcome "girl empowerment" tale. Of course, it's harder to square the fact that the evil character is yet another dangerously cold woman ala almost every Disney baddie, but at least this one is drawn more along the lines of C.S. Lewis' queen. If you're willing to overlook the technical difficulties with this DVD, you'll find a wonderful story that has not faded with time.

Overlooked Animated Classic........2006-04-28

I have only recently discovered this animated classic and this DVD provided me with my first viewing. Westlake Entertainment has put together a good DVD release of `The Snow Queen', with an animated menu and scene selection as well as a quality cover.

The quality of the transfer is not great. However, this is to be expected considering the treatment that the public domain print would have received over the decades. The majority of the film is very dark and grainy and the soundtrack jumps occasionally. This serves to severely date the picture, making it appear much older than it is. However, this should not detract from the beauty of this animated feature. It is still very enjoyable to watch and can be appreciated by both adults and children.

The live action introduction with Art Linkletter could be considered by today's standards to be overly corny, but I believe it serves as an interesting example that gives viewers a look at how children's entertainment was presented almost 50 years ago.

This is a remarkable movie, with exceptional animation, great vocal performances and a wonderful soundtrack. I could only imagine how beautiful it would look with proper restoration.

Great Kids Movie.......2006-03-02

The Snow Queen was a favorite of my kids in the 70s. Now I've bought it for their kids. The grandkids ages 3 1/2-5 all love the movie.

Average customer rating:

My Boys Love this movie!! Buy it , so will you....
Babes in Toyland
My daughters favorite
Great for a 3 year old!

Babes In Toyland
Starring: Charles Nelson Reilly , Lacey Chabert , Joseph Ashton , Raphael Sbarge , and Cathy Cavadini
Director: Paul Sabella
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0002V7O6U
Release Date: 2004-11-02

Amazon.com

In this animated reworking of the 1961 movie, Mother Goose characters are pitted against the evil Barnaby, intent on preventing Toyland's factory from fulfilling Santa's order. This time it's the lamb-owning Mary, not the contrary Mary, who's intrigued with Tom, the Piper's son. The pair wants to save Mary's inherited factory, while the orphaned Jack and Jill seek to escape their uncle/jailer Barnaby. In a pop psychology twist, Barnaby wants Mary's factory, not Mary herself. His main beef is with the toys, because--it turns out--he never had any as a child. Pirate goons, an actual monkey wrench, and a forestful of goblins do their worst, but all ends well when Tom sics his newly invented larger-than-life toy soldiers with Inspector Gadget-like gizmos upon the villains. Christmas is saved, Mary and Tom envision their future, and many songs are sung by voice talents including the late Charles Nelson Reilly, as Humpty Dumpty. (Ages 3 and older)--Kimberly Heinrichs

Description

Everyone's favorite nursery-rhyme characters come magically and musically to life in this delightful animated adventure based on the classic holiday tale. Featuring the voices of James Belushi, LaceyChabert, Bronson Pinchot, Christopher Plummer and Charles Nelson Reilly, Babes in Toyland isa wonderful tune-filled tale that will delight the entire family time and again. It's two days before Christmas, and the Toyland Toy Factory has just received its biggest order ever. But theevil Barnaby, who doesn't believe in toys, has plans to shut the factory down and spoil the holidayfor everyone. Now it's up to Jack and Jill to stop Barnaby's plot and save Christmas!

Customer Reviews:

My Boys Love this movie!! Buy it , so will you...........2006-01-22

I have 3 boys 8,5, and 3 and this is a favorite with each of them as they grew up!! My little one is really nuts about this movie. I love the music and the catchy tunes. I am continually amazed by Christopher Plummer who is the voice of Barnaby... he is just one of the best. I grew up loving him in the Sound of Music and now his talent is being enjoyed by my boys. It takes a real talent to pull off the Barnaby character. Don't pass this up!!!!

Babes in Toyland.......2004-10-29

Some of the music written for the operetta by Victor Herbert
did not appear in this video, but I still liked it very much.
At least the stirring "March of the Toys" was included. Barnaby
was shown as he was-- a real meanie. It is odd that he forbade not only TOYS for Jack and Jill but locked them in the attic and would not let them eat! Was he THAT bad in the original oper-
etta?

My daughters favorite.......2002-02-24

My 2 1/2 yr old daughter LOVES this movie. She watched it so often at grandmas it broke. I found another copy and shes happy again. She likes Humpty Dumpty the best and the goblins also.... Thanks!!

Great for a 3 year old!.......1999-12-12

My 3 1/2 yr old has watched this over and over. She loves Tom the Piper's son, and Mary (of little lamb fame). She also loves the music. The bad guys are not too scary for a three year old (at least not mine).

Average customer rating:

Another Rankin/Bass Christmas Classic
love the chrisi cartoons
Rudolph & Frosty
Frosty gets puppet-animated. Rudolph gets tricked. Children get confused.
A lovely film indeed!

Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July
Starring: Red Buttons , Ethel Merman , Mickey Rooney , Alan Sues , and Jackie Vernon (II)
Director: Arthur Rankin Jr. , and Jules Bass
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B0002M5U6A
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Description

Long, long ago, the North Pole was ruled by the good fairy Lady Boreal and her enemy was the wicked wizard Winterbolt. To protect Santa Claus from Winterbolt's foggy fury, Lady Boreal grants Rudolph the Reindeer a magical, glowing nose. Years later, Rudolph and his friend Frosty the Snowman are called on to save a needy circus at a special 4th of July benefit. But their big-top act turns to big-time trouble when Winterbolt appears -- with a plan to steal Frosty's magic hat and extinguish Rudolph's legendary nose! Brought to shing Animagic life with the voices of Mickey Rooney, Ethel Merman, Red Buttons and Shelley Winters, this feature-length fable is a must-see for all seasons.

Year: 1979 Directors: Arthur Rankin, Jr., and Jules Bass

Customer Reviews:

Another Rankin/Bass Christmas Classic.......2007-07-02

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.

love the chrisi cartoons.......2007-01-15

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.

Rudolph & Frosty.......2006-02-24

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

Frosty gets puppet-animated. Rudolph gets tricked. Children get confused........2005-12-30

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!

A lovely film indeed!.......2005-12-05

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.

Brilliant But Cancelled - Crime Dramas (Delvecchio/ Gideon Oliver/ Johnny Staccato/ Touching Evil)

Average customer rating:

Great Idea, great concept -bad copies
Another Poor Quality Universal Release

Brilliant But Cancelled - Crime Dramas (Delvecchio/ Gideon Oliver/ Johnny Staccato/ Touching Evil)
Starring: Judd Hirsch , Charles Haid , Michael Conrad , George Wyner , and Mario Gallo
Director: Jerry London , Walter Doniger , Lou Antonio , Ivan Nagy , and Robert Markowitz
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000EUMMYI
Release Date: 2006-05-23

Amazon.com

On Universal's Brilliant But Cancelled: Crime Dramas, whodunit fans get a chance to relive classic episodes of four critically acclaimed but short-lived series: Johnny Staccato, Delvecchio, Gideon Oliver, and Touching Evil. Spanning decades of television, the DVD's highlight is Johnny Staccato. Starring John Cassavetes in the title role, the episode (ca. 1959) stands up surprisingly well in modern times. Cassavetes is so suave and cool that no one would doubt his ability to play a jazz musician who happens to solve crimes at night. Each of the episodes has its own merits--Judd Hirsch is appropriately intense in Steven Bochco's Delvecchio, Louis Gossett Jr. is charmingly brilliant as an anthropology professor/sleuth in Gideon Oliver, and the elite crime fighters in Touching Evil could give anyone on Law & Order a run for their money. But the problem with this concept is that aside from the crime-solving element, the shows don't flow well from one to the next and ultimately leaves the viewer wanting to see more than just one episode from each show. --Jae-Ha Kim

Description

See the shows that were cancelled before their time with four gripping crime drama episodes in the Brilliant But Cancelled(r) collection. From the producers who would go on to make the television sensations Hill Street Blues, Columbo and Law & Order come these intelligent series that span over forty years of television.

Customer Reviews:

Great Idea, great concept -bad copies.......2006-06-18

Universal television is guilty as in many other studios of releasing one season sets of old shows with limited scope-if they dont sell, there is never a season two released

From Home Media retailing article, Unfinished Business by JESSICA WOLF "Others fared a little better, but were still left by the wayside. Universal Studios Home Entertainment last year released Airwolf: Season One, and it sold nearly 20% of the units of Universal's top TV DVD release for the year, Miami Vice: Season One"

I had hope for this four show one disk special,Brilliant But Cancelled - Crime Dramas . However it seem shoddy release at best, which isnt a good sign. The two of the episodes on this collection are blurred. If you are going to sell a DVD, clean the master copy before copying. There are so many print bubbles on the Johnny Staccato...however the acting is good! The Delvecchio has no opening credits and the copy seems ill fitted for the TV, such as it was miscopied. Touching Evil episode seems as it they just picked an episode from the middle of the bunch, it was more confusing without a backstory.

The Gideon Oliver copy was great but slightly trimmed. However the show lasted ONLY eight 75 mins episode and produced by Law And Order's Dick Wolf. C'mon Universal, you should have gave this an own box set (it was part of the failed mystery movie wheel ABC tried ten years ago-I want a Burt Reynold's B.L. Striker Box set NOW)

Again from the article--"Completists, take note: Not every TV series that begins rolling out on DVD will finish its run. Maybe a first-season set doesn't sell enough copies, or maybe the sales dropoff for the second season is so great that the release door is promptly slammed shut. "

Maybe Universal take heed, You also have many pilots of shows that never made it to series and are sitting on your shelf(as do others like warner Bros, Paramount, etc) with name talent that never made it to series. Gather up a 4-6 episode collection of these with clean masters and put those out. That would be a great Brilliant But Cancelled : The Pilots DVD. I could see that an on going series for your company

I can't say this DVD is a credit with the bad workmanship this has

Bennet Pomerantz, AUDIOWORLD

Another Poor Quality Universal Release.......2006-05-24

Universal probably has the greatest archive of classic television programs compared to any other studio. And sadly, no single studio has more consistently turned out poor quality releases of those programs on DVD, with their consistently defective double sided DVD-18 discs, not to mention shamefully abandoning many titles after just releasing one season (Dragnet, Adam-12, Kojak, Hardy Boys to name but a few).

The "Brilliant But Cancelled-Crime Dramas" DVD, ostensibly Universal's opportunity to show off some high quality project of theirs that let's us see premiere episodes of certain short-lived programs, sadly falls into the same category. While the premiere episode of "Johnny Stacatto" with John Cassavetes is presented in great quality and uncut, the premiere episode of "Delvecchio" (a 1976 drama with Judd Hirsch) fails on three levels. (1) The episode is taken from what looks like a 16mm print, dark and fuzzy (2) the episode is clearly a cut syndicated print of the kind used on A+E in the early 90s as the episode running time is a mere 45 minutes when 48-50 was the norm in those days and (3) there are NO OPENING TITLES OR CREDITS! Instead the episode starts cold with the episode title and the guest cast so the uninitiated has no idea who stars in the program and who the supporting cast consists of.

Jeers again to Universal for another sad and shoddy chapter in their ongoing history of bad quality TV on DVD releases.

Average customer rating:

Possibly the "Worst" Film Ever Made -- But How Can I Hate This One?
Wacky, smart and funny Christmas fun
Santa Claus failed to conquer - no DVD was in the case!
The title is a giveaway
Brilliantly Dumb Christmas Movie

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
Starring: John Call , Leonard Hicks , Vincent Beck , Bill McCutcheon , and Victor Stiles
Director: Nicholas Webster
Manufacturer: Alpha Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Classic Sci-Fi | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Alien Invasion | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Aliens | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Science Fiction | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Kids & Family | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0002W4U9I
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Customer Reviews:

Possibly the "Worst" Film Ever Made -- But How Can I Hate This One?.......2007-08-21

Wacky, smart and funny Christmas fun.......2007-05-11

Santa Claus failed to conquer - no DVD was in the case!.......2007-02-27

The title is a giveaway.......2007-01-20

Brilliantly Dumb Christmas Movie.......2006-12-24

Average customer rating:

Cheese please
Why Are You Reading This?
Hang up that mistletoe
The best version on DVD.

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians
Starring: Vincent Beck , James Cahill , John Call , Donna Conforti , and Josip Elic
Director: Nicholas Webster
Manufacturer: Woodhaven Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Science Fiction | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Classic Sci-Fi | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Alien Invasion | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

Aliens | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Kids & Family | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

ASIN: B0002JP32Y
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Customer Reviews:

Cheese please.......2006-07-11

As a child, I was chilled by the television commercials for this movie - the dark, snowy scenes of the robot lurking around the arctic, stalking the children; and aliens! In the theater, I remember having a great time with all the other kids in the audience: this movie had it all, as far as we were concerned - Santa Claus, Martians, a robot, toys, comic relief, spaceships - perfect for the children of the mid-1960s. It wasn't until many years later that I came to appreciate what I call "The Cheese Factor", i.e.: a movie made with minimal budget but with heart, something that kids will love and adults will roll their eyes. Today's children probably wouldn't give this move the time of day, which is a shame because they need an alternative to violent Anime-inspired cartoons and video games, and appreciate an effort that - while it has the look and feel of a glorified school play - is aimed for children of all ages who just want to have some fun and enjoy some silliness without worrying about whether "it's the bomb". This DVD preserves the "public domain" look; you feel like you are watching a FILM, complete with grain and scratches, as it should. Turn off the lights and transport yourself back to the big movie theater full of other kids, singing along to the title music (the lyrics, after all, are provided right there on the screen). The additions of the seasonal cartoon and Sherlock Holmes piece make it feel like the old "double feature and a cartoon" from days gone by. This DVD is a welcome respite from all the glossy high-tech films being cranked out today. No matter what your physical age, as long as there is an eight-year old lurking inside you who still puts out cookies and milk for Santa on December 24th, you will enjoy this DVD.

Why Are You Reading This?.......2006-01-26

There are some movies that you wonder why they were ever made. This movie is one of those. The Martians' children are glued to their television sets watching mind-numbing earth television (who knew!). The children won't eat, won't sleep. The solution? Go kidnap Santa Claus to make the children happy.

One of the Martians, a friendly sort named Voldar (Vincent Beck), thinks they should be tougher on the children and he also has a propensity for wanting to kill just about everything in sight.

The heroes of the story are Billy (Victor Stiles) and Betty (Donna Conforti), who manage to keep one step ahead of Voldar, and are ultimately instrumental in saving Santa Claus.

The special effects are cheap and cheesy. The acting is generally awful. The dialogue sounds like something from a bad 50s television show. All this is the background for Pia Zadora's movie debut. As bad as this movie is, I think I have now watched it twice, and I will probably watch it again some time in the future (maybe), if for no other reason than to remind myself how bad it is. One proviso; as bad as this movie may be, somehow young children seem to enjoy it. I think only because Santa Claus is in it, and he overcomes the bad guys. Everyone else should consider what they are getting into before they buy this one.

Hang up that mistletoe .......2005-11-25

Soon you'll hear Ho! Ho! Ho!

It is the Christmas season on earth. The Martian children are in a funk and will not eat their chocolate cake pills. Kimar (Leonard Hicks) a concerned father and a leader of the council calls up on the old man of the cave. His diagnosis is that Mars Needs a Santa; so in the interest of the children of Mars Kimar sets out to pilfer Santa (John Call.) Opposed to this attempted attitude change on a planetary scale is the curmudgeon Voldar (Vincent Beck). You can not miss Voldar because he looks like a green Groucho Marks. To add to the pathos a couple of pint size hostages are also taken, Billy (Victor Stiles) and Betty (Donna Conforti).

Is this the end of Christmas as we know it?
What is Voldar's evil plan?
Are Billy & Betty doomed to drift around in space, or be captives of Mars forever?

Or is it just possible that Santa Claus Conquers the Martians?

The best version on DVD........2004-11-09

This DVD from Intermedia (Woodhaven), is the best version on DVD. The print quality used is much better that that used on other DVD's.

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