It wouldn’t be Christmas for me without the classic TV versions of Rudolph, Frosty and Santa Claus is coming to town. Back in the days before DVRs, my brother and I would sit eagerly awaiting the special nights that these holiday shows would be broadcast and race around during the commercial breaks so as not to miss a moment.
Now, Classic Media brings fans seven classic Christmas specials in one gift package in its “Original Christmas Classics” DVD collection. The headliners of this set are the three greatest Rankin/Bass Christmas TV specials of all-time: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty the Snowman, and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town! In addition to these, there is a second DVD with “The Little Drummer Boy”, “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol”, “Cricket on the Hearth”, and “Frosty Returns”.
Episode Summaries:
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Who’s got a nose for Christmas? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! Just in time for the holidays, here comes Rudolph in the most beloved special of all time! Packed with a sleigh full of memorable songs and unforgettable characters, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer lights up the hearts of young and old alike.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
Where does Santa’s suit come from? Why does he slide down the chimney? Why does he live at the North Pole? The answers to all these questions and the origins of our favorite holiday traditions are revealed in this delightful classic about Kris Kringle, the world’s most famous gift giver.
Frosty the Snowman
Look at Frosty Go! What’s become a bigger holiday tradition than building a snowman? Watching the original Christmas classic, Frosty the Snowman! Grab your scarf, bundle up, and get ready for the incredible adventure of a magical snowman who’s got enough personality to win over the whole family. You can’t go wrong with Frosty!
Frosty Returns
In the town of Beansboro, a mean, old man has invented an aerosol spray that can remove snow. This frightens Frosty, who enlists the help of Holly and her friend Charles to stop the villain.
Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol
Bah Humbug, Mr. Magoo! In this first-ever animated holiday TV special, the bumbling and loveable Mr. Magoo is Ebeneezer Scrooge in a hilarious and heartwarming musical retelling of Charles Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol”.
The Little Drummer Boy
This story has touched the hearts of families everywhere. In this holiday classic, the true spirit of Christmas is revealed when a lonely orphan stumbles upon the birth of the baby Jesus and affirms what the holidays are really about – giving and love. Featuring a beautiful soundtrack by the Vienna Boys’ Choir, this timeless tale of generosity makes the perfect addition to your holiday collection.
Cricket on the Hearth
A delightful, animated musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, Cricket on the Hearth, tells the story of a poor toymaker and his daughter whom a helpful Cricket named Crocket befriends on Christmas morning. When tragedy strikes the family, it’s Crocket who comes to the rescue and restores peace and happiness.
Our household favorite this year was Frosty the Snowman. My kids have fond memories of building snowmen last winter, and they were fascinated with the idea of a talking snowman that could possibly be saved from melting. Professor Hinkle, the magician that tries to steal Frosty’s hat thus melting him, was a little scary for my 3 and 5 year olds. I love that Jimmy Durante is the narrator for the story. His voice has so much more character than the neutral voiceovers or sicky sweet, high-pitched storytellers that seem to be the norm for children’s shows these days.
This DVD gift pack would make a wonderful gift if you are waning nostalgic like me, and want to share with an equally-aged friend or family member, or as a way to introduce our holiday history to the next generation.
You can buy at Amazon, the MSRP is $20 for the DVD and $34.49 (on sale at time of post) for the Blu-ray Box Set.
– That’s IT Mommy, Jill
