Amazon.com

This animated adaptation of Charles Dickens’s Christmas classic retains the essence of the timeless tale while introducing some fresh interpretations. A celebrity cast provides voices for the roles of Scrooge (Simon Callow), Marley (Nicolas Cage), and Belle (Kate Winslet), yet the beauty of the film flows from its artistic usage of CG technology, such as the “painted” scenery of Scrooge’s thoughts during his journey through Christmases Past, Present, and Future. The script honors the original story while proving that it is indeed possible to be moved to tears by a group of animated characters. Dickens purists may argue that few movie versions of A Christmas Carol can compete with Alastair Sim’s 1951 rendition, or George C. Scott’s 1984 remake, yet this film does not need to supplant, but rather complement, such predecessors. It is an especially good choice for young viewers who may find the black-and-white version too scary. (Ages 5 and older) –Lynn Gibson
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Spend the most wonderful time of the year with your favorite purple pal in this “dino-mite” Christmas classic. Join Barney and friends as they take a musical journey to the North Pole where they are greeted as special guests at Santa’s Workshop. With music in the air and presents everywhere, it’s a dream come true as Santa unveils his secret toys for this year’s Christmas. Watch in wonderment as Mrs. Claus takes the kids on an enchanted train ride through Santa’s Toy Factory. Then it’s off to a gift-wrapping party where everyone helps Santa put the finishing touches on this year’s presents. Give the gift of music and laughter in this classic collection of Christmas treats!

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Amazon.com Review
Mr. Willowby, the unwitting hero of this Christmas classic, looks quite a bit like the little mustachioed mascot from Monopoly. But as befits a Yuletide tale, this diminutive millionaire turns out to be a good bit more generous. The Christmas tree in question shows up at Mr. Willowby’s home by special order, aboard a big pink truck: “Full and fresh and glistening green–The biggest tree he had ever seen.” But it’s just a little too big, so he asks his butler, Baxter, to trim off the top few feet that brush up against the parlor ceiling. Baxter realizes that this snipped-off top would make a perfect little tree for “Miss Adelaide, Mr. Willowby’s upstairs maid.” But she, too, must clip off the top of her tree… which then ends up with Timm, the gardener. Timm’s trimming goes on to Barnaby Bear, the tippy-top of Barnaby’s tree ends up with Frisky Fox and family, and then Benjamin Rabbit finds the top few inches that Mrs. Fox snipped (more…)