Santa Claus Is Coming to Town (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)First, let's clear up one fact, this is NOT Claymation.It is STOP MOTION animation. Claymation has figures made of clay that are filmed one frame at a time. Stop motion has 3 dimentional puppets that are animated one frame at a time like the Ray Harryhousen figures in King Kong, Jason and the Argonaughts etc. There is a vast differance in the techniques.
This fact aside, "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" is the very best of the wonderful Rankin/Bass specials. The designer for the series of holiday specials, Paul Coker, has done an exceptional job with these delightful wooden and plastic creations. We see Kris Kringle develope from a foundling baby to the Santa figure so well known today. Each stage of his development is wonderful. But then, each of the characters is designed and executed perfectly. Watch the delightful changes of the Winter Worlock from mean and evil to mellow and fun.
All the animation is smooth and precise giving the excellent illusion that these figures are actually alive.
The songs are excellent, from the familiar "Santa Claus is Coming To Town" to the lovely "My World Is Beginning Today" sung by Jessica, the future Mrs. Santa. (For some strange reason, this delightful song is often cut when this production is shown on TV, luckily it is included in the tape.)
The script couldn't be better giving explanations for most of the Santa legends such as how he got his name, how reindeer can fly, why he comes down chimneys and fills stockings. It can make a believer out of even Ebenezer Scrooge.
This has been my absolute favorite Christmas video since I first saw it many years ago on TV. It was one of the reasons I bought my first VCR so I could make a tape of it before it was commercially available. I even have an old LP recording of the complete show. So, do I recommend it, the answer is a resounding YES!!!!!

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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.

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Brian Setzer - Christmas Extravaganza (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)I saw the Brian Setzer Orchestra two years back when they did a Christmas show here in Wisconsin, and I'm seeing them this holiday season as well, so I figured this would be a great disc to buy. And was I ever right! This disc does a much better job of capturing the fun atmosphere and high energy music of the band than their previous DVD release did. The band sounds just as good as they do on both of their Christmas CD's, and watching the band mambers get into the music while playing it, makes it even more fun for the viewer. The highlight of the disc (and of their live show in general) is when they play the "Nutcracker Suite" for an encore. While often considered a "novelty" swing band, the Nutcracker really shows that all members of the band are world-class musicians first and foremost. It was good to see a few non-Christmas Setzer classics in the playlist, but "Rumble in Brighton" and "Fishnet Stockings" seem odd choices for a Christmas show. Overall, great Christmas fun for all viewers, and I highly recommend it!

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Filmed December 18, 2004 at L.A's sold-out Universal Amphitheatre, its is easily the best video presentation of the Brian Setzer Orchestra ever. A 1-hour-and-40-minute concert, plus behind the scenes b-roll footage, including a first-time look at Brian Setzer and his orchestrator composing a chart from scratch. Track Listings:Dig that Crazy Santa Claus, This Cat's On A Hot Tin Roof, Boogie Woogie Christmas, Dirty Boogie, Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Ride, Santa Claus is Back in Town, Caravan, Pipeline, Stray Cat Strut/You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch, Jump Jive An' Wail, Zat You Santa Claus?, Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!, Run Rudolph run, Gene & Eddie, Blue Christmas, Rat Pack Boogie, Fishnet Stockings, Rock This Town, Nutcracker Suite, Rumble in Brighton, Gettin' In the Mood.

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The Night Before Christmas: A Mouse Tale (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this for a toddler, but it is a movie for the whole family, no matter what age. It even teaches the mice about the First Christmas and the Holy Family. Make it a part of your holiday collection.

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Inspired by the world famous Christmas poem by Clement Clakr Moore, this animated tale centers around the Mouse family, who must find a new home during a cold winter.Mice siblings, Skip and Squeek, discover the wonder of Christmas when the Mouse family moves into a human family home.

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Arthur: Arthur's Perfect Christmas (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)We have watched this Arthur movie countless times. We celebrate Chanukah and enjoy watching Francine celebrate with her family...it is always a beautiful moment when the menorah is lit for everyone to see. You can be of any religious faith to enjoy this movie...the kids and I love it(and I'm 40!) We highly recommend it.

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Out of the Box - Happy Holidays (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)This video shows all different ways to celebrate--Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukah. It also demonstrates ways people can show they care during this festive season. It deals with the holidays in a positive and constructive manner to demonstrate what the true meaning of this time of year should be. My daughter loves it!

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John Denver - Montana Christmas Skies (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)BEING THE LAST CHRISTMAS SPECIAL JOHN DENVER MADE, I THANK GOD THIS HAS BEEN RAISED FROM THE ARCHIVES AND IS AVAILABLE TO THE CONSUMER. CLINT BLACK, KATHY MATTEA, AND PATTY LOVELESS MAKE GUEST APPEARANCES, AND MY CHILDREN LOVE IT. WITH JINGLE BELLS ON A SLEIGH RIDE AND INDIANS DANCING TO A POTTERS WHEEL. FOR THE FAN, YOUNG AT HEART AND THOSE WHO WANT A GREAT CHRISTMAS VIDEO FOR THEIR COLLECTION. THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST. MAY GOD BLESS YOU JOHN.

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Clint Black • Kathy Mattea • Patty Loveless Christmas For Cowboys • ’Til Santa’s Gone (I Just Can’t Wait) • Someday Soon • Christ Child’s Lullaby Wild Montana Skies • Potter’s Wheel • Grandma’s Feather Bed • Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer • Away In A Manger • Jingle Bells • I Want To Live • Feelings Of Love • A Change In The Air

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A Christmas Visitor (2002) Review

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(More customer reviews)Not only does this movie have great actors in it, but it also has a story line that will touch your heart. "A Christmas Visitor" is a story about a family struggling to deal with not only the death of their son who died in action in the Gulf War, but with the possibility of their daughter having brest cancer. The family has not celebrated Christmas ever since their son died because when the news about their son arrived, it was 2 days before Christmas, until a mysterious visitor arrives and tells them what the meaning of Christmas is all about. This movie will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. One minute you'll be overjoyed and the next, your feelings will be crushed by something so overwhelming in the movie. This movie will take you from the edge of your seat, into the lives and hearts of these characters and will show you how they are so devoted to their son that they will even give up a Christmas in order to preserve and keep the memories of their deceased son. This is a tearjerker especially when they show flashbacks of their son and his life, but if you are really into a great movie, I fully recommand it. You won't regret it. This movie will teach you about family and love in the face of ruin and sadness and it will show how love and faith can withstand anything.

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Item Name: A Christmas Visitor; Studio:Platinum Disc

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Take Me Home (2000) Review

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(More customer reviews)While it interesting to have some decent actors associated with this film, it is also very disheartening for any of Johns fans to see so many inaccuracies in this production. The songs are mostly all out of chronological order, and Chad Lowe trying to mime to Johns voice while "playing" unconvincing guitar, does not work. Kristen Davis does a nice job of portraying "Annie", but the film fails to capture the quality of John's music, or his deep commitment to the causes, that drove so much of his work. There is no attempt to analyse why his life became such a struggle for a man at the top of the world. If Hal Thau was indeed involved so deeply with this project, its a crying shame that so many of the production details were poorly researched. John was a highly intelligent and passionate man who spoke in Congress, and lobbyed politicians to help with his environment projects, but in this film he comes across as whinny and insipid - two things he was definately not.
The man deserved a better biopic of his fascinaing life than this tardy effort.

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Twice Upon a Christmas (2001) Review

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(More customer reviews)Around the holiday season, every TV channel seems to show yet another movie about somebody saving Christmas. Once Upon a Christmas / Twice Upon a Christmas has the benefit of being at least a bit original/different. In the film, Santa's two daughters, Kristin and Rudolpha, alternatively try to save and destroy Christmas. The movie doesn't focus so much on jolly St. Nick himself, but rather the naughty and very nice daughters.
However, this movie isn't going to make it into the holiday classics. The acting is decent, but not great. In fact, the movie seems to spend way too much time with Rudolpha, the evil sister/villain, whose acting was over the top, rather than developing the rest of the characters. Kristen Claus by contrast comes across as a bit too pure and kindly.
The film was made-for-TV, and definitely looks it. The production quality looks more like a late 1980s movie than something that came out only a few years ago. In fact, when I was watching it, I was sure it came out much earlier.
Other scenes were just flat out corny. The call to Donald Trump didn't really advance the story and wasn't particularly funny. The movie doesn't even use the real Donald. The ending came a bit too magically and suddenly (I don't want to spoil it, but you'll see what I mean).
If you like the The Santa Clause-type movies, you'll probably like Once Upon a Christmas / Twice Upon a Christmas. It's sweet, Christmas-y, etc. - just don't expect too much.

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Santa's first born daughter, Rudolfa, is secretly selling pieces of the North Pole, and plans to ruin Christmas and replace Santa's workshop with a brand new casino. But Santa's lost daughter Kristen returns to the North Pole with her two children who are desperate to save Christmas, and rebuild the shattered village.

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The Very First Noel (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)We just received this & watched it for the first time. It is amazingly well done!!! My 2-year-old son was mesmerized. Such a wonderful retelling of the true Christmas story. Contains lots of great detail & yet keeps a toddler's attention! Definitely something he can grow into as well over the years. One very cute thing is that the characters often quote the lines from familiar Christmas carols. ;) Excellent!!!!

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History’s beloved story of the Three Wise Men is now an all-new animated Christmas classic!From Exclaim Entertainment, home of the hit DVD series BOZ, The Green Bear Next Door™, comes The Very First Noel, a beautiful animated holiday special that will joyfully draw families together every Christmas for years to come.Join Melchior, one of the Three Wise Men, (voiced by Andy Griffith) as he narrates the story of his travels in search of a magnificent star pointing him to a newborn King.It’s the journey of a lifetime

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The Dog Who Saved Christmas (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)This movie is a good hearted family sit down with a bowl of popcorn and relax movie.The family wants to take in a great dog for Christmas but the mother is not into having a dog.So the father goes to the pound looking for a dog when he spots Zeus,a former K-9 unit dog,who was picked up as a stray.The family falls for Zeus instantly,but the mother has problems with him being there.When the family decides to go to Grandmas house for Christmaas Eve ,Burgulars decide to break in and rob them,but Zeus has to remember what made him a great K-9 dog and bring it up from inside.In the end Zeus capture the Burgulars,but not before having a little whimsical humor with them.Andrean Barbeou,guest as the cat lady.Dean Cain is one of the Burgulars along with Joey Cool.Very humorous,includes bloopers at end of movie.

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The Bannister family\'s new addition, Zeus (voiced by Mario Lopez) a former K-9 police hero, appears to be less than the dependable guard dog the family needs. However, when two burglars (led by Dean Cain) set out to break into the Bannister\'s home while they\'re away for Christmas, Zeus seizes the chance to be a hero, proving every dog – even this one – has his day.

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Bill and Gloria Gaither: Homecoming Christmas (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is one of the better videos. I love the footage about the kids in South Africa. I would recommend this video for any Gospel Music Nut.

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BRAND NEW, Factory Sealed items direct from the Studios. 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee. Quick International Airmail!

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Snowglobe (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)Originally aired in 2007 as a tv movie on ABC Family's "25 Days of Christmas" package, Christina Milian stars as a harried single woman living in the same apartment building as her overbearing Italian mother, played by the Soprano's shrink Lorraine Bracco. Christina works at her mother's deli as well, and fantasizes about escaping to the perfect community. A package arrives for her that contains a mysterious snowglobe. One night after her family tries to take over her apartment, even trying to force her to move to a smaller apartment in the building, she retreats to her bedroom to study her newfound toy. She shakes it, and is magically transported to a "perfect" place, where everyday is preparing for Christmas. But soon she begins to realize it's not so perfect after all, though nothing sinister is going on. Then her friend in this fantasy land manages to come through to her world, and the misadventures begin. Along the way, she realizes her life isn't so bad after all, and her boyfriend in real life might just be Mr. Right.
Although children under 10 might not understand Christina's adult problems, it should be suitable for all family members.

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Angela (Christina Milian) always wanted the perfect Christmas. But for her, anywhere is better than home for the holidays. When she receives an antique snow globe as a gift, it shakes up her life and transports her to a magical world where it s always Christmas. Now, she ll have to choose between the man of her dreams and the one she never imagined possible. It s a new kind of holiday romance!StarringChristina Milian and Lorraine BraccoSPECIALFEATURES: Cast Interviews! Film Trailers of ABC Family s Original Movies: Holiday in Handcuffs and Snow Sneak Peek Trailer of ABC Family s 25 Days of Christmas Holiday Event!

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Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa (2008) Review

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(More customer reviews)Synopsis: Kermit, Pepe, Miss. Piggy, Gonzo, Fozzy, and the rest of the Muppet crew go to the post office to deliver letters to Santa. While there, some mishaps occur and Gonzo forgets to deliver 3 letters. The gang has to find a way to get the letters to Santa and help him fulfill the Christmas wishes.
Review: I am a big fan of the Muppets, but this film was more boring than magical. The sad thing is that the concept has potential: letters to Santa are accidentally left out of the mail and the Muppet gang has to first deliver them to Santa and then help Santa fulfill the wishes.
The problem is this: the film wastes time in the letter delivery process. At the 30 minute mark of the 44 minute feature, Kermit, Gonzo, Fozzy, and Pepe are just arriving at the North Pole. The film spends less than a minute there-- with a beautiful exterior that goes to waste. We meet 1 elf, and never venture inside. Then, it's back to delivering the letters again, and the viewers finally see Santa 10 minutes before the film ends-- rushing the meat of the story: giving Santa the letters and making wishes come true.
If the writers had been more intelligent, they would have spent only 10 minutes on delivery and the journey to the North Pole. The other 34 minutes then could have been spent in hijinks at Santa's Workshop (instead of the Post Office) and going from house to house making 3 or 4 special children's wishes come true.
You might be better off re-watching The Muppet Christmas Carol - Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition, A Muppet Family Christmas, or even It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie (which parodies It's a Wonderful Life). All 3 are gems.
[...].

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Celebrate the season will all your favorite Muppets in this heartwarming and hilarious holiday movie. Whoopi Goldberg, Uma Thurman, Nathan Lane and other sensational guest stars join our friends on a fun-filled Christmas adventure full of sidesplitting laughs and memorable music. When Gonzo forgets to mail three letters to Santa, he convinces Kermit and the gang to help him deliver the notes to the North Pole. Along the way, they discover that Christmas is the time to be with those you care about most, as they dash home to make a friend's Christmas wish come true. Bursting with bonus material and never-before-seen footage, A MUPPETS CHRISTMAS: LETTERS TO SANTA is hours of holiday fun for the entire family!

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Dora the Explorer: Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure (2009) Review

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(More customer reviews)I must admit that I am usually not the first to review a Dora DVD, mainly because I find her usual format a little boring and repetitive. However, this one intrigued me because Dora was attmpting something she never had before: time travel. And, seeing as how "A Christmas Carol" is one of my favorite stories, I decided to check this out. I was pleased to discover that the creators had raised the bar considerable for this holiday outing.
As we join Dora and her friends for their Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) bash, Swiper arrives to do what he does best: take everything away. Santa arrives to stop him--and also to tell him he's landed himself on the naughty list. Dora, moved by Swiper's plight, offers to get him back on Santa's good side. Using magical "travel capes" they journey into the past and future to see if Swiper can learn the true meaning of Christmas. Will they succeed, or will Swiper remain presentless?
What I like about this episode is that it breaks from the traditional Dora mold. For example, Map does not plot the route that Dora must take (though he does help in another way during the journey), and they don't repeat the same thing incessantly. For fans of Dora these things might or might not be a turn-off, but if your preschooler can take a change of pace, they will find the most well-crafted Dora special I've seen in a long time. It's definitely a DVD to look at.


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When Swiper tries to swipe the Christmas Star from Dora\'s Nochebuena Party, he lands on Santa\'s naughty list. To get back on the nice list, Dora must help Swiper travel to the past, the present, and the future to discover the true spirit of Christmas. Will you help too? Filled with original songs and exclusive extra scenes, this all-new Christmas special, exclusive to DVD, will become a holiday favorite for the whole family!

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Christmas Do-Over (2006) Review

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(More customer reviews)My family LOVES this movie! It's the first one we choose at the start of the Christmas season. I really don't understand the negative reviews. It's clean, funny, and in a beautiful setting. It's made for TV (abc family), which we like because there is more of a chance we can all watch together (parents in 40's, 10-yr-old son, and grandmother). I will admit, the DVD version is slightly different from the TV version (we liked the TV one better), but it didn't stop us from buying a copy. Give it a chance!

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CHRISTMAS DO OVER - DVD Movie

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Sissel: Northern Lights (2007) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is a seasonal concert marking the arrival of winter. It isn't really a Christmas celebration. For the latter, you should get the companion DVD, "Christmas with Sissel and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square". This particular programme was staged for America's PBS in yet another valiant attempt by Norway's singing sensation to carve herself a place on America's crowded musical stage. The programme was filmed in the Norwegian mountain town of Røros, currently listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sissel sings in the local church where the audience can be seen sitting quietly in the pews. It is generally subdued in tone, quietly reflective and peaceful. Most of the songs are tied to the season or are hymns with a spiritual or religious bent.
Most of the songs are in English, including several penned by Sissel herself. My favourite amongst her own compositions is "Sarah's Song" a lullaby she wrote for her youngest daughter. "Like an Angel Passing Through My Room" is another exquisite song about a mother contemplating her child growing up and leaving. I especially loved the line "Love is one prolonged goodbye." Now who says Andersson & Ulvaeus couldn't write good lyrics.
Like most of Sissel's output, this is a wide ranging mix of semi-classical, folk, traditional and pop music in languages ranging from English, Norwegian, Danish, Italian and Latin. Sadly it is an extremely short concert. The entire DVD including the 2 bonus tracks and the slideshow of her trip, lasts barely 65min in all. Still, with 17 songs in total, it is packed with lovely music and absolutely gorgeous singing. I adored the Norwegian Christmas hymn "Mitt Hjerte Altid Vanker" (My Heart Always Wanders/To the Stable Where Jesus Was Born). I especially enjoyed the Danish folksong "Der Er Ingenting I Verden Så Stille Som Sne" rhapsodising on the quiet stillness of snow. Sadly the lovely Swedish Christmas hymn "Koppangen" is not included on this DVD. It can only be found on the "Northern Lights" audio CD sold separately. Sissel is as shrewd a businesswoman as she is a gifted artist. My hat off to her.
Jose Carreras sings two numbers here. First a solo, "Amore Perduto," an Italian song set to Albinoni's/Giazotto's famous Adagio for Strings and Organ. Then a pop duet with Sissel "Quando Sento Che Mi Ami" where he sings in Italian and she replies in English. Carreras' duet highlights something you don't usually notice about Sissel; just how tall she actually is in real life - she towers over him; a stunningly statuesque example of Viking womanhood.
Through most of the songs Sissel is backed by the Trondheim Soloists and the Nidaros Cathedral's Girls' Choir. In their arrangement of Bach's famous "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring", Sissel sings the instrumental part along with the rest of the orchestra while the choir sings the actual chorale (in English). Two traditional English folksongs are included, "In the Bleak Midwinter" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen." I'm not too keen on the modern arrangements but Sissel can make anything sound beautiful. In the clearest sign that this was meant for the American TV audience, Sissel ends her concert with a folksong most Americans would be familiar with - "Going Home" (the rest of the world will know this as the Largo from Dvorák's New World Symphony).
The programme is shot and presented in 1.78:1 widescreen (anamorphic). Picture quality is fine for what is essentially a very subtly lit film, mostly church interiors and the dusky Norwegian landscape that presages the imminent arrival of winter. Sound is excellent but strangely only available as either 2.0 Stereo or 5.0 Dolby Digital Surround. No subwoofer channel. Make sure your main speakers are good enough to carry the lowermost notes of the double-basses and drums, of which there is a surprisingly large amount. An altogether enjoyable concert and well worth the price. For those wanting to watch it first before deciding on a purchase, PBS is scheduled to broadcast it during this 2007 Christmas season. You can check with their transmission schedule online.

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NORTHERN LIGHTS - DVD Movie

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