The first best Christmas cartoon, as I opined last year, is "A Charlie Brown Christmas". That 1/2 hour show pretty much covers the entire gamut.Charlie Brown being depressed because of the over-commercialization of Christmas - makes you wonder how he would feel now that Christmas trees are becoming "Holiday" trees, and the terms "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Christmas" are being replaced with "Happy Holidays". But my favorite part of the show is Linus' speech in response to Charlie Brown yelling "But what is it all about", Linus dons his shepherd's headdress and replies:
And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid ... And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ, the Lord."
"And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men.
That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
I can't help it. It just touches me every time the show comes to that scene.
But on a lighter note, another terrific animated Christmas show is "Santa Vs The Snowman". With Jonathan Winters as Santa, this CGI animated short film was originally created in 3D for IMAX distribution. It is currently available on DVD (has both regular and 3D version on the DVD). The creators are DNA productions - some of you might be familiar with them, they also do Jimmy Neutron on Nickelodeon.
Some great scenes in this show. My favorite being where Santa parks his sleigh outside some little girls house, and clicks the keyfob in his hand and the sleigh gives of that little "beep boop" sound car alarms make when they are activated. I don't know why that cracks me up, but it just does. Also, for the Star Wars fans out there, a great battle scene where the Snowman has AT-AT style igloo walkers as he and his minions attack Santa's workshop.
I know it sounds kinda violent, but in reality it isn't. The whole thing is handled in such a way that there is no way it could be scary or bothering even to little ones. It is just too funny. And, of course, in the end Santa and the Snowman end up best friends.
2 comments:
MUST agree on the Chralie Brown Christmas, but I've never heard of Santa vs. the Snowman? Is this a show only those lucky enough for "Premium" cable get to watch? Just kidding, I'd love to see the little key fob scene, sounds funny! Merry Christmas!
I have never seen it on TV, we bought the DVD after I had seen it mentioned somewhere on the 'Net. If you have the opportunity though, it's well worth the money. Your kids will watch it 50 times each Christmas.
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