Rating: 
Summary: WARNING: Not the Mel Smith Version
Review: For some inexplicable reason, this version of "Father Christmas" has William Dennis Hunt as the voice of Father Christmas instead of Mel Smith. In addition, the dialog has been Americanized (e.g. "chips" replaced with "fries") and the lyrics "another bloomin' Christmas" have been changed to "another merry Christmas". I'm glad I have the Mel Smith version on VHS.
Rating: 
Summary: The Snowman/Father Christmas Double Feature
Review: Grab some hot cocoa, a warm blanket and each other and snuggle up for this annual Christmas favorite! The Snowman / Father Christmas double feature DVD is great for families with children of all ages. Short but sweet, each of these shows are roughly 24 minutes in length, making them perfect for parents who don't want their kids parked in front of the tv for hours. The colored drawing effect of The Snowman will delight viewers while the relaxing soundtrack makes one forget there is no dialogue. Its simplicity nurtures the imagination. Father Christmas, narrated by none other than Santa himself, has a more modern cartoon feel to it but manages to bring the viewer back full circle to The Snowman with a scene borrowed from it called "Snowman's Party". Go along for the ride in Santa's flying camper as he vacations in France, Scotland and even Las Vegas! If you want a wholesome Christmas DVD that the whole family can enjoy year after year, you've found it. ENJOY!
Rating:
Summary: Must have for a classic Christmas
Review: Growing up watching The Snowman and Father Christmas, I never thought much of it. The past few Christmas' I haven't seen them and it just doesn't feel right. It's a definite must have for a classic Christmas feel. It makes you feel young again, reminding you of what being a kid at Christmas felt like.
Rating:
Summary: If you only buy one film ... The Snowman should be it!
Review: Having read hundreds of film critiques on Amazon (and understanding, of course, that opinions are only relative to the viewer)I feel compelled to finlly share words of praise for what I believe to be the most wonderful children's and family film ever produced. There is only one film in our collection that is watched all year long and always raved about by all who see it (including adults). The grand babies can't wait to get to Nana & Papa just to see The Snowman (even in the dog days of summer!). This delightful film even provoked conversation about Aurora Borealis, which they all have now learned about at such a young age! Raymond Briggs brought magic to the book and just when you thought that could not get any better, it was made into a film. What is so magical about this film is that a child's imagination is set free to explore the animated illustrations and soothing music WITHOUT any distraction from narration. Even adults are captivated as they sit quietly holding little ones, who have long since stopped moving and chattering when this film comes on. Undoubtedly, I believe this to be the very best children's film available. No violence, no distasteful language, nothing objectionable. How could there be ... only glorious music and beautiful illustrations come to life in a childs imagination. Even if you don't celebrate Christmas, this is the sweetest film you'll see. Our 3-generation family gives this film 5 big stars! P.S. We have watched the VHS version for years. Having not seen the new DVD version(which comes with the tag-along DVD) I cannot comment on the Father Christmas DVD. However, from all of the negative comments, it does not seem to be worth watching(?). However, for the price of this dual set - you can certainly toss Father Christmas if you don't like it and still be way ahead of the game with just the purchase of The Snowman (which I believe is now being offered on DVD for the first time ever!). What a shame it was not released as a single DVD. Hmmmm...maybe that was the only way to move Father Christmas?
Rating:
Summary: Great stories, but sketchy DVD
Review: I agree with the other reviewers on the excellence of the Snowman, and while it is grossly inferior, Father Christmas is still a nice feature to have in this double package.
I too had consistency problems with the DVD. Sometimes it loads fine and you see the true Root Menu, showing both story options, others it just displays Father Christmas. When this happens, I find that by re-inserting the DVD, the problem usually goes away.
Definitely a quality conrol issue here.
Rating: 
Summary: Half The DVD is Good
Review: I bought this DVD mainly for Father Christmas, as I had almost worn out my VHS version, taped off PBS years ago. As others have said, the version on this DVD is a travesty, with the gruff, but loveable Mel Smith's voice replaced by a much too benign voice that rather resembles Sebasitan Cabot's as Mr French from the old "Family Affair" show. This feature definitely got the "PC" treatment, as all Santa's witticisms were cut, and phrases like "happy bloomin' Christmas" were changed to "Merry Christmas". On the flip side, I was quite pleased with "The Snowman", which was a beautiful and haunting little film, with a fine musical score. If you get this DVD, get it ONLY for The Snowman. Don't even watch Father Christmas! What are you doing? I said don't watch it! Not even once! If you have a DVD player or computer capable of playing region 2 DVDs, you can order the British version and hear Mel Smith in all his bloomin' glory.
Rating:
Summary: Superb Christmas Classic
Review: I grew up with this film, (the Snowman) although Father Christmas has the same classy effect, the Snowman has the soundtrack and loveliness about it. The thing that strikes me about this film is that it's a silent film though I don't remember it that way; I put it down to the great use of sound effects. Anyhow, I would recommend this film to anyhow, especially as its Christmas time and in the great DVD format.
Rating:
Summary: Magical
Review: I had never seen "The Snowman," but took a chance on it because of the low price. Wow! I'm so glad I did. "The Snowman" is one of the most beautiful cartoons I've ever seen . . . In fact, the word "cartoon" doesn't do justice to this lovely film, which has the feel of a moving colored-pencil drawing. The music is whimsical and shimmering, and I sometimes play it without even watching the film. Even with the continuous music, the film has a silent feel to it because of the absence of dialogue. The only words are in the one lovely vocal song, "Walking in the Air," sung by a boy treble, haunting and beautiful. This has become one of my favorite holiday DVDs, and I'd recommend it to anyone who still finds magic in Christmas. (On the other hand, I can't recommend the DVD's second feature, "Father Christmas." It's irreverent and depressing, showing Father Christmas on vacation on a sunny beach; one of the most un-Christmasy things I've ever seen.)
Rating:
Summary: Magical
Review: I had never seen "The Snowman," but took a chance on it because of the low price. Wow! I'm so glad I did. "The Snowman" is one of the most beautiful cartoons I've ever seen . . . In fact, the word "cartoon" doesn't do justice to this lovely film, which has the feel of a moving colored-pencil drawing. The music is whimsical and shimmering, and I sometimes play it without even watching the film. Even with the continuous music, the film has a silent feel to it because of the absence of dialogue. The only words are in the one lovely vocal song, "Walking in the Air," sung by a boy treble, haunting and beautiful. This has become one of my favorite holiday DVDs, and I'd recommend it to anyone who still finds magic in Christmas. (On the other hand, I can't recommend the DVD's second feature, "Father Christmas." It's irreverent and depressing, showing Father Christmas on vacation on a sunny beach; one of the most un-Christmasy things I've ever seen.)
Rating:
Summary: Virginia viewer
Review: I have not even seen this DVD but am VERY familiar with
both animations. THE SNOWMAN IS WONDERFUL......Hands down.
If what they say about FATHER CHRISTMAS is true then it has
truly been RUINED. And I can not imagine how that was allowed
to happen or what idiot thought it up. Sometimes there is a
reason to still have firing squads.
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