Rating: 
Summary: Great movies; terrible price
Review: Three 25-minute cartoons for over $...? I've longed for these films to come out on DVD, but the price is way out of line. Five stars for the actual films; they're classics we all love and remember. But save money and rent them or search for a VHS (the quality's the same in this case). It's a shame to see beloved children's programming with a good message fall victim to such blatant price gouging.
Rating: 
Summary: Three holiday classics together on DVD
Review: Three holiday classics come together in this Peanuts Holiday Collection DVD Gift Set. The features: "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown", "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving", and "A Charlie Brown Christmas". All three make their DVD debut indivdually and as part of this 3-disc set, which seems like one of the ideal gift ideas of the fall. The timeless Peanuts characters can now be seen in all their glory in this Paramount box set. All are fullframe, 1.0 mono sound releases, which juding from Paramount's track record, should receive pristine video transfers. Now that there are no new Peanuts comic strips, we can only rely on the old strips and TV specials like these to enlighten us with the unique and endearing wisdom and wit of Charles Schultz. Enjoy these classic tales with your families this holiday season.Also included on these discs are three lesser-known specials which are in some way related to the main title of the disc.
Rating:
Summary: Three holiday classics together on DVD
Review: Three holiday classics come together in this Peanuts Holiday Collection DVD Gift Set. The features: "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown", "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving", and "A Charlie Brown Christmas". All three make their DVD debut indivdually and as part of this 3-disc set, which seems like one of the ideal gift ideas of the fall. The timeless Peanuts characters can now be seen in all their glory in this Paramount box set. All are fullframe, 1.0 mono sound releases, which juding from Paramount's track record, should receive pristine video transfers. Now that there are no new Peanuts comic strips, we can only rely on the old strips and TV specials like these to enlighten us with the unique and endearing wisdom and wit of Charles Schultz. Enjoy these classic tales with your families this holiday season. Also included on these discs are three lesser-known specials which are in some way related to the main title of the disc.
Rating:
Summary: Happy Holidays, Charlie Brown!
Review: When Charles M. Schulz passed away, he left behind a legacy of joy beyond measure; through Charlie Brown and the whole Peanuts gang, he offered insights into human nature that rival that of Thackeray and Twain, and he did it simply and succinctly, through his endearing characters and his own personal generosity of spirit. And it's that spirit that is concisely captured in the "Peanuts Classic Holiday Collection," which features three of the most beloved of all of the animated versions of Schulz's creations: "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving," and "A Charlie Brown Christmas." A more perfect package could not have been assembled to more aptly illustrate the contributions and enrichment to our lives and to our world made by this consummate artist who through a comic strip managed to convey an unparalleled kind of down-to-earth wisdom and common sense. In "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," The whole gang is having a party, but will Charlie Brown finally get invited? Meanwhile, WWI flying ace Snoopy is off to do battle with the Red Baron, and Linus camps out in the pumpkin patch, adamantly awaiting the arrival of the Great Pumpkin, whom he is confident this night will be rising out of this very same pumpkin patch. This DVD also includes a bonus feature, "You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown." "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving" finds Charlie Brown in a quandary when Peppermint Patty invites herself and some friends to Thanksgiving at "Chuck's" house, and poor old Charlie Brown has nothing to serve them; and even if he did, he doesn't know how to cook! But, never fear, because Linus, Snoopy and Woodstock are on hand to bail him out and make it one of the most memorable Thanksgivings ever. The bonus feature included on this disc is "The Mayflower Voyagers," a retelling of the story of the Pilgrims, "Peanuts" style. The real jewel among the treasures of this collection, however, is without a doubt "A Charlie Brown Christmas," which premiered in 1965 and has since become a cherished classic in it's own right. Charlie Brown gets picked by Lucy to direct their Christmas play, but he runs into some trouble picking out a proper Christmas tree. And Snoopy gets caught up in the commercialism of the season by entering the neighborhood decorating contest, adorning his dog house with such an array of lights and trim that it just may have a chance at winning the grand prize. But the most memorable moment of the film belongs to Linus, when he takes the spotlight to explain in his own inimitable way what Christmas really means. it's poignant and heart-felt, a moment that remains touching no matter how many times you see it. It's beautifully expressed, and in it's simplicity speaks volumes about the things that really matter in our lives. This DVD also includes a bonus feature, "It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown." All three features are directed by Bill Melendez and feature an original score composed and performed by Vince Guaraldi. The cast includes the voices of Peter Robbins (Charlie Brown), Christopher Shea (Linus), Tracy Stratford (Lucy; Violet), Sally Dryer (Lucy), Karen Mendelson (Patty), Kathy Steinberg (Sally), Geoffrey Ornstein (Pig-pen), Chris Doran (Schroeder), Ann Altieri (Freida), Pamelyn Ferdin (Lucy) and Todd Barbee (Charlie Brown). "It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown," features the talents of Mindy Ann Martin, John Christian Graas, Jamie E. Smith, Marne Patterson, Matthew Slowik, Sean Mendelson, Lindsay Benmisk, Dianna Tello and Brittany Thornton. A fitting tribute to a man who gave us so much, the "Peanuts Classic Holiday Collection" features three stories that will find their way into the hearts of generation after generation, timeless tales filled with a humanity that gives them universal appeal. Warm and entertaining, these are films that can be seen over and over again without ever losing their charm or their magic. Charles M. Schulz may be gone, but he will never be forgotten. Happy Holidays, Charlie Brown!
Rating:
Summary: Positively Delightful!
Review: When I was a youngster, I used to look forward with great delight to the Peanuts holiday specials on TV. "Its the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" was one of those subtle signals that the holiday season--my favorite time of year--was approaching.
In recent years, it seems either the local stations aren't running these classics any more, or I keep missing them. How wonderful to have these timeless holiday specials available to watch at one's leisure! The DVDs are well mastered; the picture quality is very clear (quite remarkable considering that some of these films are 30 years old!), and the sound quality is good.
I would have loved to see some interviews with Charles Schultz included, but even without, these DVDs are a must-have for anyone who cherishes their childhood memories of that magical time of year from Halloween to Christmas.
Rating: 
Summary: No Features; Expensive; but Definately a Set to Cherish
Review: When this set first came out a few years ago, I was reluctant to buy it, secretly hoping that these three holiday classics would soon be re-released with special features. Well, I waited. And waited. And waited. And finally, out of complete desperation, I just bought it. Granted, none of the three main programs in the set are the greatest (I'm still waiting for the movies -- especially my favorite and the all-time greatest, Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown! -- and the masterfully done episodes from The Charlie Brown & Snoopy Show). And there aren't any extra features (unless you count the second episode on each disc). But it's a great way to get all three of the first wave of holiday releases at once. Even at $39, the box set is definately more expensive than if one were to purchase the DVD's individually. But if you search around, the set can easily be found for much cheaper. Heck -- if you don't find a better deal, just pay the $39. It's expensive, but definately a box set to cherish. Just please: don't pay the retail! It's not worth it.
Rating:
Summary: No Features; Expensive; but Definately a Set to Cherish
Review: When this set first came out a few years ago, I was reluctant to buy it, secretly hoping that these three holiday classics would soon be re-released with special features. Well, I waited. And waited. And waited. And finally, out of complete desperation, I just bought it. Granted, none of the three main programs in the set are the greatest (I'm still waiting for the movies -- especially my favorite and the all-time greatest, Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown! -- and the masterfully done episodes from The Charlie Brown & Snoopy Show). And there aren't any extra features (unless you count the second episode on each disc). But it's a great way to get all three of the first wave of holiday releases at once. Even at $39, the box set is definately more expensive than if one were to purchase the DVD's individually. But if you search around, the set can easily be found for much cheaper. Heck -- if you don't find a better deal, just pay the $39. It's expensive, but definately a box set to cherish. Just please: don't pay the retail! It's not worth it.
Rating:
Summary: A must have!
Review: While I can pass on the Thanksgiving episode, both "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" are must-haves in my video library. I would have liked to see the image quality brought up to today's standards, however it is still substantially improved over my old VHS tapes. Thank the Lord for Charles Schulz!
Rating:
Summary: The Best!
Review: You just can't get any better than Charlie Brown and the gang. Need I say more?
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