A Christmas Story (1983) -- Was there ever something you wanted so badly for Christmas you'd do just about anything to make sure "Santa" brought it to you? Then you'll dig the tale of the perils of a little boy who can't stand to be without a Red Ryder Carbine Action, 200 Shot, Range Model Air Rifle even one more day. He must fight the classic "You'll put your eye out!" parental decree. His solutions are innovative and could aid you in manipulating your loved ones this holidays. Also highly choice is that much of the story is told in a cleverly-written, insightful voice over. For all the lovingly careful deceptions his parents attempt to pull off during Christmas, this little kid sees it just exactly how it is...just like you and I did.
 

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer(1964) -- Does anyone remember the spinning CBS logo that used to come on before this special was aired every December. Yeah. "Good Times."

There's a lot of love for Rankin/Bass, the makers of so many great Christmas specials, in the room as I write this. Before writing this I took a look at my old VHS tape and then popped in the DVD and -- by golly -- even this "animagic" looks vastly improved by DVD. This disc also gives you the kind of extras both adults -- a look at creator Arthur Rankin -- and kids -- an interactive Rudolph trivia game -- will really dig. They also now make a gorgeous set of ornaments modeled after the original characters -- thanks to my wonderful boyfriend I have a Charlie-In-The-Box on the tree - which you should be able to find at toy stores as well as Target if a whole crew of those bastards who buy toys and then never take them out of the box haven't gotten there first.

If you're looking to pick up a lot of titles by these creators you may want to know Sony Wonder has also just come out with a Rankin/Bass box set which includes: Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and several other titles.
 

Frosty the Snowman (1969) -- Another classic by the Rankin/Bass dynamic duo of animation. This one -- while also classic -- doesn't have that amazing fuzzy-furred sort of look achieved in Rudolph but that doesn't mean it isn't just as groovy. This is the tale of a benevolent snowman created from Christmas snow and the evil magician who wants to thwart his joy. Strangely, this sounds like much of life in Los Angeles. But again, another spectacular-looking version of a classic is here on DVD. The disc is obviously put together with both kids and adults in mind. Take a look at the "Animator's Original Pencil Test From Frosty" and let us know what you think. Frosty is available on his own or as part of a Rankin/Bass box set from Sony Wonder.
 

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) -- A little round-headed boy fights holiday commercialism by buying the most unfortunate Christmas tree he can find and turns into a real gem with the help of his friends. At least, that's the way I see this story. Charlie Brown is not just a postmodern warrior against the crass deterioration of genuine values and esteemed virtues in our culture. He's a prophet of things to come: soon we'll all see it's not about buying the most showy tree...it's about loving the one you've got. With a DVD that looks stellar, classic animation and story and a wonderful score, you truly can't go wrong here. Charlie now has his own box set that includes: A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.
 

It's A Wonderful Life (1946) -- This film is like a Beatles song - everyone knows it but they can't quite remember when or where they first saw it or heard it. Part of the collective unconscious in this country, this film harkens back to a time before Madonna taught us all how to be Material Girls. Jimmy Stewart plays a man who continually goes through his life trying to do the right thing - not just for himself, Sparky, but for others too. You know how it ends, right? So, let me just tell you that the DVD from Republic Entertainment with a remastered version of the film from the original film negative, a documentary about the making of the film and a special tribute to Frank Capra looks so lovely you'll wonder how you ever watched it straight off the telly.
 

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) -- The benchmark animated classic, directed by animation Superhero Chuck Jones and narrated by legendary scary man Boris Karloff shows you what happens when the big boys lend their cumulative talents to children's storytelling. It's enough to make someone's heart grown ten sizes plus...okay, I'll shut up. Packaged with Horton Hears a Who and both specials brought to DVD looking fab, you're also the recipient of quite a few wonderful extras here. "Songs in the Key of Grinch" features interviews with both composer Albert Hague and vocalist Thurl Ravenscroft. There's also great commentary with animator Phil Roman and June Foray, the voice of Cindy Lou Who.
 

A Christmas Carol (1951) -- If you were forced to read Charles Dickens in junior high like I was, you may be as similarly emotionally torn apart and mentally unbalanced. Then again, you might just be fine as you are. The one work of his I've always found tolerable and often enjoyable is A Christmas Carol. I think I liked this piece mostly because I knew I could finish it in a time frame under a month. While this story has been remade for TV nearly every year since the birth expanded basic digital cable, I hold that the one made during the days of commercial interruption is the most rad. Alastair Sim is the definitive Scrooge with his unrepentant portrayal of the world's definitive grump.

The DVD of this classic is really lovely and makes trashing that old VHS tape you have a real joy. And ridding the world of one more highly combustible medium like VHS is really the best kind of Christmas present of all.