The holidays wouldn’t be the same without your favorite movies.
Many classic films and cartoons — ones that your parents probably
watched as children, too — are available on DVD. Some, including
select Charlie Brown TV specials, are packaged together, and others
have been re-released as special editions.
Here’s a collection of several favorites:
A Christmas Story
Long before video games and MP3 players topped
kids’ holiday wish lists, there was Ralphie Parker, who wanted
nothing more than a Red-Ryder BB gun for Christmas. Despite
resistance from his mother, teacher and Santa Claus, will he get his
wish? Rated PG.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas He’s a mean one, that old Grinch. But nobody can resist this quirky, heartwarming tale of a
grouchy soul turned good. Also includes the animated film Horton
Hears a Who! and bonus features. Not rated.
Elf Will Ferrell in an elf suit — who wouldn’t laugh at that? The
big-city antics of this fish (or should we say elf) out of water who
travels from the North Pole to New York City to find his birth
father was a recent box-office hit. Includes games and "elf karaoke"
as extras. Rated PG.
Home Alone Get plenty of laughs with this 1990 holiday comedy about
an 8-year-old boy mistakenly left alone who ingeniously protects his
house against a pair of bumbling burglars. Disc includes deleted
scenes, games and a behind the-scenes look at the film’s silly
stunts. Rated PG.
It’s A Wonderful Life What would the world be like if you were never
born? That’s what George Bailey (played by Jimmy Stewart) finds out
in this classic black-and white film that showed the world what a
big difference one person can make. Not rated.
Miracle on 34th Street When a department-store Santa Claus claims to
be the real Kriss Kringle, he must face the cynics determined to
prove him wrong. The 1947 film shares the messages of magic and the
holiday spirit. Includes a fact-filled feature about Macy’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade. Not rated.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Teen viewers (especially those
whose extended families visit during the holidays) will appreciate
this comedy. From malfunctioning outdoor decorations to the
overcooked Christmas turkey, the film’s crises will make your family
celebrations seem downright pleasant. Rated PG-13.
The Original Television Christmas Classics Contains five family
favorites: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Comin’ to
Town, Frosty the Snowman, Frosty Returns and The Little Drummer Boy.
The three-disc set includes a 12-track music CD with memorable songs
from the films. Not rated.
Peanuts Holiday Collection They might be decades old, but these
cartoons are funny, timeless and great to watch anytime — even in
summer. Features six Peanuts movies, including A Charlie Brown
Christmas, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and It’s the Great Pumpkin,
Charlie Brown. Snoopy is a guaranteed hit with everyone. Not rated.
The Polar Express This computer-animated film re-creates the classic
children’s storybook that tells of a boy’s doubts about Santa Claus
and the child’s magical train trip to the North Pole. Rated G.
