Customer Reviews

First Christmas [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This terrific version of the Christmas story is beautifullytold. The use of clay animation makes it particularly interesting.My 7 year old son enjoys watching it again and again with his 69 yearold grandmother. The First Christmas truly helps the whole familyappreciate the true meaning of the holiday. END

If you are looking for the VHS of the same title, by Rankin/Bass featuring the voice of Angela Lansbury and Cyril Ritchard, it is also sold at Amazon.com. Do a search for ASIN: 6301760336.
Back to the DVD on this page, it is the Nativity story, plus two other stories. The three stories by animator Will Vinton are very well done and I highly recommend it. The first title in the set is "The First Christmas", it received the Andrew Carnegie Medal for "Excellence in Children's Video"; and the Crown Award for "Best Children's Video". It is made in stop-motion animation, and is very beautiful. I was stunned at the level of detail they uses, and the range of expression and emotion in the characters. They really come alive. A sensitive portrayal of the nativity story, that is worth repeat viewing.
Narration of the show is by Christopher Plummer. It is the Nativity story from the Bible, about the birth of Jesus in the manger at Bethlehem. It includes the innkeeper and his wife, 3 wise men, shepherds. 23 minutes in length.
The next story is based on a lesser known Charles Dickens tale, "The Chimes". It is a very touching story about a man that sees so much sadness around him that he feels he has no business being born. But the church bells speak to him in a dream about hope. Also has excellent stop-motion animation, characters, voices, and incredible sets. 23 minutes long.
Last is "The Christmas Gift", based on the song "Christmas Dinner". Only 9 minutes, but it packs a punch, very touching. All in all, the stories on this DVD are inspiring and well worth viewing. I highly recommend to animation fans, and lovers of quality Christmas specials.

My 18 month old daughter watches "The First Christmas" on this DVD every day. The 20 minute show is so sweet and a GREAT depiction of the true Christmas story. And a great find for a low price!

I purchased this due to the positive ratings and I am glad I did. Just the opening scene alone with the wise men was impressive on how good this looked. Whenever I see claymation, I immediately think of the California Rasins but the level of detail for the classic Christmas story is amazing.

I collect christmas movies, they make the christmas season more enjoyable. I enjoyed the movie and was pleased as delivery and condition were both as promised

Great Christmas movie. I watched this with my 6 yr old son. He was very interested in it.

This is a very cute show. My three year old loves watching this and we enjoy it as well. I would recommend this to anyone who has children and enjoys watching Christmas shows.

A good DVD for all to view. We need more DVD's about what Christmas is all about.