Product Details

• Actors: Robby Benson, Dixie Carter, Hal Holbrook, Carlos Alazraqui, Jim Cummings
• Directors: Glen Hill
• Writers: Hank Saroyan, L. Frank Baum
• Producers: Glen Hill, Mike Young
• Format: Animated, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC
• Rated: G (General Audience)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Universal Studios
• VHS Release Date: October 31, 2000
• Run Time: 80 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00004W46G
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #161,054 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

"Mama, when was Santa Claus born? Why doesn't he ever die?" Based on the popular children's book by L. Frank Baum (author of The Wizard of Oz), this 75-minute animated version of The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus provides answers to these and other pressing questions from the 3- to 8-year-old set. As in Baum's book, the quiet, moderately paced video steers clear of Christian references, focusing instead on wood nymphs, pixies, and magic. A wizardly fairy named Ak (voiced by Hal Holbrook, who also narrates the tale) helps the young Nicholas (Robby Benson) understand human misery and charges him with the task of serving mankind. Nicholas's talent for charming little children and brightening the lives of the poor--and poor at heart--soon turns into a lifelong career. Baum's imaginative scenario involves many bumps along the way; most unusual is a fight between good and evil (here demonstrated by a group of naughty thugs who curiously resemble rock Pokémon). Lush, realistic backgrounds of misty forests and blustery, snow-laden towns contrast surprisingly with roughly drawn characters, detracting from the film's overall quality. But a pleasing Celtic score and a strong message of hope, giving, and caring easily outweigh this minor flaw. Puppet animators Rankin and Bass did a shorter version of the same story in the '80s. --Liane Thomas

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm a grown up and I love to watch it., December 6, 2000

By 

Black Cat de La Bear "see that dark shape o'r... (those dark halls) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I think I'll watch it every year. This is a great story of how Santa Claus came to be from when he was a baby to a young man who helped children and of course to his old self that we know him today. It is told like a fairy tale fantasy with elves and sprites; but it is more than just any fantasy, it is a story of a life, the life of Nicholus and is very touching. Children will love it. So will adults. I am giving it to my mother, she loves Santa Claus(decorations)and now I see why. PLEASE release this on DVD!!! Their is no reason NOT to!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful way to explain Santa, December 4, 2000

By 

Mika Vienonen "psyberwolf" (Round Lake, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This video is perfect way to explain Santa to your young ones. It explain the origins of Santa a lot better than any other movie or video out today. It doesn't show it in a materialistic way. The giving of toys was done in a heart-felt way. It brings back the mysticism of Santa that so very much of us have lost as we grew older. It once again allows us to see Santa with the eyes of a child. Innocently. All the answers to why Santa is 'Santa' is here. Its like the Ultimate Guide to Santa Claus.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best concept ever, January 6, 2004

By 

Karen (NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Anyone who DOESN'T love this wonderful tale of Nicholas needs to look closer at the true meaning of the holidays. "Christmas" is a modern version of an anicent pagan celebration. This movie explores the idea that Santa Claus is more than a fat man in a red suit (or as some think "the oppsite of 'real' christmas").
It shows a wonderful concept that Santa was human and helped to make lives better by bringing hope back to children and adults.
The fact that he is raised by and befriended by faries, pixies, gnomes and other fantasy creatures adds to the charm and wonder of the story.
If you love Fairy Tales and have an imagination, you will love this movie !!!