Product Details

• Actors: Various
• Directors: -
• Format: AC-3, Animated, Color, Dolby, NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Big Idea
• DVD Release Date: July 1, 2012
• Run Time: 50 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B005BXY1Q0
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,954 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

n this Veggie-version of a holiday classic, Junior Asparagus stars as The Little Drummer Boy, a lonely child who finds the true meaning of Christmas when he stumbles upon
the birth of the baby Jesus. A story of generosity, hope and love, this timeless tale will warm the hearts of children everywhere!

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Another Christmas, Another VeggieTales October 2, 2011

By Mark Baker HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD

Junior Asparagus has become obsessed with the drums, playing them all the time. While his parents go out Christmas shopping, he is supposed to go caroling with his friends, but a mix up leaves him home with Grandpa (Pa Grape). Mad at his friends, Junior intends to sulk, but Grandpa decides to tell him the story of the little drummer boy.

Back in the time of the Romans lived a little boy named Aaron (Junior again) who had a happy home life and a gift with a drum that could make animals dance. When his family home is destroyed, he sets out with just the animals left, determined to live as isolated a life as possible. Will he stay angry or will he have an encounter with the newborn king?

This episode appears to be based on a story, or at least inspired by it, but I'm not familiar with the source material. The story is very tragic at the beginning, and you can really understand Aaron's anger, a theme that is played out through the entire story. And yet, when the climax comes, it is suddenly all washed away - it's just too easy. The resolution needed more context to the story.

Along the way, we do get some great humor with the characters that Aaron meets along the way. I especially loved the Star Wars references at one point.

They've finally animated "The 8 Polish Foods of Christmas" from the mid-90's Christmas CD, and it's still a hoot.

For much of this DVD, I was enjoying the story despite the sad beginning. I just wish that the climax had included more of a lesson; as it is, it was over all too quick.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Cute! November 11, 2011

By Cherise Kachelmuss TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE

Format:DVD

First off I should mention, we have never seen VeggieTales before but I am glad we finally have! My 3 year old loved this DVD! He laughed and laughed over vegetables dancing and talking! Once he got over that I was able to show him lessons learned from Veggie Tales, like forgiveness and friendship. There are funny songs and references (Star Wars is one) throughout the movie, that I don't mind watching it with them, because of course they have to watch it now over and over! The story does start out sad but turns around and how can you not smile from singing and talking vegetables! I also have a feeling we will be watching this DVD long past Christmas!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Most disappointing VeggieTales ever December 14, 2011

By EJB

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

I was very disappointed in this VeggieTales movie and would not recommend it to anyone. Most of the movie was dark...then ends with a short biblically incorrect positive feel good message. Here is a summary of what happens.

1) Aaron is a boy who gets a drum. He is friends with a few animals and one day comes back to his house burnt down and you assume his parents are dead.

2) He hates people and goes off on his own instead of seeking help. Ends up with very bad people who try to exploit him.

3) People exploit him and then end up selling his camel who is one of his friends. (this is when my 5 year old was crying and asking why the people are mean and Aaron didn't get a good adult to help him) The buyers are the three Magi (wise men) who are following a star. So, Aaron again goes off on his own towards the star.

4) The star leads Aaron to the Magi but before he gets to him one of his other friends, the sheep, gets run over by a cart and is near death.

5) The wise men are there in front of baby Jesus in the manger with some shepherds. (Even Snopes know this is an urban myth and Jesus was a small boy and not an infant when the Magi came)

6) Aaron as in the song plays his drum for baby Jesus since he had no gift for him and sees his parents there who takes care of the injured sheep.

I wish I could return this movie and I probably won't buy next year's VeggieTales Christmas movie (we have Star, Toy that Saved, St Nicholas, and Meaningful life) before viewing it now.