Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Stunning Animation and Great Slapstick, November 8, 2006
After getting this DVD from the library last year, I knew that my son was a big fan of Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas. In fact, so was my husband. He's an artist, and very critical of shoddy animation. However, with this DVD, he often comments on the well-done, vibrant images of computer animation. (If you're a parent of a child, you probably already know how shoddy some of the CGI can be in kid videos! Happily, this is not rendered poory like some movies.) In fact, I was amazed at how Mickey's sweater looked so real, as well as the snow-covered trees, holiday lights and Christmas trees, Minnie and Daisy's gossamer skating outfits, and so on.
An open "Storybook" presents each tale, and we are whisked away into five magical stories showing true-to-life situations involving relationships. (And you KNOW how the whole family/relationship thing can get during holidays... *wince*).
Clever writing abounds, as well as numerous sight-gags. My son and I think it's hilarious when Huey, Dewey and Louie burp to a Christmas song--and when Daisy implores Donald to "say something!", he burps in response.
For those who think this DVD is mean spirited and violent, I have to say it seems like I was watching an entirely different movie than they apparently were... I mean, the classic Huey, Dewey and Louie animated shorts AND comics always presented their mischief. In fact, in the original theatrical shorts, the nephews were sent to live with Donald because their father was in the hospital! Why? Because the boys sent him there by putting firecrackers under his chair! (So I hardly think that ol' Walt is rolling in his grave. Lighten up, people--this is the guy that gave us Fantasia! You know, the movie that features Night on Bald Mountain, the song about the nocturnal demon Chernabog who summons restless souls from their graves until driven away by the sound of a church bell.)
If you want to see nasty kid programs, try renting a Thomas the Tank Engine DVD!
Granted, the Minnie/Daisy catfight and pettiness was surprising (thus, the reason I'm giving it four stars), but reality isn't sugar-coated Disney dreams. Friends often have jealousy, children are often onery, Dads can be grumpy at Christmas (and while shopping) and so on.
I'm very cautious about what I let my son watch, and I don't object to this fine holiday DVD. (Because we live in a house WITH manners--and we stress kindness--my son is quick to point out sad moments...and ones where people are behaving not-so-nicely.)
My family and I are huge fans of slapstick comedy (Jerry Lewis, Dick Van Dyke, etc.), so Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas is a real treat in the humor department. The colors and details of the animation is absolutely stunning. For example, Donald goes behind the curtain at "Mousies" (Macy's) to investigate their annual animated production. It's done with a black light, so Donald and the lighted animatronics have a very cool glow that can be only found with black light effects.
I especially like this episode because of the clever sound effects: surrounding Donald in the mall are people and machinery that mimic the song "We Wish You a Merry Christmas"--change in the till, a blender, puppies barking, etc.
In the store, I gave my son a choice between Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas and Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas, and not surprisingly, he chose this one. (We just bought it last night and he's already watched it four times--the last time, while he sat on my lap and we cuddled.)
This DVD also has some extras:
*A behind the scenes look at how animators were inspired by skating sensation Michelle Kwan
*Deleted Scenes - How the structure for the movie unfolded, and why they picked certain stories for the DVD
*Several Games and Activities
*DVD-ROM Holiday Printables
If you're concerned that this DVD might be too controversial for kids, rent it first. If you like it, show it to your kids. You'll soon know whether you want to purchase it or not. For me and my family, we feel this is an EXCELLENT purchasing decision.
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14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great stories. Wish it were longer though., November 26, 2004
My only disappointment with this DVD was that it wasn't longer. The five shorts on this DVD were great, especially the one with Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck as dueling ice princesses and the story of Pluto's adventure's at the North Pole hanging out with Santa's reindeer. I thought this last story could've been a feature length tale in itself.
While I agree with many that seeing the characters in full-fledged 3D animation, I don't think this new rendering of these wonderful characters could have been done any better. No, it's not animation of the quality in the top budget motion picture releases, but it's nonetheless extremely well done.
If you love Christmas and you love Mickey and the gang, you and your family will love this DVD.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mickey and company enter the digital age in spectacular fashion!, February 2, 2006
This is a movie you could watch every day for a month, and not fry your brain.
I know, because I had to. My son was obsessed.
The five shorts comprising "Twice Upon A Christmas" are all delightful, and perfect family viewing.
First I must say that the digital re-creation of our favorite animated characters has been done to perfection. Eye-popping crystalline perfection.
The Minnie-Daisy ice skating duel features those dancing hippos and crocs from Fantasia, and beautiful digital effects and designs.
Huey, Dewey and Louie's journey to the North Pole has a classic caper feel to it; it's fast and funny. When one of the little guys drifts a little too close to a snoring Santa's breath, he initially winces. Then he smiles and says, "Hm! Peppermint! With a hint of mocha!" It's cute. My wife and I laugh, and my 2.5 year old wonders why.
Goofy and his son Max has some nice musical numbers in it. Again, seeing these characters in their three-dimensional glory is a sheer delight. I liked the moral of this piece, not quite sweet enough to give you cavities, but close.
Donald's discovery of Christmas spirit is also a heart-warmer, and here the animators show off their magic and skill in giving innumerable facial expressions to our favorite hysteric.
Mickey's Christmas party, with Pluto going off to be a reindeer is a fine ending to a great set of cartoons. Paying attention to the dialogue pays off as well; the creators have inserted lots of sly asides for us older folks.
Kids will be entranced...literally. Adults will totally enjoy this. It reminded me of the way I felt when I watched those stop-motion Rankin-Bass classics as a kid.
These really could be the next generation of Christmas Classics!
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