Now 50 years after the first films first airing both films are being released together on one DVD. This comes to us physical media fans thanks to the great folks at MVD Visual.
Our Rating System:
****=Don’t Miss it!
***=Worth a look.
**=An Ok way to spend an evening.
*=You haven’t missed anything.
The Gift of Winter (1974): Welcome to 'Anytown' where the lands become freezing, bleak and awful every winter. The people rise up in protest to state an exhausting march through the sub-zero wilderness to the Ministry of Winter and confront Winter himself, demanding a change. These unlikely rebels with their heartfelt cause are: Mayor Goodly, Nicely , Bazooey, Rotten, Malicious and two spunky kids named Small and Tender who save the entire project by persuading the all powerful, icy hearted Winter to bestow his great gift upon the world. It's what makes the season full of wonderment, The Gift of Winter. ***
Witch's Night Out (1978): It's a Spooky surprise when a witch's magic wand falls into the wrong hands in this nostalgic Halloween special! When a witch hears of a party being held at her haunted mansion, she decides to bring on the fun by showing off her magical tricks and turning the kids Small and Tender into whatever they want to be for Halloween. However, when her wand disappears, Anytown is turned upside down! ***1/2
Now the animation in these TV specials are very raw. These are not sharp and crisp like Disney classics to Pixar animation. They lines are squiggly, but the colors are brilliant. When you first see the animation, it's going to shock you, but than you are going to appreciate the story, the voice acting and in the end the the animation will grow on you!
Another great part of these two films are the amazing voice talents of such iconic actors and actress as: Gilda Radner (SNL, Haunted Honeymoon), Dan Aykroyd (The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters), Catherine O'Hara (Home Alone, Beetlejuice) and Fiona Reid (My Big Fat Greek Wedding).
These two films are presented in their original full screen format, which I am thankful for. We have seen releases from companies that try to stretch the picture so that it will fit the widescreen TVs we all have now. But not MVD. They kept the aspect ratio and I am so thankful they did. And these transfers look really nice!
2 TV specials on 1 that is a win! But MVD Visual was not happy with just that, they decided to add some nice little bonus features to take this release to a whole other level. Take a look at what is included on this DVD.
* Partners in Crime: A quick interview with Johnathan Rogers and Jimmy Cross talk about their new partnership to bring new adventures to families!
* A Moment in Time: A 19 minute conversation between Johnathan Rogers and Jean Rankin
* The Devolpment of Winter: A 3 minute behind the scenes featurette
I love the holiday special! I watch them each year. From the Charlie Brown special's to How the Grinch Stole Christmas. From Rudolf the Red-nose Reindeer to Mad Monster Party. This new DVD release is going to become yearly viewing for me!
So, if you love these two 70s classic animated TV specials, this DVD is a must own for your collection. I highly recommend sharing them with a new generation of children. I really believe they will love the characters and the stories. Head over to Amazon and order your copy today!
Out of 4 TV Sets (4 being the best) This Double feature DVD of Witch's Night Out and The Gift of Winter receives....
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