Real Christmas

Disney’s “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” is getting in on the holiday spirit a little early this year. Before Halloween is underway, a new Christmas-themed holiday special, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Choo Choo Express,” is set to premiere on Disney Channel on Sunday, October 25th.

Based on the #1 “Playhouse Disney” series, the all-new primetime special features Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald and the rest of the gang in a new adventure as they plan to have snow delivered to the clubhouse from Mistletoe Mountain to play in it all year long. Santa and Mrs. Clause as well as other Clubhouse characters like Clarabelle and Chip and Dale also join in on the fun.

The cast of characters will also perforn a brand new song, while Grammy-winners They Might Be Giants will contribute new music to the special as well.

Following its DIsney Channel premiere, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Choo Choo Express” is set to hit DVD on December 1st, just in time for the holiday shopping season.

NBC unwrapped its 2008 holiday specials lineup early with an accent on original and family-friendly programs featuring the new animated special “Macy’s Presents Little Spirit: Christmas in New York,” “Letters to Santa A Muppets Christmas” and three new holiday countdown specials — “Greatest Holiday TV Specials and Movies,” “Greatest Holiday Songs” and “Greatest Holiday Home Videos.” These new holiday specials join traditional NBC favorites including the “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina,” “Christmas in Rockefeller Center,” the annual airing of the feature film classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “The 120th Tournament of Roses Parade.”

The announcements were made today by Craig Plestis, Executive Vice President, Alternative Programming, Development and Specials, NBC Entertainment.

“This holiday season, NBC will present more original programming than ever before with all-new specials from the beloved Muppets as well as ‘Little Spirit,’ which are likely to become new holiday classics,” said Plestis. “These projects will also join new renditions of our annual favorites such as the ‘Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade’ and the ‘National Dog Show,’ plus the beauty of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree-lighting. We want to give our viewers, especially families, some great original shows that they can gather around the TV and watch together this holiday season.”

“Macy’s Presents Little Spirit: Christmas in New York” will be broadcast on Wednesday, December 10 (8-9 p.m. ET). Likewise, “Letters to Santa A Muppets Christmas” will be shown on Wednesday, December 17 (8-9 p.m. ET).

“Christmas in Rockefeller Center” will air on Wednesday, December 3 (8-9 p.m. ET). “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” will be broadcast on Thursday, November 27 (9 a.m.-12 noon in each time zone) and “The Purina National Dog Show” will follow the parade from 12 2 p.m. ET.

NBC will once again reprise “It’s a Wonderful Life” — the most famous Christmas film of them all — from Oscar-winning director Frank Capra, on December 13 (8-11 p.m. ET) and 24 (8-11 p.m. ET).

In addition, NBC will celebrate the “120th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade” live from Pasadena, California on Tuesday, January 1, 2009 (11 a.m. 12:30 p.m. ET).

Airdates for the three Holiday Countdown Specials will be announced later.

In “Macy’s Presents Little Spirit: Christmas in New York,” an all-star cast that includes Danny DeVito, Lucy Liu, Freddy Rodriguez, Brenda Song and NBC News’ Brian Williams lend their voices to the new animated holiday special that features original songs and music by Duncan Sheik, the Tony Award-winning writer and composer of Broadway’s “Spring Awakening.” The unique program stylistically blends the look of traditional painting with contemporary 3-D technology creating an aesthetic that is both classic and innovative.

The story begins at the peak of the holiday season as two sisters spend a taxi ride in New York City listening to an exciting story from a gruff but amiable cabbie (DeVito). He describes a boy named Leo who moves to Manhattan just before Christmas — but overwhelmed by the size of the city and its many new faces, he soon loses his beloved dog, Ramona. Suddenly a magical creature named “Little Spirit” appears to help him search for Ramona as they begin a journey of discovery that will introduce Leo to new friends and colorful places in the city as Christmas nears. “Macy’s presents Little Spirit: Christmas in New York” is executive-produced by Macy’s Parade and Entertainment Group, Mediaedge:cia and Curious Pictures.”

In “Letters to Santa — A Muppets Christmas,” the Emmy and Grammy-award winning Muppets deliver an all new one-hour special filled with songs, mayhem and heaps of holiday high spirits. On Christmas Eve, Kermit, Fozzie, Gonzo and the rest of the gang mistakenly avert three letters from making their way to Santa Claus. Can they get the letters to Santa in time? Needless to say, nothingnot even Miss Piggy’s planned trip to the tropics–can stand between the Muppets and a happy Christmas. With songs by Paul Williams (songwriter for “The Muppet Movie”), an all-star cast including Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Griffiths, Tony Sirico, Steve Schirripa and Madison Pettis, and a heartfelt message about the true meaning of the holiday season, “Letters to Santa–A Muppets Christmas” is a new holiday family classic. Produced by Muppets Productions, Inc.

NBC will present three holiday countdown specials from Juma Entertainment, executive produced by Robert Horowitz and Lewis Fenton:

“Greatest Holiday TV Specials and Movies” features clips from the most-loved holiday TV specials and films. From animated TV classics to the must see holiday films of the past and present, we’ll rank the greatest holiday moments that ever graced the screen.

“Greatest Holiday Songs” will count down the best performances of both classic and contemporary Christmas songs. From timeless tunes from the great crooners to recent essentials from the more modern pop stars, we will recount the greatest songs of the season.

“Greatest Holiday Home Videos” goes home for the holidays as we count down the most hilarious and entertaining holiday moments sent in from families’ home videos across the country. This special will be an hour of non-stop family fun where we choose from thousands of submissions, and rank the best America has to offer from holiday mishaps to memorable moments to classic Christmas season chaos.

The “Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade” celebrates its 82nd anniversary on NBC as America’s favorite Thanksgiving Day parade features all the spectacular pageantry, fun and surprises that have made the annual New York City extravaganza a perennial favorite. Heralding the start of the Christmas season, the beloved parade features colorful grand floats, lively marching bands, amazing character balloons and special performances by some of today’s hottest stars and Broadway performers — plus an appearance by Santa Claus. Brad Lachman is the executive producer of this live (in some time zones), three-hour special from NBC Entertainment.

John O’ Hurley returns as host of “The National Dog Show Presented By Purina,” a purebred canine competition that is part of the Kennel Club of Philadelphia’s annual dog show. The show — one of the oldest and most prestigious sporting events in North America — is one of only five remaining “benched” dog shows where the public can interact with the show dogs. With expert commentary from David Frei, “the dean” of dog show commentators, the show is expected to feature more than 2,000 of the nation’s leading canines representing more than 150 breeds, including some of the world’s most largest, smallest and most exotic breeds, all vying for “Best in Show” honors. “The National Dog Show Presented by Purina” is a property of NBC and Carson International of Ketchum, Idaho.

“Christmas in Rockefeller Center” is a star-studded, live broadcast from Rockefeller Center in New York City and celebrates the lighting of the world’s most famous Christmas tree. The special will include a popular musical lineup celebrating the current hits and favorite holiday music from the world of entertainment.

NBC again presents this exclusive and special telecast of Frank Capra’s 1946 holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” starring James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. The film follows the life of George Bailey (Stewart) from childhood to maturity in the town of Bedford Falls. On what might be his last Christmas Eve, a discouraged Bailey wants to throw his life away. Fortunately, Clarence (Henry Travers), a second-class angel, is sent to show him the value of life. After Clarence gives Bailey a view of Bedford Falls without him, Bailey realizes how precious his life is and gets a second chance. He comes to learn that Clarence was right when he said, “No man is a failure who has friends.” The film, which earned Oscar nominations for best picture, director, actor and film editing, was produced and directed by Capra.

NBC will celebrate the “120th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade” live from Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day. The parade will feature all the lavish floral floats, spectacular marching bands and high-stepping equestrian teams that have made the event the most popular New Year’s Day celebration in the world. This year’s Rose Queen and her court will also appear, along with special guests on magnificent floats. NBC has been broadcasting the parade for 82 years, beginning on radio in 1927 and then televising the event beginning in 1954. Additional details for the parade will be announced at a later date.

ABC Family’s 11th annual “25 Days of Christmas” programming event, will feature over two hundred hours of holiday-themed entertainment for the whole family from December 1- 25.

In addition to classic holiday favorites like “Rudolph’s Shiny New Year,” “Frosty’s Winter Wonderland” and “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” this year’s holiday event will also feature an all new holiday special, “A Miser Brothers Christmas,” the sequel to the holiday favorite “A Year Without a Santa Claus.”

In addition, ABC Family presents the new original movie “Snow 2 Brain Freeze” starring Tom Cavanaugh and Ashley Williams, the sequel to our highly successful “Snow” as well as the basic cable premieres of “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “Cars.” And again this year, Christmas comes early with “Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas,” which adds fifteen additional days of holiday programming.

Jingle Bells ring when TV Land rolls out a collection of classic Christmas episodes during TV Land’s 8th Annual Merry-thon. The twenty-four hour celebration begins Monday, December 24 through Tuesday, December 25 from 5:00pm – 5:00pm (ET/PT): features some of America’s favorite television families including — The Ingalls, The Jeffersons, The Bunkers, The Bradys, and more. Tune in as the Ingalls recall their fondest memories of Christmases past, Louise help George find the father he never knew, Cindy ask Santa for help and Edith and Archie feast on a holiday dinner.

TV Land’s 8th Annual Merry-thon block schedule is as follows (all times listed are ET/PT):

EST Merry-thon 12/24-12/25
  5:00PM Gunsmoke #146
  6:00PM Little House #167
  7:00PM Good Times #97
  7:30PM All in the Family #194
  8:00PM MASH #203
  8:30PM MASH #228
  9:00PM Beverly Hillbillies #50
  9:30PM Jeffersons #99
  10:00PM Sanford and Son #104
  10:30PM Three’s Company #20
  11:00PM MASH #203
  11:30PM MASH #228
  12:00AM Cheers #133
  12:30AM Night Court #2
  1:00AM Night Court #90
  2:00AM Designing Women #34
  2:30AM Designing Women #131
  3:00AM Wings #17
  3:30AM Wings #60
  4:00AM Highway to Heaven #62
  5:00AM Little House #167
  6:00AM Gunsmoke #146
  7:00AM Green Acres #46
  7:30AM Addams Family #49
  8:00AM All in the Family #26
  8:30AM All in the Family #149
  9:00AM Brady Bunch #12
  9:30AM Cheers #12
  10:00AM Wings #17
  10:30AM Wings #60
  11:00AM Night Court #2
  11:30AM Night Court #90
  12:00PM Sanford and Son #104
  12:30PM Cheers #133
  1:00PM Brady Bunch #12
  1:30PM Jeffersons #49
  2:00PM Jeffersons #99
  2:30PM All in the Family #26
  3:00PM All in the Family #149
  3:30PM Three’s Company #20
  4:00PM Good Times #97
  4:30PM Good Times #121

In the 1972 television movie The House Without a Christmas Tree, Jason Robards plays James Mills, a grumpy, reticent widower who makes a conscious decision to be owner of the title’s tree-less home. Naturally, this decision does not please Addie Mills (Lisa Lucas), his ten-year-old daughter.

The year is 1946, the place is the small (fictional) town of Clear River, Nebraska, and the word that immediately comes to mind in describing House Without a Christmas Tree is “simple.” There is simplicity to be found in the story, the staging, the style, and the setting.

The lack of ostentation has doubtlessly contributed to the movie’s reputation among those who have seen it and remember it with the utmost fondness. It also probably accounts for why the movie’s fanbase is a passionate but small one. A movie like this doesn’t hit you with a hard sell, lend itself to workplace talk, or even demand viewing outside of the holiday season. But if most TV movies are meant for mindless consumption and subsequent disposal, there is something about House that makes it stand out and endure. While the majority of TV movies have gone unreleased on DVD, House not only makes it format debut next week, it does so to fanfare that is 100% organic. Instead of a promotional campaign, word of mouth and memory-triggering are responsible for the detectable buzz which is sure to thrust this little 35-year-old movie into the top hundred sellers at Amazon.com by Tuesday among commercial blockbusters like Transformers and Shrek the Third.

The Mills Family is not especially impoverished and they’re not bad people. But the idea of seeing a Christmas tree in the house is too much for James to handle. Though it’s been nearly ten years since his wife died, the pieces of him that went with her still haven’t healed. In fact, he’s remained reluctant to warm to Addie for the reminder she serves of her mother. Addie herself (Lisa Lucas) isn’t doing as poorly. Having hardly known her mother, her biggest problem is having a father she doubts loves her, but her Grandma (Mildred Natwick) is there to tell her otherwise.

Addie may forget to say “please”, eat with her elbows on the table, pass negative judgment on some of her classmates and get into the occasional schoolhouse scuffle, but she’s a good, intelligent girl and one who would be even more in the Christmas spirit with a little Tannenbaum action. Her desire for a Christmas tree isn’t overplayed, but it really forms the gist of the plot. Though the movie first aired in a 90-minute slot, it runs a full 75 without commercials and there’s definitely room for more story. By today’s standards, especially, the proceedings seem fairly slight.

There are a few gentle subplots to occupy our attentions. Addie prepares for playing an angel in her school’s Christmas play. She uses the betting tips her father has imparted in her to beat out a fellow classmate for ownership of the classroom’s Christmas tree. (Occurring a little more than halfway into the proceedings, it’s crystal-clear that this victory won’t reverse the title, though how that happens is unexpected and pretty unbelievable.) Addie and a handful of other girls pick out a class gift for their beloved teacher Miss Thompson (Kathryn Walker).

Outside of some mentions of the cost of things, there is not a great deal to establish the setting of post-WWII small-town America. The simple set design and single wood-filled classroom feel like they could be, like the low-grade video, merely the product of a small budget. It seems quite clear to me that if anyone’s citing nostalgic value of the movie (and many are), it is because they fondly recall TV movies of the early ’70s and not a 1940s childhood. That’s plenty fine and recognizing the modest origins — an inexpensive Monday night telemovie in the days of three networks — is both essential to appreciating the movie and likely to enhance its appeal.

Paul Bogart was nominated for a Director’s Guild Award for House Without a Christmas Tree, but he wound up losing to Lamont Johnson for That Certain Summer, an ABC movie (starring Hal Holbrook, Martin Sheen, and Joe Don Baker) about a teenager coping with his divorced father’s homosexuality. Bogart would win multiple DGAs and Emmys for his behind-the-camera work on “All in the Family” and “The Golden Girls.”

In a movie where acting is spotty and often weak, Jason Robards gives a great understated performance that really makes the movie what it is.

A film veteran and Emmy winner beforehand, Robards would go onto win back-to-back Supporting Actor Oscars later in the ’70s in addition to receiving numerous other nominations. As his relatives, Lisa Lucas brings a realism as an ordinary girl with a flair for using newly-learned words and Mildred Natwick adds grandmotherly heart to the proceedings. The movie is noteworthy for marking the first credit for Alexa Kenin, playing Addie’s best friend Carla Mae; Kenin would star in a host of ABC Afterschool Specials and appear prominently in Pretty in Pink before dying prematurely due to still-shrouded circumstances.

The House Without a Christmas Tree was the first of four ABC TV movies featuring Robards, Lucas, and Natwick as the Mills family. The following November brought The Thanksgiving Treasure, the spring of 1975 debuted The Easter Promise, and the series came to a close with the Valentine’s Day-themed Addie and the King of Hearts in 1976. Each was based on a story by a woman named Gail Rock. The first three came to VHS from 20th Century Fox and later Paramount. However, Tuesday’s release of Christmas marks the series’ debut on DVD.

Ho! Ho! No! Much like its own ripped-off plot from Groundhog’s Day, I tried over and over again to reset my critical self and enjoy Christmas Do-Over, because occasionally, something funny would happen and I’d think, well, maybe it will get better. But alas, the purgatory continued, unabated. Starring Jay Mohr and Daphne Zuniga, Christmas Do-Over premiered on ABC Family (what’s up with that weird channel?) last year, and now shows up on this plainwrap Sony DVD release.

To many viewers, the notion of stealing so blatantly from another movie will be reason enough to never see Christmas Do-Over, and I can certainly understand that position. Christmas Do-Over so slavishly follows Groundhog Day that while watching it, one is constantly reminded of that far superior predecessor, to the point where I was going, “Oh yeah, I remember this scene – they did it so much better in the other film.” But other well-regarded books and films have been borrowed from, particularly Christmas-themed stories (A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life are constantly “re-imagined”), so I tried to give Christmas Do-Over the benefit of the doubt. Alas, to no avail.

Jay Mohr plays Kevin, a failed musician and absentee father whose divorce from Jill (Daphne Zuniga) has further spiraled him into depression. Never one to have the Christmas spirit, Kevin makes a desultory visit to Jill’s parents’ house for Christmas Eve, in order to see his son, Ben (Logan Grove). Jill’s mother, Trudi (Adrienne Barbeau) tries to put on a positive face for the visit, but Arthur (Tim Thomerson), Jill’s father, makes no bones about hating Kevin. If this holiday visit isn’t awkward enough, Jill has invited her super-successful new boyfriend to visit for the day: cardiologist Todd (David Millbern), who lavishes a new car on Jill and a smart train set on Ben. Kevin, shopping at the very last minute the night before, gets an Easy Bake oven for Ben.

As the day progresses, Kevin disappoints more and more of the family, even though Ben is happy he’s there for the day, even going so far as to wish that this day would never end. And bingo, a strange wind blows into the dining room, and when Kevin wakes up the next day, he’s right back at Trudi and Arthur’s house: he’s become trapped in a never-ending cycle where Christmas Eve is repeated over and over again. Going through various stages of trying to cheat the cycle, to being cruel and mean to the people he dislikes, to trying to buy off Jill to return to him, to finally growing as a human being, Kevin eventually learns what it means to be a good guy

From the various off-color jokes, it’s apparent that the makers of Christmas Do-Over were trying for something a little more edgy than the usual Christmas fare, which is fine – if the film is aimed at adults. But clearly, Christmas Do-Over is intended as a “family film,” and that’s where I parted company with any good feelings for it. Within the short running time of Christmas Do-Over, there are jokes about blow-up sex dolls, humping a plastic Santa, three blows-to-the-groin jokes, a stripper’s pasties joke, a fistfight with not only Santa, but also the Virgin Mary (who tosses the baby Jesus to join the fracas) and Joseph (even though the film calls him Jesus), and a dirty-minded grandma (Ruta Lee), who constantly grabs Kevin’s rear-end (in close-up), as well as describing how she stripped naked once for a man, spread out on a bed of rose petals, and helpfully shaved a heart in her…well, you get it. Evidently, this is what passes for “family Christmas movie material” nowadays. Again, I don’t have a problem with any of this, had the movie been aimed at adults or even older teens, but clearly this is inappropriate material for a family film.

Equally inappropriate is Christmas Do-Over’s lack of even the most rudimentary spark of originality. Jay Mohr has his moments now and then (he can deliver a smart-assed line pretty well), but over all, this pallid copy of Groundhog’s Day is satisfied to just grind along, telegraphing its every move and offering zero surprises, to the point where even those who haven’t seen Groundhog Day will be ten steps ahead of the film at any given point. The rest of the cast is okay, but they’re clearly on auto pilot, just like Mohr (who you can catch at times visibly wandering off focus, as if he’s got one eye on the studio clock). With a cribbed script, a slew of inappropriate sex-and-pain jokes, and a cast that looks like it would prefer to be anywhere but on this set, Christmas Do-Over is a Christmas Don’t.

(Except from DVDTalk.com — Click here to read the full review)

You might want to bar the kids from this one — it’s Christmas Time in South Park.

The snotty and sarcastic adult animated series is widely heralded for it’s biting humor and we guarantee you that nothing in this Christmas release is sacred. Buyer beware.  

Christmas Time in South Park, runs 154 minutes and lists for $24.99 SRP. Amazon.com still lists it under the previous title, but is pre-selling it for $17.49 at the moment. This disc will have every Christmas-based episode from the show:

• Mr. Hankey The Christmas Poo
• Merry Christmas, Charlie Manson
• Mr. Hankey’s Christmas Classics
• A Very Crappy Christmas
• Red Sleigh Down
• It’s Christmas in Canada
• Woodland Critter Christmas

Of all the films, shows, concerts people want to see put on DVD, I somehow doubt “Captain and Tennille: The Christmas Show” ranks high on the wishlist. So why are several Captain and Tennille DVDs being released? Your guess is as good as mine.

The 1976 50 minute Christmas Show consists of performances by the Pointer Sisters, Tennille’s 3 sisters, and Captain and Tennille (obviously), with a few sketches featuring Don Knotts (how could you Don?) and “Happy Days” star Tom Bosley. The songs featured in the program are: “Jingle Bells,” “Little Saint Nick,” “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/White Christmas/March Of The Wooden Soldiers,” “I’m Saved/Amen,” “Wedding Song,” “Count Basie Medley,” “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” “How Can I Be Sure?,” “O Holy Night,” and “We Never Really Say Goodbye.”

The Captain and Tennille special is, to put it simply, a disaster. In the opening number, Toni Tennille comes out in a hideous dress and sings “Jingle Bells” with a Spanish accent. Keep in mind Toni Tennille is a white southern woman. Not only is using the accent pointless, but I’d wager it’s a bit offensive too. From there on out the special only gets worse. The 4 Tennille sisters murder the classic Beach Boys version of “Little Saint Nick,” Toni Tennille sings a jazzed up/operatic version of “O Holy Night,” Don Knotts appears in several unfunny sketches and looks depressed, and Daryl Dragon (AKA The Captain) acts like a robot as he attempts to act and read cue cards. Throughout the whole special I kept wishing I’d hear a gong to stop the show followed by Chuck Barris walking out on stage escorting Captain and Tennille off stage. Speaking of which, “The Gong Show” is a TV classic that really needs to be put out on DVD, unlike this “special.”

Overall, Captain and Tennille should refrain from playing Christmas songs. I implore everyone to continue listening to the pros instead (like Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, The Beach Boys, etc).

(Excerpt from DVDTalk.com – Click here to read the full review)

First there came word of television cameras following Santas around while doing their duties in the malls at Christmastime. And now this new idea from NBC about choirs trying to outsing each other with Christmas carols in a televised competition.

NBC is putting a new twist on the reality singing-competition genre with “Clash of the Choirs,” in which five celebrity singers go back to their hometowns to assemble an amateur choir of everyday people.

NBC has ordered a holiday-themed four-episode installment of “Choirs” to air in the week leading up to Christmas. The show could be picked up for additional cycles.

The show will follow the choirs as they compete in live performance shows in music genres ranging from pop hits to holiday classics. Groups will be eliminated by viewers, who will vote via phone, text message or at NBC.com until a winner is selected. It hasn’t been decided yet if there will be a judging panel critiquing the performances.

In the holiday spirit, the winning choir, along with the celebrity who selected them, will pick a prize that will help their hometown and give back to their community — anything from renovating a school gym to creating a neighborhood park.

“Choirs” will kick off with a two-hour premiere episode at 9 p.m. December 17, followed by a one-hour at 9 p.m. December 18 , a two-hour show at 9 p.m. December 19 and a one-hour finale at 8 p.m. December 20. Airing the show on four consecutive nights follows the launch pattern of other NBC reality series, including the hit game show “Deal or No Deal.”

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Jennifer Hudson and Jamie Foxx – recently seen together onscreen in Dreamgirls – will be joined by an array of Muppets, musicians and movie stars for “Elmo’s Christmas Countdown,” which will air as a one-hour special on ABC this holiday season.

The concert will “feature the celebrities helping host Elmo count down the days leading up to Christmas.” Also taking part are: Ben Stiller (who will voice Stiller the Elf, a narrating muppet made in the comedian’s image), Tony Sirico and Steve Schirippa (both of “The Sopranos”), Brad Pennington (”Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”), Alicia Keys, Sheryl Crow, Brad Paisley. The latter three, as well as Foxx and Hudson, will perform musical numbers, while Sirico and Schirippa will appear as Bert and Ernie in a comic sketch. Muppets Big Bird, Grover, Oscar, the Count and Snuffleupagus will also make appearances.