Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)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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Find out who's been naughty and who's been nice in this spectacular all-new Christmas celebration. Santa Claus joins Mickey, Minnie, and all their pals in an original movie about discovering the true joys of Christmas. Watch the hilarious antics of stubborn old Donald as he tries in vain to resist the joy of the season, and laugh along with Mickey and Pluto as they learn a great lesson about the power of friendship. Now, through the magic of dazzling computer animation, your favorite Disney characters get a wonderful new look, so celebrate the holidays with this irresistible new collection of Christmas stories the whole family is sure to enjoy.
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