Product Details
ASIN : B00004W46G
Editorial Reviews
From Amazon.com
"Mama, when was Santa Claus born? Why doesn't he ever die?" Based on the popular children's book by L. Frank Baum (author of The Wizard of Oz), this 75-minute animated version of The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus provides answers to these and other pressing questions from the 3- to 8-year-old set. As in Baum's book, the quiet, moderately paced video steers clear of Christian references, focusing instead on wood nymphs, pixies, and magic. A wizardly fairy named Ak (voiced by Hal Holbrook, who also narrates the tale) helps the young Nicholas (Robby Benson) understand human misery and charges him with the task of serving mankind. Nicholas's talent for charming little children and brightening the lives of the poor--and poor at heart--soon turns into a lifelong career. Baum's imaginative scenario involves many bumps along the way; most unusual is a fight between good and evil (here demonstrated by a group of naughty thugs who curiously resemble rock Pokémon). Lush, realistic backgrounds of misty forests and blustery, snow-laden towns contrast surprisingly with roughly drawn characters, detracting from the film's overall quality. But a pleasing Celtic score and a strong message of hope, giving, and caring easily outweigh this minor flaw. Puppet animators Rankin and Bass did a shorter version of the same story in the '80s. --Liane Thomas
Customer Reviews
Best concept ever (2004-01-06)  Anyone who DOESN'T love this wonderful tale of Nicholas needs to look closer at the true meaning of the holidays. "Christmas" is a modern version of an anicent pagan celebration. This movie explores the idea that Santa Claus is more than a fat man in a red suit (or as some think "the oppsite of 'real' christmas").It shows a wonderful concept that Santa was human and helped to make lives better by bringing hope back to children and adults.The fact that he is raised by and befriended by faries, pixies, gnomes and other fantasy creatures adds to the charm and wonder of the story. If you love Fairy Tales and have an imagination, you will love this movie !!!
Um, no. (2003-12-08)  WTF?? This movie is the biggest load of crap EVER. Any child (not to mention adult) who enjoys this movie isn't watching hard enough. I can't accept such a huge joke as a holiday classic.
The Origins of Santa Claus (2003-12-07)  This is one of the earlier Rankin/Bass productions which differs a bit from the traditional Christmas Specials that most of us remembered growing up. The story is told with a 'new age' twist and is filled with fantasy. It's a mystical tale which brilliantly and simply explains the origins of the immortality of Santa Claus and many of his associated traditions of Christmas. Although it's a bit off the beaten path of holiday classics, The Life and Adventures of Santa Clause captures the essence of some universal themes such as the struggles between good & evil and the nature of humanity. It also includes the typical universal holiday themes of peace, joy and goodwill. This is another holiday favorite that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Excellent! (2002-01-05) My son and I saw this during the summer on the cartoon network and were enchanted. We have watched it several times during this holiday season (2001)and it has become a must-view for us, along with the original "Grinch".
I'm a grown up and I love to watch it. (2000-12-07) I think I'll watch it every year. This is a great story of how Santa Claus came to be from when he was a baby to a young man who helped children and of course to his old self that we know him today. It is told like a fairy tale fantasy with elves and sprites; but it is more than just any fantasy, it is a story of a life, the life of Nicholus and is very touching. Children will love it. So will adults. I am giving it to my mother, she loves Santa Claus(decorations)and now I see why.
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