Peanuts: Charlie Brown Christmas [DVD] [1965] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

I remember watching this when I was a kid in Boston. I think I enjoy it even more now that I'm older and can appreciate its beautiful protest against the commericialization of xmas. The soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi is also a must-have for jazz fans.

Even though this TV is now almost 40 years old, it has surely stood the test of time and is still relevant today. Basically, Charlie Brown is upset that Xmas has become too commercialised. He wants to enjoy it but can't because of the shallow, money-grabbing opportunity he sees all around him.

The gang try to cheer him up by letting them direct their Xmas play. He finds it a major stain at first but soon finds it easy being an artistic tyrant. But they need an Xmas tree and the only one Charlie can afford is practically a twig. It needs a lot of love, which the gang sure do give it.

Also this TV special also features something damn rare in Xmas movies these days; an actual dedication to Jesus. Now, I am not a puritan Christian but there are sooooo many movies that try to find the TRUE meaning of Xmas but none ever mention the birth of Jesus. Weird eh? Definitely one of the better Xmas specials and miles better than Mr Magoo's Christmas Carol [DVD] [1962] or Denver the Last Dinosaur Saves Santa.

As for It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown when compared to the original this special seems to be less social commentary and more an excuse for gags. It's more cartoonish and has more obvious laughs rather than any irony or important things to say.

There's another Xmas play in this 'un. Peppermint Patty is refusing to do any homework and is annoyed that Marcie is playing Mary and she is left with the thankless role of a sheep. Still, she's determined to steal as much scenery as possible. Charlie Brown is selling his old comics to buy an Xmas present for his wannabe girlfriend and his sister Sally has only one word to say in the play 'HARK' but she ends up yelling 'HOCKEY STICK' instead.

More like a series of Peanuts vignettes than a real TV special. But still nice.

Both specials are presented in 1.37:1 1080p and are much more vibrant and colourful than their DVD counterparts. A documentary on the history of the main feature is also included as well as a bunch of trailers. The Blu Ray comes boxed in a nice looking, glittery slip case. Definitely one for collectors.

I remember seeing this in 1975, I was twenty, just got married in November and life was much simpler then. I remember thinking that "A Charlie Brown Christmas" stood out as one of the few TV shows or programs that showed the true meaning of Christmas. I even told the BBC that, as I was on their viewer review panel. Watching it now and knowing how its existence came about and how it was put together it still holds together. You can see the joins though. Once you revelled in hearing your favourite Peanuts quotes spoken on the TV but now they sound disjointed, it doesn't flow. I will still give it five stars though as I enjoyed watching it again, a surreal nostalgic trip to an age of innocence that never was. It's all there, Charlie Browns angst, worrying about doing the right thing, a old head on young shoulders. Sally, mercenary to the extreme "All I want is what's coming to me, all I want is what's rightfully mine" How many times do you see actions today that speak those very words. Then there's Linus, his eye firmly on the ball, I'm sure that if he had been real he would have glided effortlessly thorough life, oblivious to the many slings and arrows that effect Charlie Brown. Linus recites from the bible about the birth of Christ proclaiming "that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." Thus reliving Charlie Browns anxiety at the over commercialisation of Christmas. Charlie Browns hopelessly weedy tree is transformed by Snoopy's Christmas lights from his award winning festooned kennel. But oh, Vince Guaraldi's amazing sound track, Christmas Jazz at its finest. The visuals may look a little old fashioned but the message and sentiment is just as relevant today as it was then and always will be, marvellous.