The Original Christmas Specials Collection

Four-disc set includes: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)It's sure to be a holly, jolly Christmas for fans of Rankin/Bass' stop-motion animated classic, narrated by Burl Ives. Watch as young Rudolph, teased by the other reindeer, sets off with his pal Hermey the would-be dentist elf and encounters the Abominable Snowman before saving the day for Santa on Christmas Eve! The memorable soundtrack includes "A Holly Jolly Christmas," "There's Always Tomorrow," "Silver and Gold," and more. 50 min. C/Rtg: NR Cricket On The Hearth (1967)Roddy McDowall, Danny Thomas, and Marlo Thomas lend their voices to this animated rendition of the charming Charles Dickens holiday tale about a courageous cricket named Crocket who helps a poor toymaker and his daughter one Christmas morning. 60 min. C/Rtg: NR The Little Drummer Boy (1968)A lonely orphan, shunned by all and filled with sorrow, finds the true secret of happiness when he serenades a Bethlehem newborn on his tin drum. Greer Garson narrates this stop-action animation classic from Rankin/Bass based on the classic Christmas song. Voices by Ted Eccles, José Ferrer, June Foray, and Paul Frees. 25 min. C/Rtg: NR Frosty The Snowman (1969)A snowman comes to life one Christmas Eve thanks to a magical top hat, but needs some school kids' help to avoid the chapeau's nasty owner, in this animated Rankin/Bass holiday fave. With the voices of Jackie Vernon, Billy DeWolfe, and Jimmy Durante. 30 min. C/Rtg: NR Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town (1970)Fred Astaire narrates this Rankin/Bass stop-action animation version of the Kris Kringle legend. Find out how the jolly fellow overcame the sinister Burgermeister Meisterburger's ban on toys, melted the heart of the icy Winter Warlock, started a workshop managed by elves, and came to be known as "Santa Claus" to the world's grateful children. Mickey Rooney, Keenan Wynn, Paul Frees supply voices; songs include the title tune, "The First Toymaker to the King," "Put One Foot in Front of the Other," and more. 51 min. C/Rtg: NR