New Holiday DVD & Blu-Ray Releases 10/29/13

~Halloween~




~Christmas~

Yogi's First Christmas

I (Drew) also had the opportunity to write a second blog for the Christmas TV History website during their animation celebration in the month of July. For this blog I selected Yogi's First Christmas. I chose to focus on what a timeless classic this special is and how it has been a holiday favorite for me and my family each year. Enjoy!!!


Yogi’s First Christmas is a 1980 holiday themed television feature- length film that first aired on November 21, 1980. In this Hanna-Barbera Christmas special, the picnic-basket stealing Yogi Bear and his little friend Boo-Boo are supposed to be getting ready to hibernate for the winter but instead decide to experience their first Christmas season.


Yogi’s Christmas special never received a lot of air time on any major networks except on USA, however it is a charming holiday tale for any Christmas lover or Hanna-Barbera fan. Yogi spends his winter working different jobs at the Jellystone Park lodge ranging from a bellboy, a ski instructor and head of security--all of which provide enjoyable moments with Yogi and several classic Hanna-Barbera characters such as Huckleberry Hound, Snagglepuss, Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddie, Cindy Bear, and Herman the Hermit.


When a bratty kid visiting the lodge with his aunt teams up with Herman the Hermit to ruin the holiday fun for Yogi & crew, they realize that having Christmas spirit is not such a bad thing and are forgiven and invited to the Christmas celebration at the lodge. At the story’s end, a visit from Santa occurs at the Christmas party in which Santa brings Yogi a picnic basket full of food. Yogi, however, falls asleep, due to his natural instincts of hibernation. With that, the holiday revelers return Yogi & Boo Boo to their caves for the rest of their hibernation.


When watching Yogi’s First Christmas, it really brings back memories of what cartoons were like back in the 1980’s. The graphics are nothing like today’s cartoons, but every time I watch it, it’s like being 6 years old and eagerly awaiting Santa all over again. There is something unique about how simple this animated special is but yet provides a touching feel with some great songs and unique story to really make you feel the Christmas spirit the way it should be felt. This past Christmas my oldest son ( 5 years old) watched this more than any other holiday special. He also enjoyed the unique humor and ageless child-like feel this special provides. Yogi’s First Christmas has been on the Boomerang channel recently and even had a Christmas morning airing as well.


Purchase on DVD

Santa & The Three Bears

Here is another guest blog that I (Jakki) contributed to Christmas TV History's website for their Christmas In July Animation Celebration. This time for a childhood favorite, Santa & The Three Bears. Here I share my memory of the first time I ever saw the special and how I came to find it again after a long search! Feel free to read and comment over there if you have any memories of this under-rated classic.


Santa and the 3 Bears is a heartwarming animated tale about 2 precocious bear cubs experiencing Christmas for the very first time, with the help of a jolly park ranger. Mama Bear would rather be hibernating, but can't resist the cub's enthusiasm to know more about this exciting time of year and decides to make an exception if they agree to sleep the rest of the winter after Santa's visit. The film was released in 1970 and originally ran 76-minutes in theaters, but was eventually cut down to 45-minutes for TV airing. Though it has been mistakenly credited as a Hanna-Barbera production, there is in fact no official connection.




This simple little story has been a favorite of mine for years. I still recall the first time I ever saw it and how it stuck with me years before I knew it by name. It was a weekday afternoon during Christmas break in the late '80s and I came across it while flipping channels on television. I was excited to see something Christmas related airing at a time of day when all you would usually find is talk shows, soap operas and toddler programming. This was well before 24 hour cartoon networks and easy accessibility to movies through DVD and Netflix, so it had my full attention!


Santa & The Three Bears is not a frenzied, hysterical Christmas special, as commonly seen today, but instead has a understated, classic charm. It also lacks a villainous plot, choosing instead to focus on the discovery of Christmas and all it entails. As the ranger explains our human traditions to the cubs, even a child familiar with Christmas can't help but be drawn in. Christmas just has a profound effect on all who celebrate it, in a way that can't really be explained. This special captured the mystery of that miracle, but is also a snap shot of youthful innocence, where the magic of Santa's visit is all too real.


I often thought back to this special and wondered if I would ever know what it was, though I knew I would recognize it in an instant if fate was ever kind enough to cause me to stumble upon it once again. Then one extraordinary summer day, many years later, I was browsing used VHS tapes at a local thrift store. I suddenly came across the title, Santa and the Three Bears. While the cover art did not look quite like the animation in my memory, the title and description sounded exactly right. I took a chance, popped it in my VCR when I got home, and in an instant, was transported back to that winter afternoon in the late '80s with all the hope and wonder of a child.



Purchase on DVD or get the soundtrack on MP3

Feel free to also check out my previous post for Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town!

A Garfield Christmas

I (Drew) also had the honor of writing a guest blog for Christmas TV History's for their Christmas in July Animation Celebration. I chose to write about A Garfield Christmas. I shared in this blog about why i feel this special is an under-appreciated classic and why it should be ranked up there with the classic's aired each year. Please take a look and tell me what you think....


The orange cat Garfield, his owner Jon and the slobbering dog Odie head out to the country to spend Christmas with Jon’s family on the farm. Garfield is a Scrooge about the whole Christmas season until he bonds with Jon’s grandmother while coming across a heartfelt gift for her, a forgotten but special item from her past. This holiday season, the fat cat learns the true meaning of Christmas.


It may be the '80’s child in me but I am not sure how A Garfield Christmas has been overlooked as a holiday classic among the likes of A Charlie Brown Christmas and Frosty the Snowman. A Garfield Christmas Special was aired on CBS right after A Charlie Brown Christmas all through the late '80’s and early 1990’s and was just as highly anticipated as any holiday classic being aired. My holiday season is not complete without a viewing of A Garfield Christmas Special. It has become part of my holiday tradition just as much as hanging the stockings or decorating the tree.


Garfield’s Christmas special has such a wonderful message about learning the true spirit of Christmas. Garfield’s sly humor and bond with Jon’s grandmother add great moments to this cartoon. The heartwarming story also includes a terrific carol “Christmas is here,” a song Jon’s mother plays on the piano Christmas Eve night. This holiday special’s message is not about the giving or receiving of gifts but it’s about the love one person or cat can give to another.


A holiday special with a meaningful message such as this, A Garfield Christmas Special not only is a classic to share with family and children but deserves the right to stand with the classic holiday animated specials that are aired year after year. I loved this cartoon as a child and my two young boys look forward to watching this classic each holiday as well. Don’t ignore the opportunity to enjoy this holiday special with your family.


Purchase on DVD

Christmas Destinations For Summer Vacations!

In case you haven't heard, there is a new Christmas-themed museum opening in Medina, Ohio later this year. Master sculptor and Christmas collector, Mark Klaus, plans to transform a former Methodist church in the historic district of Medina into the largest indoor, Christmas walk-through entertainment attraction in the nation called Castle Noel! So, we thought it would be fun to explore some other places around the country that celebrate the holiday season year-round. Below you will find many links to different attractions in various states all over the United States that never lose the Christmas spirit. Why not stop by and check them out if you are on vacation this summer or live in the area?

ALASKA

Santa Claus House & Santa's Workshop (North Pole, AK): Where the spirit of Christmas lives all year! Drive through on any season to see decorations, light poles and streets all with Christmas themes. Be sure to take a trip down Santa Claus Lane.

CALIFORNIA

City Lights Collectibles (San Diego, CA): California's largest holiday super store with over 28,000 sq-ft of Holiday decorations and products. Specializing in collectibles from Department 56, Snowbabies, Annalee Dolls, Byers' Choice Carolers, Harbour Lights and much more!

Lake Tahoe Holidays (Lake Tahoe, CA): Lake Tahoe is a popular vacation spot both during the Summer and Winter months and right in the heart of town is a little Holiday shop proving that size isn't everything. This little shop is brimming with charm in its adorable displays of holiday decor. Definitely worth checking out if you're ever in town!

COLORADO

Santa's Workshop (Caskcade, CO): This enchanted family theme park has something for every member of the family. There are more than two dozen family-friendly rides for your pleasure, plus meet Santa Claus and his elves, feeding the goats and llamas, watch a magic show or browse the quaint village shops stocked with unique gifts.

FLORIDA

Christmas Dreams (Coming Soon) (Christmas, FL): Along with the Nativity and giant living Christmas tree that stays decorated all year, the town of Christmas will soon be home to the world's first year-round indoor resort and theme park designed specifically to accommodate chronically ill guests. This wintry wonderland will be free of charge to host children and their caregivers from around the world, inviting them to leave behind their day-to-day cares as they immerse themselves in the fun and magic of this special place. Christmas Dreams may open to the public at times for fundraising events, community awareness, and special events. Revenue from any events will be used for capital costs and operational expenses.

INDIANA

The Santa Claus Museum & Village (Santa Claus, IN): Takes you on a walk through time exploring the birth of this tiny town as it was first laid out on paper in 1846. Moving from one room to the next, you can immerse yourself in historical documents, photos and artifacts illustrating the progression of the town from Santa Fee to the present day Santa Claus.

Hallmark Ornament Museum (Warshaw, IN): The ONLY complete collection of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments from 1973 to present on public display, including some prototypes and error designs. The museum is FREE to visitors & groups & open all year round.

Holiday World (Santa Claus, IN): Holiday World is a theme park with top-ranked wooden roller coasters, lots of family rides and shows, plus Santa Claus, himself. Splashin' Safari is one of the world's largest water parks.

MASSACHUSETTS

Yankee Candle Bavarian Christmas Village (Deerfield, MA): Come to where it's Christmas in Europe all year long in the Bavarian Christmas Village and experience for yourself what makes Yankee Candle Village so unique. The Jolly Old Elf himself and his lovely bride enjoy the pace of the summer months when they can make crafts and chat with children of all ages. You will find him amongst the large selection of toys in his workshop and catch a glimpse of all the new toys Santa has built for all of the good boys and girls including interactive toys, a glow in the dark room, a wide array of plush animals, and over 125 different types of candy in our Yankee Candy room. It even snows indoors here everyday!

MICHIGAN

Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland (Frankenmuth, MI): Bronner's is the worlds largest Christmas store. Outside the entrance are three 17-foot tall outdoor Santa's and a 15-foot tall snowman. Inside, there are approximately 800 animated figurines from various locations throughout the store.

Silent Night Chapel (Frankenmuth, MI): Also located on the Bronner's ground is the Silent Night Chapel, a free attraction centered around the history of one of the world's most favored Christmas songs, Silent Night (or Stille Nacht as it was originally written by Joseph Mohr in the early 1800s). The chapel itself is a replica of the original located in Oberndorf, Austria just outside of Salzburg. The grounds of the chapel are also surrounded by Christmas displays, nativity scenes and lights.

Always Christmas at Canterbury Village (Lake Orion, MI): One of Michigan's best kept secrets! Most people are familiar with Bronner's, but just about an hour drive south is a 2 story Christmas super store which rivals it in size. Along with the Christmas store you will find a unique shopping experience with some Ye Olde English charm and a beautiful, antique carousel.

Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark (Boyne, Mountain): Not quite a Christmas destination, but Avalanche Bay is a large indoor waterpark with a very wintery theme. At 88,000 square feet, Avalanche Bay is Michigan's BIGGEST indoor water park featuring slides, rides, kids pools, climbing walls, lazy river, and even a surf simulator, all designed as a winter wonderland that is sure to help you cool off this Summer!

Country Christmas (Traverse City, MI): Nestled in the popular resort town, in the northwest part of the mitten, is a unique Christmas shop with hand blown glass and vintage ornaments among other Country themed Christmas decorations.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Santa's Village (Jefferson, NH): Santa's Village is a Christmas themed amusement park. Most of the rides have Christmas or winter themed names such as " The Great Humbug adventure" and "Rudy's Rapid Transit coaster".

NEW YORK

Santa's Workshop (North Pole, NY): A theme park specializing in entertaining young children and the young at heart. The minute you walk through the gates of Santa's Workshop, you will be sent back in time to a storybook village where the traditional story of Santa lives! If you are looking for a place to go for your family, there is plenty to see and do!

NORTH CAROLINA

Santa's Land Theme Park & Zoo (Cherokee, NC): Enjoy Santa Land with a zoo, amusement park rides, Santa's Village and more!

OREGON

The Christmas Cottage (Lincoln City, OR): Featuring 25,000 different ornaments from around the world, as well as specialty items including European glass ornaments, German nutcrackers, Christmas cards, Santa figurines, and everyday cards and stationery.

Christmas Valley, Oregon : Themed streets, from Jingle Bell Road to Christmas Tree Lane, enjoy seeing Christmas themes and more!

OHIO

The Christmas Ranch (Cincinatti, OH): A whimsical place with 500,000 dancing Christmas Lights synchronized to holiday music. Truly an old fashioned family experience. Enjoy one of the many Christmas themed shops or a night time Wagon ride around the village while viewing the dazzling lights and the aroma of Christmas In the air.

A Christmas Story House & Museum (Cleveland, OH): What Christmas lover doesn't watch " A Christmas Story" a few times each holiday? Now you can visit the actual house and enjoy the memories from the movie!

PENNSYLVANIA

The National Christmas Center (Paradise, PA): Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, National Christmas Center Family Attraction & Museum takes you on a journey through wonderful memories of Christmases past and present, near and far. Fifteen main galleries and numerous, ever-changing smaller exhibits. 20,000 square feet of life-sized, walk-through, indoor exhibits - bring the holiday to life for all ages. This is one place i actually can say i had the pleasure of visiting. It's filled with Christmas memories and history that any Christmas lover would love.

TENNESSEE

The Inn at Christmas Place (Pigeon, TN): A 145 room hotel decorated for Christmas year round! Right next to the Inn is the South's largest Christmas Shopping Village!

VERMONT

Santa's Land (Putney, VT): Enjoy fun for the family with rides, petting zoo and the chance to feed Santa's deer.

VIRGINIA

Yankee Candle Village (Williamsburg, VA): Yes, everyone, it really snows inside everyday at Yankee Candle! Take a walk through the Holiday Park, which never ceases to amaze and delight everyone who visits. Get on Santa's good side during his "down" time. The Jolly Old Elf himself enjoys the pace of the summer months when he can read stories and chat with children of all ages.

The Christmas Mouse (Williamsburg, VA): Located in Williamsburg, with several other locations along the east coast. The Christmas Mouse offers beautiful decorations, wreaths, ornaments and much more!

The Christmas Attic (Alexandria, VA): For over thirty-five years, this charming store has long been considered a must-see by locals and tourists alike. Specializing in hard-to-find, unique items, our offerings include European hand-blown glass, locally-designed souvenirs, Italian nativity scenes, snow-covered village houses, German collectibles as well as angels, Santas and snowmen galore!

WASHINGTON

Kris Kringl (Leavenworth, WA): A year round Christmas store located in the heart of the Alpine Village of Leavenworth in the Cascade Mountain foothills of Washington State, 2.5 hours east of Seattle. In its 26 years in business Kris Kringl has grown from a mere 800 square feet to nearly 6,000 square feet of Christmas treasures, theme trees, unique ornaments, and home decor.

If you have a business or know of a place that would be a great addition to this list, contact us with the info and we'll be sure to add it!