View Full Version : Your Thoughts: A Sesame Street Christmas Carol DVD
I just purchased A Sesame Street Christmas Carol today at Wal-Mart (hey, atleast there's one good thing about that store!) and couldn't wait to watch it. I was so excited to hear of this DVD special coming out. I'd like to give my thought on the program and then open up the thread to those of you who'd like to give your opinions.
It starts out with a Narration by the brilliant Tim Curry talking about Sesame Street and what a wonderful place it is at Christmas time. As he is talking, flashback clips from past Sesame Street Christmas specials are shown (The opening from Elmo's World: Happy Holidays, and a scene from Elmo Saves Christmas). It was nice to see Susan and Mr. Handford again even if they were in old clips. Then leading into Oscar's introduction, we see a nice quiet snow-covered evening on Sesame Street. It was such a beautiful setup, I knew it would be a great show! That feeling didn't last long.
A Delivery Man names Joe Marly comes to deliver junk mail to Oscar. It is actually an old can of baked beans which Rhubarb, the Grouch Ghost of Christmas Past pops out of. He shows Oscar old home movies of Christmas pasts. The first one was Gift of the Magi starring Bert and Ernie. They played Bert and Ernie's subplot from Christmas Eve on Sesame Street and we got to revisit an old dear friend. I won't tell you who. I'll leave you all to be as surprised as I was, though I'm sure you know exactly who I'm referring to. Along with that, it was lovely to hear Frank Oz and Jim Henson again as the 2 buddies. Gave me chills. The next homemovie features Big Bird from Elmo Saves Christmas. It's the scene where he misses Snuffy and sings "All I Want For Christmas Is You".
The next Ghost is Christmas Carole as the Ghost of Christmas Present. She is a very perky CGI Christmas Tree/Anything Muppet voiced by Kristin Chenowith. She is there to show Oscar the glory of the Christmas in the now and that Christmas is more than just decorations and Christmas trees. She shows a clip of Elmo and Santa Claus from Elmo's World: Happy Holidays. The next clip is one from Elmo Saves Christmas in which Elmo (along with Lightning the Reindeer) sings the reprise of "Everyday Can't Be Christmas". The third old clip is one from Elmo's World: Happy Holidays with kids talking about how they celebrate Hannukah and Kwanzaa. Carole then pulls out her finale with a clip featuring "Keep Christmas With You" (It is the version from Elmo Saves Christmas. (which can hardly be considered "Present" since Mr. Handford is in it.) Finally, Christmas Carole must leave because she left Christmas dinner cooking in her oven.
The next ghost to arrive is the ghost of Christmas Future in the form of a futuristic robot named Sam (voiced by Kevin Clash). He shows an new animated film showing what Christmases will be like in the future --houses that decorate themselves, weightless Christmas dinners in the form of tablets.
Oscar then wakes up and is greeted by a boy that bears a striking resemblence to the Delivery Man. This is wear Oscar's change really shows and where all this past 45 minutes makes sense. Possibly the best part of the show.
I left some details out as I don't want to give too much away for those of you who wish to watch it. My opinion, however, is that it was highly disappointing. I, who always supports and celebrates anything Sesame Street, found this program to be disappointing and a waste of time. It was cute, but really nothing but rehashing all old clips from past Sesame Street Christmas specials. There was nothing too original about this. They could have stuck Oscar in the clips from the past and had him comment on it. He didn't seem to care much about them at all. There was so much that could have been done to make it a wonderful adaptation, but it was as if they didn't even try in my honest opinion. I might as well have watched all my other Sesame specials instead. About 5 out of 45 minutes was new material and it didn't even have any other familiar characters besides Oscar.
That is my review. I give it 1 1/2 out of 5 stars because some of Christmas Carole's and Rhubarb's writing was cute. That is it though.
The Count
11-13-2006, 05:43 AM
Hmmm... Wondering how Wal-Mart released this earlier, thought it wasn't supposed to hit the shelves until Tuesday November 14.
Was gonna ask to add this to the order of other SS DVD's I reserved at a local Spec's shop at one of my local malls.
Bry, if you could send me a list of the new characters from the special both Muppet and/or human if any, I'd appreciate it to add to the list.
Thanks, and sorry it was a disappointing production in your view.
Kimp the Shrimp
11-13-2006, 06:03 AM
well i will rent it then but not buy
redBoobergurl
11-13-2006, 08:21 AM
Thanks for the review Bryan. I trust your opinion because I know you're a true SS fan. I may not buy this one, but I think I'll at least still try to check out somehow. It's too bad it's not real original.
heralde
11-13-2006, 10:22 AM
Sorry it was disapointing, Bear! Good review though (Reviews aren't always positive after all). Sounds like it was intended to be a quick to video thing so they didn't put as much work into it as they could have. Had it been done a few years ago, it might have been better.
I can't say I'm thrilled that they seemed to show more Elmo Christmas specials than "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street". But I'm not that surprised either. Once again, giving kids the message that anything old is useless. Only new specials are worth watching.
Still, it was a good concept, using Oscar for the Christmas Carol. And I liked that they used Tim Curry, he rocks!
Hmmm... Wondering how Wal-Mart released this earlier, thought it wasn't supposed to hit the shelves until Tuesday November 14.
Was gonna ask to add this to the order of other SS DVD's I reserved at a local Spec's shop at one of my local malls.
Bry, if you could send me a list of the new characters from the special both Muppet and/or human if any, I'd appreciate it to add to the list.
Thanks, and sorry it was a disappointing production in your view.
Sure, Ed. I'll be sending you the small list of new characters a bit later today.
BradFraggle
11-13-2006, 11:57 AM
Do you know who played Joe Marly and Grouch Ghost of Christmas Past?
Do you know who played Joe Marly and Grouch Ghost of Christmas Past?
Joe Marly was performed by Joey Mazzarino, and Rhubarb the Grouch (Ghost of Christmas Past) was voiced by Rickey Boyd. Hope that helps.
The Count
11-13-2006, 12:41 PM
Thanks Bry... Please remember to separate the Muppets from human characters, makes it easier to know who's who and what's what.
Thanks Bry... Please remember to separate the Muppets from human characters, makes it easier to know who's who and what's what.
You won't have to worry about that. There are no new human characters for adding. Will be sending you the list soon.
travellingpat
11-13-2006, 01:20 PM
So its not worth buying?
The Count
11-13-2006, 01:21 PM
OK then... You know, this reminds me of the story of the Sesame Street Christmas Caroll where Big Bird and María talk to Oscar about all three phases, included in the picture book A Sesame Street Christmas in my library.
Drtooth
11-13-2006, 01:56 PM
A CLIP SHOW!?!?! Now, that's a true ripoff!
They could have done SOOOOOO much with it, and instead they made a bloody clip show.
The end was sweet between Oscar and the little boy Muppet, but that was the best part and only part worth it. It was just highly disappointing. If I new it was going to be a clip show, I wouldn't be so upset. I'm not angry and cursing at SW for this, but I am definitely sad.
a_Mickey_Muppet
11-15-2006, 02:53 PM
thanks for the review Bear...wish i WOULD HAVE seen this lastnight before i went out and bought it! The CGI Muppets where cool. i was HOPEING they would make a "new Bert & Ernie" christmas story and call it "old", but this was ahhh... ok i guess :smirk:
thanks for the review Bear...wish i WOULD HAVE seen this lastnight before i went out and bought it! The CGI Muppets where cool. i was HOPEING they would make a "new Bert & Ernie" christmas story and call it "old", but this was ahhh... ok i guess :smirk:
Yeah, the CGI Muppets looked really good.
I didn't mind them using the old clips they did for the Christmas Past segment, but the whole 45 minutes was that (Christmas Past)
Ilikemuppets
11-16-2006, 12:46 PM
That's kind of sad and diapointing. oh well, better luck next time I guess?:smirk:
Fozzie Bear
11-16-2006, 03:40 PM
http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com/dvd.cfm?itemID=SON040010
You can purchase here for 'not a lot' and free shipping.
BTW: Was the robot Sam the same Sam the Robot from years ago on SS (and which shows up on the SS Old School DVD)?
D'Snowth
11-16-2006, 04:32 PM
Disappointing? I liked it... I just think Sesame Workshop was a little desparate about the sales of it... I mean did Elmo REALLY need to be on the cover? He was only in the flashbacks.
CookieCountDawn
11-17-2006, 10:57 PM
I saw it on PBS Kids Sprout Comcast On Demand.
I liked it but I didn't like that there wasn't any other main characters other than Oscar in the new scenes.
GonzoLeaper
11-18-2006, 09:04 PM
BTW: Was the robot Sam the same Sam the Robot from years ago on SS (and which shows up on the SS Old School DVD)?
It wasn't the same puppet- and it certainly wasn't Jerry Nelson voicing it- BUT I'm definitely counting it as a new incarnation of Sam the Robot- on the video credits he's referred to as iSam- (obviously a take-off from Apple's iMac!) so he's like the Sam the Robot for the modern audience...
He even stutters and repeats some of his lines until Oscar bangs on the remote- and then he talks right after thanking Oscar!:)
I think that's definitely a pretty nice reference for the classic Sesame Street fans- frankly, that was probably my favorite part of the whole thing.
Mistoffelees
11-19-2006, 12:48 AM
Can someone post a cast (Performers) list for this? Thanks.
Can someone post a cast (Performers) list for this? Thanks.
Joey Mazzerino performed Joe Marley/Little Joey Dickens
Rickey Boyd voiced Rhubarb the Grouch (aka The Ghost of Christmas Past)
Kristen Chenoweth voiced Christmas Carole (aka The Ghost of Christmas Present)
Kevin Clash voiced iSam (aka The Ghost of Christmas Future)
Hope this helps you.
The Count
11-19-2006, 06:44 AM
Don't forget about Carroll Spinney performing Oscar The Grouch.
And then there are the characters from the clips as well.
Hope this helps.
Muppet dude
11-19-2006, 09:09 AM
I saw it On Demand, and I thought it was kind of interesting. Aside from the CGI characters, it almost seems the new segments were taped in the 1980s or 1990s. I was also shocked when I read it was going to be a clip show, but I was glad to see a clip from "Christmas Eve on Sesame Street," complete with Mr. Hooper! Also, I could probably design a better DVD cover for that movie. It'd have have Oscar in his nightcap in the center as the three ghosts surround him. And please note: this was also probably one of the first Sesame Street specials where the new footage is almost all Muppets! (not counting the CGI characters).
As for the CGI stuff, I liked the Grouch Ghost of Christmas past. I also noticed that the beginning of the home movies, the countdown leader (counting from 8 to 2) is the same countdown leader that appears on Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe Premiere Elements! (I have the latter program). Anyone notice that?
Carol the Christmas Ghost was kinda annoying, though. And as for SAM, they could've at least have Jerry Nelson do the voiceover of him. That would make it more reminiscent! Could this lead into a reappearance of SAM the Robot or something similar?
Oh, and forgot to add that Tim Curry was the Narrator (voice-over).
Phillip Chapman
11-25-2006, 11:44 AM
Does anyone have the free CD Christmas sampler (http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/A_Sesame_Street_Christmas_Carol_CD_Sampler)that comes with this DVD when you purchase it from Toys R Us? We'd like to have the Christmas songs for MC Radio. If anyone has this, please send me an e-mail. I'm happy to help you out with some Muppety music goodness in return.
D'Snowth
11-25-2006, 11:28 PM
Does anyone have the free CD Christmas sampler (http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/A_Sesame_Street_Christmas_Carol_CD_Sampler)that comes with this DVD when you purchase it from Toys R Us? We'd like to have the Christmas songs for MC Radio. If anyone has this, please send me an e-mail. I'm happy to help you out with some Muppety music goodness in return.
A free CD Christmas sampler? All I got was just the DVD... it didn't even come with those little ads on the inside of the case about how the sales of the products go back into Sesame Workshop to help kids around the world.
I didn't get any CD sampler either.
CookieCountDawn
11-27-2006, 05:08 PM
Is it a while supplies last thing or will it always be avaiable with the DVD at Toys R Us?
jeffkjoe
11-27-2006, 07:55 PM
I thought the special was a complete half-***** effort.
I mean, it's the equivalent of one of those Family Ties "clip" shows where it's 5 minutes of story and 20 minutes of flashbacks.
For effort, I give it a D-. And more negative points for making Oscar the central character. No toddler has Oscar as his or her favorite character.
I thought the special was a complete half-***** effort.
I mean, it's the equivalent of one of those Family Ties "clip" shows where it's 5 minutes of story and 20 minutes of flashbacks.
For effort, I give it a D-. And more negative points for making Oscar the central character. No toddler has Oscar as his or her favorite character.
First of all, I agree with you that it was a disappointing project, but why would you give it bad points for Oscar being the central character? Who from Sesame Street would you have lead in a Scrooge story??:grouchy:
The Count
12-06-2006, 06:47 AM
Hmmm... Guess MC was able to get the soundtrack to this special. Saying that cause I started to listen to a version of "True Blue Miracle" recorded by Hoots and Bob from A Sesame Street Christmas Caroll.
Hmmm... Guess MC was able to get the soundtrack to this special. Saying that cause I started to listen to a version of "True Blue Miracle" recorded by Hoots and Bob from A Sesame Street Christmas Caroll.
Are you sure that's not the version they did on the Sesame Street Christmas album a while back where it was basically the exact same song from CEOSS but with Hoots replacing Gordon and Olivia's vocals and Elmo replacing David's? Or is it totally different?
The Count
12-06-2006, 12:24 PM
Trust me Bry... It was from the special released this year. Wasn't able to listen to it completely, cause it was one of these last few rainy days when my MC Radio feed's been hiccupping. But what I heard was Hoots' voice singing the first line: "I believe in miracles", and then Bob came in and sang "I know because I've seen". Furthermore, when I tabbed over to the browser window that has the current playing playlist (only three songs listed at a time), it said "True Blue Miracle" from A Sesame Street Christmas Caroll.
Hope this helps.
Hmm...sounds like the exact same one I was talking about, but I wouldn't mind taking a listen sometime.
Erine81981
12-06-2006, 01:11 PM
I'm not trying to rube it in but here are the songs from the sampler CD. And no I don't have it either. Sorry.
1. Sesame Street Theme (Christmas Overture)
2. More Than a Toy
3. Someone's Love
4. Keep Christmas With You
Here's another thing that you might want to see Ed.
http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/A_Sesame_Street_Christmas_%28album%29
It shows that the song your refuring too is on this album not on the Cd sampler. (I hate it when I'm right so please don't think I'm trying be a smarty pants.)
Thanks, Kyle. Yeah, i didn't think it was right what Ed was saying, but I understand the confusion. I think that old album was also titled "A Sesame Street Christmas Carol". That version of "True Blue Miracle" is exactly the same one from Christmas Eve On Sesame Street, except they replaced Gordon and Olivia's vocals with Hoots and David's with Elmo.
Erine81981
12-06-2006, 01:21 PM
Nope. It was called "A Sesame Street Christmas." Oh well everyone makes mistakes and it's alright for everyone too. I do as well.
Nope. It was called "A Sesame Street Christmas." Oh well everyone makes mistakes and it's alright for everyone too. I do as well.
Just as well.
The Count
12-06-2006, 07:04 PM
No, that's perfectly OK Kyle. Thanks for informing me about the mistake. It's just that when I read what I read, I thought it was the sampler CD from the Christmas special released this year. Well, if MC doesn't have it in their rotation, I hope they do soon.
Phillip Chapman
12-07-2006, 07:35 AM
Yes, we still need the songs from the Christmas Carol CD sampler. Hopefully, some great person can help out with those.
Big Bird Fan
12-27-2006, 04:14 PM
I finally saw it on Christmas Eve thanks to Comcast having Sprout as a free digital preview all weekend. It was a total fluke too! For the past few months the channel has been a free preview every weekend. SS airs everyday at 3pm and am. (Mountain time). I had just got home from shopping and it was 10 till 3. So I hurried and wondered which "old" (as in 90s) episode would air today. And to my surprise, I saw Christmas Eve on Sesame Street! Guess it was one of those true blue miracles. :p
Anyway, I really enjoyed the special. I wasn't expecting to after reading Bear's review. However, my mom taped over most of Christmas Eve on Sesame Street, so it had been years since I saw that Bert and Ernie clip. And I hadn't seen any of the other clips before, so that's probably why I liked it so much.
There were only two things that I didn't like. Christmas Carole got on my nerves after awhile. I thought she'd never leave. The other was the look of Christmas in the future. I was hoping for what Christmas would be on SS in the future, not a dumb clip on how people will celebrate. And what's with all these shows who think food will be in pill form in the future? That never made sense to me. I don't think we'll all be eating pills in the future...
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