[Logo]
Subscribers Only Content Area
[Log      [Learn

Home New Movies All Movies New Videos All Videos DVD Search



(About Our Ads)

DVD REVIEW FOR
"HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS"

(1966/2000) (voices of Boris Karloff, June Foray)

Length Screen Format(s) Languages Subtitles Sound Sides
25 minutes (each of Grinch/Horton) Full Frame English
Spanish
French
English
Spanish
French
Dolby Digital 2.0 1

Plot: Cartoon short adaptations of Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Horton Hears a Who."

AUDIO/VIDEO ELEMENTS:
Considering the age of the cartoon, it generally looks okay, but it's certainly not up to par with today's newer releases and isn't as good as one would hope/expect for a revered classic like this. The biggest problem of the transfer is rather noticeable pixelation and other digital artifacts. While it's not consistent throughout the disc, in certain scenes it's somewhat distracting, as are some odd smudge-like movements around certain characters in other scenes.

Some film artifacts are present (scratches and blips) and while the color reproduction is generally solid and vibrant, a few instances of the reds/oranges are near the saturation point. As far as the audio is concerned, both the vocals and music sound rather flat, but that's somewhat to be expected considering the age and original recording techniques.

EXTRAS:
  • Scene selection/Jump to any scene.
  • Grinch: Running audio commentary by animator Phil Roman and June Foray (voice of Cindy Lou Who).
  • Grinch: Trivia - 12 trivia questions.
  • Grinch: Pencil Tests - 3 color sketches.
  • Grinch: Who's Who in Whoville: Brief bios on Chuck Jones, Boris Karloff, Dr. Seuss and June Foray.
  • Grinch: Song Selections - Direct access to 4 songs from the film and the scenes in which they appear.
  • Grinch: TNT's "How the Grinch Stole Christmas Special Edition" - 19+ minute featurette narrated by Phil Hartman regarding the making of the cartoon classic, including original pencil tests and interviews with talent involved with the film and fans, etc.
  • Grinch: "Song in the Key of Grinch" interviews: 8 minutes of interviews with composer Albert Hague and vocalist Thurl Ravenscroft.
  • Horton: Pencil Tests - 5 black and white sketches.
  • Horton: Song Selections - Direct access to 4 songs from the film and the scenes in which they appear.
  • COMMENTS:
    With the recent stellar success of the Ron Howard/Jim Carrey, live-action adaptation of Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," the fate of the far more charming, entertaining and shorter cartoon version of the same name is up in the air.

    Due to its muscular box office performance and inevitable future run on home video and then broadcast TV, it's possible that the film version could supplant the 1966 cartoon as the perennial holiday favorite. One would hope, however, that the success of the film would serve to renew interest in the cartoon short that's been a favorite among kids of all ages ever since its original debut.

    Whatever the case, there's no denying that the original adaptation - now on DVD with a host of supplemental features as well as the less popular and lesser known "Horton Hears a Who" short - is a delightful and enjoyable romp.

    A more literal translation of Seuss' original work than the Carrey film, the short benefited from the work of director Chuck Jones (the man behind many of the Looney Tunes cartoons), the narration and voicing of the Grinch by Boris Karloff (best known for playing the most recognized version of the Frankenstein monster) and a fun and lively score by composer Albert Hague.

    Of course, one can't overlook Seuss' original rhyming tale. Concise, witty and full of fun word play, the story is a tale of redemption and the holiday spirit, and it still works as well today as it did decades ago. The residents of Whoville may not be as fleshed out like they are in the full-length film, but that doesn't really matter as the story is all about the Grinch. Besides, that character's dog - wonderfully envisioned by Jones and his animation crew - nearly steals the show - without any dialogue - and provides for much of the film's cute humor.

    Simply put and notwithstanding some technical issues, you can't go wrong with this release, especially with the addition of some decent supplemental materials that only add to the experience. Although the picture and sound aren't up to snuff with that found in more recent releases, that shouldn't detract from this otherwise delightful and joyous holiday favorite.

    Buy Dr. Seuss' "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on DVD today!

    Advertising Info Info/FAQ Mail Newsletter Sneak Previews Syndication

    Privacy Statement and Terms of Use and Disclaimer
    By entering this site you acknowledge to having read and agreed to the above conditions.

    All Rights Reserved,
    ©1996-2010 Screen It, Inc.