Reviews (3)

Wonderful production, much fun for young and old
The animation is great: The animal mannerisms are true to life, and the social commentary is a delight. Beautiful scenery, lots of detail in voices, mannerisms, garden scenery.

Really fun to watch for parents and kids. Disney avoiders--take note!

My 20-month-old sons love it, particularly the lovely music, and the opening photography showing Beatrix Potter in her village and house, amongst her animals.

Hugh Laurie (Wooster in Jeeves and Wooster) does Johnnie Townmouse.

A great bonus with this one, and in another of this excellent series, was an extraordinarily beautiful CD--English boys choir, the theme of the series--A Perfect Day sung by Miriam Stockley--some English dance hall/folk music, nice variety of gentle symphonic music composed by Colin Towns. A delightful surprise. It's a soundtrack for something, but what I've been unable to determine.

(This bonus cd appears in another of the series--Peter Rabbit?)

Delightful Animated Story
This video has nothing to do with ballet. Instead it is a delightful animated version of the Beatrix Potter stories, "Two Bad Mice" and "Johnny Town Mouse". These two stories are tied together with some common mouse characters. It stays true to Breatix Potters original books. I would highly recommend it for children or anyone studying Beatrix Potter's books.

Fun!
Oh, these two bad mice! So naughty. My kids get quite a kick watching the mice play in the dollhouse. These Peter Rabbit and Friends videos are quality viewing for children. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If reading The Wind in the Willows as a child was, for you, an awakening to the near-mystical, make-believe wonders of the natural world, turning a cold shoulder on a video version of the Kenneth Grahame classic may seem to you a necessary measure to avoid memory muddling. Don't. This animated adaptation, gently narrated by Vanessa Redgrave, portrays Moley, Mr. Toad, and the rest of the riverbank battalion tastefully, wittily, and with charm by the bucketsful. True to the tale, these forest chaps are British, right down to their regal accents and suitable degrees of reserve. Lest you should conclude that such characteristics block the lecherous Toad from being a scoundrel or make Mole less of a lovable dimwit, though, the animals' adventures get under way lickety-split. Mole abandons his modest home in favor of an apprenticeship on the ways of the river alongside knowledgeable Rat and, in the movie's sole scary scene, winds up lost in the wild woods; Toad's enthusiasm for motorcars earns him a 20-year sentence and the insult of having to masquerade as a washer woman; and young Portly the otter goes missing, giving everyone a scare. Separating this cartoon caper from the herd is, of course, the writing--"nature kicks off its clothes" as part of the river's "wintertime poetry," and chums are richly celebrated; "In the company of friends," our narrator memorably intones, quoting Grahame, "even the most frugal of feasts is a banquet." Recommended for kids, and grown-ups, 3 and up. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (89)

Toads adventures
At the start of this book, it's boring, but by the middle it gets exciting. In the beginning, it is difficult because you don't know what they're doing and what the author is trying to say. However, keep reading. It gets exciting because the characters get into more trouble. This book is good for ages 10-56.

The main characters are Mole, Rat, Badger and Mr. Toad. Badger doesn't show up a lot but he is important to the story. This book is about a mole, named Mole, who meets a water rat, named Rat. Rat brings Mole on a picnic so Rat and Mole go on Rat's boat to go on a picnic. On the way there, they meet Otter. The next day they go meet Mr. Toad at his home, Toad Hall. Toad invites them to go on a trip in a gypsy caravan. They go with him and one day a motor car goes by the caravan and Mr. Toad falls in love. He will go to any height to get it. Even steal one, which gets him, put in jail. The washerwoman's niece wants to break him out but it will cost him money. The washerwoman lets him go out in her clothes. He makes it out but he has no money and the police are gaining on him. The engine -driver lets him on free because the driver thinks he is a washerwoman. How will he get out of this mess?

Will the wits and minds of Mole, Rat and Badger combined bring Toad to his senses? Read "The Winds in the Willows" to find out.

Charm
Kenneth Grahame wrote this for his son and published this in book form in 1908. He has simply created a masterpiece, not just in children's literature, believe me many adults read this one with pleasure. The chapters follow the doings and adventures of Mole, Rat, Badger, and of course Toad. The prose is lyrical at times, the stories hilarious, and charm and wisdom flow from Grahame's pen. There has been many illustrators for different editions of this over the years. I like Rackham and Shepard and recommend the editions that have one or the others illustrations, or get two copies of "The Wind in the Willows" and you can have both of these fine illustrators work to enjoy. I read this book when a child and I come back to it again and again.

A primer on friendship
The Wind in the Willows is a delightful children's classic that touches upon many things; wonder, pastoralism, but most of all friendship between individuals very different from one another. One of the hallmarks of this classic is that the adventure stories remain entertaining to this day. A must read for any child.

Check your Text
In response to the 5 star reviewer, I encourage her to check her text's publication date. I used the Scholastic version of The Wind in the Willows for years and up until 2 years ago it was an unabridged version. That older version has been replaced by the Miles version, however, which is not unabridged. I discovered this by accident when I ordered it for my classes--believing I was getting the old Scholastic version--and found that the version my students received bore little resemblance to the one I had. Hence my warning about this text. The Miles version is NOT the one Scholastic used to offer and it IS drastically altered.

Uneven Version
"Wind" is the charming story of four friends living near the river bank - Mole, Badger, Rat and Toad. The story follows their adventures in the Wide World, and how true friendship keeps them together through "thick and thin."

Unfortunately, the story loses some of its appeal in this video version. It tells the tale well enough, but it just doesn't have the feel of a "classic." Sometimes, you have to read the book to fully appreciate it!

Good, not great. Three stars. ... Read more

Amazon.com

If The Wind in the Willows tugs viewers (and readers) through the river reeds with its graceful, enchanting words, The Willows in Winter hurtles them along with its bumpy adventures, all linked to the restless, irascible Toad. Here, the ever-proud proprietor of Toad Hall hangs up his former preoccupation with motorcars in favor of a far hipper mode of transport--airplanes. Though he fancies himself an avid aviator, Toady's nothing but trouble when he takes to the skies. Enlisted to survey the wild woods from up high for Moley, who never made it to Rat's house amid a river-swelling winter storm, he loops-the-loop one time too many, sending Ratty tumbling in thin air. Then there's the small matter that he swiped the plane he's piloting, an offense punishable by a lengthy prison sentence. And he's already a wanted toad for escaping on stolen-motorcar charges. While Toady's tricking an innocent chimneysweep into changing identities with him, Rat's semi-spiritual river wisdom tells him Mole's still alive, and, indeed, the weary traveler straggles up just in time for his own memorial service, requesting cheese on toast and a glass of hot toddy. All's well again along the river, but Toady's captured, and his complicated web of criminal deception lands him in court on murder charges. Well-connected, formidable Badger bails him out, but a lesson in humility awaits the wily bugger back at Toad Hall. High-flying fun skillfully wraps itself around a primer on friendship in The Willows in Winter; it's a can't-miss combination with dear, genteel characters guaranteed to win the hearts of viewers of all ages. --Tammy La Gorce ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Superb Toad! Incomparable Toad!
The animation is fine, the voices (including narration by Vanessa Redgrave, Michael Palin as Ratty and Michael Gambon as Badger) are fine, but Rik Mayall's Toad is the reason to buy this hilarious video. It's a shame the first in this series (the 1996 "Wind in the Willows") is out of print, because it is equally wonderful. (Don't buy the 1999 re-issue -- it's edited into three "episodes" which are repetitive and sometimes make no sense.) One quibble: live video "framing" the animated movie, though lovely, seems pointless. ... Read more

Book Description

Raymond Briggs, creator of The Snowman, tells a magical Christmas

story that will appeal to everyone who wants to believe in Santa Claus.


Meet Father Christmas: a very human gift-giver with a tough job to do. You'll

find out that he sometimes gets a little grumpy living at the icy North Pole

and squeezing down chimneys, but he more than makes up for it in heart and

humor. Raymond Briggs brings this endearing character to life in over 100

wonderfully illustrated vignettes that follow the adventures of Father

Christmas on his big night of the year.


"...one of the most irrestibile yuletide books to appear in many

years."--The Horn Book




... Read more

Reviews (23)

4 stars for content reasons only... see below
Narrated by none other than Santa himself, FATHER CHRISTMAS is a cute look at the "rest" of Santa's life. Go along for the ride as Santa vacations in France, Scotland and even Las Vegas before returning to the comforts of home.

Not traditional in any sense of the term, this film brings a more modern feel to the "life of Santa". Use parental discretion when purchasing this video... young children may become confused by this story and might come to you with questions such as why Santa has no Mrs., why he only has four reindeer, and why he lives in a house that appears to be in a city. This film is, however, perfect for the post-kindergarden crowd who understand that there is more than one way to look at things and will not be bothered by trivial differences in detail. Also of note is a brief gambling sequence during Santa's visit in Las Vegas. While the video doesn't make mention of it, it does show Santa involved in the act. If you actively avoid exposing your child to this activity, (sadly) you should avoid this film as well.

A mere 24 minutes, this video is perfect for families who don't want to miss out on classic Christmas entertainment but don't want their kids parked in front of a tv for hours. (NOTE: if you have a DVD player, I highly recommend purchasing the joint copy of The Snowman (also by Raymond Brigs and a personal favorite of mine) and Father Christmas - you'll get two holiday classics for far less than the cost of purchasing them seperately).

ENJOY!

Father Christmas is a winner
This comic-strip-like book is very British, slightly irreverent, and quite funny. Actually, I think it makes a good Christmas book for adults, but children too can enjoy the warmth and comfort of the many pleasant holiday scenes depicted.

Father Christmas
Nice but a disappointment as the grumpy charm of the original has been editted out and replaced with a sanitized version conforming to preceived American tastes.

The staple of my family's christmas since it was printed
Ever since I can remember, this book was out on christmas day and my mother would read to me in her best english accent. this is a timeless piece, there is always something new to it and we cherish the book. pure genius and enjoyment!

Wonderful children's classic
This is a marvelous and a very funny book:) A Christmas book to be read over and over. I loved it when I was young and still love it today. Have a merry bloomin' Christmas! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful!
My children love this movie. They enjoy watching Mr. Tod try to play a trick on badger and they are relieved when the Flopsy bunnies are rescued. Quality viewing. ... Read more

Book Description

Raymond Briggs, creator of The Snowman, tells a magical Christmas

story that will appeal to everyone who wants to believe in Santa Claus.


Meet Father Christmas: a very human gift-giver with a tough job to do. You'll

find out that he sometimes gets a little grumpy living at the icy North Pole

and squeezing down chimneys, but he more than makes up for it in heart and

humor. Raymond Briggs brings this endearing character to life in over 100

wonderfully illustrated vignettes that follow the adventures of Father

Christmas on his big night of the year.


"...one of the most irrestibile yuletide books to appear in many

years."--The Horn Book




... Read more

Reviews (23)

4 stars for content reasons only... see below
Narrated by none other than Santa himself, FATHER CHRISTMAS is a cute look at the "rest" of Santa's life. Go along for the ride as Santa vacations in France, Scotland and even Las Vegas before returning to the comforts of home.

Not traditional in any sense of the term, this film brings a more modern feel to the "life of Santa". Use parental discretion when purchasing this video... young children may become confused by this story and might come to you with questions such as why Santa has no Mrs., why he only has four reindeer, and why he lives in a house that appears to be in a city. This film is, however, perfect for the post-kindergarden crowd who understand that there is more than one way to look at things and will not be bothered by trivial differences in detail. Also of note is a brief gambling sequence during Santa's visit in Las Vegas. While the video doesn't make mention of it, it does show Santa involved in the act. If you actively avoid exposing your child to this activity, (sadly) you should avoid this film as well.

A mere 24 minutes, this video is perfect for families who don't want to miss out on classic Christmas entertainment but don't want their kids parked in front of a tv for hours. (NOTE: if you have a DVD player, I highly recommend purchasing the joint copy of The Snowman (also by Raymond Brigs and a personal favorite of mine) and Father Christmas - you'll get two holiday classics for far less than the cost of purchasing them seperately).

ENJOY!

Father Christmas is a winner
This comic-strip-like book is very British, slightly irreverent, and quite funny. Actually, I think it makes a good Christmas book for adults, but children too can enjoy the warmth and comfort of the many pleasant holiday scenes depicted.

Father Christmas
Nice but a disappointment as the grumpy charm of the original has been editted out and replaced with a sanitized version conforming to preceived American tastes.

The staple of my family's christmas since it was printed
Ever since I can remember, this book was out on christmas day and my mother would read to me in her best english accent. this is a timeless piece, there is always something new to it and we cherish the book. pure genius and enjoyment!

Wonderful children's classic
This is a marvelous and a very funny book:) A Christmas book to be read over and over. I loved it when I was young and still love it today. Have a merry bloomin' Christmas! ... Read more

Reviews (30)

The American Version
Beautiful animation based on Raymond Brigg's Books. Although the Snowman is intact to its origional content. It's a wonderful tale of a boy who builds a snowman who comes to life, and has a north pole adventure in the middle of the night, Meeting santa, and returning home. In the end the snowman melts. Bitter-sweet, and wonderful, its told not in words but in action.

Father Christmas has been re-narrated by an american actor. The Charm of the British version is lost. The origional hosts a cranky, cantankerous Brit Santa who, sick of the cold, wet snow-time job, goes on a vacation in different parts of the world. His adventures are full of tongue-in-cheek Brit humor that adults can watch, and children will not notice. The movie shows a Santa who kicks back eats, drinks, gambles in Vegas, and complains along the way. There are even two parts cut out of this version: One is of santa in the outhouse, Second is part of a Scottish pub scene were Santa and the musician there have a few drinks, and He ends up barefoot in the bar dancing with a number of onlookers. It's all tastefully done to British Standards. The American(P.C) version of this show a chipper Santa, and looses all the charm of the origional. Even the song: 'Bloomin Cristmas' looses all humor with an American Voice-over.

I recommend this to anyone who wants a dvd of the snowman, but I would skip the whole Father Christmas of this video. Find the origional F.H.E version on Ebay, or somewhere's else.

The Snowman/Father Christmas Double Feature
Grab some hot cocoa, a warm blanket and each other and snuggle up for this annual Christmas favorite!

The Snowman / Father Christmas double feature DVD is great for families with children of all ages. Short but sweet, each of these shows are roughly 24 minutes in length, making them perfect for parents who don't want their kids parked in front of the tv for hours.

The colored drawing effect of The Snowman will delight viewers while the relaxing soundtrack makes one forget there is no dialogue. Its simplicity nurtures the imagination.

Father Christmas, narrated by none other than Santa himself, has a more modern cartoon feel to it but manages to bring the viewer back full circle to The Snowman with a scene borrowed from it called "Snowman's Party". Go along for the ride in Santa's flying camper as he vacations in France, Scotland and even Las Vegas!

If you want a wholesome Christmas DVD that the whole family can enjoy year after year, you've found it. ENJOY!

Beautiful story...broken DVD
I have purchased this DVD twice and have tried to play them on our regular DVD player as well as on two laptops. No matter what I've tried, The Snowman has never played. Only the very different and very awful Father Christmas will work. I finally gave up and bought the VHS tape of The Snowman, so that my children could see the most wonderful and haunting Christmas movie ever made.

Sanitized American version
First, the DVD is defective. Only the Father Christmas story plays. This version is a sanitized American version which eliminates the British Engllish expressions that give life to the story. SKIP THIS DVD! If you ever have a chance to see a British PAL video, you'll see why.

Beautiful
Although both animations are lovely, 'The Snowman' is the real masterpiece of the two. The Briggs book is brought to life, and the story is actually enhanced by the lack of narration.

Having loved this video since I was young, I wanted to introduce it to my young son (he's 5). I had a suspicion that, as fast-paced as today's shows and games are, he would find this dull. I was pleasantly surprised that the story won out, and that he was into it from beginning to end. (I also recommend the 'Kipper' series of videos for this calm but engaging style of storytelling.)

'Father Christmas' is nice enough. It's a good bonus feature, but isn't quite as wonderful as 'The Snowman,' and doesn't hold my son's interest (or mine) as well. I understand that the British version is racy and lot more charming.

Anyhow, it's a real treat to be able to share this movie with my son! ... Read more