No one is allowed to utter "Bah, humbug!" today, unless it's Scrooge in A Christmas Carol and he is ready for transformation.
In other words, cynicism is inappropriate, even when filmmakers layer on sentimentality.
Here are DVD releases themed to the season. In most cases, that means Christmas, although one set broadens the scope to Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. This is not a greatest hits list. Instead, I highlight titles -- new and old -- that just arrived on DVD in new editions, or just debuted on Blu-ray.
It's a Wonderful Life (Back on DVD in a Collector's Set with Exclusive Ornament, new to Blu-ray)
Frank Capra's exhilarating 1946 classic remains my Christmas favourite. The sentiments are hard-earned and heart-felt as James Stewart careens from attempted suicide to true life satisfaction. The B&W original is restored and the colourized version is "acceptable" and more palatable for children. The DVD gift set comes with Clarence's bell as the ornament, signifying an angel earning his wings.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: 20th Anniversary Ultimate Collector's Edition (DVD & Blu-ray)
When Chevy Chase was actually funny, he led the Griswold family into mayhem, including at Christmas. Friends cite this as their all-time fave. Now it's back in tin boxes containing the movie and collectibles.
Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws (Combo Pack with DVD & Blu-ray)
Talking doggies? The Buddies give me the creeps but millions of kids love these muttering mutts. They're back in a new adventure involving Santa Claus and family-friendly mush.
Un Conte de Noel (A Christmas Tale) (DVD)
I fibbed. There is cynicism worth experiencing this season because French filmmaker Arnaud Desplechin crafted a brilliant, if brutally honest portrait of a dysfunctional family reuniting at Christmas. It's adult counter-programming for the season.
Miracle on 34th Street (1947 Version on Blu-ray)
Miracle on 34th Street (1994 version on Blu-ray)
These two versions of the classic Kris Kringle tale are new to Blu-ray in separate releases. While I prefer the original (in original B&W, although the colourized one is here, too), both have merit and look great in high-def.
A Charlie Brown Christmas (Blu-ray)
Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (Blu-ray)
These two classic Christmas cartoons are new to Blu-ray in separate releases. Both are dark, delicious and look even brighter and more beautiful on Blu-ray.
White Christmas: Anniversary Edition (DVD)
Michael Curtiz's rousing 1954 musical features Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney, plus Irving Berlin's music. The new two-disc edition has fresh extras about this enjoyable Christmas movie with its signature song.
Four Christmases (DVD)
Vince Vaughn and Reese Witherspoon hilariously team up as a couple trying to escape their four families at Christmas. While the storyline is jumbled, their chemistry keeps us interested.
Scholastic Storybook Treasures: The Night Before Christmas ... and more Classic Holiday Tales (DVD)
This charming two-disc set offers 12 stories read aloud by actors. This old-school presentation promotes reading and is full of treats, among them Theordore Bikel's moving Hanukkah tale.
TCM Greatest Classic Films Collection: Holiday (DVD)
This instalment in the Turner Classic Movies series has four quality B&W classics: Christmas in Connecticut, A Christmas Carol (with Reginald Owen as Scrooge), The Shop Around the Corner and the marvellous screwball comedy, It Happened on 5th Avenue.
Moonlight & Mistletoe (DVD)
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (DVD) and The Christmas Choir (DVD): These separate, made-for-TV movies do the same thing. They set up a personal dilemma and solve problems through family and a renewed sense of sharing. All three are sentimental but made well enough to survive the syrup.
The Dog Who Saved Christmas (DVD)
Another talking dog! This time, a yellow lab chats to himself as our narrator, recounting his thrilling Christmas adventure with a new family.
Winnie the Pooh, Seasons of Giving: 10th Anniversary Edition (DVD)
Pooh, Tigger and friends set out on an utterly beguiling, epic adventure to find winter.
The Christmas Clause (DVD)
Snow 2: Brain Freeze (DVD)
These two movies bring peace and love to those in need. In the comedy Snow 2, Canadian Tom Cavanagh has had his bell rung and doesn't remember he is Santa.
A Muppets Christmas, Letters to Santa: Extended Edition (DVD)
Kermit and friends fly to the North Pole, with Uma Thurman's help, to deliver letters to Santa. Disjointed, perhaps, but the story is tons of fun.
Merry Sitcom!: Christmas Classic from TV's Golden Age (DVD)
Six Christmas episodes from six old TV shows are compiled, including one from Father Knows Best.
Mickey's Christmas Carol (DVD)
Mickey's Magical Christmas (DVD)
These two Mickey Mouse creations from Disney are both charming. The first is a collection of animated shorts, including the 1983 Christmas Carol with Mickey as Bob Cratchit. The second release is a storybook approach with 35 Disney characters.
Dora's Christmas Carol (DVD)
Dora's Christmas! (DVD)
These two releases feature Dora the Explorer as she helps children discover the meaning of the holidays.
