Press Release from Warner Home Video
BURBANK, CA (July 14, 2009) -- This holiday season, consumers will have an opportunity to enjoy some of their all-time favorite animated Christmas television specials in a whole new way when Warner Home Video (WHV) unveils A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS, DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! and DR. SEUSS' HORTON HEARS A WHO! on Blu-ray hi-def format for the first time. Each special has been re-mastered for dazzling picture/audio quality and outfitted in beautiful, foil embossed packaging.
These Blu-ray Combo Packs also include a bonus DVD with the standard definition version of the special and a bonus digital copy. Boys and girls of all ages will thank Santa for leaving such a delightful gift under their tree! Each Blu-ray Combo Pack will be sold separately, retailing for $29.99 SRP and will be available in stores October 6, 2009.
The holidays just wouldn't be the same without Charlie Brown's bittersweet story about his trying to find the true meaning of Christmas. First broadcast in 1965, the timeless A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS TV special instantly became a critical and commercial success. The Emmy and Peabody Award winning classic follows Charlie Brown as he suffers from a case of the holiday blues after he realizes how commercial Christmas has become. While visiting Lucy at her psychiatric booth, she advises he direct the school's Nativity play as a means to cope with his frustration.
When he arrives at rehearsals, he's further aggravated when all the kids want to do is modernize the play. Charlie Brown remains steadfast in keeping the play traditional. His remedy is to include a Christmas tree as a way to capture the proper mood, however, all Charlie Brown is able to find is a short, spindly tree, prompting criticism from his classmates. As he begins to second guess himself, Linus saves the moment when he takes the spotlight, recites verses describing the Nativity and effortlessly manages to capture the true essence of the holiday.
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS BLU-RAY bonus material:
--A Christmas Miracle: The Making of A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS -- An in-depth look at how the producers brought a newspaper comic strip to animated life in a new medium. Under tense pressure and with many doubters, the show creators were able to create Peanuts in a new medium and make the show a smash success.--It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown -- Bonus episode which is the second Christmas-themed PEANUTS episode since A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS. Originally airing in 1992, this special is comprised of several Christmas-themed story lines involving the Peanuts gang.
Originally adapted from the 1957 children's book, DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! tells the story of how the Grinch, a bitter, cave-dwelling creature, attempts to sabotage Christmas for all the merry and warm-hearted denizens of Whoville.
As all the Whos in Whoville prepare to celebrate Christmas, the Grinch schemes to halt all noisy holiday celebrations by stealing Christmas trees and presents, presuming this will sadden all the Whos in Whoville. However, when Christmas morning finally arrives, all the Whos in Whoville are glad and sing in spite of not having a tree, presents or holiday feast. This leads the Grinch to think of something he hadn't before, that perhaps "Christmas doesn't come from a store -- maybe Christmas... perhaps... means a little bit more!"
DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! is narrated by Boris Karloff (FRANKENSTEIN, THE MUMMY) and directed by animation legend Chuck Jones (LOONEY TUNES, WHAT'S OPERA, DOC?). The story was originally adapted to television as an animated TV special and was highly praised by audiences and film animation fans alike. It has been re-broadcast numerous times since its debut, with annual airings continuing to the present day. The original book was considered among one of Dr. Seuss' finest works for children.
DR. SEUSS' HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS! Blu-ray bonus material:
-- From Whoville to Hollywood -- A rapping, rhyming chronical of the original book and this beloved animated adaptation.-- Songs in the Key of Grinch -- Interviews with composer Albert Hague and vocalist Thurl Ravenscroft.-- Who's Who in Whoville -- Biography Gallery.-- Grinch Song Selections -- Go right to your favorite songs. Includes: "Opening Song," "Trim Up the Tree," "Welcome, Christmas" and "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch."-- TNT's How the Grinch Stole Christmas Featurette -- With Phil Hartman.-- Grinch Pencil Test-- Making Animation and Bringing it to Life -- audio commentary with animator Phil Roman and June Foray.
Messages of peace, love and goodwill, are also imparted in the captivating, Peabody Award-winning animated television special DR. SEUSS' HORTON HEARS A WHO! Also adapted from the published work of Dr. Seuss, this enchanting special was also produced by renowned animator Chuck Jones.
DR. SEUSS' HORTON HEARS A WHO! tells the story of a charming elephant named Horton who while frolicking in the jungle one day, hears a plea for help from Dr. Hoovey, resident professor of science of Whoville, a tiny planet no bigger than a speck of dust, which is inhabited by the microscopic Whos.
Horton happily obliges to take care of the tiny Whos proclaiming "after all, a person is a person, no matter how small" and lays the teeny speck of dust on a clover blossom. Horton's jungle companions, however, claim he's "flipped his lid." They steal the clover and drop it into a great big patch of clovers over 100 miles wide! Horton, keeping his promise to protect the little Whos, laboriously searches the entire field in order to prevent their demise.
DR. SEUSS' HORTON HEARS A WHO! Blu-ray bonus material:
-- Two More Delightful Dr. Seuss Animated Stories: DR. SEUSS' BUTTER BATTLE BOOK and DAISY-HEAD MAYZIE.-- In Search of Dr. Seuss Documentary -- The story of Seuss's life is told via celebrity skits, music and animated clips from many of his best-loved stories. Hosted by Kathy Najimy.-- Singalong Music Video -- You Can Hear Horton, Horton Can Hear You!
"For many, the holidays would not be the same without these timeless classics. They've grown to become true masterpieces of American pop culture and we feel it's important they are preserved so that future generations can enjoy them. That is why we've taken steps to re-master and transfer these classics to high definition format," said Amit Desai, WHV Vice President of Family, Animation & Partner Brands Marketing. He added, "We think consumers will be really pleased with the outcome. The picture quality is remarkable, and consumers will truly feel like they're watching a traditional classic through a new set of eyes."
