Hey folks, Valkor here. Every year, around Christmas time, my bro, sis, and I would gather around the old set and catch our favorite Christmas shows. Rudolph was always a favorite, and a Charlie Brown Christmas was a must, but "A Year Without Christmas" would be hit and miss. Either we'd catch it midway or not at all, but when we did it was always fun to watch Heat and Snow Miser sing their song. Well the folks at Warner Home are introducing a new film unto the masses which feature the Miser Bros, and though it's a new story, with a lot of shine, it still has the same heart of the classic. Check out "A Miser Brothers' Christmas".
A Miser Brothers' Christmas revolves around the two warring brothers Snow Miser and Heat Miser (For obvious reasons they are always at one another's throats). One day Santa tries out a new experimental sled that goes wickedly out of control – right in the middle of the Miser Brother's battle. Well Mother Nature wasn't having anymore of their shenanigans and puts the brothers to work in Santa's Factory, and having them deliver all the toys for Christmas. But there's a wrench in the plans in the form of The North Wind. He finds out that if Santa is put out of commission, he would be in charge of the North Pole and Christmas. The Miser brothers must come together to thwart North Wind's plans. But can they stop fighting for a moment to come together and save the holiday?
The film is done in classic stop motion, with some CGI mixed in. Toss in some new tunes as well as an old favorite and you get one heck of a DVD.
The Good:
When I first received this DVD, I was expecting the classic toon, because I only saw the Miser brothers on the cover, not realizing the title was different. When I popped it in, well I was disappointed. BUT when the brothers kicked in with the "Heat Miser/ Snow Miser" song, I lost it and instantly fell in love with this movie. If you grew up with "A Year Without Christmas" and you know the Heat Miser/Snow Miser song, then you should definitely get this DVD simply because it's all new so if you have kids, or nieces and nephews who have never seen the old toon, they can get familiar with the old characters and enjoy a great song, which, second, you will know the words and sing along too as I did. Trust me, it's win win. Mickey Rooney was a nice touch reprising his role as the voice of Santa, as well as George S. Irving who does Heat Miser. Sadly Dick Shawn is no longer with us, but Juan Chioran handles the reins beautifully well as Snow Miser.
The Bad:
This is only a nitpick but North Wind looks like Jay Leno, but doesn't have the voice. Ah well. Oh and why no Karaoke version of the Heat Miser/Snow Miser song in the extras? Oh man that would have been so cool!!! Or is it so hot?? Finally some of the songs are a uninspiring; just totally bland. But the Heat Miser/ Snow Miser song definitely saves the day.
The Ugly:
N/A
Even with all the bad, A Miser Brothers' Christmas is a definite hit in my book; it's a straight forward story with two classic characters that makes this DVD great for any and all ages to enjoy. Out of TOV 5 stars I give "A Miser Brothers' Christmas" 4.5 stars. And it's been Valkor tested and TOV Approved.