Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2668 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-11-26
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Animated, Dubbed, Full Screen, PAL
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: Dutch, English, Polish
• Dubbed in: French, German, Italian, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 50 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
To heck with the kids--this is one of the best Christmas presents you can give yourself. Adapted from the children's book by Dr Seuss, this charming story is one to watch every holiday season. It is just edgy enough to help you forget the more cloying aspects of Christmas. It is also sweet enough to remind you of the reason for all that holiday cheer. Animation genius Chuck Jones directed this 1966 television production featuring the voice of Boris Karloff as the mean greenie. Bitter and selfish, the Grinch decides to steal Christmas away from the Whos, sweet little folk at the bottom of his mountain that is his home. When little Cindy Loo Who returns his hateful act with kindness, she melts the old miser's heart. There are many reasons to watch this: inventive wordplay, Karloff's impressive narration and a very memorable soundtrack. --Rochelle O'Gorman

Video Description
DVD Special Features:

Also includes Horton Hears a Who! with its tongue-twisting verse and bounce-along songs.

Synopsis
With the talents of Chuck Jones, Boris Karloff, and Dr. Seuss combined, there was almost no way this could be anything but an instant classic. Watched regularly every holiday season and beloved by children and cynical adults alike, this animated gem is just that and more. Boris Karloff narrates and stars as the odious Mr. Grinch, the sinister green monster who plots to steal all the Christmas presents in the town of Whoville. All goes well with his dastardly plan until little Cindy Loo Who (who was no more than two) gums up the works with her innocent Christmas spirit. Jones directed, with Karloff supplying the sweetly sinister narration and voice of the Grinch. The story is from the book by Dr. Seuss. Thurl Ravenscroft (of "Tony the Tiger" breakfast commercial fame) provides the memorable bass singing voice for the tune "You're a Mean One, Mister Grinch." Filled with close attention to comic detail, memorable characterizations, and delightful wordplay, this is essential holiday viewing for the whole family.

Customer Reviews

Accept No Substitutes
The Grinch, who lives just north of Whoville, is tired of listening to their Christmas celebration each year. But this year, he’s going to do something about it. Disguising himself as Santa, he sneaks down into the town to take everything Christmassy, and everything else, from them. But will that stop Christmas from coming? Is he beyond enjoying the season himself?

What can I say; this is a great holiday special. There were only a handful I had to watch every year growing up, and this is one of them. That’s extended to my adult Decembers as well. It keeps the story simple, not trying to expand it needlessly like the recent live action movie did. And the songs add to the fun, especially “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” That song alone is worth watching the special for.

This DVD is a great way to own this classic. The picture and sound are good. I can’t really tell that much difference in how the Grinch is supposed to look, and to me this is a minor issue anyway. The extras are a mixed bag. The audio commentary isn’t that great because it’s obvious that they really don’t have that much to say. However, the special about the making of the cartoon and the separate interview about writing the songs are both interesting.

This disc also includes another cartoon from a Dr. Seuss book, HORTON HEARS A WHO. I had never seen this special before I bought the disc, but I’m not a fan of it. Not sure why because I like the book. Maybe if I’d seen it as a kid I’d feel differently.

Ultimately, the reason to get this DVD is the classic Christmas special that headlines the disc. Watching it always brings the warm fuzzies of Christmas past for a visit. You can’t go wrong getting it.

Christmas just isn't Christmas without the Grinch
I first watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" when I was a little girl and was mesmerised by it. It soon became a tradition to watch it every year in our house as I'm sure it was with a lot of houses in North America. I hope it will become a firm favourite over here. I believe they should have shown this film to the population over here first before they released " The Grinch" as it is closer to the original story by Dr. Seuss. It probably would have been more successful at the box office than it was. I believe it has the same morality as Dicken's " A Christmas Carol" but for the younger generation.

This is reliving a childhood Christmas!
This video is part of every American child's Christmas since it's initial release, and to be able to watch it and share it with my children here in England is wonderful. I have heard many English reviewers refer to the current Jim Carrey film as "schmaltz" (I haven't seen it yet myself) but I would challenge anyone to be offended by this hilarious and (yes) heartwarming animation. I have yet to meet the kid that hasn't loved this story.