Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #10157 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-11-03
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Number of discs: 1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: Albanian, Arabic, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Swedish, Turkish
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 110 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
The Simpsons have never been as big on Christmas as they have on Halloween and while Christmas with The Simpsons contains five episodes, one of them, "Mr Plow", is only seasonal insofar as it contains snow. Fortunately, it's also a cracker, with Homer resorting to low-budget screen advertising to launch his snowploughing business ("It may be a lousy channel but the Simpsons are on TV!") before a pep-talk he gives to inebriate buddy Barney encourages the latter to set up as a rival.

This compilation also contains "The Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire", the very first Simpsons episode broadcast, in which their dog Santa's Little Helper is introduced. Years on, this episode looks ancient and a little average by later, stratospheric standards. "Miracle on Evergreen Terrace" is a slightly downbeat parody of It's a Wonderful Life, in which the town turns on the Simpsons after helping them out when Bart lied about their presents being burgled. "Grift of the Magi" features luckless ex-sitcom star Gary Coleman reprising his real-life job as a security guard as an unscrupulous toy company aggressively merchandise a faddish new toy in time for Christmas ("If you don't have Funzo, you're nothing".) The plot is very similar to "She of Little Faith"--uncharacteristic repetition for this show--but that's forgiven as Lisa is forced to become a Buddhist following the commercialisation of the church in another episode that's as un-seasonally un-cosy as you'd expect from the greatest TV programme ever made.

On the DVD: Christmas with The Simpsonscontains one extra feature: a short montage of evil power plant boss Mr Burns' finest comedic moments, including his tussle with baby Maggie over ownership of teddybear BoBo and a money fight with the servile Smithers. --David Stubbs

DVD Description
Contains the following episodes:

• The Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire
  This Christmas the Simpsons are blessed with a new furry family member. Just when the dysfunctional family thought the Christmas tree would be sparse due to Mr Burns canceling Homer’s holiday bonus, Santa’s Little Helper arrives.
  
• Mr Plow
  Barney and Homer go into the snow-ploughing business and find the competition a little hard to bear, with hilarious consequences.
  
• Miracle on Evergreen Terrace
  Springfield pulls together for the Simpsons after they are visited by the mysterious Christmas thief and all their Christmas presents disappear. The town donates $15,000 dollars to the Simpsons’ plight and an intense manhunt ensues. But could the real criminal be closer to home than they think ….?
  
• Grift of the Magi
  A sinister toy company unveils Funzo, next ‘Tickle Me Elmo’-style fad, to Springfield’s Christmas shoppers. Guest starring Gary Coleman as himself and Tim Robbins as Jim Hope.
  
• She of Little Faith
  Desperate for money, the First Church of Springfield decides to rent out its wall space to local advertisers. Horrified at the ‘living commercial’ the church has become, Lisa withdraws herself from the church and converts to Buddhism. Richard Gere guest stars as himself.

Special Features

• Subtitles: Danish, Dutch, English, English for the hearing impaired, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish
  
• Soundtrack Languages: Dolby Digital 2.0 Surround: French, German, Italian, English, Spanish
  
• Running Time: 110 mins
  
• Region Code: 2
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33
  
• Full Screen

Customer Reviews

A Must-Have For Any Simpsons Fan!!!
There are many Simpsons DVDs and Videos, but there isn't one devoted entirely to christmas episodes!

Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire-The first ever episode! After money problems within the family, Homer makes a last-minuite attempt to make Christmas magical.

Mr. Plow-Probably the best episode on the DVD! Homer buys a snowplow truck and starts a buisness, only to be pushed aside by Barney and his "Plow King" firm.

Miracle On Evergreen Terrace-After Bart accidentaly burns the Christmas Tree, Springfield pity the Simpsons and give them $15,000. They are less pitiful when they find it's a scam...

Grift Of The Magi-When Fat Tony cons the school out of $200,000, Principal Skinner hands the school over to Kid First Industries, which is run by Jim Hope. What the children don't know is that they are being tricked into designing a toy.

She Of Little Faith-After the Church is kitted out in blasphemous material, Lisa abandons Christianity for Bhuddism. This is taken to the extreme, however, when she runs away at Christmas...

With contributions from the likes of Gary Coleman, Adam West and Richard Gere, you will still be watching this DVD in summer!

'Merry Christmas? YES. The best Simpsons Christmas, NO.'
As an avid Simpson Fan I have seen many a Christmas Special. This however is not the greatest Compliation ever.
Whilst containing some great episodes (Mr Plow being the standout Homer: 'Lets play Hungry, Hungry, Hippos!') many of the great Christmas Episodes are missing. If you love the first series and basque in the sentimental glory, then you will love the First Ever Simpsons Christmas, but I would hold out for a better mix, and more modern mix (let's face it; Homer gets better as the series' go by.)
I don't want to completely dismiss this DVD (hence 4 Stars), as it is great, but be aware if you waiting to be blown away, because there are many Classic Episodes missing.

MERRY CHRISTMAS THE SIMPSONS!!
CHRISTMAS WITH THE SIMPSONS

SIMPSONS ROASTING ON AN OPEN FIRE (The First Episode!!!!)
After Bart's tattoo removal, Homer's failure as a department store Santa, and a bad day at the dogtrack, Christmas prospects look dim for the Simpsons. But Homer seizes the day and, with the help of Santa's Little Helper, blunders home with the best gift of all something to share the family's love. And frighten prowlers. A holiday classic!!

MR. PLOW
Homer opens a snow plow business only to have his best friend Barney open a rival outfit, with commercials by Linda Ronstadt. Homer sends Barney into an avalanche, then feels guilty and saves his life.

MIRACLE ON EVERGREEN TERRACE
Bart inadvertently burns down the Simpsons' Christmas tree, and claims that burglars did it. The town opens its heart to the family, only to turn on them when the truth is discovered.

GRIFT OF THE MAGI
Bart is confined to a wheelchair and Springfield Elementary must construct ramps accessible to him. To pay for the construction, a corporation takes over the school and uses the children to design the next must-have Christmas toy.

SHE OF LITTLE FAITH
Homer and Bart collaborate on a model rocket which destroys The First Church of Springfield. To raise money for repairs, the church sells advertising space, outraging Lisa who becomes a Buddhist, with the help of gueststar Richard Gere.

Aspect Ratio:
VHS: 4 x 3 Fullscreen

Audio Format:
1.33:1
Subtitles:
French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian,Danish, Finnish, English for the hearing impaired

I personally love the Simpsons, and this DVD is no exception to the great show, but now, there are not 4, but 5 whole episodes dedicated to the magical Christmas holiday, and there are subtitles as special features to the DVD!!!!