The First Christmas Snow

DVD Wholesale Quick Overview:

Let me first say that this often forgotten Rankin/Bass Christmas special has a very nice story, and should get the recognition it deserves. Yes, miracles can and do happen in life, and this story exemplifies it. However, I can’t believe how poor the sound quality is for being a “remastered” version. Visually, this looks (for the most part) pretty good for being 40 years old, with some minor specks and distortion here and there. Speaking of distortion, the sound is terrible and quite distracting, especially with the ‘s’ sounds, which sound like static. I wish I could give this DVD a higher rating (because the story is good), but can’t due to its technical shortcomings.-Todd7

So the DVD is very barebones. This is a somewhat obscure Christmas special, considering how it hasn’t been shown on network TV in two-three years. I was heartbroken when my DVR deleted it to make space for television shows over the summer while I was away on vacation. But SO excited to see that it was released on DVD this year!
That being said, I still think it is a little pricey for just ONE special and a crafty special on how to make your own Christmas cards. I guess the extra on here makes sense since Sister Theresa is shown making cards at the very beginning of the movie, but at the same time I would have appreciated a behind the scenes, trailer, or an additional special.
The transfer isn’t anything that was really cleaned up, but it’s still just as I remember it! The lighting is good and the picture is still good quality.
Considering how this is one that has taken almost 20 years to be released again, it is probably a safe bet though that this isn’t one that they will keep re-releasing every couple of years with a new cover.- H. Weiss

This is a wonderful movie and Angela Lansbury’s voice is wonderful as the Reverend Mother. I saw this movie for the first time when it originally came out. I guess when it comes to Christmas, I’ll always be a big kid. It’s my favorite time of year. I love putting up all the decorations, watching all the older movies beginning with the Miracle of 34th Street starring John Payne, White Christmas with Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye, and especially the Christmas cartoons. I really don’t like the newer cartoons and movies. They just aren’t the same as the older ones and don’t seem to have the same spirit. The First Christmas is an ideal example of what a real Christmas cartoon is really all about. Thanks for helping me keep my Christmas spirit, even in February.- Sandra Sutherland

DVD Wholesale Main Features:

Actors: Angela Lansbury, Cyril Ritchard, David Kelley, Dina Lynn, Greg Thomas
Directors: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr.
Format: Multiple Formats, Animated, Color, Full Screen, NTSC, Original recording remastered, Widescreen
Language: English (Stereo)
Subtitles for the Hearing Impaired: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Warner Home Video
DVD Release Date: October 2, 2012
Run Time: 24 minutes

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