New Release: "A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition" by Charles M. Shulz

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: THE MAKING OF A TRADITION (It Books; Hardcover; on sale October 22, 2013; $19.99) is the behind-the-scenes look at how “A Charlie Brown Christmas” became a Christmas classic in this lushly illustrated hardcover reissue, originally published in 2000.  In this stunning new edition, we learn how this heartwarming story became America’s most popular Christmas TV special of all-time.

In ”A Charlie Brown Christmas,” created by late cartoonist Charles M. Schulz, Charlie Brown disapproves of the over-commercialization and secularism of Christmas and serves to remind viewers of the true meaning of Christmas. This message strikes a chord with viewers each year, and the PEANUTS animated special has become a seasonal tradition, airing each December since 1965.   

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: THE MAKING OF A TRADITION also includes an introduction by the show’s executive producer, Lee Mendelson.  Along with the original animator, the late Bill Melendez, the two men share their personal memories about the Christmas special and Charles M. Schulz. Up until Schulz’s death in February 2000, the three of them worked on 50 PEANUTS network specials and four feature films.  

Since first airing in 1965, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” has been one of America’s most beloved television shows each year. For nearly 50 years, fans of all ages continue to tune in to the Emmy-winning Christmas special that has earned a permanent place in popular culture. This illustrated tribute to the beloved television classic includes: 

      More than 200 full-color, original animation art

      Vince Guaraldi’s original score and publication notes for “Christmastime is Here” and “Linus and Lucy”

      Interviews with the original child actors who were the voices of the Peanuts gang

      Trivia about the Peanuts gang

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is a fitting salute to Charles Schulz, the artist who forever changed the face of cartooning, which also celebrates the award-winning holiday special with warmhearted memories, fascinating trivia, and colorful art that will delight fans of all ages.

ABOUT CHARLES M. SCHULZ

Charles M. Schulz, the most popular cartoonist in the world with strips in 2,600 newspapers, retired in February 2000 and passed away the day of his final farewell Sunday Peanuts strip on February 13th. He lived in Santa Rosa, CA.

 

Purchase A Charlie Brown Christmas: The Making of a Tradition here.

Holiday Gift Ideas from Warner Bros. - Scooby-Doo, Pepe Le Pew, Unforgiven, The Lieutenant, The First Christmas and Shazam!

The products below are some of my favorites from 2012. Click on the title of each one to read my review.

For kids of all ages, Scooby-Doo Mystery Incorporated (Season One, Part 2), the best Scooby-Doo series since the original.

For fans of the classic Looney Tunes, as well as the hopelessly romantic, Pepe Le Pew is a true Super Star.

For the Clint Eastwood fan (and who isn't?) - the Oscar winning Unforgiven Blu-ray Book.

For Gene Roddenberry fans and classic television buffs, The Lieutenant, Parts 1 and 2.

For fans of classic, heartwarming holiday specials, The First Christmas, from Rankin-Bass

For those who remember how cool Saturday morning television was in the 1970s - Shazam!: The Complete Live Action Series.

New on DVD: "The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow"

The holidays are fast approaching and you can get into the spirit of the season early with the recently released DVD The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow Remastered Deluxe Edition. Originally broadcast as a holiday special in 1975, The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow is produced by Rankin-Bass (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer). The story centers around Lucas, a young shepherd boy who is blinded by lightning and subsequently taken in by nuns from a nearby abbey. Lucas is an orphan and may have to be placed in a home for children, because the abbey does not have the resources to take care of him. However, Sister Catherine (Angela Lansbury) takes a liking to Lucas and tries everything in her power to allow him to stay at the abbey and be looked after by the Sisters. Lucas understands that he may have to leave and wants Sister Catherine to take care of his sheep and his dog, Waggsly. As Lucas and Catherine grow closer, she describes snow to him, since he has never seen it for himself because the area that they live in is not conducive for snow to fall. However, that all changes during a Christmas pageant, which fills Lucas with hope for a miracle.

The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow features stop motion animation and a screenplay that will tug at your heartstrings. The lovable Lucas, who is not spoiled in any way, accepts his situation, but wants to make sure his sheep and dog are cared for if he must be placed in an orphanage. Lucas really does love the animals and viewers will too because they are just so darn cute. I was not familiar with The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow before, but I will add it to my list of yearly holiday viewing options.

The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow was released on October 2. Own it on DVD today from Warner Home Entertainment.

You can view a clip below.

Giveaway! Win a Copy of "The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow" Deluxe Edition DVD

The giveaway has ended. Congratulations to Nancy R. of Wake Forest, NC

PopCultureGuy, in conjunction with Warner Bros., would like to give one lucky reader the opportunity to win a copy of the new DVD The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow Deluxe Edition. Get into the holiday spirit early with this animated gem from Rankin-Bass.

Synopsis: Unwrap a Christmas miracle with this new deluxe edition DVD! Give your family a holiday to remember with this unforgettable story about the true meaning of Christmas from the animation powerhouse Rankin/Bass (Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer)! After Sister Theresa (voiced by Angela Lansbury) rescues an orphan shepherd boy from a lightning storm, she lovingly nurses him back to health. However, the boy suffered injuries during the storm and wakes up blind and discouraged in his new surroundings. With Sister Theresa’s help, the pint-sized shepherd with the king-sized heart learns that seeing goes deeper than what your eyes show you. Together, they discover that unconditional love can overcome any obstacles. Celebrate the gift of love with your family this holiday as you experience this fully remastered deluxe edition DVD!

To enter the giveaway, send an e-mail to don.sauer@gmail.com, place The First Christmas in the subject line and tell me the name of your favorite holiday special or movie. The contest begins October 12, 2012 and runs through October 18, 2012. One winner will then be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter.

Open to U.S. residents only.

Good luck and thank you for reading PopCultureGuy!