By Jennifer Chidi

Release Date: November 1, 2005
MPAA RATING: N/A
Genre: Animated Storybook

A Chipmunk Christmas, starring Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, compiles three classic episodes which makes watching the DVD an enjoyable experience, perfect for children and adults alike. In two episodes, A Chipmunk Christmas and Merry Christmas Mr. Carroll the boys are determined to discover the true meaning of Christmas. The third episode, Dave's Wonderful Christmas, is a reminder that everyone is important 365 days a year. The episodes are uplifting, entertaining, family friendly, and free of obscenities and misconduct.

A Chipmunk Christmas proves to be a festive musical. The boys sing "Jingle Bells," "Deck the Halls," and "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't be Late)," a great bonus to the outstanding dialogue and theme of the show. In this episode, Alvin decides to give Timmy, who is extremely ill, his Golden Echo Harmonica in hopes of making him feel better. The problem arises when he needs his harmonica to perform a special solo at Carnegie Hall. Meanwhile, Dave has asked Alvin, Simon, and Theodore about the true meaning of Christmas and they reply, "money." Unaware of the situation, Dave scolds the boys and asks them to look for the spirit of Christmas. Everything is resolved when Mrs. Waterford, Timmy's mother, calls to thank Alvin for his gift and let him know that Timmy is feeling better, and Dave realizes his mistake.

Finding the true meaning of Christmas is also the theme of Merry Christmas Mr. Carroll. In this episode it is clear that Alvin is being very selfish. Although he has to write a report for school and deliver the morning paper, he spends his time preparing his Wish List for his family and friends. As a result, he is unable to deliver the newspaper to Mr. Carroll, who has no other present. Realizing what he has done, Alvin decides to do his paper, shop for gifts for his friends and family, and spread joy and happiness, a wonderful decision!

Dave's Wonderful Life does not focus entirely on Christmas; however, it is a great addition to the DVD. In this classic, Dave is not able to fix his car or send the boys to Camp Happy Trail; he simply can not afford it. Feeling doubtful about his abilities he sulks and thinks that Alvin, Simon, and Theodore would be better off with out him. He drifts off to sleep and the ghosts of Alvin, Simon, and Theodore show Dave what their lives would be like without him, proving that he is a very essential part of their well-being.

The spirit of Christmas is reflected in all of the episodes. It teaches valuable lessons and is a great deal of fun. It will have the family singing "Hurry Christmas, hurry fast!"