Media

Movie Renter's Guide - December, 2009

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" (1965, Blu-ray) - Reviewed by John Johnson

Synopsis

In this Dr. Seuss story, all the characters live in Whoville, except for the Grinch, who lives up in the mountains by himself, except for his dog.

The Grinch hates Christmas, and he hates to see others enjoy it.

So, when Christmas approaches, he devises a way that he thinks will ruin the big Christmas party for the Whoville residents. He dresses up in a Santa Claus suit and goes into the town and steals all the presents under the trees of all the households.

When he gets back home, he is full of glee, because he thinks he has ruined Whoville's Christmas day.

But, on Christmas morning, he hears the townsfolk singing and having fun as if nothing had happened. He discovers that Christmas isn't about boxes of toys underneath a tree, but a celebration of life, which cannot be wrapped in paper and tied with a ribbon.

Commentary

This is another holiday classic that has been restored and released in high definition. Like A Charlie Brown Christmas, reviewed above, it has never been seen in this resolution, because in 1965, only NTSC TV was available, with its much lower resolution. So, get a copy and enjoy it at its best, with your children.

Technical

Superb video quality, but the soundtrack shows its age and is a bit harsh.

Extras

Lots of extras on this one, including Making Animation and Bringing it to Life, Dr. Seuss and the Grinch, Songs in the Key of Grinch, and other things.

Equalizer

Room EQ

Subwoofers