In the Christmas Spirit (1999)

Amazon.com
Imagine you're relaxing in a plush limousine, cruising through a luxurious American suburb (near Chicago, perhaps, or in Connecticut), sipping a creamy cup of hot cocoa and gazing out the window at a nonstop parade of nice homes, all decked out for the holidays. That's pretty much what it's like to watch this soothing DVD, which offers a drive-by tour of dozens of houses spangled with ambitious arrangements of Christmas lights and holiday decorations. (It's like one of those Yule Log novelty videos, only a bit more colorful.) Some of these impressive arrays are so elaborate you'd think they'd need their own hydro-electric dam to keep them glowing, and there's even a variety of animated lighting arrangements that move in dazzling sequences of action.

Nativity scenes? You've never seen so many--you'd think this was a casting call for the many incarnations of the infant Jesus. (We particularly like the ones lit from within, as if to simulate His divine illumination.) And because no scenic holiday tour would be complete without yuletide Muzak--er, music--the visuals are accompanied by easy-listening renditions of just about every carol in the repertoire. Whether this is engaging or dull will depend on your tolerance for ubiquitous holiday atmosphere, but if you play this DVD while decorating your tree or opening gifts, only a Grinch would dare to complain. --Jeff Shannon

Product Description
Travel around the country in the snowy month of December to witness the festive Holiday light displays. The most elaborate and vibrant hues of people’s houses and retail stores are captured and play out to the sounds of the season.

At first this may seem like a silly idea for a video, and to be honest, I bought a copy mainly out of curiosity. After giving it a chance, though, I found it to be very enjoyable, and a lovely tape to have running in the background for Christmas parties, or anytime you'd like to add some holiday cheer to your living room. I disagree with the former reviewer who seemed to think that the same 4 houses were being shown over and over again. Yes, there is SOME repetition of images, but c'mon, the video is an HOUR long, and I don't think most people are going to sit down and devote their complete attention to something of this nature.

My only complaint of this production is the inclusion of a Willie Nelson vocal on the soundtrack to an otherwise almost-instrumental score,(except for Mahalia Jackson's classic vocals on "Silent Night"), but this is more a personal preference than anything else. It just seems a little out of place of me. The orchestrations are very well done too, much better than other tapes of this kind that I have seen on the market. Yeah, this will most likley go back on the shelf come January 1st, but in the meantime, it's a nice mood-enhancer.

I read reviews where people were dissapointed by the lack of snow in the video. But being from Southern California...I wouldn't even have noticed. I think thie video is really cute. I love watching it. AND...I like the Willie Nelson song!!!

This tape is one of the silliest tapes I have seen. But I would be a liar if I said I didn't watch it beginning to end. From houses that are overly decorated to boats with giant Santas, it was a perfect tape to play as our family was opening presents on Christmas morning. Filled with holiday songs, it's a mood tape worthy of being in any stocking:)

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