Mickys fröhliche Weihnachten

The only time I ever heard about this movie is when I pass by it each time I visit Hollywood Video. I've never seen it on TV or seen commercials, but after working with Disney and becoming a big fan, I figure I should give this Christmas special a chance. And it paid off! This is a very nice, funny, and heartwarming movie, and frankly, I'm surprised we don't hear more about it every Christmas.

My favorite character, Donald, opens the movie strongly with a hilarious episode reminiscent of the great Bill Murray comedy, 'Groundhog Day.' Huey, Dewey, and Louie wish everyday were Christmas, and soon learn they wished for more than they bargained for. In the end, they learn an important lesson, as does anyone watching this episode. Who among us didn't wish we had Christmas everyday when we were kids? This episode also has a memorable visit with the Duck family, including Daisy and Scrooge.

Next up is Goofy's chapter of the movie. Physical comedy is Goofy's trademark, which isn't a favorite comedic style of mine, but he does it well in this cartoon. Goofy is as lovable as always while his son, Max, is much more appealing as a kid than when he grows up (A Goofy Movie). The bond between Goofy and Max is very heartwarming, as Goofy never gives up in his belief in Santa and in his attempt to convince Max. The end result is touching, and also satisfying when neighbor, Mr. Pete, gets what's coming to him!

Last and definitely not least, is Mickey and Minnie's version of 'The Gift of the Magi.' This isn't the funniest episode of the bunch, but just like it has been throughout Disney history, Mickey and Minnie serve as the heart and soul of this picture. They both overcome the odds and indulge in the holiday spirit, only to come up empty-handed. This doesn't matter though, as they have each other, and that's all that matters. Side Note: One tiny thing I really enjoyed about this episode was Mickey's dance move that was first seen in 1942's 'Mickey's Birthday Party.' It's fun to remember the classics!

Overall, this is a very satisfying and heartwarming Christmas special. The animation is quite nice and vibrant to show off our favorite Disney characters, and the voice-work is well done too (especially by Kelsey Grammar as the perfect narrator!) I wouldn't necessarily label this movie a masterpiece like 'Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer' or my personal favorite, 'Mickey's Christmas Carol,' but it's quite strong nonetheless. ABC and Disney Channel should definitely let people know about this special. It has the potential to be a classic!

My IMDb Rating: 9/10. My Yahoo! Grade: A (Outstanding)

3 Christmas tales from Disney's mascots. Donald's nephews are forced to relive Christmas day everyday. Goofy tries to convince his son that Santa is real, and Mickey and Minnie end up trading their prize possessions in order to buy gifts for the other. As individual shorts go, these work. The stories are sweet and well paced, but it's a chore to get through all three at once. The animation is higher quality than Disney's TV output, but not as high as their animated classics. You kind of wish Disney would put the most effort into their mascot. I can imagine these as background entertainment during other Christmas activities, but not one to snuggle up by the fire with.

This movie was fun for all ages, with stories about Daffy Duck, Goofy, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Christmas time. Kids are guaranteed to love it, and I think it could become a holiday classic.

*** out of ****

Honestly, it is really sweet and genuinely memorable, full of powerful messages of Christmas. I think it is one of the better Christmas videos out there, and there are a lot of very good ones, like Enchanted Christmas. Here, we have three stories, like Cinderella 2 and Belle's Magical World, but I would definitely pick Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas over both those films put together. It is a little short, but with the sweetness of the entire movie, the top notch voice talents and the surprisingly good animation, that is so easy to forgive. The highlight of the film was the beautiful, restrained intonation of Kelsey Grammar's narration, and he was the main reason why I got the video in the first place. The material he was given was beautifully written, and he made the most with it. The animation was surprisingly good, I was expecting worse, but the animation was actually one of the many redeeming qualities of this movie. The three stories are inspired and very well-done, my favourite being the last one with Mickey and Minnie. Plus the inspired moments of comedy like Donald chasing a turkey and lovely music and a musical yultide interlude at then end that is enough to touch the heart. All in all, a beautiful and touching yuletide movie, with a 9/10 from me. Bethany Cox

I bought this title without any word-of-mouth or ideas as to its quality, which is something I normally don't do. Two nights before Christmas, my wife, 4-year-old son and I sat down to watch the first short starring Donald Duck. We all enjoyed the playful humour as well as the message. This segment rates an 8 out of 10.

My issue with this video came in the second segment starring Goofy and Max. Our 4-year-old has been asking a lot of questions regarding the specifics of how Santa can do his seemingly impossible job. This segment, which we watched on Christmas Eve, almost blew the whole Saint Nick thing for us. It took fair amount of fast talking from both my wife and I to reassure our child that Santa was coming that night. If your child is of a certain age where they are questioning Santa and you are not ready to face a tough conversation, do not let them watch this segment! 2 out of 10.

The final segment with Mickey and Minnie was warm and wholesome, although tended to drag for the attention span of little one. 7 out of 10.