October 27, 2008

The holidays are around the corner and Hasbro and Paramount are getting a jump on things with the release of My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas Gift Set on DVD. The My Little Pony toy line has been a big hit over the generations with little girls starting back in the 1980s. As a result there has been several TV shows, direct-to-DVD releases, household items like bedding, home décor and even adult aimed merchandise like T-Shirts for those of us that grew up in the 80s. A Very Minty Christmas originally released around this time 3 years ago and now it is back once again just in time to spark some holiday magic.

A Very Minty Christmas tells the tale of Minty, a clumsy pony with only the best of intensions. All the Ponies of Ponyville are working hard to get ready for Christmas, which includes making the extra special “Here Comes Christmas Candy Cane.” After the Candy Cane is presented by Pinkie Pie, the Christmas Host, it is placed on top of the tallest tree in all of Ponyville so that Santa can find his way to Ponyville.

While all the other Ponies are off preparing for Christmas, Minty accidentally breaks the “Here Comes Christmas Candy Cane.” She tries to tell the others what happens, but ends up taking things into her own hooves. She then tries to make sure everyone still has a Christmas by giving away things that are special to her. After being caught by Pinkie she takes off to the North Pole with Thistle Whistle to go and lead Santa Claus to Ponyville. All of the other Ponies soon find out and rush to the minty green pony’s aid. Safe to say the story has a happy ending but I won’t ruin it.

Also included on this holiday DVD is a bonus episode called “Dances in the Clouds,” where Sky Wishes meets Star Catcher, a Pegasus Pony, for the very first time after wishing for a way to help her friend Twinkle Twirl with a dance number for the Friendship Ball. What she gains is a new friend that only she can know about, and an even better friendship with her friends.

Filmmaking: 9
My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas brings back the magic that the original show did back in the 80s. Both the title film and the bonus episode instill the morals and messages that the original series did when I was a kid. But most of all it is good wholesome fun for the girls to enjoy or to watch as a family.

Graphics: 8
Graphically, the contents of this My Little Pony DVD, is true to form of the original series, however with better animation than what I grew up with. Everything is sharp and colorful and looks great. A Very Minty Christmas and the bonus feature are presented in Full Screen which tends to be a staple with animated features.

I have always been a fan of the series and I have a feeling it’s only a matter of time before they hopefully start releasing the complete seasons. I still wonder to this day what happened to the good classic cartoons of my childhood. They just don’t get much better than this.

Sound: 9
The sounds of the feature film and the bonus episode are quite good and are both presented in Dolby Digital English Stereo. The voice acting is quite good and funny at times. Then again it is aimed for a younger audience than me, but it is as fun to listen to as it is to watch. The musical numbers are pretty cool and are perfect to sing along to for those inclined to do so.

Value: 8
The My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas Gift Set is full of value for you and your young ones. Not only do you get an enjoyable Christmas movie but the bonus episode as well. There are also 2 Sing-A-Long videos featuring the two main songs heard in the movie. And since this is a gift set it comes with a miniature toy of Minty Pony complete with her own little Santa hat. This Gift Set retails for around $15 dollars at most retailers.

Overall: 8.9
Overall, The My Little Pony: A Very Minty Christmas Gift set is entertaining and fun to watch. Any little girl should enjoy this and it’s fun to watch as a family too. I recommend picking up this DVD Gift Set for any parents looking for a gift for their young daughters this holiday season.