The Show
Until they get around to putting out full-season box sets, Cartoon Network knows what it's doing releasing themed collections of their most popular shows. It would be nice if they stuck to the theme, but at least the shows get good representation.

Grim & Evil - "Son of Nergal"
Billy befriends a creature from the center of the Earth at Winter Camp. The animation style on this show is simple and fun, with a real sense of design. For a kids show, it's got a real dark streak. The first of several non-Christmas episodes on this Christmas compilation.

Ed, Edd & Eddy - "Fa La La La Ed"
I've never been a fan of this show, mainly due to it being so stupid. The Christmas connection is tenuous at best, since the episode takes place in July and involves another holiday, called Piggy Bank Day, but there are stockings and mistletoe. A bit too sappy.

Courage the Cowardly Dog - "The Nutcracker"
Another series I never got into. The surreal nature of the show is certainly a plus, but I never really liked the main character. In this episode, Courage and his masters get locked in a junkyard, where they are chased by a pair of evil rats. The mostly-silent action is scored by "The Nutcracker Suite." Not bad, but it didn't change my mind about Courage.

Dexter's Labratory - "Snowdown"
Simple and effective animation that's reminiscent of Calvin and Hobbes, works well in this episode about an ongoing snowball fight between Dexter and his sister DeeDee. Watching Dexter's dad lose his mind is always fun, as he trains his son to destroy his daughter and her "evil powers." Not a Christmas moment, but snowy. Does that count?

The Powerpuff Girls - "Ice Sore"
Christmas in summer again? A heat wave inspires Blossom to find a new ability to breath ice. The Girls learn that you can have too much of a good thing though. The ice concept gives the animators the chance to cut loose with their designs, and they don't disappoint with what they come up with.

Johnny Bravo - "A Johnny Bravo Christmas"
Though it's enjoyable to see the massive ego that is Johnny Bravo be made to look foolish, he can get on your nerves. Here, with a clear purpose, he works fine. A last-minute attempt to mail a letter to Santa sends Johnny and Suzy on a road trip to the North Pole. There are tons of pop-culture references and fun animation in-jokes.

Cow and Chicken - "Me an' My Dog"
David Fleiss seems to be channeling John Kricfalusi here, from the music to the style to the concept, as Cow and Chicken seem to be stand-ins for John K's original madness. Cow's invisible dog is the focus of the show, but if anyone can point out what this has to do with Christmas, I would appreciate it.

I AM Weasel - "I.R.'s 1st Bike"
Also created by David Feiss, "I AM Weasel" also feels influenced by "Ren and Stimpy," with the big stupid character balanced out by the smaller, more intelligent straight-man. Only this time, the difference in intelligence is massive. Weasel's attempts to salvage Baboon's Christmas grow increasingly complex as I.R. fails again and again. Not bad, but a one-joke episode.

I AM Weasel - "Dessert Island"
Another stretch, this one seems to be included only because there are gingerbread men in it. Weasel and Baboon ends up on a dessert island (not a desert island), and proceed to eat everything in site until the natives fight back. Weasel's efforts to fit in are cute, as the animation on the natives and their natural enemy make for an adorable effort.

The DVDs
The menus on this disc are in anamorphic widescreen, while all the episodes are in full-screen format. The episodes can be watched using a "play all" option or by selecting individual "tales." In addition to the episodes, there are language options, which include English and Spanish, while subtitles come in English, French and Spanish. The disc comes in a snapper case, with episode descriptions on the inside cover.

The Quality
The full-screen video on these episodes is crisp and clear, with vibrant color. The jagged edges that are visible on some animated DVDs do not affect this disc. This is as good as it gets for these cartoons. The audio, produced in 2.0 Surround Stereo, sounds terrific, with neat stereo effects throughout the disc.

The Extras
Not an extra was stirring... oh, wait...there are some trailers, five to be exact, for "Code Name: Kids Next Door - Super Hugest Missions: File One," "Cartoon Network Halloween: 9 Creepy Cartoon Capers," "What's New Scooby-Doo!: Vol. 4 - Merry Scary Holiday," (Holy crud, I just had to shut off my receiver. The Christmas tune repeating on the menu made me nearly mental.) "Nine Dog Christmas," and "Kangaroo Jack - G'Day U.S.A.!" All five are in full-screen, but the menu is in anamorphic widescreen.

The Bottom Line
This will tide over just about any kid for 60 minutes, with a wide variety of cartoon crazies. Your average adult viewer will find the lack of extras disappointing, and get tired of the episodes quickly, especially the Christmas music. Your mileage may vary when it comes to enjoying this one.

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*The Reviewer's Bias section is an attempt to help readers use the review to its best effect. By knowing where the reviewer's biases lie on the film's subject matter, one can read the review with the right mindset.