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Many critics said, "Bah, humbug" to this 1994 live-action fantasy, but it made believers out of millions of enchanted viewers. Tim Allen, the Golden Globe-winning star of Home Improvement, launched his film career with this heartwarming fantasy. Allen stars as Scott Calvin, a divorced toy company executive who rediscovers his Christmas spirit when he reluctantly agrees to take over as Santa when the Big Guy falls from his roof. Viewing Calvin's considerable weight gain and new flowing white beard as mere peculiarities, his ex-wife and her new husband (a psychiatrist) think he is delusional and move to end his custody of his adoring young son. In addition, Calvin has to deal with the officious top elf, Bernard, portrayed by David Krumholtz with scene-stealing glee. The fantastic special effects bring to life a bustling North Pole and reveal how Santa magically goes about his business. While The Santa Clause has long been a perennial bestseller on VHS, the DVD edition is a definite home (video) improvement. Among the fun supplemental features is the game "Santa's Helper," in which players guide Santa's sleigh. In another delicious segment, celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck cooks up "Santa Snacks." Donald Liebenson

All Movie Guide

Television sitcom star Tim Allen made his big screen debut with this light, family-friendly holiday comedy. Allen stars as Scott Calvin, the divorced dad of Charlie (Eric Lloyd). Scott is distressed to learn that his ex-wife Laura (Wendy Crewson) and Charlie's psychiatrist stepfather Neal (Judge Reinhold) have informed his son that there is no Santa Claus. While a sullen Charlie visits his dad on Christmas Eve, a noise on the roof brings them outside, where Scott startles the intruder, who tumbles from the roof. It turns out that there is a Santa after all, and Scott has just accidentally killed him. Because of a legal technicality known as "the Santa clause," Scott inherits the jolly old elf's job. As the next year passes, Scott rapidly gains weight, grows a white beard and meets the elf Bernard (David Krumholtz) -- who is the one who really runs the North Pole -- while Charlie regains his Christmas spirit. However, Neal becomes concerned about Scott's sudden change in appearance and insistence that he's Santa, and he forces him to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Director John Pasquin previously directed Allen in the TV series Home Improvement and would team with him again for Jungle 2 Jungle (1997). Karl Williams

Product Details

• UPC: 786936195026
• Source: WALT DISNEY VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Theatre Wide-Screen (1.85.1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: THX-Supervised Mastering, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français, Español
• Subtitles: Español
• Time: 1:37:00
• Sales Rank: 540

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• The Santa Clause Holiday Collection

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