Classic Christmas TV Specials Now on DVD

It's my favorite time of year again. The time when all the old Christmas specials get rerun for the umpteenth time. Unfortunately, I can't always be in front of the TV when they air; so thankfully there's the Trusty DVD Player That Saves My Christmas.

What's great about owning these Christmas classics on disc is not only are they all fairly inexpensive to buy, but most discs come with the added value of some wonderful special features.

Below is a list of some of the best discs out there to add to your video library.

Also, I'm listing the retail prices of these discs, but you can find them on Amazon.com and in discount stores like Best Buy, Target, etc., at a considerable discount. (For example, the Charlie Brown DVD below can be found on Amazon for less than 10 bucks, so shop around for the best deals.)

A Charlie Brown Christmas

The grandaddy of all Christmas specials; the one that all specials are judged against. Charlie bemoans the commerciality of the season; a pageant goes awry; and there's a Christmas miracle involving a sad little tree. It's one of those discs every home should have. ($16.99)

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (50th Anniversary Deluxe Remastered Edition)

This is a wonderful disc. The digital remastering of this 1966 classic makes the colors really pop and the Dolby 2.0 surround sound beautifully complements the voice talents of Boris Karloff and Thurl Ravenscroft (the guy who sings "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"). As an added bonus, the delightful "Horton Hears a Who" is among the plethora of special features. ($19.98)

Christmas Television Favorites

Four discs, eight specials - a great value. Here's what you get: 6 Rankin-Bass specials ("The Year Without a Santa Claus," "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," "Frosty's Winter Wonderland," "Rudolph's Shiny New Year," "Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July," "Nestor the Long-Eared Donkey") and two Dr. Seuss specials ("How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and "Horton Hears a Who"). ($39.98)

For the kitschy and unconventional members of the family, you might also want to check out:

He-Man & She-Ra - A Christmas Special

Can He-Man, She-Ra and the Spirit of Christmas defeat Skeletor's evil plans? By the power of Greyskull, I hope so! ($12.98)

Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special

With special guests k.d. lang, Annette Funicello, Magic Johnson, Zsa Zsa Gabor and more! Mekka-lekka-hey, Mekka-Ho-Ho-Ho! ($9.99)

The America Chopper Christmas Special (Season 3, Episode 1)

I wish I had a joke for this one, but I can't come up with anything funnier than the title. ($9.95)

Happy Holidays.