By Kit-Kat

I don't know about you, but this year has flown by for me. I still sit in disbelief that Thanksgiving is looming with Christmas in its shadow getting brighter with each passing day. When I was asked to review Shrek the Halls DVD I thought how odd reviewing a Christmas DVD so early - yeah... that was before I really sat down to look at how close the holiday season had snuck up on me! Some of you may have already seen the special that aired last year so hearing about the DVD may seem odd. Aside from the Christmas sales strategy (and keeping that loveable Ogre in your mind while the Zoo animals of Madagascar run rampant) I was happy to hear of this being promoted. It had some seriously funny moments that I cherished and now I have the DVD to watch and laugh as much as I want (and believe me... these days something to laugh over is priceless).

This is definitely one the kids will enjoy (and adults too) and clocking in at about 22 minutes it's long enough to enjoy and short enough to keep their attention. As many can relate the tale starts off in Summer with Donkey adamant about Christmas and being Summer of course Shrek cannot see the point then flash through the seasons (and Donkey's constant natter) to right before Christmas when Shrek actually finds out that he may not care for Christmas but his family does. Just like the last minute shoppers he is off on the hunt to learn and provide the best first Christmas ever. The people running about in town are just hilarious, more so because of just how true it is. People go crazy trying to make the holidays "just so". Lucky for Shrek he is given a how to book and so he does what he can to provide that story book Christmas. Though being an Ogre you are in for odd twists in decoration and some hanging underpants on the mantel instead of socks.

Never fear, Donkey is his usual self and he invades with all the favorite characters from the Shrek movies, the three blind mice, the wolf, Pinocchio and of course my personal favorite Puss n' Boots. They transform Shrek's house into a sickly sweet representation complete with perfect tree and treats and much to the dismay of Shrek they consider themselves family and invade every aspect he had hoped to share with his family alone. Kind of reminds you of those inlaws... you know the ones... grin and grit your teeth, after all its family time! Through the celebration various versions of Christmas are told. Donkey tells the tale of the gigantic waffle Santa (clearly that boy thinks w/his tummy), Gingy tells the tale of horror and lost love as evil Santa eats his girlfriend (this was so hilarious!) and Puss regales you with his tale of Santa 'Claws' one hot Latin cat! I can shamelessly admit this by far was the highlight for me, I laughed until I cried, he is by far one of the best characters in Shrek's world and so masterfully done I wish they would promote him more.

Of course all is not well in Shrek's mind and the inevitable blow up ensues leaving him alone, his friends walking in the snow and his wife and children leaving him to console their friends. Rather predictably his heart realizes where he went wrong and with amends made the rest of the holiday is celebrated with fun and friends. A lot to pack into 22 minutes but well done and I agree when they trumpet this should be added to those good old family classics. It should and it is in my house.

For special features it is a kid's heaven though sure to annoy adults (at least I was annoyed after mere minutes). If you've seen the Madagascar Christmas special with the Penguins that was on the original Madagascar DVD you'll see some familiar sites in the features. Almost all the features are singing along musicals guaranteed to get your little one jumping and you cringing. From the 12 Days of Christmas Sing Along to the Deck the Halls Sing Along its Christmas Karaoke at its finest. Then you have Gingy's Dunking Game which is a simple matching game for the family to play to save Gingy by offering up Decoys to the evil Santa. I've noticed they are adding the DreamWorks Animation Video Jukebox now for a feature on the DVDs and the kids will enjoy this one since it has memorable songs from all of DreamWorks Animation movies (this was the best feature to me). You can also put your DVD in the computer for a Shrek Carnival Craze Video Game demo (with cheat code) - I'll admit I didn't have time to explore this one but I plan to soon. I am ever one for a video game!

I highly recommend adding this DVD to your collection - its classic Christmas flavor mixed with that fantastic humor that made Shrek an icon is not to be missed. I can see many a family having this on while dinner is getting ready and keeping the kids occupied before that tree gets mauled. My only complaint is the toys I see promoting this... they really need to improve on the Puss 'n Boots. I mean really... even the Ty Beanie I saw only had him holding a candy cane - and with a black hat! WE WANT SANTA CLAWS! They seriously need to market that hot Latin cat with his red cape and boots, fancy belt, sword cane, leather cravat and that oh so special hat... .