Watch Kids' Reviews of
SNOWMAN, THE & THE SNOWMAN AND THE SNOWDOG (2017)

This double feature DVD includes heartwarming films about the winter season that never ceases to amaze me. I like both movies because they remind me of myself during the holidays. For example, when the boy has to scrounge up snow for his snowman, I thought about when I tried to do the same thing! This DVD includes two movies: The Snowman and The Snowman and The Snowdog. I love both equally!

In The Snowman, a young British boy in a classic 1950s English rural home builds a snowman on Christmas Eve. At midnight, the snowman comes to life and takes the boy on a flying trip around the world! The scenes become grander and grander until you think nothing more can happen! After all of this is over, they travel back home. The next morning, the boy...well, you'll see. The ending brought meaningful tears to my eyes!

The sequel movie, The Snowman and The Snowdog picks up where the first movie left off. It takes place in modern times with another boy who has recently moved into the exact same English house (now renovated). Less than a year after moving in, the boy discovers under a floorboard a time capsule left behind by the previous boy. This box includes a picture of the same snowman and the original objects used to decorate it. The lad builds the snowman according to the picture and the Snowman is reborn! Still, the boy isn't finished. While saddened with the recent loss of his dog, he also builds a Snowdog! They travel around the world in similar fashion as the first boy, but there is a surprise ending!

The detail in these movies is stunning! Even though there is no talking, the artistry makes up for that. Each scene is hand-drawn, which must have been a technical pain for the scenes in motion! These movies are based on Raymond Briggs' classic picture books. Besides young children, adults who have read this book in their youth will also appreciate these quality films. The unexpected ending is truly memorable!

I give this DVD 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it for kids ages 2 to 6 and adults who enjoy fine art. This movie is available both on DVD and VOD. So, enjoy this winter delight!

Reviewed by Eden T., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 9

Holiday movies are one of my favorite forms of entertainment. Especially those that have adorable characters and a heartwarming tale. That is what these two short films called The Snowman and The Snowman and The Snowdog are all about. Add magnificent hand drawn animation and you have the perfect Christmas movies.

I love that these two films on this double feature DVD have no words and are both beautifully illustrated with animated images. The orchestra for the original film is Sinfonia of London and for the sequel, the London Metropolitan Orchestra. Their performances are stunning. Each piece of music fits the scene perfectly because it made me feel as if I was in the scene myself. Also the music is superb to just relax to. So grab a hot cup of cocoa and put your feet up.

Both of these films are hand drawn with pastels and pencils. The only thing that is CGI (in the sequel) is the falling snow flakes and that took a lot of persuasion to get Raymond Briggs to allow that. The best part of both films are the drawings, which make them special and unique. I like having a break from all the CGI and seeing animation as it was made years ago. This is something that many other kids will appreciate as well.

My favorite movie out of the two films is the sequel, The Snowman and The Snowdog. I love this movie because there is an adorable dog made of snow and the quirky snowmen. Also in this movie there are more snowmen and snowwomen which is something that I loved seeing.

I love the adorable Snowdog. He is very funny and had me laughing and even crying for joy. He is my favorite character. I also think that he would be an amazing pet to have. This is because he is very loyal and he comes whenever you call for him.

I recommend this DVD for ages 2 to 18. These movies never get old and people from all over the world will absolutely adore them. This DVD has become one I have added to my holiday collection and will watch it every year. Even really young children can watch it because it is so beautiful and the message is all about friendship, love, cheer and what the holidays are all about. I give this DVD 5 out of 5 golden stars.

Reviewed by Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 12

The Snowman is one of my all-time favorite pieces of animation. Directed by Dianne Jackson and produced by Jonathan Coates, this non-narrative film truly is filled with wonder. The haunting music by Howard Blake ("Walking in the Air") stays with me for days after each time I watch this film. And, I mean that in a good way. Based on the best-selling book by Raymond Briggs, this is a piece of animation that is true to the original story and one to share with your family during the holiday season.

N Circle Entertainment has done a brilliant thing in creating this two DVD pack and including the sequel to this classic film, The Snowman and Snowdog which was created to mark the 30th anniversary of the original. Another non-narrative film, this one brings in a new character in a short film that is as charming as the original. Dedicated to John Coates and featuring a new song, "Light the Night" by former Razorlight drummer Andy Burrows, this is an extremely thoughtful sequel and was made using traditional hand-drawn animation, not CGI. This collection is really a treasure! Reviewed by Sarah S., KIDS FIRST! Juror

These movies are instant classics that bring out the feeling of Christmas Spirit. The first thing you notice is the beautiful animation. The next is the story which is wholesome and great for the whole family. The Snowman is about a boy whom builds a snowman and when that snowman comes to life they embark on a lovely adventure to the North Pole. Similarly, the sequel is about a boy building a snowman and a Snowdog that both come to life. I highly recommend these two short films and recommend them for ages 2 to 9. I also believe some older children and adults will like it as well. I give these 5 out of 5 stars! Happy Holidays!

Reviewed by Rachael V., KIDS FIRST! juror.

This double feature is simply enchanting and magical! I loved the books and I love how the illustrations come to life in this film and what is even more amazing is how entertaining it is to watch even without any talking. I was simply enchanted by the film and didn't want to miss a minute of it. The music fits the film so well and I am awed by the magic of the stories. My favorite part in The Snowman is when the Snowman tries on different fruits for his nose. These films will make you smile. The sequel is even more magical than the original, if that is possible. They are definite holiday feel-good types of movies that the whole family should watch! The bonus features are interesting. I especially like the alternate introduction from David Bowie. Other bonus features include "The Story of The Snowman," "Behind the Scenes" interviews with the author, Raymond Briggs. I recommend this film for ages 4 to 18 as well as adults and I give this 5 out of 5 stars for originality, magic and entertainment value. Reviewed by Denise B., KIDS FIRST! Adult Juror

Relive Raymond Brigg's holiday classic, The Snowman! One crisp, winter morning, a young boy wakes up to find a thick blanket of snow has covered the ground as far as the eye can see. Filled with excitement, the boy decides to build a snowman using a tangerine for his nose, coal for his buttons and eyes, and tops him off with a hat and scarf. Later that night, at the stroke of midnight, the snowman comes to life! The young boy and the snowman embark on a magical adventure of discovery where the snowman explores the young boy s world and in return he takes him flying to his home in the North Pole. Upon arriving at the North Pole, the two join a party as the guests of honor to a very special person. Then, embark on a new adventure in the charming sequel, The Snowman and the Snowdog! When a young boy and his mother move to a new house, the boy discovers a secret box hidden under the floorboards of his bedroom. In the box, he finds a hat, scarf, some lumps of coal and a shriveled tangerine - it's a snowman-making kit! Later that day it starts to snow and the boy builds a Snowman and with the little spare snow leftover, a Snowdog. That night they come to life and take him on a wonderful adventure. As dawn breaks they fly home, but before the boy returns to bed a magical surprise awaits him...