Christmas with the Simpsons

Comical cartoon clan The Simpsons enjoy holiday exploits in this jolly five-episode compilation. First up is 1989's series premiere “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” (a.k.a. “The Simpsons Christmas Special”), America's post-The Tracey Ullman Show intro to the quirky Simpsons quintet, in which Marge blows the Christmas savings removing Bart's tasteless “mother” tattoo, and Homer tries to take up the slack with a degrading Santa job, losing his profits at the dog track, but gaining a family pet. “Mr. Plow” (1992) finds Homer on a car search that ultimately results in a successful snowplow business, the key to the city, and stiff competition from Barney, whom Homer must sabotage (Adam West and Linda Ronstadt guest star). Headed by a cute snow globe opening sequence, 1997's “Miracle on Evergreen Terrace” finds Bart's conscience pricked after he accidentally sets the plastic Christmas tree and gifts ablaze (he initially blames burglars, and the community generously responds to a sympathetic newscast about the “crime”). Springfield Elementary students unwittingly contribute to corrupt market research in 1999's “Grift of the Magi,” and “She of Little Faith” (2001) finds Marge pulling out all the stops to keep Lisa from converting to Buddhism. Featuring guest voices such as Gary Coleman, Richard Gere, and Tim Robbins, and including a brief featurette of “Mr. Burns' Finest Moments,” this hilarious holiday assemblage is highly recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams)