Despite the indecent exposure rap which left his career in shambles, Peekskill, NY-born comedian Paul Reubens remains a brilliant showman, much-beloved for his crazy character Pee-wee Herman, host of the Saturday morning children's series Pee-wee's Playhouse (1986-91). In this Emmy-nominated holiday special, P.W. and his usual crew of puppets, animated pals, and neighbors (including Chairry, Conky, Penny, Pterri, Miss Yvonne, and Cowboy Curtis [Laurence Fishburne!]) celebrate the Christmas season with decorations, refreshments (nearly everyone gives Pee-wee a loathed fruitcake), winter games, songs, and Pee-wee "I'm Not Kidding Around About How Good I've Been" Herman's incredibly greedy list for Santa. Combining customary cartoon/stop-motion animated segments, P.W.'s typical gags (calling on genie Jambi, Magic Screen, and alter ego Billy Baloney), and--of course--the secret word of the day (“year”), this festive outing features appearances by guest stars including Magic Johnson, Cher, Grace Jones (who sings “Little Drummer Boy”), Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah, Little Richard, k.d. lang (“Jingle Bell Rock”), Dinah Shore, and Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello (P.W. puts the beach party duo to sweatshop-like work crafting his Christmas cards). Eventually, of course, Pee-wee realizes the true meaning of the holiday and nobly helps Santa out. In addition, other aspects of the season are explored (including a nativity scene, Charo's rendition of “Feliz Navidad,” and neighbor Mrs. Rene, who--bedecked in menorah earrings--explains Chanukah). A festive and fun blast from the past, the DVD version also includes a pair of audio commentaries. Today's secret word(s): "Highly Recommended!" Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)[Blu-ray/DVD Review—Oct. 6, 2015—Shout! Factory, 48 min., not rated, DVD: $6.95, Blu-ray: $19.98—Making its latest appearance on DVD and Blu-ray, 1988's Pee-Wee's Playhouse: Christmas Special features a great transfer and a DTS-HD mono soundtrack on the Blu-ray release. Extras include two audio commentaries featuring star Paul Reubens and cast and crew members, and “A Very Merry Christmas Special” featurette (10 min.). Bottom line: a fine Christmas titles for those who don't already own Pee-Wee's Playhouse: The Complete Series.]
Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special
(1988) 48 min. DVD: $14.99. Image Entertainment (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Closed captioned. December 27, 2004
Pee-wee's Playhouse Christmas Special
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