I hope it's not just me, but I've always found the Charlie Brown specials to be extremely depressing.  Sure, there's moments of optimism, holiday cheer, and interesting characters.  But, ultimately, in every tv special, Charlie Brown just seemed to have it "so bad"!   Well, aparantly millions of tv viewers disagreed, and the Charlie Brown specials/movies received many fans.  PARAMOUNT has elected to offer three of the specials either individually or in a three title collector's boxed set.  The Boxed set includes "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown/  A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving/A Charlie Brown Christmas.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas"  tries to deliver an important message about the true meaning of Christmas, as Charlie waxes poetic about the mass commercialization that has overtook its importance.  Fans may remember the sometimes gut wrenching travels of the title character as he tries to find a Christmas Tree.  Of course, Charlie's friend Linus, the Christian conscience of the show, delivers a sermon before the show is over.  PARAMOUNT appears to have done a lot of work in restoring this release.  None of the age signs of past television airings are visible.  There is no grain, and colors are generally bright.  The monaural sound is still limited in range, but always audible.  Another short has been added to this release, "IT'S CHRISTMAS TIME AGAIN CHARLIE BROWN".  In this special,  Charlie's sister Sally, is having troubles remembering a line in the Christmas school play. 

"IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN" is the best offering in the three-pack.  Charlie seems more upbeat in this one, and the story is actually a lot of fun.  Linus believes that every Halloween, "The Great Pumpkin" comes out of a pumpkin patch, to reward good boys and girls.  The problem is that Linus misses out on trick-or-treating every year by waiting in the patch, hoping for the appearance.  Thankfully, this year Linus isn't alone.  A girl with a crush on him comes along.  Charlie tries to put together a ghost costume with less than satisfactory results.

A bonus feature, "YOU'RE NOT ELECTED CHARLIE BROWN" is included.  This one has Linus running for student body president with his sister as campaign manager.  Not as original or fun as "GREAT PUMPKIN" but enjoyable nonetheless.  PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT has again worked hard at revitalizing the master to "GREAT PUMPKIN".  For a television show 36 years old, there are virtually no scratches or marks.  Colors are vivid, and there's little grain on either of the programs offered here.  The monaural sound is, again, limited in range, but audible.

"A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING"  is the sharpest looking of the three "specials".    It also offers another feature, "THE MAYFLOWER VOYAGES", which is the least entertaining of the bunch of extra episodes offered in the three-pack.

However, children will be thrilled with "THANKSGIVING".  It offers a chance for most of the "PEANUTS" gang to show off their individual personality, and it's got some big laughs!  The animation looks great, with no grain or artifacts, and bright colors.  "THE MAYFLOWER VOYAGES"  pales in comparison, with a mediocre look overall.  The monaural sound is unremarkable.