Frosty The Snowman Frosty Returns By tinkerbell on Nov 13, 2007 - Updated Oct 15, 2011

I am always very busy around the Christmas season and sadly miss out on all the cute children's holiday shows on TV each year. So this year I decided to start a children's holiday DVD collection beginning with the Christmas classics. The old favorites from the late 60s and 70s by Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass are what sparked my interest. Some of you may remember what a very special time it was back then, when Rankin and Bass dazzled us with these wonderful children's cartoons. Now we can enjoy them sans commercials!

This review is for a single DVD containing two animated cartoons - Frosty The Snowman and Frosty Returns. Now one might assume by the double feature titles on this DVD, that Frosty Returns is the sequel to Frosty the Snowman. Nothing could be further from the truth. Frosty Returns is not even produced by Rankin and Bass. Nope, if you are looking for a "Frosty part 2," you will need Frosty's Winter Wonderland which is sold on a different DVD.

The Frosty the Snowman DVD case itself is really cute. The snowy cover art and shiny silver lettering are very pretty. The DVD disc itself is also decorated with Frosty and the children as well, so that is festive and fun, while making it easy for kids to see which side is up.

Frosty the Snowman is a wonderful cartoon for children and adults possessing the hearts of children. Originally created in 1969, most of us know the story of Frosty the Snowman, but, along with his magic hat, it is Rankin and Bass that bring him to life. Frosty and the children are fun and likeable. There are some sad parts in Frosty the Snowman, but as narrated by Jimmy Durante, we must remember that Frosty is made with special Christmas snow, so he returns each and every year.

Frosty Returns, which is unfortunately included on this DVD, was made in 1992. The characters and voices are totally different and that is not a good thing. There are many whiny complainers in this feature and despite the big names associated with this movie, I really didn't care about the characters. Basically, there is a villain who is trying to wipe out snow.

I think having Frosty Returns on this DVD instead of the true sequel is not a good idea. However, a nine year old member of our family thought Frosty Returns was ok.

I give Frosty the Snowman alone, five stars, but because Frosty Returns is included, that brings the rating down in my opinion. Still, I am very happy I purchased this DVD to be able to enjoy the Rankin and Bass one and only Frosty The Snowman!