The listing, VHS 2000.LIFE & ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS,BY L.FRANK BAUM.AUTHOR OF WIZARD OF OZ!! has ended.
Based on the popular children's book by L. Frank Baum (author of The Wizard of Oz), this 75-minute animated version of "The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus"2000 (Universal) provides answers to pressing questions from the 3- to 8-year-old set. As in Baum's book, video steers clear of Christian references, focusing instead on wood nymphs, pixies, and magic. A wizardly fairy named Ak (voiced by Hal Holbrook, who also narrates the tale) helps the young Nicholas (Robby Benson) understand human kind and charges him with the task of serving the needy. Nicholas's talent for charming little children and brightening the lives of the poor--and poor at heart--soon turns into a lifelong career. Baum's imaginative scenario involves many bumps along the way; most unusual is a fight between good and evil (here demonstrated by a group of naughty thugs who curiously resemble rock Pokémon). Lush, realistic backgrounds of misty forests and blustery, snow-laden towns are plenyiful .