A Very Special Christmas: The 20th Anniversary Music Video Collection

A Very Special Christmas: The 20^th Anniversary Music Video Collection / 2007 Special Olympics / 12 Tracks / http://www.specialolympics.org

I admit, I was not really paying attention to when the first A Very Special Christmas came out in 1987 – I had just turned 4, and my attention was on a host of other things. Regardless, I can pay a little more attention to the tracks that are present on this, a DVD commemorating the first release in this series. This DVD showcases some very rare videos alongside the traditional videos of songs like Run DMC’s “Christmas”, and showcases the entirety of the A Very Special Christmas series rather than merely covering the first volume. By including individuals such as Sheryl Crow, Tracy Chapman, Wyclef Jean, and Eric Clapton in the mix (and dropping out individuals such as John McLaughlin, Steps Ahead, and Fourplay), the sales of this DVD will only increase.

There is an equal blend of original Christmas songs (“Christmas in Hollis” by Run DMC), choral songs that were given new life (“What Child Is This?” By Vanessa Williams, “Gabriel’s Message” by Sting) and Christmas classics (“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” by John Mellencamp, “O Holy Night” by Tracy Chapman”. Up to this point, the A Very Special Christmas series has raised over $75 million, and the tightness of the tracks on this DVD will ensure that the Special Olympics can put a few more million in their operating budgets. The rarities that are present (including U2’s “Christmas” and No Doubt’s “Oi To The World”) will likely bring higher sales levels to this DVD; it is simply just rare in a Youtube age to find a sharp version of some of these videos.

The only thing that I feel is weak in regards to this DVD is the fact that there are not more in the way of extras present. Sure, the Special Olympics are going to try to raise the most money putting out the least money in the creation of this DVD, but I would lhave liked to see more in the way of interviews with individuals that were tied to the creation of the series. Hopefully, the plan for later years will be to release the videos associated with the different volumes of A Very Special Christmas (perhaps even 2 at a time, if there is a lack of videos for the earlier releases). Regardless, the tracks in here are interesting, the videos are pretty rare, and the money spent for this DVD will go to a good cause. You simply cannot lose out.

Rating: 6.5/10