Changes: A Chipmunk Christmas

Revision as of 10:54, 17 December 2019

A Chipmunk Christmas is an animated Christmas television special starring Alvin and the Chipmunks. It first aired on December 14, 1981, approximately nine years after the death of the Chipmunks' creator, Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. It was one of the first television specials in which his son, Ross Bagdasarian, Jr., provided voice work for the characters, and it makes use of their famous Christmas song, "The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)".

Synopsis

The special starts out with a doctor visiting the Waterford family whose son, Tommy, is sick. He admits that the chances of him recovering before Christmas are slim.

Meanwhile, the Chipmunks are going to a recording session. Alvin is not very happy about having to work on Christmas, but after Dave tells him that he can play his prized Golden Echo harmonica, he suggests that Dave can get the studio ready while he, Simon, and Theodore go window shopping. Dave agrees and tells them not to be late.

At the music store, Alvin sees another Golden Echo harmonica on display and tells his own that it's the best one in the world. At that moment, Tommy's mother and sister arrive, and Alvin overhears Tommy's sister tell their mother that if he had the harmonica, it would make him feel better. Alvin feels bad about Tommy's illness, so much so that during the recording session, he can't sing in tune with Simon and Theodore. Alvin talks Dave into letting them take a break and then goes to the Waterfords' house to give his own harmonica to Tommy, returning in time to finish the session.

Later, while they are decorating their Christmas tree, Alvin explains to Simon and Theodore what he did, and tells them that they can't tell Dave about the harmonica because he gave it to Alvin long ago. Alvin is worried that Dave's feelings would be hurt if he learned what happened, so after Christmas, he plans to save up his money and buy himself a new one as a replacement. Unfortunately, Dave then gets a phone call from Carnegie Hall, who wants Alvin to play his harmonica on Christmas Eve. Realizing that now he is going to need a new one before Christmas, Alvin devises a plan to earn enough money for it.

The Chipmunks gather up eight of the neighborhood dogs, dress them as reindeer, and set up a photo booth, where children can have their picture taken with Santa (Alvin). Unfortunately, the presence of a cat ruins the whole thing, and draws Dave's attention. When the Chipmunks try to explain what happened, saying that Alvin wants to buy something, Dave mistakes Alvin's actions for greed, and sends him, Simon, and Theodore to their room. This leads to a dream sequence in which he meets Clyde Crashcup, who says that he invented Christmas (which is now on February 12) and Santa (Abraham Lincoln in a sleigh consisting of a hollowed-out pumpkin pulled by four elephants). Alvin tells him that he needs money, and when Dave comes to check up on him, he is saying "money" in his sleep, causing Dave to give up.

On Christmas Eve, two hours before the concert, Simon and Theodore give Alvin the money they have saved up for a new book, and wish him luck on buying the harmonica. When Dave asks where he went, they lie and say they don't know. Luckily, just as he is complaining, he gets a phone call from Tommy's mother, who tells him about Alvin's harmonica and the wonders it made for Tommy.

At the music store, Alvin is depressed, as he still doesn't have enough money for a new harmonica. Just then, a strange old woman appears, and buys it for him, only asking for a song in return, but disappears by the end. Dave, Simon, and Theodore arrive, and Dave apologizes to Alvin and tells him they have a surprise for him. At the concert, he learns that Tommy has fully recovered, and he joins the Chipmunks on stage.

At the end, Santa flies over the city as we hear the Chipmunks singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". When he returns to the North Pole, he is greeted by Mrs. Claus, the same old woman who gave Alvin the harmonica.

Songs

A Chipmunk Christmas soundtrack — The cover to the original release of the soundtrack

"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas"
"Wonderful Day"
"Jingle Bells"
"The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)"
"The Spirit of Christmas"
"Silent Night"
"Sleigh Ride"
"Deck the Halls"
"We Wish You a Merry Christmas"

Soundtrack album

A soundtrack album was released by RCA Records at the time of the special's premiere. It contained all of the songs featured in the special, with the strange exception of "Wonderful Day". Originally released as an LP, the soundtrack album would be reissued on cassette and CD between 1992 and 2001.

Home video releases

Edits

Recent network airings of the special cut out Alvin's dream sequence with Clyde Crashcup.

Cast

Voice actor	Character
Ross Bagdasarian Jr.	Alvin Simon David Seville
Janice Karman	Theodore Tommy's sister Cindy Lou
June Foray	Mrs. Waterford Mrs. Claus
Frank Welker	Santa Claus Doctor
Charles Berendt	Clyde Crashcup
R.J. Williams	Tommy Waterford

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
+{{Italic title}}
 {{title
 |image=title-chipmunks.jpg
@@ Line 5: / Line 7: @@
 |release=December 14, 1981
 |runtime=24 minutes
-|available=VHS<br>DVD<br>Blu-ray}}
+|available=VHS<br />DVD<br />Blu-ray}}
-'''''A Chipmunk Christmas''''' is an animated [[Christmas]] television special starring [[wikipedia:Alvin and the Chipmunks|Alvin and the Chipmunks]]. It first aired on December 14, 1981, approximately nine years after the death of the Chipmunks' creator, [[wikipedia:Ross Bagdasarian, Sr.|Ross Bagdasarian]] (also known as David Seville). This is one of the first television specials in which his son, [[wikipedia:Ross Bagdasarian, Jr.|Ross Bagdasarian Jr.]], provided voice work for the characters, and it makes use of their famous Christmas song, "[[The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)]]".
+'''''A Chipmunk Christmas''''' is an animated [[Christmas]] television special starring {{w|Alvin and the Chipmunks}}. It first aired on December 14, 1981, approximately nine years after the death of the Chipmunks' creator, {{w|Ross Bagdasarian, Sr.}} It was one of the first television specials in which his son, {{w|Ross Bagdasarian, Jr.}}, provided voice work for the characters, and it makes use of their famous Christmas song, "[[The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)]]".
 == Synopsis ==
+The special starts out with a doctor visiting the Waterford family whose son, Tommy, is sick. He admits that the chances of him recovering before Christmas are slim.
-[[File:ChipmunksXmasSinging.jpg|thumb|250px]]
-The special starts out with a doctor visiting the family of a sick boy named Tommy. He admits that the chances of him recovering before Christmas is bleak.
-Meanwhile, the Chipmunks have a recording session. [[Alvin]] is not very happy about having to work on Christmas, but after Dave tells him that he can play his prized Golden Echo harmonica, he suggests that Dave can get everything set up in the studio while he and his brothers go window shopping. Dave agrees to this, and tells them not to be late.
+Meanwhile, the Chipmunks are going to a recording session. [[Alvin Seville|Alvin]] is not very happy about having to work on Christmas, but after Dave tells him that he can play his prized Golden Echo harmonica, he suggests that Dave can get the studio ready while he, [[Simon Seville|Simon]], and [[Theodore Seville|Theodore]] go window shopping. Dave agrees and tells them not to be late.
-At the music store, Alvin sees another Golden Echo harmonica, and tells his own that it's the best one in the world. At that moment, Tommy's mother and sister arrive, and he overhears Tommy's sister tell her mother that if he had the Golden Echo harmonica, it would make him feel better. Alvin feels bad about Tommy's illness, so much so that during the recording session, he can't sing in tune with the others. Dave gives them a break, so Alvin goes to Tommy's house and presents him with his (Alvin's) own harmonica, returning in time to finish the session.
+At the music store, Alvin sees another Golden Echo harmonica on display and tells his own that it's the best one in the world. At that moment, Tommy's mother and sister arrive, and Alvin overhears Tommy's sister tell their mother that if he had the harmonica, it would make him feel better. Alvin feels bad about Tommy's illness, so much so that during the recording session, he can't sing in tune with Simon and Theodore. Alvin talks Dave into letting them take a break and then goes to the Waterfords' house to give his own harmonica to Tommy, returning in time to finish the session.
-Later, while they are decorating their Christmas tree, Alvin explains to [[Simon]] and [[Theodore]] what he did, and tells them that they can't tell Dave about the harmonica, as he gave it to Alvin long ago, and Alvin is worried that Dave's feelings would be hurt if he learned what happened, so after Christmas, he plans to save up his money and buy himself a new Golden Echo harmonica as a replacement. Unfortunately, Dave then gets a phone call from Carnegie Hall; they want Alvin to play his harmonica on Christmas Eve. Realizing that now he is going to need a new harmonica ''before'' Christmas, Alvin devises a plan to make enough money for it.
+Later, while they are decorating their Christmas tree, Alvin explains to Simon and Theodore what he did, and tells them that they can't tell Dave about the harmonica because he gave it to Alvin long ago. Alvin is worried that Dave's feelings would be hurt if he learned what happened, so after Christmas, he plans to save up his money and buy himself a new one as a replacement. Unfortunately, Dave then gets a phone call from {{w|Carnegie Hall}}, who wants Alvin to play his harmonica on [[Christmas Eve]]. Realizing that now he is going to need a new one ''before'' Christmas, Alvin devises a plan to earn enough money for it.
-The Chipmunks gather up right of the dogs in the neighborhood, dress them as reindeer, and set up a photo booth, where children can have their picture taken with Santa (Alvin). Unfortunately, the presence of a cat ruins the whole thing, and draws Dave's attention. When the Chipmunks try to explain what happened, saying that Alvin wants to buy something, Dave mistakes Alvin's actions for greed, and sends him to his room. This leads to a dream sequence in which Alvin meets Clyde Crashcup, who says that he invented Christmas (which is now on February 12) and Santa (Abraham Lincoln in a sleigh consisting of a hollowed-out pumpkin pulled by 4 elephants). Alvin tells Crashcup that he needs money, and when Dave comes to check up on him, he is saying "money" in his sleep, causing Dave to give up.
+The Chipmunks gather up eight of the neighborhood dogs, dress them as reindeer, and set up a photo booth, where children can have their picture taken with [[Santa Claus|Santa]] (Alvin). Unfortunately, the presence of a cat ruins the whole thing, and draws Dave's attention. When the Chipmunks try to explain what happened, saying that Alvin wants to buy something, Dave mistakes Alvin's actions for greed, and sends him, Simon, and Theodore to their room. This leads to a dream sequence in which he meets Clyde Crashcup, who says that he invented Christmas (which is now on February 12) and Santa (Abraham Lincoln in a sleigh consisting of a hollowed-out pumpkin pulled by four elephants). Alvin tells him that he needs money, and when Dave comes to check up on him, he is saying "money" in his sleep, causing Dave to give up.
-On Christmas Eve, two hours before the concert, Simon and Theodore give Alvin the money they have saved up, and wish him luck on buying the harmonica. When Dave asks where he went, they lie and say they don't know. Luckily, just as he is complaining, he gets a phone call from Tommy's mother, who tells him about Alvin's harmonica and the wonders it worked for Tommy.
+On Christmas Eve, two hours before the concert, Simon and Theodore give Alvin the money they have saved up for a new book, and wish him luck on buying the harmonica. When Dave asks where he went, they lie and say they don't know. Luckily, just as he is complaining, he gets a phone call from Tommy's mother, who tells him about Alvin's harmonica and the wonders it made for Tommy.
-At the music store, Alvin is depressed, as he still doesn't have enough money for a new harmonica. Just then, a strange old woman appears, and buys it for him, only asking for a song in return, but disappearing by the end. Dave, Simon, and Theodore arrive, and Dave apologizes to Alvin and tells him they have a surprise for him. At the concert, he learns that Tommy has fully recovered, and he joins the Chipmunks on stage.
+At the music store, Alvin is depressed, as he still doesn't have enough money for a new harmonica. Just then, a strange old woman appears, and buys it for him, only asking for a song in return, but disappears by the end. Dave, Simon, and Theodore arrive, and Dave apologizes to Alvin and tells him they have a surprise for him. At the concert, he learns that Tommy has fully recovered, and he joins the Chipmunks on stage.
-At the end, [[Santa Claus]] flies over the city as we hear the Chipmunks singing "[[We Wish You a Merry Christmas]]". When he returns to the North Pole, where he is greeted by [[Mrs. Claus|his wife]] - the same old woman who bought Alvin the harmonica. As he
+At the end, Santa flies over the city as we hear the Chipmunks singing "[[We Wish You a Merry Christmas]]". When he returns to the North Pole, he is greeted by [[Mrs. Claus]], the same old woman who gave Alvin the harmonica.
 == Songs ==
-[[File:A_Chipmunk_Christmas_soundtrack.jpg|thumb|250px|The cover to the original release of the soundtrack.]]
+[[File:A_Chipmunk_Christmas_soundtrack.jpg|thumb|250px|The cover to the original release of the soundtrack]]
 * "[[It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas]]"
+* "[[Wonderful Day]]"
-* "It's the Greatest Time of the Year"
-* "[[Jingle Bells]]"
+* "[[Jingle Bells (song)|Jingle Bells]]"
 * "[[The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don't Be Late)]]"
 * "The Spirit of Christmas"
@@ Line 36: / Line 37: @@
 * "[[Sleigh Ride]]"
 * "[[Deck the Halls (song)|Deck the Halls]]"
-* "[[We Wish You a Merry Christmas]]"
+* "[[We Wish You a Merry Christmas (song)|We Wish You a Merry Christmas]]"
 === Soundtrack album ===
-A soundtrack album was released by RCA Records at the time of the special's premiere. It contained all of the songs featured in the special, with the strange exception of "It's the Greatest Time of the Year". Originally released as an LP, the soundtrack album would be reissued on cassette and CD between 1992 and 2001.
+A soundtrack album was released by RCA Records at the time of the special's premiere. It contained all of the songs featured in the special, with the strange exception of "Wonderful Day". Originally released as an LP, the soundtrack album would be reissued on cassette and CD between 1992 and 2001.
 == Home video releases ==
-<gallery widths="200" bordersize="none" captionalign="center" position="center" spacing="small">
+<gallery widths="200" bordercolor="transparent" spacing="small">
-AChipmunkXmas_VHS_1981.jpg|{{Gallery note|VHS|Bagdasarian Video, 1981}}
+AChipmunkXmas_VHS_1981.jpg|{{Gallery note|VHS|Bagdasarian Video<br>1981}}
-AChipmunkXmas_VHS_1993.jpg|{{Gallery note|VHS|Buena Vista Home Video, 1993}}
+AChipmunkXmas_VHS_1993.jpg|{{Gallery note|VHS|Buena Vista Home Video<br>1993}}
-AChipmunkXmas DVD 2005.jpg|{{Gallery note|DVD|Paramount Home Entertainment, 2005}}
+AChipmunkXmas DVD 2005.jpg|{{Gallery note|DVD|Paramount Home Entertainment<br>November 1, 2005}}
-AChipmunkXmas_DVD_2006.jpg|{{Gallery note|25th Anniversary DVD|Paramount Home Entertainment, 2006}}
+AChipmunkXmas_DVD_2006.jpg|{{Gallery note|25th Anniversary DVD|Paramount Home Entertainment<br>September 26, 2006}}
-AChipmunkXmas_DVD_2008.jpg|{{Gallery note|DVD|Paramount Home Entertainment, 2008}}
+AChipmunkXmas_DVD_2008.jpg|{{Gallery note|DVD|Paramount Home Entertainment<br>September 23, 2008}}
-ChristmasWithTheChipmunksDVD.jpg|{{Gallery note|''Christmas with the Chipmunks'' DVD|Bagdasarian Productions, 2011}}
+ChristmasWithTheChipmunksDVD.jpg|{{Gallery note|''Christmas with the Chipmunks'' DVD|Bagdasarian Productions<br>November 1, 2011}}
-ChipmunkChristmas_DVD_2012.jpg|{{Gallery note|''Christmas with the Chipmunks'' DVD with bonus CD|Bagdasarian Productions, 2012}}
+ChristmasWithTheChipmunks_Bluray.jpg|{{Gallery note|''Christmas with the Chipmunks'' Blu-ray|Bagdasarian Productions<br>November 1, 2011}}
-ChristmasWithTheChipmunks_Bluray.jpg|{{Gallery note|''Christmas with the Chipmunks'' Blu-ray|Bagdasarian Productions, 2011}}
+ChipmunkChristmas_DVD_2012.jpg|{{Gallery note|''Christmas with the Chipmunks'' DVD with bonus CD|Bagdasarian Productions<br>November 6, 2012}}
 </gallery>
+== Edits ==
+Recent network airings of the special cut out Alvin's dream sequence with Clyde Crashcup.
 == Cast ==
 {| class="wikitable" border="1"
-! Voice actor
+! Voice actor !! Character
-! Character
 |-valign="top"
-| Ross Bagdasarian Jr. || [[Alvin]]<br>[[Simon]]<br>David Seville
+| Ross Bagdasarian Jr. || [[Alvin]]<br />[[Simon]]<br />David Seville
 |-valign="top"
-| Janice Karman || [[Theodore]]<br>Tommy's sister
+| Janice Karman || [[Theodore]]<br />Tommy's sister<br />Cindy Lou
 |-valign="top"
-| June Foray || Mrs. Waterford<br>[[Mrs. Claus]]
+| [[June Foray]] || Mrs. Waterford<br />[[Mrs. Claus]]
 |-valign="top"
-| [[Frank Welker]] || [[Santa Claus]]<br>Doctor
+| [[Frank Welker]] || [[Santa Claus]]<br />Doctor
 |-
 | Charles Berendt || Clyde Crashcup
@@ Line 70: / Line 73: @@
 | R.J. Williams || Tommy Waterford
 |}
+==Gallery==
+<gallery widths="200" spacing="small">
+chipmunks-christmas-11.jpg
+chipmunks-christmas-2.jpg
+chipmunk-christmas-1981-alvin-simon-theodore-in-bed-asleep-holiday.jpg
+Munkxmas6.jpg
+Munkxmas7.jpg
+Munkxmas8.jpg
+chipmunks-christmas-9.jpg
+Munkxmas11.jpg
+alvin-holiday-01.jpg
+chipmunks-christmas-13.jpg
+chipmunks-christmas-14.jpg
+2229903_l1.jpg
+Chipmunks-christmas-head.jpg
+chipmunks-christmas-17.jpg
+Munkxmas18.jpg
+Munkxmas10.jpg
+chipmunks-christmas-23.jpg
+Tommy_Famous.jpg
+ChipmunksXmasSinging.jpg
+chipmunks-christmas-26.jpg
+-Chipmunks-santa.jpg
+s-bagdasarian-chipmunks-christmas_1_f3d1ae1aba09587656f0d902a09c9fa3.jpg
+ChipmunkChristmasBack-600.jpg
+</gallery>
 == External links ==
+* {{interwiki|alvin|Munkapedia, the Alvin and the Chipmunks Wiki}}
-* [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1146433/ ''A Chipmunk Christmas''] at the Internet Movie Database
+* {{imdb title|1146433}}
 * [http://www.platypuscomix.net/hollywood/misfit11.html Platypus Comix's review]
@@ Line 79: / Line 110: @@
 [[Category:Originally aired on NBC]]
 [[Category:Santa Claus filmography]]
-[[Category:Released in the 1980s]]
+[[Category:1981 releases]]
+[[Category:Mrs. Claus filmography]]
+[[Category:Musicals]]