Cole, Marcus

The Christmas Box / Timepiece

Hallmark's warm, 1995 made-for-television movie The Christmas Box and its darker, 1996 prequel, Timepiece, are logically and delightfully paired in this DVD package. In the former, Richard Thomas plays Richard, a ski-shop owner consumed with work and unhappy about his family's insistence on sharing a lonely mansion with Mary, an icy, humorless widow (Maureen O'Hara). While Richard's wife and child develop loving ties with Mary, he suffers recurring dreams and grows convinced the house is haunted by a tragedy from the old woman's past. Timepiece jumps ahead 16 years from the resolution of that story, then takes us back to the 1940s, when Mary (Naomi Watts) and her late husband, David (Kevin Kilner), a wealthy arms supplier to America's war effort, marry and endure both a bogus murder trial and a crushing family loss. While it's wonderful to see O'Hara, Timepiece proves the grittier, more interesting film, helped mightily by a cast including James Earl Jones and Ellen Burstyn. --Tom Keogh

Three Secrets

Snowy River - The McGregor Saga

Take a trip into the Aussie wilderness and meet the McGregor family of Snowy River. This thrilling western adventure set in 19th century Australia introduced the world to a new breed of cowboy from the land down under. Based on the famous poem "Man From Snowy River" by Banjo Paterson this touching family series embodies the traditional virtues of honor courage and loyalty. Hugh Jackman and Guy Pearce star.System Requirements:Running Time: 135 minsFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY UPC: 783722274101 Manufacturer No: 27410

Narrow Escape

Snowy River: The McGregor Saga - The Race

From The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler

Lauren Bacall plays the title role (which is actually a supporting role) in this smart and snappy children's film adapted from the newberry Award-winning book. As Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, she's a very wealthy individual auctioning off a statue that may or may not have been sculpted by Michelangelo. The story quickly shifts over to Claudia (Jean Marie Barnwell), the middle child of the family. Of the three kids, she's the only girl, a straight-A student, and the one their mom relies on to help her with the chores. Claudia feels both taken for granted and neglected, so she devises a plan for her and her younger brother (who's got some money because he cheats at cards) to run away and have adventures. Her plan includes camping out in the Metropolitan Museum, which happens to be the same museum that bought the enigmatic sculpture. While the family searches for the missing kids, Claudia becomes obsessed with solving the secret of the statue. Is it or isn't it a genuine Michelangelo? Like Claudia herself, the script is smart, and it never condescends. The direction is equally smart, and the cast is universally good--which is saying something considering there are so many child actors involved. With messages like "feelings matter as much as learning" and "if you believe in yourself, then you don't need to cheat," From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler is an excellent way for a family to spend time together in front of the TV. The story was previously adapted for film in 1973, but this version was made for television in 1995. --Andy Spletzer

A little mystery can bring magic into anyone's life. When young Claudia decides to run away from home to teach her parents a lesson in Claudia Appreciation, she plans very carefully. Securing the company - and financial participation - of her younger brother Jamie, Claudia sets out to take up residence at the Metropolitan Museum. Staying one step ahead of security guards, determined doormen, and clever cops is almost a full-time job for these two - until they come across a statue so beautiful, yet so mysterious, they cannot go home until they discover its maker, a question which baffles even the experts. First they have to find the statue's former owner, the reclusive and mischievous Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (Lauren Bacall). Then Claudia and Jamie must take a mad dash through her incredibly mixed-up files in this delightful family adventure.

The Great Air Race