The Bishop’s Wife (MGM Home Entertainment)

This charming comedy with a good message stars Loretta Young, Cary Grant, and David Niven at their best. The black-and-white transfer is crisp, and exceptionally good value for dollar at a low price.

A Christmas Story (Warner Home Video)

This little movie has become a classic with just about everyone, and rightly so. It’s nostalgia done right, and from the director of Porky’s, no less. The attention to period detail is amazing. The new Warner release boasts good transfers.

Holiday Inn (Universal)

Bing Crosby croons, Fred Astaire taps -- what’s not to like about this genial musical, which gave birth to "White Christmas"? Universal’s transfer is excellent.

A Midnight Clear (Columbia TriStar Home Video)

Based on William Wharton’s novel, this first-rate movie is set during World War II at Christmas, as squadrons of American and German soldiers set aside conflict for a short time to enjoy the holiday. Very good transfers at a low price. This one is off the beaten track -- don’t miss it.

A Bing Crosby Christmas (Questar)

A compilation of numbers from the annual TV Christmas specials broadcast from 1962 to 1977. Bing sings "White Christmas," of course, but this disc is also fun to watch for its cavalcade of guest stars, including Carol Burnett, Connie Stevens, Fred Astaire, Roy Clark, David Bowie, and Mary Martin -- not all at once, of course. The bonus features are such a delightful surprise that I’ll let them be just that. The video and audio are good enough; the talent assembled here can shine through a bit of varnish.

Carols from King’s (BBC Opus Arte)
Choir of King’s College, Cambridge; Stephen Cleobury, conductor.

The traditional service of Lessons and Carols, shot in December of 2000. Includes as a bonus the historic 1954 service, conducted by Boris Ord, which started the tradition. The multichannel sound re-creates the sound of a large cathedral and the visuals are clean, clear, and colorful.

The Judy Garland Show: The Christmas Show (Pioneer Artists)

From December 22, 1963, this classic show features Judy, of course, with special guests Liza Minelli, Jack Jones, and Mel Tormé. The show has been digitally remastered and restored with a newly created 5.1 surround-sound track. This one is a real treat.

John Denver: Montana Christmas Skies (Laserlight)

Denver’s laid-back country sincerity shines in this very comfortable special. Guests Kathy Mattea, Clint Black, and Patty Loveless contribute to a seasonal concert far above average, including such seldom-heard songs as "Christmas for Cowboys," "Wild Montana Skies," and "Potter’s Wheel." Very good video and audio.

Lesley Garrett: Live at Christmas (BBC Opus Arte)

Soprano Lesley Garrett is featured in one of the most unabashedly joyful concerts on DVD. Her enthusiasm and vitality cannot be beat, and carry over to the other performers. African soprano Sibongile Khumalo joins Garrett for the best version of "The Little Drummer Boy" available in any format. The superb sets are given full justice in a razor-sharp anamorphic video transfer, and the Dolby Digital sound is state of the art.

Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker (BBC Opus Arte)
The Royal Ballet, Covent Garden; Orchestra of the Royal Opera House; Evgenii Svetlanov, conductor.

A colorful and sumptuous performance with a spectacular growing Christmas tree in the first act. The sound is far above average but reveals the only blight on this disc: the playing of the Royal Opera House Orchestra, which is occasionally less than stellar. Still, of all the Nutcrackers out there, this one says the most about holiday spirit. And rare for a music disc, there are many interesting extra features.