A Very Merry Pooh Year (November 12, 2002)

This is a direct-to-video Christmas animated film and the series finale of The New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. The film features the 1991 Christmas television special Winnie the Pooh and Christmas Too, as well as the new film, Happy Pooh Year. It is notable for being the first Winnie the Pooh film where Owl does not appear. The animation is slightly different from earlier films in that the characters show increased movement, particularly in their facial expressions. This over exaggeration does lead to some unfortunate animation errors. Its hand drawn style is consistent with those movies, however. The first segment, introduced by Roo wondering is Santa is coming as the residents of the Hundred Acre Wood gather together on Christmas Eve, explains of how, on a previous Christmas Eve, their letter failed to reach Santa and that Pooh dressed up as Santa to bring gifts to his friends, but was unsuccessful. After a second failed attempt to deliver their letter, he returns with the bad news, but his friends say that he is more important than presents until Christopher Robin arrives with their gifts. This is a short story that gets better as it goes along leading to a heartwarming conclusion. The next story returns to present day where Christmas day arrives. Pooh is given a honey pot by Piglet which reminds him of his own present. He proceeds to look for It with the search lasting until New Years Eve! He abandoned his search when he hears Christopher Robin calling him. He tells Pooh of his plan for a New Years party. This decision leads to the annoyance of Rabbit and the subsequent switch of personalities of his friends to try and placate him. Eventually, his friends regain their old personalities and Rabbit reconciles with his friends, convincing them to just be themselves while admitting that he's the one who needs to change just as Christopher Robin arrives. The gang then head back to Rabbit's house to prepare for the party. Later at night and at the start of the New Year, Pooh finally remembers where he left Piglet's gift and goes home to get it, revealing it to be a music box. This story is not as enjoyable as the former, but it is nice to see a New Year’s themed holiday episode for a change. Overall, this is a fine Christmas special, not as enjoyable the other Winnie the Pooh specials I have watched, but still pleasurable, like a comforting cup of hot cocoa, no frills but hits the spot on a winter’s afternoon.

Final Rating: 5.5/10