Pick Hits

Off The Record

Celine Dion - These Are The Special Times

After titanic success in securing her rightful place as an international superstar, one of Canada's favorite sirens releases an album with a seasonal touch. Dion's voice has never sounded better, moving easily and flawlessly through astounding vocal and octave ranges, it's easy to see why she has such massive appeal. The new single, I'm Your Angel, adds the vocals of R. Kelly for a pleasing touch that hits the mark. These Are The Special Times is destined to become a cherished holiday momento, one that will be listened to for many years to come.

On Video

It's A Wonderful Life

Featuring Jimmy Stewart in his most beloved role, It’s A Wonderful Life still delights audiences old and new. When a man feels that the world would be a better place if he had never been born, a guardian angel shows him that he indeed does make a difference. Made when actors could do just that, this film captivates the viewer not with special effects, aliens, or explosions,  but with a timeless well written story. Warm and fuzzy, and worth the price of a rental just to avoid the annoying commercial breaks, pop some corn, pour some eggnog, put another log on the fire and enjoy some quality family time.

On The Air

How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Made long before the advent of computer generated images, the Grinch can still captivate the inner child in everyone. A classic tale of evil giving over to good, but what really impresses about this holiday favorite is how relevant it is today decades after it’s first airing. The animation is simple yet superb, the songs still have the kids feet tapping, and a wonderful comic performance by Max (the dog turned reluctant reindeer) help set the mood for the eventual change of heart by the title character. The message is strong and clear, this season is not about gifts and decorations, it’s about caring for each other. Keep that in mind next time you’re in a mad scramble for a Furby. 

The Buzz...

A typewritten, seven-page manuscript of Theodor Geisel's beloved Christmas classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas for $17,250. Geisel wrote under the pen name Dr. Seuss. The manuscript, which includes six original pencil drawings and Geisel's autograph on the title page, was originally given to an editor at the Ottawa Chronicle where it was published in 1957.

ABC plans to spin off the younger sisters of Sabrina star Melissa Joan Hart into their own show as yet untitled. The sisters, Emily Hart and Alexandra Hart-Gilliams, would play young, spoiled witches who lose their powers when their mother falls in love with a mortal.

The Rolling Stones' Bridges to Babylon tour grossed over $193 million in 1998, more than any other tour this year. U2 came in second place, raking in $45 million, and Elton John finished third, with $40 million.

Will Smith is set to play his greatest role ever, that of boxer Muhammad Ali. Smith will play the champ from his heyday through to his later life. 

Garth Brooks has mentioned that he wants to sell 100 million albums by the new millennium. With nearly 85 million in sales its possible he might just do it. Brooks is also planning to release three albums in 1999.  His current release, Double Live, has sold 2.5 million units in the past month.

Only a handful of Super Bowl commercial slots are available with 6 1/2 weeks left until next month's game despite the 23 percent price increase that Fox posted for admission to the telecast.

Universal Studios Florida has bought more than 2,000 acres of Central Florida land to expand its theme park and hotel operations.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has announced its nominations for the Golden Globe awards. Shakespeare In Love earned the nod for Best Musical or Comedy, and The Truman Show  will compete with Saving Private Ryan for Best Drama kudos.

Linda Hamilton, who played Sarah Connor in both Terminator movies, has filed for divorce from James Cameron, director of Titanic and Terminator. It may be one of the biggest settlements in history, as Hamilton may be entitled to half of Cameron’s share of profits from the billion dollar box office leader. 

Rupert Murdoch, owner of the Fox network which the Simpsons have mocked regularly since debuting, will finally appear as a character voice on the hit animated show. Homer and his friends sneak into Murdoch's luxury skybox during the Super Bowl.

Toho Company, owners of the original Godzilla, have decided to bring back the Big G in a film to be released by December 1999. Nostalgia for the original, Japanese-created rubber monster blossomed in the fan world after the disappointing debut of the Sony computer-animated Godzilla.

It looks like John Byrne will be spinning Spider-Man yarns for some time to come. The Spider-Man re-launch, which includes his Spider-Man: Chapter One and Amazing Spider-Man, which he draws, is selling quite well for Marvel Comics.

ABC has cancelled Fantasy Island, a remake of the 1978-84 series starring Ricardo Montalban. The new series was darker and more stylish, with Malcom McDowall as Mr. Roarke and Madchen Amick as his shapeshifting ally, Ariel.

In his darkest hour, President Clinton has learned who his friends really are, and they seem to be clustered in Hollywood. Barbra Streisand, Jack Nicholson, Elisabeth Shue, and Ted Danson and his wife, Mary Steenburgen, were some of the big names who turned out to lead an anti-impeachment rally organized by People for the American Way, a civil-rights group started by legendary TV producer Norman Lear.