Trans-Siberian Orchestra: The Ghosts of Christmas Eve (1999 TV Movie) User Reviews

See 'em live

[CptPtnia · 9/10 · 25 November 2002]

For those unfamiliar with the works of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, this video will give merely a glimpse into their musical genius. This band evolved from a heavy-metal band from the mid-80's called Savatage. As they grew musically, they began to incorporate classical music into their work, ranging from Mozart to Mussgorsky to Beethoven. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra was a side project conceived originally to perform Christmas music, blending traditional and new compositions with a group of highly talented musicians.

This video is just a touch of what they are. Many "guest" performers, such as Michael Crawford and Jewel appear in the video. Watching this video will hopefully give one a desire to look further into the band. These wonderful artists have woven 3 albums together (2 Christmas, and one not) of intricate story-telling, poetry, and, of course, wonderful music.

If you do enjoy what you see and hear, do yourself a favor. Next Christmas, look for their live performance to come to a city near you, and buy a ticket. It is a musical spectacle you will thank yourself for. I have been a Savatage fan for many years, and have now seen TSO play live 3 years in a row. WOW. The collection of musicians, mostly unknowns, is unrivaled. The compositions are wonderful, the performances even more so. Worth every penny.

As a side note, TSO's single non-Christmas release, "Beethoven's Last Night", is one of the best albums I have ever heard. Released nearly 2 years ago, I rarely go as much as a week without listening to it.

Good movie, but see them live

[Craigsgirl_119 · 8/10 · 21 July 2005]

Trasn-Siberian Orcestra is a world-famous band/orchestra. With "The Ghosts of Christmas Eve," the band brings a piece of their live performance to your TV. It revolves around a girl who has run away from home to find shelter in an old theater, and is entertained by the "ghosts" there. It not only has the band, but it has Michael Crawford and Jewel among other as performers, and Ossie Davis as the caretaker of the theater.

While this is a good movie, seeing the band live in concert is far better. This year, look them up when they go onto their next tour. You will be glad you do!

Good Video

[clmerritt · 9/10 · 12 September 2006]

I'm a rather recent fan of TSO; what got my attention was the Christmas video being emailed around with house lights & "Wizards In Winter" as the sound track. My only complaints about this video are that 1)there isn't more music, & 2)it doesn't show more of the musicians performing. I LOVE watching Al Pitrelli play guitar, he's awesome! I've got all of Savatage's CDs, save 2, & Jon Oliva's "Tage Mahal", as well as all of TSO's CDs. The performances by the guest artists are wonderful, and the video contains a song that isn't on any of the TSO CDs. I've already purchased my tickets for their concert here coming Nov. 10, and can't wait!

A Great Treat for the Christmas Season

[wzzzrd-1 · 10/10 · 10 January 2005]

This is a fantastic video that will get anyone into the Christmas Spirit. The TSO offers a great take on Christmas music and stories. Ossie Davis as the caretaker once again demonstrates the wide range of acting he possesses. Seeing them in concert was one of the most amazing shows I've seen. From the real snow that fell in the concert hall to the lights and lasers that filled the room. The voices of the performers were fantastic and the music mesmerizing. TSO third Christmas Album - The Lost Christmas Eve, is full of the same enchanting music and a heart felt Christmas story. If you enjoy the music of their first two Christmas albums, get the third and get ready for next Christmas.

Awesome group!

[bravesfan35 · 10/10 · 18 February 2009]

I'm really surprised this doesn't have a better rating. How could anyone really give this group anything less than 8 stars? Anyone that wants to look for an excuse to play Christmas music year-round can look no further than the amazing Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Of course, this video doesn't do them justice when performing on stage because their live shows are 1,000,000 times better than what's shown in this video. Despite being a very successful live group, TSO is still very underrated. Heck, it took a guy in Ohio rigging his Christmas lights to flash to the tune of "Wizards In Winter" for TSO to really get recognized. With the collective efforts of Paul O'Neill, Jon Oliva, and Bob Kinkel, TSO has blossomed into a group that is in such high demand that they need 2 separate tour groups to cover the entire country in a matter of a little over 2 months. If you've never seen TSO live before, I strongly recommend that you do. You get more than your money's worth.

Awesome

[Masticore317 · 10/10 · 25 December 2001]

Simply the greatest Christmas special ever made. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra are musical geniuses!!! This is GREAT!!!

Excellent DVD

[tngchief1 · 10/10 · 25 December 2008]

As concert DVDs go, this one is pretty good and a must buy for fans of Christmas music. The story presented is touching and TSO is excellent in turning Christmas music into a format that is enjoyable for all.

I have seen TSO in concert every year since 2003 and sometimes twice during the season if the cities are close enough. The best one, by far, was New Years Eve 2007 (heading into 2008) in Birmingham AL as Tommy Shaw of Styx played the final three songs with TSO.

To try to put into words what is TSO show is like is not possible. The music, singers, band, stage show with lasers, explosions, lights, and just the entire stage presence is beyond belief. You actually feel a part of the show. I have been brought to tears many times.

I've seen the west version of TSO each time. The narration of Tony Gaynor is outstanding...he could narrate a phone book and you would feel touched. The band of Al Pitrelli (the maestro), Angus Clark, Anna Phoebe/Mark Wood/Alison Zlotow, John Lee Middleton/Chris Altenhoff, John O'Reilly, Jane Mangini, and Derek Wieland, are the best! The singers include Tommy Farese, the winter queen Kristin Gorman, "old city bar" Bart Shatto, Andrew Ross, Jeff Soto, Scout Xavier, and Erin Henry...fantastic.

The DVD gives you an insight to TSO's version of a Christmas show. But to see in person then you walk away in awe. I hope Paul O'Neill produces a live DVD one day...to relive the show over and over again.

Thank you TSO!

Excellent

[jdix-2 · 10/10 · 15 January 2008]

A great way to spend 45 minutes enjoying a most unique and moving collage of Christmas music performed like none other. This all too short collection of Christmas music surrounds moves heart and soul and reminds everyone what Christmas is all about. Allie Sheridan as the Runaway, whose eyes and smiles takes takes us back to our childhood dreams and Ossie Davis as The Caretaker shows us that anything is possible. TSO brings it all together and leaves the viewer wanting more. Do yourself, your friends and family a favor; turn off the cells, kick back, crank up the volume and dim the lights. As a gift, your friends will treasure it for a long time.

This is on the shelf along side with Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Carol, and Miracle on 24th St.

Savatage

[uncatema · 10/10 · 3 September 2019]

The metal band Savatage's "Christmas Sarajevo 12/24" was originally released on their album Dead Winter Dead. The Trans Siberian Orchestra consists of members from Savatage. TSO used the song on this video as well as Christmas Eve And Other Stories.

One of the Best Christmas Specials to Watch Over & Over

[gardeniapalms · 10/10 · 20 December 2019]

It's hard to put into words what we saw. There is a story narrated by Ossie Davis but the night really belonged to Tran-Siberian Orchestra and Michael Crawford. TSOs music throughout was top notch and Michael Crawford's version of "O Holy Night" was more than a perfect fit. It has definitely become one of my favorites to watch at Christmastime. If you have a chance to see it, do yourself a favor and watch it...then you'll understand.

See Them Live

[steevwell · 10/10 · 24 December 2018]

Their live performances are so moving...so much energy and passion...sit as close as you can to feel the flames!