New on DVD: Holiday Inn (1942)

The film that introduced the song "White Christmas" to the world has been released today on a new Special Edition DVD.

As many already know, HOLIDAY INN stars Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire in the story of an inn only open on holidays. The holidays provide an excuse for more great Irving Berlin songs, including "Easter Parade" and "Let's Start the New Year Right." And for the 4th of July, there's Fred Astaire's great dance number with firecrackers.

DVD extras include a commentary weaving together the comments of historian Ken Barnes with archival interviews with Crosby, Astaire, and John Scott Trotter, as well as an interview with Fred Astaire's daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie. Ava McKenzie has made excellent contributions to other Astaire DVDs, including EASTER PARADE.

Deep Discount DVD also has a good price.

More great Christmas viewing coming soon: November will see the release of a two-disc special edition of MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET. Unfortunately the second disc contains the colorized version of the film -- the black and white original is also part of the set -- but since Maureen O'Hara has participated in the extras it should be worth purchasing.

Update: For more on HOLIDAY INN, visit the Roundup at The Shelf.