Noel/12 Dogs of Christmas Value 2pk (2004)

NOEL: A first-rate cast comes together for this collection of intertwining tales about lonely New Yorkers reaching out to each other on Christmas Eve. Susan Sarandon plays Rose, a widowed editor who spends way too much time at the hospital bed of her Alzheimers-stricken mother. Robin Williams is the mysterious fellow who later prevents her from possibly jumping into the East River. Meanwhile, Nina (Penelope Cruz) gets tired of the violently jealous outbursts of her cop boyfriend, Mike (Paul Walker), and breaks off their engagement. An obsessive old waiter (Alan Arkin) is convinced Mike is the reincarnation of his dead wife, while in another story a troubled young man (Marcus Thomas) attempts to smash up his hand so he can attend an emergency room Christmas party. Needless to say, these tales intersect movingly, and the miracle of Christmas provides major healing for each character involved.

THE TWELVE DOGS OF CHRISTMAS: This holiday tale has all the elements of a classic heartwarmer--cuddly dogs, small-town spirit, and even a full-fledged Christmas pageant. Set during the meager years of the Great Depression, 12 DOGS OF CHRISTMAS follows the story of Emma, a 12-year-old who is sent to live in rural Doverville with her aunt. The town, like the rest of the nation, has fallen on lean times and seems to have lost all interest in celebrating. However, Emma manages to enlist the town's dogs in a colorful holiday pageant that reminds the inhabitants that even the Great Depression cannot ruin the spirit of Christmas.