DVDs make perfect presents. They’re small, easy to wrap and relatively inexpensive. Because the holiday shopping season will soon be in full swing, here are descriptions of new holiday-themed DVDs to consider for the youngsters on your list:   

Harry Connick Jr. has created a cute Christmas DVD aimed at children this year. The Happy Elf, from Anchor Bay Entertainment, features narration and music by Connick. It’s based on his platinum hit Christmas album, “Harry for the Holidays.” Airing as an NBC special on Friday, December 2, The Happy Elf is about one of Santa’s helpers whose overly enthusiastic view of the holiday season is challenged when he tries to save Christmas for some naughty children in a little town called Bluesville. Bonus features include an interview with Connick, various Elf games, a Bluesville coloring book, printable holiday cards, and Santa’s Gallery. Go to the Happy Elf website for more information.

Muppetmania reigns supreme in a quartet of Muppet movies scheduled for DVD release by Walt Disney Home Entertainment on November 29 to celebrate Kermit’s 50th Anniversary. The Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper, Muppet Treasure Island and -- my favorite -- The Muppet Christmas Carol will all be available, packed with new bonus features and selling for $19.99 each. Kermit portrays Bob Cratchit and Gonzo plays Charles Dickens in the Muppet version of the Dickens classic, but it’s Michael Caine as grumpy, miserly Scrooge who steals the show. Bonus features include: Gonzo, Portrait of the Artist as a Young Weirdo; an on-the-set gag reel, a “Christmas around the World” music video, and audio commentary by Brian Henson.  

And last but not least, a special DVD gift edition of The Polar Express has been released by Warner Home Video, complete with a snow globe, toy train and lots of entertaining bonus features. This groundbreaking animated movie includes everything a person could wish for in a Christmas cinematic treat -- snow, Santa Claus, children, elves, toys, reindeer, a lavishly decorated tree and beautiful holiday music -- plus a poignant story about a boy who regains his faith in Santa as the result of a gloriously wild train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Tom Hanks voices most of the characters -- the boy’s father, the conductor, a hobo ghost, a Scrooge puppet and Santa Claus.   

The Polar Express is the first movie to use motion capturing for all its characters, which involves turning an actor’s live performance into a computerized application. Although this technique gives each character a rather eerie appearance, it seems appropriate for a whimsical story like this. In fact, the film’s entire animation process worked for me. There’s a “virtual reality” feel to the whole movie that’s quite exciting and fascinating, no matter what your age.

Happy Holidays!