The Grammy-nominated, twenty-something, pop-classical phenomenon's fourth studio album is an expertly accomplished entry to the holiday marketplace. Noël tackles the familiar sounds of holiday music with a charmingly eclectic array of guest vocalists and a wide range of material. The songs range from the sacred to the secular, while Groban--buoyed in spots by none other than the London Symphony Orchestra--soars in his duets with Brian McKnight, Faith Hill, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. There's even a song with a gospel choir directed by Kirk Franklin. Produced yet again by crossover maestro David Foster, the arrangements never overwhelm the songs. Groban's smooth and supple vocals can be hard to categorize--seeing how his range is somewhere in-between a high baritone and a low tenor--but he always finds and emphasizes the emotional core of these songs. And whether they have origins in pop or classical music seems not to matter. The addition of messages from troops stationed in Iraq on top of "I'll Be Home for Christmas" is undeniably heart-wrenching, while the album's highlight is its most spare song, "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," which finds Groban alone at his piano, sounding very much like some kind of angel. --Mike McGonigal

Steve Martin takes his wild and crazy persona and splits it into a hilarious battle of the sexes within the same body. Ambitious attorney Roger Cobb is assigned to alter the will of ailing millionaire Edwina Cutwater (Lily Tomlin), who wishes to bequeath her estate to a healthy young woman (Victoria Tennant)--after Cutwater's guru transfers the old eccentric's soul to her healthy body. No one believes for a second it will actually work, until Ms. Cutwater awakens in Roger's body and he becomes, literally, a man possessed, fighting for control of himself. Martin delivers a hilariously animated performance as a body torn between two masters as it wrestles with itself in a spastic walk down a city street. Directed with comic aplomb by regular Martin collaborator Carl Reiner, All of Me combines the best of Martin's self-scripted films--anarchic moments of inspired physical comedy--with a solid (if somewhat silly) narrative holding the scenes together. Screenwriter Phil Alden Robinson went on to script and direct Field of Dreams. --Sean Axmaker

Originally a special for HBO, this Jim Henson production (he also directed) was one of the first real forays into the more realistic, less vaudevillian direction for the Muppets. It also included Frank Oz (Muppeteer), Paul Williams (songs), and Jerry Juhl (script), some of the Muppet Show's usual suspects. Emmet Otter and his jug band are trying out in the local talent show, but they face fierce competition from a gang of toughs, the Riverbottom Gang and their rock band. Perhaps the most notable thing is the creation of a sense of poverty and want that suffuses the little production. Even Emmet's mother, who sacrifices her washtub to further Emmet's cause, gets in the act. Fine Christmas viewing for all ages. --Keith Simanton

While most of Disney's Sing-Along titles are compilations of theme songs from movies, here is a musical collection presented for the sole purpose of celebrating Christmas. The holiday video oozes with merriment as it blends traditional carols and seasonal favorites with Disney's unique brand of quality animation and beloved characters. Mickey Mouse opens the 30-minute program with an original song, "From All of Us to All of You," while Chip and Dale scamper around the Christmas tree. "Deck the Halls" will never sound the same after hearing Donald Duck's rendition, and even Santa gets in on the animated action as he plunges down the chimney in "Up on the Housetop." As a reverent reminder of the Christ-child's birth, Disneyland Children's Sing-Along Chorus harmonizes "Silent Night" and "Joy to the World." Especially captivating is this latter tune, accompanied by hundreds of animated fairies dancing through a snow-covered forest before they transform into glistening stars. Lest we forget this is Disney, all 13 songs add cameo appearances by favorite characters Jiminy Cricket, Bambi, Minnie, and many more. Nostalgia reigns as Bing Crosby lilts "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" while plenty of snowy shenanigans from Mickey and Goofy remind viewers why Disney characters are so endearing. If Disney is tooting its own horn (and it does through a couple minutes of live-action footage from Disneyland's Magic Kingdom), it is discreet. The real star of this sing along is the spirit of Christmas, alive in full measure. --Lynn Gibson