First aired on ABC during the 2009 holiday season, Prep & Landing introduces us to Lanny (Derek Richardson) and Wayne (voiced by Dave Foley), two Christmas elves on the “prep & landing team.” Their job is to prepare homes for the arrival of Santa Clause. Wayne is somewhat dissatisfied with the job, feeling as though he’s been passed over for a promotion. Lanny, a newcomer to the job, is eager to make a good impression. Naturally, Lanny’s eagerness only makes Wayne all the more miserable.

Wayne’s irritation with the new recruit becomes the least of his concerns, when young Timmy Terwelp (Mason Vale Cotton) wakes up and catches the elves in mid-mission. This egregious error means that Timmy might not receive the bike he was supposed to. Lanny, Wayne, and Magee (Sarah Chalke), the over-caffeinated North Pole Christmas Eve Command Center Coordinator, must set things right so Santa (W. Morgan Sheppard) can touch down. While it’s true that Prep & Landing is fairly predictable, it still manages to take on a few closely held Christmas conventions and be funny in the process. For instance, the Prep and landing team have these computerized gingerbread men that can determine how many “creatures are stirring.” The original Prep & Landing sets the stage for Naughty vs. Nice, the far superior of the two specials.

Prep & LandingOriginally aired in 2011, Naughty vs. Nice introduces us to the Coal Elf Brigade. Their job is to deliver coal. The hope is that children’s behavior will improve, one lump of coal at a time. This time, Wayne and Lanny join forces with Wayne’s younger brother, Coal Brigade legend Noel (Rob Riggle), to recover a stolen elf device from a computer knowledgeable kid genius (Emily Alyn Lind) determined to hack into the North Pole network and remove herself from the naughty list.

Naughty vs. Nice presents sharper comedy, brighter animation and a slightly tighter narrative. The lessons of brotherly/sisterly love are certainly admirable. I’m guessing that youngsters will give Naughty vs. Nice repeated viewings over the next three weeks or so. I know when I was a kid my friends and I used to debate who was on the naughty list. Neither of the Prep & Landing specials can be considered classics, but they sure are fun.

Presented in the 1.78:1 aspect ratio, Disney’s 1080p transfer is as solid as you might expect. With bright colors and fine contrast, the kids should be pleased. Granted, blacks are a bit muted, but it’s not a concern. There’s some occasionally macroblocking and mild banding. However, most of this seems to go back to the source and not to the transfer. All-in-all this isnt a bad presentation.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track is perfectly acceptable, but it won’t impress. The rear speakers provide the bulk of energy throughout both specials. Directional effects tend to be two dimensional, but the LFE channel provides some weight. Dialogue is clean and clear; atmospherics are warm.

English SDH, French, Spanish and Portuguese subtitles are available.

Along with a Standard DVD, the following special features are included:

  • Operation: Secret Santa (HD, 6:53): This 2010 animated short finds Wayne and Lanny on a secret mission assigned to them by Mrs. Claus (voiced by Betty White).
  • North Pole Commercials (HD, 6:53): Ten hilarious animated commercials: “Elf- Date.com,” “The Fruitcake Factory,” Spa Navidad,” “Christmas Carol’s,” “Yuletide Tech,” B.U.L.B. Transit,” “Captain Avalanche’s Super Sled,” “Kringle County Christmas Fair,” “Super Elf Mart” and “Yuletide Joe.”
  • Tiny’s Big Adventure (HD, 1:07): Magee’s assistant Tiny tackles a potentially deadly mission: making coffee.
  • Behind the Jingle (HD, 2:07): Singer/songwriter Grace Potter discusses her role in Naughty & Nice.
  • Kringle Academy (HD, 4:56): A series of instructional videos for elves in training.
  • North Pole News (HD, 2:43): Two black and white North Pole news reels.
  • Promotional Pieces (HD, 3:57): TV promos.