One question that could be asked is why a series set in prehistoric times is celebrating Christmas; but what the heck, who cares? I mean it’s hardly the only anachronism in the Flintstones’ history. Anyway this is one of the better versions of A Christmas Carols that I’ve recently seen, though it doesn’t get much higher than just enjoyable.

Fred has been cast (some might say typecast) as Ebenezer Scrooge and as per usual, the potential fame that this could lead to is getting to his head. This of course means that he’s given the role his complete attention, ignoring his everyday obligations to work and family; which is not really much of a change from what you’d come to expect from Bedrock’s finest.

Most of the short plays out like a regular Flintstones cartoon, as the other characters get positively fed up with Fred and his narcissistic ways and the resulting problems this brings: like not concentrating at work or forgetting to pick up Pebbles from nursery; the later of which being a major and justifiable cause of conflict between Fred and Wilma. Most of the story is, of course another version of a Christmas Carol, in which the ‘real’ live issues of the cast get involved in the story, especially when Wilma has to take over various parts - Ghost of Christmas Past and Bell - because of the dreaded Bedrock Bug that is going around. The rendition of the Christmas Carol otherwise goes much the same as you’d expect such a thing to go. With most of the conflict coming out of forgotten Christmas presents and Fred neglectful behaviour coming back to haunt him.

The animation is a step up from the old TV series, though it lacks its somewhat rustic charms; likewise the voice artists do comparable work. However, all this means is that you are left feeling that it's just a Flintstones cartoon with nothing more than better animation, yet since this was the mid-nineties that’s to be expected. In the end, while this is a competent cartoon for the holidays, there are others out there better fitted for one’s enjoyment.