Burton's love of stop motion goes all the way back to the 80's and his short film "Vincent". The Idea for The Nightmare Before Christmas was something stirring with Burton for many years. A take on the iconic Rankin Bass holiday specials of his childhood and giving them a more gothic and frightening feel. And in 1993 with the help of the brilliant Henry Selick, his film concept would finally see release. It didn't fare too well at the box office, due to many parents believing the film would be too scary for kids. It was through home video that the film would become more than a cult classic, but a franchise that launched a thousand Hot Topics.
The film opens in a forest where we see trees that serve as portals to different holiday themed worlds. The one we start focus on is Halloweentown, a creepy place run by monsters of every shape and size, who prepare themselves for their most important night of the year in Halloween. The leader of the town is the Pumpkin King himself Jack Skellington. However Jack has become bored with the same routine every year and pines for something different.
He finds that something in Christmastown, a wonderful land of snow and festive feelings all around, being led by a man named "Sandy Claws". Jack figures that this is what he was missing, and sets out to try and take over the holiday this year. He has Santa kidnapped, while he and the rest of Halloweentown work together to make Christmas their way, filled with frightening gifts of all shapes and sizes. Will Jack succeed, or has he made a huge mistake?
First and foremost, the stop motion in this movie is fantastic. Even 21 years later if still looks beautiful. From the creepy character designs of the citizens of Halloweentown, to the designs of the worlds themselves. Speaking of the characters, the cast is pretty memorable. Jack is a fun character to focus on, his love interest Sally is likeable, albeit a bit stalkerish when you think about it. The Mayor, the wolfman, Dr. Finkelstein, and of course the big bag of bugs himself Oogie Boogie. All the characters are unique and amazing, and definitely memorable.
The music in this movie is probably the best thing about it. Danny Elfman provides not only the score, but Jack's singing voice, and it's amazing. His voice is so wonderfully dark and brooding, but can be energetic and powerful when it needs to be. My personal favorite song from the film is Jack's Lament where he sings about the longing he has for something different. The rest of the soundtrack is just as memorable and enjoyable. From the tauntingly "Kidnap the Sandy Claws" to the villainously fun "The Oogie Boogie Man", it's a perfect soundtrack without one bad song.
In the end, it's one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time. It's original, creative, beautiful to look at, and just as amazing to listen. Safe to say that more than likely I'm not saying anything that anyone reading this already knows. It's perfect Christmas viewing, and a must watch for everyone. And with little time left before the big day, you should find time to give it a watch.
And that's it. 12 days of reviews in a row. Thank you for reading, and following my work for the last year. 2015 is expected to be a far bigger year for my blog and writing in general. Some interesting articles are on their way, and hopefully you'll all enjoy them. Have a happy holiday and a happy new year, and I'll see you in 2015.