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Summary: THE very best Christmas Special of all Time...But...
Review: This was and is my favorite Christmas special of all time. I have always watched it every year (I am now 27). I just bought the CD of the special's music and listen to it all day in work. Even though it was made in 1964, the special is still superb, and looks timeless. The only concern for parents I have with this special is, since it was made in the 1960's it sends some non-timeless messages to its viewers...specifically, some sexist issues. The line in particular I am thinking of was where Rudolph's father, after searching for Rudolph, thinks it's best "to get back to the women and children" as if they needed taking care of and couldn't do it themselves. *I still shudder when I hear that line.* If parents make sure that they teach their kids that women are as strong in character and ability as men, then there is no problem with this movie. I love it and always will...
Rating:
Summary: Still my favorite.
Review: This is probably the best animated Christmas story of all and definitely one of the most remembered. Who can forget about Sam the Snowman, Herbie (I want to be a dentist), Yukon Cornelius, the Abominable Snow Monster, and of course, Rudolph. I have watched this every year for at least the last 25 years. But now I don't have to check the TV Guide to find out when it's coming on. I can watch it whenever I want. When I was young, I used to wonder if my toys talked (wonder if this is where Toy Story got their idea). A perfect family movie that will make you laugh, cry, and be a little frightened. Excellent is all I have left to say.
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Summary: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Review: One of the best Christmas classics of all time. Made in 1964 the stop-still animation quality is superb for the time period. Most importantly the story is heart warming and exciting. Burl Ives does a fantastic job as Sam the Snowman the storyteller. The songs are both touching and cheerful. No family home should be without this timeless classic.The Bumble will make you rumble!!!
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Summary: A splendid DVD--a steal at this price!
Review: What a surprise to see how beautifully this DVD was created. Not only a crisp and clear transfer of the original special (as aired in 1964) but several wonderful extras and clever menus as well. I can't wait for the same treatment with "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town"--soon, I hope. Along with "A Charlie Brown Christmas" and "How The Grinch Stole Christmas", this is definitely a must-buy Christmas DVD.
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Summary: I still love it 35 years later
Review: This is a Christmas classic from 1964 that I grew up watching, and it is just as much fun to watch it today with my three year old as it was then. The film pioneered stop motion animation, which was used later in the popular "Gumby" TV series. It features narration and songs by Burl Ives and they couldn't have picked a more loveable or jolly soul for the job.All the little characters are adorable, especially the misfit toys. This is my son's first year seeing this video, but he keeps asking for it every day. He's already starting to sing the songs. We were able to find a Rudolph stuffed animal which is a replica from the movie and he won't go anywhere without it. This delightful story is a must for your child's holiday video collection. It's a 10/10.
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Summary: My fave Christmas special, but a question
Review: It goes without saying that Rudolph and his gang of misfits have warmed my heart for 25 years, and I drop everything to watch it. But one thing that's always bothered me -- what's wrong with the little doll on the Island of Misfit Toys??? I see no "non-conformities," as Burl Ives would say. My friends have debated this with some fervor, but our theories have yielded no answers. Anyone?
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Summary: A Christmas special inspired by a favorite Christmas carol
Review: Ah, yes, I've seen many times this Christmas special by the well-known likes of Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass, who later created the famous "Thundercats" 2-D animation series. Rankin and Bass have done such a great job in classical animation that it reminds me of the later "Claymation" features by Will Vinton or whatever his name is. A great treat if you like Rankin and Bass.
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Summary: This COLLECTOR'S DVD 2000 is a step in the right direction!
Review: We were finally able to put the RANKIN/BASS name w/ a photo cover THANKS to Alexander Drosin and the kind folks at GOLDEN BOOKS and SONY WONDER! The Extras on here were much needed and give the consumer much more for their $. You would think that companies that release DVDs of this kind would naturally include extras BUT sometimes your assumption could be wrong....THANKFULLY not here. Hopefully, we will be able to add more material (Check part II of my TVPARTY.com article) and I will certainly discuss all the material in my new book "The Making of RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSED REINDEER: The Longest Running, Highest-Rated TV Special in History." Visit us at RANKINBASS.com for more info and BUY this DVD! This will send the companies that make these DVDs a message.....MORE EXTRAS! and PHOTO covers! Rick Goldschmidt
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Summary: Good for discussing gender roles after finishing your cocoa
Review: I love Rudolph, always have. But one of my earliest childhood memories is puzzlement at the line about Rudolph and Donner "having to get the womenfolk home." Uhmm, this is Rudolph's MOTHER we are talking about. I mean, the message is, it's ok if you have a physical trait that is unusual (Rudolph) and you can overcome a bad personality (Bumble) but there is no hope for you if you are female. Enjoy the cute story and lovely tunes and be ready to have a discussion with your kids.
Rating:
Summary: Deep and Entertaining
Review: Actually, this movie is quite good. Along with "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," this is my friend Amy's favorite Christmas special. The story (despite it's implausible characters) is actually well done. Rudolph is persecuted and isolated because of his harmless abnormality. Through his tragic isolation, he learns that others (like Hermie) suffer the same thing. Through the friendship of these two characters, they go on to find the toys who suffer the same feelings of isolation. It is striking that the king of the 'Island of Misfit Toys' does not permit them to hide from their problems, but rather, they are lead to doing something about it. Once Rudolph and Hermie recognize that their problems are shared, they realize that they can not just run away. Rather, they have to do something and face their troubles. (In my opinion, it is even possible to wonder if the abominable snowman was so mean because he too felt persecuted and unwanted. After all, once Ucon Cornelius befriends him, he too helps bring Christmas everywhere.) Donner (Rudolph's father) is a real complex character. While he may appear hard and forceful, his actions are understandable. It is as if he can detect the tragic events that will distress his son. The author also makes Donner's concern for his son clear when he teaches Rudolph the dangers a reindeer faces. He is struck with sorrow when he sees how much his son is persecuted. And, when Rudolph runs away, he risks his life to find his son. In addition to the fine story, we have nice scenery, entertaining characters, nice songs, suspense, and well placed comic relief. This truly deserves a place in the classic museum of Christmas videos.
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