Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

Rating:
Summary: Really great!
Review: My mom said she watched this movie every year on TV when she was a kid and I've been wathcing it every year as well. It still makes me cry all the time! I highly reccomend it.

Rating:
Summary: Go Rudolph! Go!
Review: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is THE classic Rankin/Bass Animagic Christmas special. I could not imagine a holiday season going by without watching this at least once. Now, with this DVD, I can put away my "taped from television" copy and enjoy the complete, fully-restored splendor of Rudolph.

For the first time since 1964, the complete, unedited version can be seen on this DVD. Throughout the years, the special has been trimmed to allow for more commercial time, including the removal of a longer version of "We Are Santa's Elves", a duet reprise of "We're A Couple Of Misfits." The edits where made as long ago as 1965, so getting the complete version is a real treat. It even restores Rudolph's Elf friend's proper name, "Hermey" as opposed to the edited "Herbie."

Burl Ives has perhaps his most classic role as Sam the Snowman, singing many now-classic songs that were written for this program, such as "Holly-jolly Christmas" and "Silver and Gold." (Of course, he also sings Johnny Marks wonderful "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!")

The Animagic puppets are never more welcome than at Christmas. This is a really nice DVD, and includes extras such as an introduction by Arthur Rankin and the complete "Fame and Fortune" song that replaced the reprise of "We're A Couple Of Misfits" in 1965. What a wonderful DVD!

Rating:
Summary: The deservedly beloved 1964 Bass-Rakin television show
Review: In just telling the story in the song "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" would make for a decent enough animated holiday television show. But where the 1964 production from Jules Bass and Arthur Rankin Jr. achieved greatness was in the creativeness it showed with the supporting cast. The story is narrated by Sam the Snowman, voiced by Burl Ives (who sang the second most popular version of the song after Gene Autry's orignal), and Rudolph (Billie Mae Richards) becomes friends with both Hermey (Paul Soles), the elf who marches to his own drummer, and Yukon Cornelius (Larry D. Mann), the prospector. However, the most unforgettable characters in this story are the toys from the Island of Misfit Toys: Charlie-in-the-Box, the Spotted Elephant, and the others, along with their leader, King Moonracer.

The result is a much deeper version of the story than was even hinted at in the lyrics of Johnny Marks' classic Christmas song. We all now how the story is going to end on that foggy Christmas eve, so it is everything leading up to that fateful night that is where this story gets its deserved reputation as Rudolph is not the only one who ends up having their life take a turn for the better, as even the Abominable Snowman finds he can put the finishing touches on a perfect Christmas. Besides, how often does a dentist get to be the hero in a Christmas story?

Bass-Rankin took at similar approach in 1970 with "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," and while that animated holiday show is pretty good and worth watching each Christmas season, this one is better. If you have been in a store and seen the looks of pure delight on people's faces when they see the line of toy figures associated with "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," then you already know this. Hard to believe this particular "Rudolph" will enjoy its fortieth anniversary next year.

Rating:
Summary: Great special-except for one detail
Review: This is a great holiday special. I especially like the Island of Misfit Toys detail. The only reason I gave the special 4 stars rather than 5 stars is the detail in which Hermey pulls out the Bumble's teeth to make him safe(this could not be done to real-life animals that bite, for they cannot live without their teeth. I think this is improperly teaching the viewer that an animal who bites can have its teeth pulled to make it less harmful to humans. Therefore, I believe that this segment can easily send the wrong message to children.) Nevertheless, the special shows how okay it is to be different. Sometimes I cry when I watch the Island of Misfit Toys segment, but light up again with a smile when I see the misfit toys being dropped out of the sleigh at the end. If you have the older VHS, be sure to upgrade to this DVD version with the original song, "We're A Couple of Misfits." The "Fame and Fortune" song is included as a bonus feature.

Rating:
Summary: Never Be Late For Elf Practice Again -- Thanks To This DVD!
Review: First televised on NBC-TV on Sunday, December 6, 1964 (but usually associated with CBS-TV due to that network's many airings of the program throughout the succeeding years), the animated color TV Special "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer" has now turned forty years of age (as of this writing), and has endured for all those years as an annual staple in many American homes.

The DVD edition I'm reviewing here is the one issued by "Sony Wonder" and "Golden Books Family Entertainment" (1-Disc version). It provides a very good-looking Full Frame (1.33:1) video image of the perennial "Rudolph" Christmas Special; with a Dolby Digital soundtrack recorded in 2-channel (original) Mono.

This particular version of "Rudolph" is quite unique actually, in that it is the "unaltered" version of the TV Special, as it aired originally in 1964. Which means that one song which has been routinely cut out of subsequent broadcasts of the program is presented uncut within this DVD version. That song being "We're A Couple Of Misfits", sung by Rudolph and dentist-to-be "Hermey" near the beginning of the show. This song was replaced in 1965 with the "Fame And Fortune" song instead.

The alternate song used in that scene ("Fame And Fortune") is included, however, as a separate Bonus Feature on this DVD. .... To tell you the truth, I prefer the "Fame & Fortune" number to the original "Misfits" tune. And I can see why the producers of the Special decided to make the switch during the second broadcast of the program in 1965. "F&F" is a better ditty, IMO. And, obviously, others thought so as well. Hence, the substitution.

This DVD contains the complete, uncut version of "Rudolph" (with a total run time of 51 minutes, 32 seconds). This is significant (and most welcome), because after the first few broadcasts on network TV, as we all know, many cuts and edits were made to the original print, so that more and more commercials could be jammed into the one-hour network timeslot over the years. It's doubtful we'll ever encounter this original "51-minute" version on network television again, due to the ever-increasing sponsors' demands for prime-time air time.

All of the rarely-seen snippets of the "Rudolph" Special are re-inserted into this full-length DVD version -- clips like: the "Peppermint" scene at the tail-end of the special, where Yukon Cornelius discovers "a peppermint mine! Yahooo!" .... And: the complete musical numbers ("Jingle, Jingle, Jingle!" and "We Are Santa's Elves") are fully intact on the DVD; whereas, in many chopped-up prints, one (or both) of these songs have either been severely truncated or cut out entirely. It's nice to be able to see the "whole" show via this nicely-done "Sony" DVD release.

This disc has a few nice add-on bonus supplements, too. In addition to the aforementioned bonus song ("Fame And Fortune"), there's also a Rudolph trivia game, an original TV promo, some ads for other "Golden Books" holiday DVD titles, and a fun and informative 11-minute "introduction" by producer/creator Arthur Rankin.

In addition, you can access English Subtitles in two different ways on this disc -- there are the traditional "captions"/(subtitles) that can be turned on at the bottom of the screen. Plus, this DVD offers what is called "Read-Speak Action Captions", which show the words on the screen in a unique, 3-D kind of fashion, displaying the words in large print right beside the mouths of each character speaking, one word at a time. An interesting alternative to the normal captioning process.

Chapter breaks are also included on this disc, with a whopping total of 27 "Scene Selections"! My goodness, some three-hour movie DVDs don't have this many Chapter Stops! :) *

* = NOTE: The "Read-Speak" Captioned version of "Rudolph" (which can be accessed via the Bonus Features area) does not have any "Chapter" breaks included.

An added word or two about the "TV Promo" on this disc --- This is a nice little bonus, which runs for 59 seconds and exhibits very good color and overall picture quality. It's an original 1966 NBC-TV promo that informs the viewers that "Rudolph is coming on Sunday, December 4th, on the General Electric Fantasy Hour" program.

A word about the DVD Menus ..... I'm not a big fan of "Animated Menus" on DVDs, but this disc's Menu system is an exception. For some reason, I really like these Menus, which offer up cheery music and cute animated sequences. The Main Menu puts the viewer right into the Christmas spirit, featuring falling snow, a decorated Christmas tree, and "Rudolph" looking skyward, complete with batting eyelids and a bright glowing nose. While the various Sub-Menus also have animated moving pictures and a "falling snow" background as well. Each Sub-Menu features a different character from the "Rudolph" Special.


Some additional "Rudolph" Notes and Trivia and Miscellaneous Ramblings :-) ..................

>> The voice talent for "Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer" was supplied by Burl Ives (Narrator/"Sam"), Billie Mae Richards ("Rudolph"), Paul Soles ("Hermey"), Larry Mann ("Yukon"), and Alfie Scopp ("Head Elf").

>> I hadn't realized this trivial tidbit until recently ...... Comet (the reindeer coach) was voiced by Don Adams (of "Get Smart" TV fame).

>> I've often wondered how many little kids who have watched this "Rudolph" Special were suddenly scared to death that Christmas might be "cancelled" (as feared in the show due to foul weather). LOL!

>> Has anyone (besides me) ever noticed with amusement that the gruff voice of the "Head Elf" dramatically changes, somehow, just before he begins to direct his "Elf Chorus" in the song "We Are Santa's Elves"? Throughout the majority of the show, Mr. Head Elf is the very coarse-sounding 'meanie' -- when he dishes out some of my favorite lines from the show, such as: "Now you come to Elf Practice and learn how to wiggle your ears, and chuckle warmly, and go "hehe" and "hoho", and important stuff like that! A dentist! Good grief!" .... And yet, in the "chorus" scene, his voice changes completely. He sounds a bit wimpish when he utters: "Now let's try out the new elf song I wrote; and remember, it's for Santa." (LOL!) This sudden and drastic vocal-cord switch always cracks me up when I watch this program.

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The "Rudolph" TV Special is truly an American tradition. A must-see each December. And now, via this nice uncut DVD edition, the adventures of our antlered hero with the crimson-colored snoot should remain crystal-clear and in pristine condition forever.

Rating:
Summary: Bumbles Bounce!
Review: Well, once he says "Bumbles Bounce", it's just tears till the end when Santa and the crew fly off into the moon sillouette! This is leftover angst from when I was little and knew that I would have to wait a whole year to see them all again. Back before VCR's and before you could buy the whole gang at your corner store in either stuffed or resin form. I remember the first time I saw it 40 years ago and how I knew to look behind Santa when he's getting his coat on, because I lived in zone "N" on his big map and he would be coming soon! It's got everything, love, redemption, a way cool monster, and that spotted elephant (the footman!) that I asked Santa to bring me every year! This gem is great for anyone but especially us under 50, pre Sesame Street folks! It is unforgettable!

Rating:
Summary: Good DVD, for what it's worth
Review: This is an all-time classic and the best part about the DVD release is that, unlike the VHS version, there's songs and brief little moments that you never see on TV anymore that were in the original 1964 broadcast. As for special features, there's the "Fame and Fortune" song, which replaced the "We're a Couple of Misfits" reprise that was in the original broadcast in 1965. It was a nice touch restoring the original print to the original broadcast, not the chopped-up versions that followed in years since. Since I was born in 1982, much of this stuff was a new experience for me, as I had only seen the CBS syndicated version, and the chopped-up VHS versions.

Kudos to the DVD publisher for including the ENTIRE movie this time around! :-)

Pluses: "We Are Santa's Elves" and "We're a Couple of Misfits" included, as well as other bits and pieces that were cut out of the original print to make more commercial time. "We're a Couple of Misfits" replaces the inferior "Fame and Fortune" song that had replaced "Misfits" almost 40 years ago. Original broadcast version, in its entirety. "Fame and Fortune" included as a bonus feature, and there's an interesting bit with Arthur Rankin, one half of the Rankin & Bass team (think Pixar, but in the 60s and with puppets instead of computers). Also included is a spanish language track, AND an original 60s television promo for the film. Colorful menus and trivia game. Oh yeah, and great movie.

Minuses: The color and picture could be more polished, the sound is about a B+. Not much in the way of bonus features or featurettes. Doesn't include any other Rankin & Bass holiday favorites like other Rankin & Bass DVD sets do. DOES come with a Destiny's Child single of the group singing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" -- you might want to pass on that part.

All in all, I'm glad I replaced my worn (and chopped-up) Family Home Entertainment-branded VHS copy with this DVD.

Rating:
Summary: Going down in history...
Review: "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" sends a Christmas message of acceptance, individuality, and the value of friendship. At least, it does after the last five minutes, when Rudolph saves everyone's butts from...er...fog.

The story begins when Rudolph is born. To his parents' horror, he has a flashing red nose. When Santa, the cruel despot of Christmastown (seriously -- in this show, he's a jerk), makes no attempt to hide his disgust, Rudolph's father, Donner, displays some dubious parenting techniques by forcing the young deer to disguise his luminous snout. Unfortunately, Rudolph's shameful deformity is discovered by the other young reindeer, who laugh and call him names. One of these cretins is named Fireball - he's got a single wisp of blond hair and freckles, so he really shouldn't be one to talk.

When Rudolph is cast out from Christmastown, he meets some new friends:

Hermey - a toy-hating elf with an oral fixation, and a finger-wave hairdo that would make Conan O'Brien jealous. Hermey loses his job because he wants to live an alternate lifestyle. How PC.

Yukon Cornelius - a burly prospector seeking to increase his personal wealth. Interestingly, he carries a gun. Yukon helps Rudolph defeat a giant snow-monster. The monster (who is white) represents The Man, crushing anyone who does not bow to conformity (by staying safely in Christmastown).

Misfit Toys - a bunch of toys that nobody wants: a boat that doesn't float, a train with square wheels, a squirt-gun filled with jelly, etc. Frankly, I think Santa's workshop needs better Quality Control, if they're turning out junk like this. Besides, I can think of a few seventh graders who could make the most of a jelly-gun.

Clarice - a doe-eyed...well...doe, with Revlon lashes and a bow in her hair. She's lovely and tolerant, and the most under-developed character in the story.

While this enchanting tale is a family-favorite it fails as an origin story, neglecting to explain why Rudolph's nose glows. It's obviously a genetic mutation, but we never learn the mechanism behind it. Does it give off heat? Why does it make that feeble whistling sound? Is it any more horrifying than the fact that Santa can go from skinny to fat in the course of one day?

It's also disconcerting that, by story's end, Rudolph has reached maturity (with tall, pointed antlers), but his voice has not changed. Perhaps reindeer puberty is unpredictable, but Rudolph is the only adult male who doesn't sound like J. Jonah Jameson.

Still, I recommend this Claymation Classic for anyone. Despite the flaws, it just wouldn't be Christmas without "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer!"


Rating:
Summary: A Must for Christmas!!!
Review: What makes this little film so special is so varied and precious, that it's hard to identify one area. Of course Rudolph is the main character, as is his little girlfriend. Then there's Burl Ives, who narrates it, and the wonderful music of Johnny Marks. I perform his music every year, it's so upbeat and inspirational. That he was asked to write the music for this movie was no surprise.

The animation is a little dated, but the kids won't mind. You won't find this kind of movie made anymore. It has so many nice qualities, not to mention Santa and his elves, and the Isle of Misfit Toys, and the "Bumble," and Cornelius of the Yukon.

I laugh as I think of all this, and it's a sweet smile, and a great film for Christmas!!!


Rating:
Summary: Misfits
Review: How can anyone not identify with the idea that misfits are one day recognized and accepted without homogenizing them or marginalizing them? If not that, surely we Americans can identify with the whole capitalistic construct. A true classic.