Forgive me for writing a review about a Christmas film in November but since The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) has become such a cult film and merchandise is sold year-round I think you can let me off.
When Tim Burton wrote The Nightmare Before Christmas little did he know what a hit it would be. It tells the story of Jack Skeleton, the pumpkin king of Halloween who becomes disillusioned with the revelry of Halloween and, whilst out walking, stumbles upon Christmas Town. So enamoured with the festivities and bright lights of Christmas, he decides to take it over and make Christmas his own.
Tim Burton brings the story alive with stop-motion animation at a time when CGI was taking off with the release of Jurassic Park (Spielberg, 1993) and the ballroom scene in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (1991). It may have failed but it didn’t. The story is cleverly written and the use of catchy, moving songs (thanks to Danny Elfman) brings it to life. Each character is well developed and it’s quite surprising to discover that Jack is actually a kind-hearted man who just wants to enjoy Christmas and make children happy. Sally, the ragdoll; Zero, Jack’s faithful dog along with trick-or-treaters Lock, Shock and Barrell and the dastardly Oogie Boogie bring depth and the storylines surrounding all these characters are packed into a relatively short film (76 minutes).
The great thing about The Nightmare Before Christmas is that it has aged well. Sixteen years after its release it still looks as good as it did in the early nineties and is really quite appealing. In 2006 the film was digitally altered so it could be broadcast in 3D illustrating its timeless qualities.
You can borrow the original 2D version from the University Library. You’ll find it in the DVD collection on the ground floor at 791.4372 nig.
Q. What is Tim Burton’s trademark opener to the beginning credits and name a film that he does this in?
