THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS continues to grow on me with each viewing. It is one of the most fun films from Tim Burton's mind. I first seen the film in 1993. Jack Skellington the Pumpkin King has his heart in the right place when he takes over Christmas, but he doesn't quite understand it since he is from Halloweentown which believes in scares. Sally, the ragged patchwork woman who loves him, tries to make Jack see his place in Halloweentown while Jack thinks he can be Sandy Claws (after he has Santa Claus kidnapped). THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS is a charming film and the stop-motion work is fantastic. Danny Elfman's music adds to the magic of the story Tim Burton created for it. who doesn't love a misguided skeleton, hockey playing vampires, and a gallery of interesting Halloweentown characters?! Halloweentown's version of Christmas has funny consequences. Watch this film again now if you love it and get someone new to see it for the first time.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
DISC 1-
the audio commentary by Tim Burton, director Henry Selick, and composer Danny Elfman reveals tidbits about Burton's early career and the making of THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

THE MAKING OF THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS- a 25 minute making-of featurette that features interviews and behind-the-scenes footage. It is an entertaining making-of.

Also take a look at WHAT'S THIS? JACK'S HAUNTED MANSION HOLIDAY TOUR (with the option of a trivia track), but what's even more interesting is the 37 minute behind-the-scenes OFF TRACK that goes into the details of turning the HAUNTED MANSION into Jack's house after Halloween every year.

Listening to Christopher Lee recite the original poem that Tim Burton wrote that was the basis for the film is great. It comes with slightly animated illustrations.

DISC 2-
THE WORLDS OF TIM BURTON'S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS features design and concept art for the various characters and places in Halloween Town, Christmas Town, and The Real World. The biggest joy are the animation tests for Jack Skellington, Sally, and Jack's ghost dog Zero. Storyboards for deleted scenes are included in addition to four cut fully animated scenes (one is a longer version of one in the film).

Also on the disc are the uncut version of FRANKENWEENIE (with new intro by Time Burton)- Tim's loving tribute to Frankenstein, VINCENT (the short film narrated by Vincent price), storyboard to film comparisons, posters, and full frame trailers for TEH NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS.

The third disc is a Disney File disc that includes a digital copy of the film for your computer and iPod.

FINAL ANALYSIS: THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS continues to grow on me with each viewing. It is one of the most fun films from Tim Burton's mind. The extras are even fun to check out.

this DVD review is (c)8-26-2008 David Blackwell and cannot be reprinted without permission. send all comments to lord_pragmagtic@hotmail.com  

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