The Light Before Christmas

I bought this many years ago in a dvd bargain sale and didn't expect much. How shocked I was when we watched it. The accompanying music is absolutely stunning, full of traditional festive favourites and it has the most heart warming festive story.

Watched it with my two children every year over and over again and now with younger nieces and nephews. It's only 28 minutes long so it holds their attention, plus the flying fish is always a funny moment that the little ones love.

It's not a fancy CGI film but it is full of charm and that makes it a firm family favourite! It is suitable for all ages and is a must watch if you're looking for some Christmas spirit!

I was searching online, again, for a way to purchase this movie, and finally decided to sign up for an account on IMDb so I could post a review about how truly awesome this little movie is, and what it has meant to my little family. I have taken my children to see it for 3 years in a row at the IMAX at the Pensacola, FL Naval Base. They watch it with innocent wonder and adoration, mouths smiling in pure silent delight at the Candleman and the magic he brings to the screen. This movie is nothing short of perfect, magical, outstanding, talented, and one of my favorite films- EVER. The story, the clothing, the raw talent that went into the details that make this movie is absolutely and truly delightful. I am OF COURSE looking forward to December, but would LOVE LOVE LOVE a way to purchase this film to have in my personal favorite collection at home. I have been a movie lover all of my life, and this movie moved me to post a review for the very first time in my life.

This is now my 2nd favorite animated Christmas special - behind Charlie Brown Christmas. I don't know how this one flew under my "Christmas" movie radar for so many years - it is simply magical! The attention to detail of the sets is incredible - unsurpassed by ANY stop-motion film I've ever seen! It must have taken quite some time to create the miniature sets! If there were no sound, you'd still be smitten! I love what they did with the traditional "Night Before Christmas" and the addition towards the end to give it a spiritual flavor. Not over-the-top or in your face, but like Charlie Brown's Christmas; just right! Someone commented that the stop-motion wasn't all that great - well, maybe not on the order of Nightmare Before Christmas but certainly as good as any Rankin-Bass creation - IMO. See if you notice which traditional lines from the original text of Clement C. Moore's poem were omitted - and I think I agree with that removal. Lastly, I love what they do with the issue of fruitcakes as gifts (and I actually LIKE fruitcake!) If this doesn't become one of your new favorite holiday films - check to see if your heart has frozen!

Review Date 2/17/2018

PLEASE BEWARE OF SOME REVIEWERS THAT ONLY HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. I HAVE OVER 400 REVIEWS OF "CHRISTMAS RELATED FILMS & SPECIALS" WHEN ITS A POSITIVE THERE IS A GOOD CHANCE THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE NO AGENDA! I REVIEW MOVIES & SPECIALS AS A WAY TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT I HAVE SEEN! I HAVE DISCOVERED MANY GEMS IN MY QUEST TO SEE AS MANY " C H R I S T M A S " MOVIES AS I CAN.

This is a weird version of "The Night Before Christmas"/ It's well made but its weird . This animation is very good. The story however fails the animation.

This is not as good as one would hope it would be but it is worth watching. The story is this:

After losing their way, Katie and Makean are rescued by the Candleman, who imparts wisdom and stories. Opening his book, he reads the classic tale, "The Night Before Christmas". Katie and Makean become characters in the poem. A classic stop-motion animated film filled with nostalgic Christmas carols excites the imaginations of young and old leaving everyone with the spirit of Christmas.

Now I had to watch this twice. I watched it and I did not remember too much about it. So as soon as I could I watched it again. I still didn't remember it the next morning. T