Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

I've seen and loved all of the great Rankin/Bass Christmas shows, and I have most of them on video, but this first one, "Rudolph," is still the best, and still the one that holds the warmest memories for me.

In terms of Holiday atmosphere, it can't be beat. The late Johnny Marks' songs are all winners, and "Rudolph" and "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas" are now firmly established Christmas classics. And holding it all together is Burl Ives' warm, friendly singing and narration. His sincerity and joviality just naturally make you want to "pull up an ice block and lend an ear." I'm now 41 years old, I know all the dialogue practically by heart, and yet I still watch "Rudolph" practically every Christmas. And, what's more, I still love it.

Finally, a word to Julie Landry, of Orlando, on her review. I myself was dyslexic as a child. And yes, I got picked on because of it. But, in deference to your opinion, I see "Rudolph" as a story of how even a perceived outsider can fit in. As a successful Senior Librarian today, I'm living proof that outsiders can succeed. But, then, Rudolph proved that long before I did.

There are many Christmas specials and movies involving Christmas. Some are good. Some are average. And some are just plain bad. But Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer shall remain the king of all Christmas specials. All the characters are wonderful and memorable, and Burl Ives is just perfect for the snowman, who sings those unforgettable songs. A must see every Christmas.

This version of Rudolph has transcended the simple childhood fantasy originally intended, becoming a visible part of our popular holiday culture. The sound track, which included new tunes for my generation are now woven into the fabric of traditional holiday fare. For me, this film sparks memories. I was on a cub scout trip to gather greens for wreaths and the biggest worry of many of the cubs was if we were going to get home in time to see the premier showing of Rudolph. I was 8 years old and my Mom had bought me a new boy scout hatchet for that outing... Of course she worried I'd cut my fingers and Dad reassured her that I'd be careful with the hatchet. In later years, I suspect there were a few other teens who secretly watched Rudolph (without their peer's knowledge) and in even later years it was great to have some young ones around to lend an excuse to watch the Christmas special. Rudolph has changed over the years. Originally, the commercial breaks during Rudolph's airing included some of Santa's elves from the show. As I recall, they were sledding snowy hills on an electric razor and when it stops short, the tall elf with glasses was thrown and disappeared into a snow drift. The commercials were almost an extension of the show and enjoyable to watch. There was also the change of songs and attitude in the scene where Hermie and Rudolph first meet. In the original I believe they sung the misfit song, which seemed to be an acceptance of their status and they depart in search of independence and a place they can fit in. In early subsequent versions, the fame and fortune song replaced the misfit song which seemed to create a more defiant attitude towards their lot in life. Perhaps that defiance fit into the 1960's best. In any event, the misfit song was back on the most recent showing and Hermie and Rudolph lamented their status once again. I'm not complaining about the changes… I've done a little changing myself in the last 40 years. So I split some kindling (believe it or not) with that same old boy scout hatchet Mom bought me so many years ago and I smiled at her ancient worries... all ten digits remain happily in place. The fireplace was casting a nice glow and my granddaughter and I watched Rudolph. My granddaughter is not quite two and she toddled to the television screen and touched the image of thin Santa who won't eat for Mrs. Klaus and then she turned to me and smiled. One more memory for life… like I said, this film has transcended what it was meant to be.

Another one of the things that made Chirstmas interesting is this fantasy tales that have been constructed, much like with Greek Myth it's just timeless; just as this special is. I remember seeing this Christmas special when I was about six and to this day I still watch it; it's one of my personal favorite Chistmas films.

The stop motion claymation effects are just great, to this day they hold up because they all look real, you can tell the Ralkin and Bass company really went to great lengths to make this possible, not just to give us great visuals but to also simply help tell a great story. The backgrounds are great they really construct a cold yet fascinating fantasy world where there could be anything just around the next bend. But most impressive is the character animation where everyone looks diverse from each other.

The music is great from a few of the songs from the late great folksinger Burl Ives which are memorable my favorite from him is "Holy Joly Christmas" it's just fun and energetic. Though my favorite song believe it or not is "There's always tomorrow" from the character Clarise which I think is a sweet and touching because it's a song about hope.

The characters are great, the protagonists each I feel are sympathetic because they have one think in common their outsiders and they have a dream. Herbie the Elf is one that wants to be a dentist, I really don't see what the problem is health for your teeth is important but I guess in the north pole they don't take it seriously.

Yukon Cornelous whom is a fun character, he's tough, ambitious, has a keen sense of taste as he licks his pick Ax to detect minerals of value, but also indecisive as he always can't decide whether he wants gold or silver; which is something I can sometimes emphasize with since I'm a little indecisive sometimes.

But of course the main character Rudolf is the one that is the most sympathetic of the bunch since his character throughout the film is getting crap canned left and right all because of his nose. Man, I still want to kick Fireball ass, just take his antlers and knee him in the face. Sorry that sounded extreme but after the crap he gave Rudolf for his nose, will push anyone over the edge.

Prejudice is a revolving theme throughout the film, as the characters go to a place full of Misfit toys whom are all labeled that because each of these typical conventional toys all have one feature that makes them different. I personally don't think are bad toys at all, I'd play with those toys. I'll admit this fact just made me feel sad for Rudolf, Herbie, and those toys all the more; being banished because your different isn't right. Personally I've always believed that differences exist because there is a reason for them, and this of course is the pay off in the end.

The film has a good anti prejudice message, about accepting people for who they are no matter their differences. But also that just because something is different doesn't mean it's bad.

Rudolf lit up our hearts and still shines bright to this day.

Rating: 4 stars

Briefly, this movie contains my favorite movie-flub (mistake) of all time. Did you catch this?

Early on, when Rudolph arrives at the Isle of Misfit Toys, one of the Misfits is a toy bird that can not fly (he swims).

At the end of the movie when the credits are running, an elf riding in the back of Santa's sleigh is "parachuting" the Misfit Toys to the homes below by handing each toy an umbrella and then tossing them over-board. Everyone gets an umbrella... everyone that is except the poor flightless bird. Just as the elf is about to hand the bird an umbrella, he looks at the umbrella, looks at the bird, apparently decides birds don't need umbrellas, and then tosses the poor bird overboard assumedly to his death.

Merry Xmas. :)