Decided a few days ago to try and find some Christmas themed animations that weren't the ones that were grown up on as a child and still loved. Have made no secret of loving Christmas and loving every bit as much animation, both for as long as can be remembered. Managed to track down three Christmas themed animations over the past few days, the others being 'Silent Night' and 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' also from 1995.
'White Christmas' was the first of the three seen and was good enough to make me want to see the others. It is not to be confused with the classic 1954 musical, which is a big holiday favourite of mine, completely different story and characters. The other things it has in common is the immortal title song and the "can listen to for hours" voice of Bing Crosby singing it. 'White Christmas' is not my definition of great, but it did have a lot of charm and had no regrets watching it.
The animation quality is uneven, but the backgrounds are lovely and pristine. It particularly looks good at the very start when the title song is sounding. The colours are also suitably vibrant and have a nice wintery quality. A big selling point is the music. It was a real pleasure hearing the timeless "White Christmas", performed so sublimely by Bing Crosby. Have not anybody else sing this wonderful song better and actually even on his level. There is a generous dose of Tchaikovsky's'The Nuctracker' with also Grieg's 'Peer Gynt', Wagner's 'The Flying Dutchman Overture' and Von Suppe's 'Light and Calvary', which doesn't feel at odds with what's going on.
In terms of story, 'White Christmas' is simple but also very charming story that has the right amount of cuteness without being sugary and energy. The quest was investable and Weatherland is a very imaginative setting. There are some amusing moments and Peter and Dorothy are likeable protagonists. Santa is suitably jovial and benevolent and of the rest of the supporting characters Jack Frost comes off best. Odd Job Man also is a nice character once he tones down.
By all means, 'White Christmas' didn't amaze me. The character designs aren't too great and are rushed looking. Especially in the non-Weatherland scenes. The characters meant to be villains Thunder and Lightning are more annoying than sinister and some of their behaviour borders on repetitive. The storm clouds are more of a threat but have little to do.
Voice acting varies, with Santa and Jack Frost, both suiting their characters' personality traits to a tee and enhancing them, coming off best and the too goofy voices of Thunder and Lightning coming off worst.
In conclusion, nice but not great. 7/10.
