Claymation Christmas Celebration

This little show has been a constant in my life for nearly every Christmas.From when I was very young to my teenaged years, to now in my early twenties.

It's thoroughly enjoyable for everyone who doesn't despise the holidays. The humor isn't so simple that adults can't enjoy it, and its not over anyone's head. It always seems to get me in the mood even when I've had it with the season.

You can't really purchase it, and its not something they show on TV anymore, which is a shame, but if you can somehow find it I suggest you pick it up, for the kids, or just for you.

I was lucky enough to have done all of the music for this production. It was one of the most fun and rewarding projects I have ever worked upon.

I am pleased to say that it was finally released on DVD. I am not thrilled to say that the audio quality of the DVD version is of very good quality. It sounds as if it was dubbed from an old mono soundtrack, and certainly does not hold up to even the original television dubs (and certainly not the original masters that I have).

But that said, I truly enjoy seeing the comments, and feel very gratified that so many continue to name this special as one of their favorites. As many of my family members (including my two daughters) sang parts on this project, it is especially fun to see and hear again.

There is talk of a 25th reunion of some of the cast, and perhaps even a concert of some of the music (including the record we did from this for Atlantic records). We'll see...

In any case- thanks again for the kind comments.

Patric J. Miller

In an age of computers, it is refreshing to go back and watch something like this. Nowadays it would be CGI but back then they knew the value of stop motion. Witty, charming and enjoyable, the comedy of Herb playing against his straight man Rex works wonderfully. The songs are stylish, and the religious overtones are of course present, but not dominant, allowing people to choose to believe in what they will and still enjoy the show. The Californian Raisons are held back until the end, with a questionable carol to their lips (is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer really a carol?) and the work in expression on these characters is simply wonderful. I think there's only one way to summarize this programme: Joy to the world.

This show is a national treasure. I cannot fathom why it has not been remastered and put to stream on a major service. The dvd version is pretty bad audio and video - but it scratches the itch. The songs are all arranged in innovative ways that reflect a nice spectrum of cultural baselines that keep the heart of the classics alive and beating. The range of effects that are explored through the claymation is mind-boggling - taken to wonderful abstract beauty in Joy to the World. Its so good and super fun. It really needs to be cleaned up and brought back to the younger generation who aren't going to connect with the VHS feel of the current version. Please someone elevate this back to it's rightful place in our world!

This may cost me my artistic street credibility as a reviewer, but here it is : I've always liked "Claymation Christmas Celebration". Moreover, I owe a debt of gratitude to it, since it has served me well while babysitting the young ones of friends and neighbors. I've yet to meet a child that didn't ask for a second viewing.

The claymation may not be one hundred percent perfect, but it's lively and expressive. There's an admirable sense of adventure about the work - where else do you find two dinosaur presenters introducing a series of beautifully sung Christmas carols ? Or where else do you find a maestro Quasimodo directing an orchestra of living bells ? There's also a sense of festive abundance and generosity, as in the "wassailing" segments that celebrate a variety of culinary treats. After a while the viewer feels as though he's been admitted to one of the famous Christmas dinners of queen Victoria. (Now THAT was a lady who knew her way around a plate.)

Viewers will pick their own favorites from among the various segments ; me, I'm rather fond of "Carol of the Bells", "O Christmas Tree" and "Joy to the World". Pour yourself a cup of eggnog, and enjoy !