User reviews

Sam the Snowman narrates the story of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. His parents, the Donners, try to hide his glowing nose but during the Reindeer Games, his fake nose falls off. He is ridiculed and kicked out of the games. Meanwhile, an elf named Hermey would rather be a dentist than making toys. He runs away and meets Rudolph. They join up with prospector Yukon Cornelius who is looking for gold and silver. They escape the Abominable Snow Monster and discover the Island of Misfit Toys.

This is a classic with two of the best Christmas songs ever; "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas". The stop-motion animation has an old fashion charm. It also brings to the world the Island of Misfit Toys. The only minor complaint is that Santa needs to be more jolly. He's a little judgmental on Rudolph's nose early on. It's a small point in what is an imaginative icon.

Remember People, This was made in 1964. I LOVE IT, cause I've been watching it since I was 2 or 3 years old in the late 60's and it was DAMN MAGICAL!! I wanted to grow up to be MOONRACER, and I kinda did, but I have an island of misfit animals instead of toys. And they are all Truly Beautiful! :) Some reviewers complained about negative elements of the story, well, yes it is sexist, and full of bullies, but come on people. That's how REAL LIFE was then, and sadly it's reverting back to just as bad if not worse the last few years. I think what you should try to stick to is that it's a cartoon, and old cartoon at that. If I could pick out a positive character as a 3 year old to want to model my life after,(Moonracer) who finds value and beauty in all things. Then I think you adults should try to look at what is positive in the story. True Friendship between Hermey the elf, Rudolph, the little doe Clarice, the abominable snow man and the fun trippy ol prospector dude Yukon Cornelius. Why you gotta focus on all the negative??? It's a damn classic movie and isn't going away anytime soon. The whole point is it's Not too Late to Change your mind and your heart! Learn how to model yourself and your kids after the positive aspects, not the negative please. And if your just a Christmas hater, then celebrate FESTIVUS instead. ;D It's a Festivus for the Rest of US! :D

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.

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.

Directors: Kizo Nagashima, Larry Roemer; Story: Robert May; Script: Romeo Muller; Producers: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin

Rudolph is more then a Christmas special, it is a holiday tradition. I always look forward to the special time during the Christmas season when I can watch this. This beloved special is one of the few things that brings back my childhood. Most children today enjoy watching this as much as their parents did when they were little. On the DVD's introduction, producer Arthur Rankin states that Rudolph the Red Nosed Raindeer has been reportedly viewed by over a billion people worldwide. It is perhaps second only to The Wizzard of Oz as being the most viewed programme of all time.

Rudolph is the first of a line of Christmas specials that were produced by Rankin and Bass and written by Romeo Muller. Some of the others are: The Little Drummer Boy (1968), Frosty the Snowman (1969),and Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1970) as well as Here Comes Peter Cottontail (1971) and Puff, The Magic Dragon (1978). It is hard to imagine all these classic specials being the creation of one man. Mr. Muller is Mr. Christmas!

The origins of Rudolph the Red Nosed Raindeer stem from the song written by Johnny Marks back in the 1930's or 1940's. A Max Fleischer cartoon short was made in 1948 with Robert May creating its story. However, the Rankin and Bass Christmas special is based on the Johnny Marks song but other than that, it is all the creation of Romeo Muller. Hermey the elf, Sam the snowman, Yukon Cornelius, Claurice, the head elf are all Muller's creations. Even Rudolph's personality is created by Muller. In the 1948 cartoon Rudolph does not talk.

I have always liked Burl Ives as both a singer and an actor. His part as Sam the Snowman is my favourite by him. All the people behind the scenes doing the voices were all talented. They used stop motion animation with moving puppets just like they did with King Kong. Rudolph is a timeless classic that bring me back to the simpler time of childhood every time I watch it. I hope my small children will enjoy it to.

Christmas would not be the same without this wonderful story, 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'. This film, narrated by talking snowman voiced by Burl Ives, is a claymation which tells Rudolph's story. It's a children's film, but it is one that adults can enjoy too because it is a cute film, and it offers nastalgic value. It also has a few classic Christmas songs; combine that with a good story and the warmth and happy ending, and you have the perfect Christmas family film. This film was one of my favourites as a child, and I still love it today. Excellent; I wish they made them more like this. I cannot fault this film in any way.

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

After 40 years, the quintessential Rudolph story is still one of the first. Generations have seen this stop-motion movie made for television. Judging by the overall voting of the IMDb membership, time has been kind to Rudolph and his gang of misfits. But in reality, age is showing. You can only assume that our wise voters hold a torch to a show that we have all been born, raised with and watched throughout the generations. Who can blame them?

Sam the Snowman tells the story of Rudolph, son of the Donners and outcast by others because of his red-nose. He and an elf outcast join together to tackle the world, but it's is a little more complicated than they think.

Singing toys, crazy abominable snow monsters, lions with wings ... and an elf named Hermey. Need I say more? I think Rudolph still holds to this day, despite my jokes. The story is a true coming-of-age tale that may have inspired many, many more animal movies that have taken a festive story to a whole new height. It is a show you will probably at least see once in this lifetime.

Will there ever be a timeless holiday classic as marvelous as the claymation masterpieces of Christmases past? This is definitely my favorite "Time of the Year" movie. I believe it is usually the first one I watch, and always gets me so happy. The characters are lovable, the story is fun for everyone who watches it; I can not think of any one person who would not enjoy seeing Rudolph conquer his fears and achieve his dreams with all his friends along the way. The Yeti is a fearsome protagonist. Hermey is a great co-star and ultimately charming. Everything about this was just handled with care and love, and it shows. The songs are catchy and vivacious, the voice-overs are spot on. I can not say anything more about this movie, it speaks for itself. It is the ultimate. If you have not seen it yet, you are missing out.

This is the original movie about "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." It was made for TV and aired Dec. 6, 1964. It's an animated special that used stop motion figures, later known as "Claymation."

Burl Ives stars as Sam the Snowman who narrates the story. Other voices are provided by Larry Mann, Billie Mae Richards, Paul Soles and Stan Francis. Rudolph isn't based on a Christmas legend but on an advertising booklet made for Montgomery Ward department stores in 1939. Robert May wrote the story for the booklet and Denver Gillen illustrated it.

A song by the same title became a frequent tune for the Christmas season by the mid-20th century. Johnny Marks wrote it in 1949, based on the 1939 story by May, who was his brother-in-law. In November, it was first sung over the radio in New York. Then it was recorded by cowboy movie star and singer Gene Autry and became the No. 1 hit during the last week of the 1949 Christmas season.

This movie has been shown on TV every holiday season since 1964. It's the longest running Christmas TV special in history.

The figurines are still displayed...the old snowman (voice by Burl Ives), Rudolph, Clarice,the assorted elves, the Abonimable snowman...

What a great show for children!. This, like "Davey and Goliath" captures the child's imagination, and has no blood or gore (except maybe when Rudolph gets in trouble!). Not to worry though, it all works out.

It is a great story and the figures are so life-like; children under age nine especially will love this. It is very telling that over thirty years later I can remember this tale, and want my children to watch this. There is really nothing else as well done for the season. A must see for all young viewers, and adults who need a dose of Christmas!. 10/10.

Must-see Christmas children's TV. Come Thanksgiving week, I find myself checking TV Guide to make sure I don't miss it.

The little cottage in the Land of Misfit Toys continues to be my vision of 'coziness'...

I have been vocal many times before about how much I love Christmas. Not only for the food and gifts but also spending time with the family, which I shamefully admit is something I need to do more. Also it is the time when I can dish out my favourite Christmas specials and movies. I love many specials, but for me Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is far and away my favourite. It is the perfect example of a timeless Christmas classic, that I watched many times during my childhood(and still watch) and never get sick of.

For one thing the animation/claymation for back then is very very well done, without being too fancy. The character movements are convincing and sharp enough and the backgrounds are colourful and Christmassy. The images of the Island of Misfit Toys for example are guaranteed to stay with you forever. The film teaches great messages without preachy, and the story is sweet, simple and engaging. Another definite positive was the songs by the late Johnny Marks. All of them are memorable and beautiful. While Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer deserves its status as one of the most famous Christmas songs and There's Always Tomorrow is very cute and touching, other songs that stood out were Silver and Gold and We're a Couple of Misfits.

The characters are just as sweet and engaging as the story. Rudolph is a simply adorable character, and I have always found him ever so cute and feel real sympathy towards him. Yukon Cornelious brings some well timed comic relief, and Santa is a wonderful and jovial character. And Clarice is so lovely. The voice acting is exceptional; Billie Mae Richards voices Rudolph with real conviction, and Stan Francis is great as Santa. I must say that Larry D. Mann is hilarious as Yukon Cornelius, and Janet Ornstein is really sweet and likable. However, the real kudos has to go to Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman who serves as the role of the narrator. Burl Ives was a brilliant actor who will be sorely missed; he is the main reason why I love Cat on a Hot Tin Roof so much. Here, he was perfect, he portrayed Sam as a benevolent and humorous character and boy did he do brilliantly. And his singing? I didn't know he could sing until now, and I want to say he proved himself a talented singer as well as a brilliant actor.

All in all, for so many reasons this Christmas special is timeless. Quite frankly one of the best things I have seen to do with Christmas. I highly recommend this, in fact I love it so much after I write this review I am going to watch it again. 10/10 Bethany Cox

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. :)

I used to watch this X-mas classic as a child when it came on every year and it was rather entertaining. Though I have to say one can almost understand why the other reindeer reacted so badly to Rudolph in the beginning cause they did make his nose have a very irritating sound, the only thing that would have been worse is had it sounded like nails on a chalkboard. Still, you know the song and this movie takes that into effect, however, they do a good job of making the story more full as Rudolph and an elf who wishes to be a dentist, some misfit toys, a tough outdoor type guy and a Yeti all figure into the story. Sure, there are a lot of characters, but the makers of this film did a good job of fitting them all in there. The animation seems to use crafted figures, a type of claymation and it holds up rather well today. I have a feeling, however, that it was a very difficult process. This one is better than Frosty which uses traditional animation as this one seems more full of life and has a better look to it. Still, that one was good as well. This one is a holiday classic that will probably continue to play every X-mas far into the future because some of the newer stories just do not have the story this one does.

What can I say about Rankin/Bass' initial doll-animated Christmas special Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer that hasn't already been said by many of the posters here? Only that despite some now sexist notions of many of the adult male characters, this special seems very forward thinking in promoting individuality, represented by Hermie and Rudolph, as opposed to stifling conformity. Of course, the real reason this special has stood the test of time is because of the innocence of the Rudolph story that continues to charm both kids and adults who have never outgrown this classic every year. Burl Ives is at his most charming as narrator Sam the Snowman singing, besides the title song, "Silver and Gold" and "Holly Jolly Christmas". Writer Romeo Muller has added such charming characters as Yukon Cornelius, Clarice the Doe, and the head of Misfit Toys, Charlie-in-the-Box. Having seen this for the first time since the '80s, I can still get touched when Santa says the famous line about Rudolph with his nose so bright won't...well, you know. So watch with some kids, or relieve your own childhood, and enjoy The Most Famous Reindeer of All on regular TV or VHS/DVD every Christmas. It sure wouldn't be the same without Rudolph! Update: 9/15/10-I just found out the lady that voiced Rudolph, Billie Mae Richards, died last Friday, Sept. 10. She was 88. May you be blessed up in the heavens for your iconic contribution, Ms. Richards.

"Grandpa telling a story" sound to Mr. Ives voice and of course his singing voice is beautiful. He is perfect for the role of the jolly snowman telling the story. Everyone's voice fits their characters relatively well. Their voices are all something of classic characters now and its hard to imagine them sounding any differently. Billie Mae Richards is excellent as Rudolph. She has the right tone and inflections and emotions to her voice. Larry Mann is very good as the gruff and heroic voice of Yukon Cornelius. Paul Soles is the voice (now considering something of a controversial role) as Hermes, the elf that wants to be a dentist. The controversy is that apparently (even aside from his rather strange lispy voice) there are indications of him being homosexual. That is ludicrous because first of all...who cares...and second of all, someone is truly over analyzing this. His voice is strange but there are a lot of strange elements about this little animated classic. Stan Francis is okay as Santa but as previously mentioned, Santa is not so well created in this movie. The supporting cast of voices all do a good job.

The Animation is okay for its time, but there are parts that look very dodgy and slow. I can understand, since it's stop-motion and it has limits and that's the problem. It would have been better as an 2D animated special.

The main reason why I hate this Special, so much is the characters are so mean spirited (which is ironic, since they live in Christmas Town).

We've got Donner (Rudolph's Father) is totally embarrassed and ashamed to call Rudolph his son and is a sexist pig to his wife, Mrs Claus wants her husband fat, the Elves call Hermey a misfit for wanting to be a dentist, the Boss Elf is nasty, Fireball rejects Rudolph's friendship after discovering his red nose, Coach Comet kicks Rudolph off the team, and worst of all...

Santa Claus is such a douche bag. He's rude, grumpy and has no interest in Christmas at all. He was even nasty to Rudolph as well.

I know, it's for little kids, but that's no excuse. This is an awful story which is incredibly overrated and should not be given so much praise.

If you want to watch something magical for Christmas, Don't watch this junk... watch The Polar Express​, A Christmas Story​ or Any of the Christmas Carols. Even Die Hard has more Christmas Spirit than this.