Jim Henson's: The Christmas Toy

A film I saw when I was a very young child maybe 8 or 9 in the 80's on Christmas day in England.

I was so enamored, I forgot about my presents and watched this alone without a word. (very early in the morning) A truly wonderful creation by the Muppets that clearly went on to inspire Toy Story.

My little girl will definitely watch this and hopefully be moved in the same way I was by this delightful film.

Every part of the film is captivating for a child and allows a child to enter a wonderful mysterious world with true life meanings that will stay with them for life.

I would recommend any parent to show their children this delight.

As the mother of two females, I would recommend this movie, even to the young of heart. We first saw this movie when my youngest, must have been around 2 1/2. Her older sister, who is now an elementary educator was around 9 1/2. We loved this movie. I had taped this to a VHS tape that no longer works. I have been looking for it for quite some time and watching for it on TV. I was afraid I had the title incorrect. As we are about to become grandparents, for the first time, I would love to obtain a DVD for our future generations to enjoy. I would love to have my (soon to be) grandchildren see this "classic" when they are visiting their grandparents. What a wonderful tradition we can start. It's a wonderful movie and I am so glad I finally found it. Thank you Jim Henson!

On Xmas Eve 1986 I saw the first 10 minutes of this special but I had to go out and I missed the rest of it. The idea of toys coming alive might not seem like such a new idea in post-Toy Story world, but since this is live-action, and uses the talents of Jim Henson, I'd prefer this over the Pixar behemoth.

The story is virtually identical to Toy Story, with toy boss Rugby (a stuffed lion) not too keen on his rule being usurped by the imminent unwrapping of this year's present. The Christmas Toy has a new edge though in that if the humans catch them out of their reset position they remain frozen forever.

It's shot and lit in a magical way though it goes on just a bit too long. I am still glad I finally managed to figure out what exactly it was, it only took me 27 years.

Two reviewers have already mentioned 'Toy Story'. I can't help but wonder if John Lassetter had seen this special before he made that movie. This isn't in any way to take away from the genius of either Henson or Lassetter, both of whom have been named as latter day Disneys, a sentiment I agree with.

There are some intriguing similarities:

1 - The overall idea of toys coming alive.

2 - The theme of a toy being replaced in a child's affections and how the toy might feel.

3 - Toys to the rescue!

4 - A science-fictional toy believing they are real. Can't you just see Meteora and Buzz Lightyear hooking up?!

Imagine being the light of someone's life, the favorite plaything of a child, only to feel rejected when a new plaything gets in the way?

"The Christmas Toy" is a 1986 made-for-TV Christmas special that aired on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC-TV) in December 1986, and centers around a playroom full of toys, including Rugby, a self-centered tiger, Apple, a sweet-natured curly-haired doll, Balthazar, an aged teddy-bear, and Mew, a catnip toy mouse, among others. The toys come alive when no one is around. On Christmas Eve, Rugby learns that he will be "replaced" by a new favorite toy, and is determined to get inside the box of the new toy. Rugby and Mew go on an adventure to the living room, where Rugby opens the box of Meteora, a She-Ra-esque doll that causes havock. When Rugby and Mew go back to the playroom, Mew lags behind, and becomes frozen, just like the cute little clown doll, Ding-a-Ling. Can Rugby still compete for his owner's heart?

This was a great program that, according to my mom, never aired again. It took forever to be released on video, but those of us who saw it in 1986, and even have it on tape, remember it fondly. I have mine on a tape my parents made in 1986, and it has the old "Kraft" recipe commercials, and my best friend and I thought the recipes were disgusting looking. I love how Kermit hosts the program, and the characters are the same voices as the great Muppets we all know and love.

My favorite parts are when Rubgy opens the box to find Meteora, the introduction with Kermit (I LOVE KERMIT!), and the ending, which I won't give away!

This was well-done and beautiful to watch, and a great Christmas story that teaches viewers not to be conceited, and that you're never forgotten. Definitely watch this at Christmas time this year, and remember an undying classic for all ages.