The Christmas Toy

Fans of Jim Henson, like me, will simply love The Christmas Toy. I love Christmas, toys and Jim Henson's work so The Christmas Toy was a perfect treat.

The visuals are splendid, right from the camera work, the toys themselves, the set design and the colours. The music delights too, with hummable melodies and lyrics that really sparkle with wit, freshness and poignancy.

Story-wise, The Christmas Toy has lots of charm and heart, and succeeds in appealing to children and adults. The writing has a perfect balance of humour and sentiment without overdoing either.

Might I also mention how adorable the characters are and how consistently good the voice work is from everybody? Overall, a jewel that anybody would love, albeit sadly underrated. 10/10 Bethany Cox

A stuffed tiger named Rugby was a little girl's Christmas toy last year. Wanting to relive that experience, he intends to sneak into the box of this year's Christmas toy and replace it. His toy friends try to stop him before he's seen by a person. If people see the toys when they're moving around, the toys will be frozen forever.

This is a delightful Christmas special from Jim Henson with Kermit appearing at the beginning and end. Some good songs (and one not so good near the beginning) with absolutely charming characters and a lovely story. As other reviewers have mentioned, there's an obvious similarity between this and Toy Story. This is something Muppets fans or fans of great old Christmas TV specials will certainly appreciate.

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.

I watch this Henson film every Christmas & it never fails to move me. It has that essential combination of tears, laughter, story, great characters & song.

Rugby, a conceited, cuddly tiger & Mew, a sweet, loyal cat toy lead an irresistable cast. Their friends include a doll, a ride-on horse, an old teddy, a robot & every kind of toy you can imagine. Will capture the hearts of adults & children alike. 10/10

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.