Seasons greetings, everyone!
Christmas is such a special time of year....except for on this board where only very few of us nominated any Christmas specials to begin with....but that's besides the point. Today, we will begin our journey through viewing the best Christmas films and specials ever put to screen. They range from jolly and uplifting to being downright dark and twisted subversions of the holiday spirit. Guess which one of those themes we're "most appropriately" starting with? :sly: :devil:
DAY 1:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.seriessub.com%2Fseries%2Fepisodes%2F13821.jpg&hash=5c9dd5ef8f7435c287a0b7d52484388715cb3565)
South Park - A Woodland Critter Christmas
I'm not even going to summarize the plot of this one in case anyone hasn't seen it yet. Just trust me and go watch it. In my book it's one of the best Christmas Specials ever, and I love it as much as I love The Grinch or Charlie Brown's Christmas special, albeit for completely different reasons. Well, all except for one reason, in that this special, much like those other classics, is a penultimate representation of what makes a Christmas special great in general, but this one takes the stance of parodying everything that makes the genre so great yet also so goddamn formulaic and cliche. Rather than being cynical, though, it's a legitimately fun and hilarious special, just with a really twisted take on the genre that has just never been done in this way before.
Also, it has the best use of narration in any Christmas Special that I have ever seen. This one is just funny as hell, and the fact that even many non-South Park fans seem to enjoy it is a testament to just how damn good it really is.
It's indeed a great ep. I like all of the South Park christmas episodes, but there's no denying "Woodland Critters" is the best one, and one of the best christmas episodes of any tv show in general.
When I was a stupid kid, I actually didn't really like this one because I was disappointed that Mr. Hankey wasn't here. As a result, I, uh, actually haven't seen this in years.
I'm gonna change this later tonight and fix my mistake.
DAY 2:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fschmoesknow.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2014%2F03%2Fdie-hard-movie-poster-1988.jpg&hash=aba14525c4cce030679aaa6a94eb7b639d047f17)
From the guy who directed Predator and The Hunt For Red October comes the greatest Christmas action movie of all time. I already talked about this movie when I re-watched it the other day, But it's definitely one of the best action movies ever, and the fact that it takes place on Christmas is all that you need to claim that it's a Christmas movie, because it's fucking Die Hard.
I've never seen any of the Die Hard movies.
I really need to fix that sometime.
Here's what I think of them:
Die Hard (10/10)- One of the best action movies ever.
Die Hard 2: Die Harder (6/10)- Meh, it's pretty mediocre.
Die Hard With A Vengeance (9/10)- Almost as good as the first movie.
Live Free Or Die Hard (8/10)- It's legit good. Don't listen to the haters who got pissed at the somewhat toned-down violence. It still keeps to the spirit of what makes Die Hard great at its core.
A Good Day To Die Hard (N/A)- I still have yet to see it.
My thoughts:
Die Hard (10/10) - Few action movies are better.
Die Hard 2: Die Harder (5/10) - A paler version of the original. Fun watch, though.
Die Hard With A Vengeance (10/10) - I would say the first is better, but this manages to be it's own thing while still keeping its Die Hard roots.
Live Free Or Die Hard (8/10) - Watch the R version. It's pretty much exactly what a modern day Die Hard should be.
A Good Day To Die Hard (6/10) - Not really like any of the other Die Hard movies, but still not as clever as the best ones. Still, overly maligned. Good brainless flick.
Overall I'd say it ties with Lethal Weapon as the best action series. American, anyway. I'm not familiar with overseas series.
Hmm, I see. It looks like most of the movies are worth checking out. I definitely want to finally watch the original sometime soon. I'll try to do it before the end of the month.
I can't recommend the first and third enough. Live Free's also pretty tight.
There's sort of a theme with the second trilogy (there's one more film according to Willis that will wrap it up) that lifts up A Good Day to me a bit more than 2. That being, it seems to be about John McClane getting his family back after losing them throughout the original trilogy. Live Free deals with his daughter, Good Day deals with his son, and I'm betting the last one will be his wife and will probably tie it all together.
It's a nice touch and it does help me like Good Day more than 2, but I still think it's a fairly decent action movie anyway. If you're a fan, you should probably watch it.
DAY 3:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.countdownuntilchristmas.com%2Fwp-content%2Fgallery%2Fhow-the-grinch-stole-christmas%2Fthe-grinch-cartoon.jpg&hash=953caf3e43c79892e55e22042cadd6c76e990388)
An undisputed classic. And I'd love someone to seriously tell me that they can't recite the lyrics to that iconic song by heart.
I haven't watched this in a while. I should remedy that.
But yeah, stone cold classic. Also easily the best animated adaption of a Suess book.
I still don't know what wahoo porridge is.
A classic. It almost seems like more people have seen the special than read the book.
you've never seen scarface or die hard?! what is wrong with you?!!
I've never seen Casablanca or Pulp Fiction either. I wasn't much of a movie watcher as a kid (and am still not that much of one), so I have not seen A LOT of movies I really should. :sweat:
Quote from: talonmalon333 on December 03, 2014, 08:51:09 PM
A classic. It almost seems like more people have seen the special than read the book.
I loved both as a kid. :)
Also, Die Hard is amazing (of course), and Woodland Critter Christmas might actually be my favorite South Park episode period.
Quote from: Cartoon X on December 03, 2014, 09:23:48 PM
I've never seen Casablanca or Pulp Fiction either. I wasn't much of a movie watcher as a kid (and am still not that much of one), so I have not seen A LOT of movies I really should. :sweat:
Definitely at least watch Casablanca!
Casablanca is one of those movies that's required to be viewed by all. Otherwise you're just wrong.
I've never seen Casablanca as well.
Quote from: Avaitor on December 03, 2014, 07:30:38 PMI still don't know what wahoo porridge is.
It's porridge that's made of wahoo. :>
Anyway, I love
The Grinch and Dr. Seuss in general. Also, even though it's not as good as the special or book, I do kinda like the Jim Carrey movie.
Yeah, Casablanca and Pulp Fiction are essential viewing for practically everyone. I'd say more than Citizen Kane or The Godfather, tbh.
Add Singin' in the Rain along with those, as well.
i have never seen singin in the rain or citizen kane.
DAY 4:
(https://www.movieposter.com/posters/archive/main/50/MPW-25083)
Just like with our Die Hard logic, it takes place on Christmas, so it counts. I haven't seen this movie in ages, and I aim to change that soon, but it's just such a unique and fresh movie. It's so much fun and is just edgy enough with its content to be really close to stepping over the family-friendly line, but I think that it's appropriately mischievous and even somewhat sinister for kids, while having plenty of great elements for adults to enjoy as well. It's just a really fun concept executed perfectly in this movie.
It's an awesome movie for sure, definitely containing some of Dante's best vision. I haven't seen the sequel, though.
The sequel is a parody of the first movie with some good LT nods. A lot of people don't like it, but I do.
DAY 5:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2F9%2F95%2FMuppet_christmas_carol.jpg&hash=a8c12655264306e4b9bae8ed319c7477e04e3071)
It's been ages since Ive last seen this one as well, but I remember loving it as a kid.
I put this one on earlier this year, in anticipation of Muppets Most Wanted. It's a great adaptation of the Dickens story, as it keeps respectful to both his fans, with a fantastic performance by Michael Caine, and Muppet fans, with excellent jokes throughout. Talk about best of both worlds.
Being the first big Muppet production done after Jim Henson died, this was a massive success.
I watched The Muppet Christmas Carol so many times on VHS as a kid. This is one of my three favorite adaptations of the timeless story. (I won't mention the other two unless they make this list. We'll see...)
Oh, and I'm a bit late on Gremlins. I liked both of the films; they're really great.
I reread this story every year, but this is one of my favorite adaptions of the story and one of my favorite Muppet movies in the process.
DAY 6:
Disney Channel:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg3.wikia.nocookie.net%2F__cb20120626224857%2Fchristmasspecials%2Fimages%2F4%2F4b%2FGoofTroopXmas_DVD.jpg&hash=11e4586237b22bb156d6c6c010a0b2d0bbec7ef7)
Goof Troop- Goof Troop Christmas
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2F873ae5e4e6d4747a34e69dfc0d40db45%2Ftumblr_mfgn25i8jf1qmj3m3o1_500.png&hash=d53cab4d3915c6cf50f52f2c933306765cfba0db)
The Weekenders- Worst Holiday Ever
I've definitely seen both of these, but this is yet another case where my memory fails me. I need to re-watch both shows in general, but for no, I'm good with re-watching these specials today for the sake of nostalgia.
I won't lie, the Goof Troop special is a bit cheesy, even by the show's standards, but this is still a charming little thing. It's one of the few Christmas specials that I go out of my way to see each year, so now that it's out on DVD without the need to join a club, I'm going to add it to my collection as soon as I can.
With The Weekenders, this is just a show that I continue to find endearing to this day, and I always liked how this tried to be as non-denominational as possible, tackling Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and even Winter Solstice. Each of the stories are just fun to see unravel, and say a good amount for the sake of the character's to newbies or people who haven't tuned in for a while.
Also, EK, can you swap my Warner night for a later date? I likely won't be here to talk about it.
Sure thing. I'll switch it with something else.
DAY 7:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2F9%2F9a%2FThe_nightmare_before_christmas_poster.jpg&hash=aaacf1aaf4a8dbf7bf5001486b1a077b7b50074c)
Hey! Someone's got their Halloween movie in my Christmas movie....or is it the other way around?
So, yeah, not only is this one of the best Christmas AND Halloween movies ever, but it's also one of the best animated films of all time, and one of the best movies in general. I watch it every year, at least twice. While I do find the Halloween Toen portions of the film to generally be a bit stronger, the Christmas portion is tons of fun, and has one of the greatest musical tracks ever recorded.
And Jack Skelington is such an awesome protagonist. He puts almost any Disney hero to shame in how stoic and generic most of them feel compared to his fun (and twisted) spirit. Now THAT'S what I call personality. ;)
Jack just straight up maimed Oogie. Your Disney fave never would.
I'm probably the only one here who isn't a fan of this one. :P
I do like the look of the film and the music, though.
You really should give it another shot, though. I feel like every time I put the film on, I notice something new and wonderful about it.
Edit: Huh, I just double-checked, and I didn't know that my Warner selection was supposed to be today's choice before I asked for it off. I don't mind it being pushed back later, though- I wasn't crazy about having all of my entries right next to each other in the first place, anyway.
So, which one did you want to swap for a later date? Just to be safe, I'll move all of your successive entries for the next few days back by a bit to give you time to respond.
DAY 8:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F51ACRI9SIYL._SX940_.jpg&hash=74f51da6b122b026741968f48af4882637b62cef)
This is hands down one of the greatest holiday specials of all time, from a series that was masterful at doing just about any kind of special. It also reminds me that I'm actually looking forward to seeing the upcoming CG film, which surprisingly has really fitting animation with the style that it chose. Even so, seeing as how the trailer implied a Christmas theme, I feel kind of sorry for it since it'll inevitably be compared to this special, and it just won't be able to top it.
There are Christmas specials that I rewatch every December, and there's a reason this is one of them. There's just so much heart put into this little special.
Quote from: Dr. Ensatsu-ken on December 08, 2014, 09:42:45 AM
So, which one did you want to swap for a later date? Just to be safe, I'll move all of your successive entries for the next few days back by a bit to give you time to respond.
Wait, please don't swap anything. I'll be gone this Thursday onward.
Er, but since it's too late, let's keep Charlie Brown as today's choice, if you can keep my CN and Nick entries for tomorrow and Wed, and save Warner for later. How does that sound, EK?
As for Charlie, I have to admit that it's been years since I last saw the special, but it's a classic. Easily one of the best they made.
Quote from: Avaitor on December 08, 2014, 03:56:02 PMEr, but since it's too late, let's keep Charlie Brown as today's choice, if you can keep my CN and Nick entries for tomorrow and Wed, and save Warner for later. How does that sound, EK?
Sure thing.
I love this special for its somber tone. I have a soft spot for slow Christmas music (I'm not a fan of the more cheery stuff), and that's what gives this special bonus points for me. It's unique because it's very tonally dissonant from other Christmas specials--it's low-key and down to earth, and it doesn't inject anything ridiculous like Santa Claus or the power of believing to be a good person. It's just a sweet day in the life of the Peanuts gang. It's a pretty gutsy move on their part.
I like it a bit more than their Halloween special.
DAY 9:
Cartoon Network:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg1.wikia.nocookie.net%2F__cb20130205010223%2Fdexterslab%2Fimages%2F5%2F54%2FDexter_vs_Santa%26%23039%3Bs_Claw_Photo_9.jpg&hash=e9cae0499d15d6fa167c21ba4d2ab11c9ec46315)
Dexter's Laboratory- Dexter vs. Santa's Claws
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg3.wikia.nocookie.net%2F__cb20130728221515%2Fjohnnybravo%2Fimages%2Fd%2Fd4%2FJohnny-bravo-twas-the-night-05.jpg&hash=83a464a63435b0f52e896e3729025afdb7706df4)
Johnny Bravo- Twas The Night
I'm definitely going to re-watch both of these today. Of course I remember Johnny Bravo pretty well, being one of my favorite CC's of all time with its unique brand of humor. As for the Dexter special, I honestly completely forgot that it even existed, and don't recall the events of that episode very well, so I'm definitely going to hit that one up first.
Hey, you forgot my I Am Weasel and Sheep episodes!
No I didn't. Those are scheduled for tomorrow.
Are you sure? These are pretty short episodes, that's why I scheduled all 4 together.
I already addressed that on the "Favorite Films" Thread:
Quote from: Dr. Ensatsu-ken on November 30, 2014, 04:31:18 PMAlright, I'm lifting the limit of nominations. Anyone can nominate whatever they want on a first come first serve basis, until we have 31 entries, but I have decided to split the 2-hour-long or 4-episode specials into two 1-hour long or 2-episode specials, instead, so factor that in when you nominate.
I'm doing this because clearly nobody else cares about making any nominations, and I know that some of you have a lot more that you wanted to post, so now's your chance.
DAY 10:
Cartoon Network:
(https://thatissophat.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/christmascowchicken3.jpg)
I Am Weasel- Happy Baboon Holidays
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ft69.trilu.ro%2Fvideo%2FNeomysterion%2Fa0ed5ecb57601c%2Fthumb-300x169.0.jpg&hash=95e9aa6ee73c9c6a10079039102579acab8d1466)
Sheep in the Big City- Home For The Baa-lidays
Strangely enough, I honestly don't recall seeing either of these specials before, or if I did, I hardly remember them. I'll have to remedy that soon. Also, sorry for the late post, but I was pretty busy today.
I hope you can see why I wanted you have all of these in one day, since the Dexter and Johnny shorts don't even make a half-hour combined.
And Sheep is kind of more of a Thanksgiving special in hindsight, but we all need more of the show in our lives.
It doesn't have to do with length. It has to do with focused discussion (albeit, either way, we hardly got any). Just because they are shorts doesn't mean that they are lacking in content, and it would be far too chaotic to try and regularly discuss 4 specials at a time. This same logic is what made several of the past few competition threads feel tedious and dragged out in their first few rounds, because just having more titles in the mix doesn't automatically make the subject more interesting, and instead just makes it feel wildly unfocused.
I guess I'm too clouded from this bug to see straight, but it seems like you're fair enough, EK.
Did anyone else watch any of these eps recently? Spark, talon, CX, GSF?
I haven't seen a good handful of the specials so far, sadly. Though I have seen the Dexter's Laboratory and Johnny Bravo ones, it's been a while since.
i've never seen these two. i am not sure if i've ever seen an episode of sheep.
Quote from: gunswordfist on December 10, 2014, 11:54:39 PM
i've never seen these two. i am not sure if i've ever seen an episode of sheep.
:jawdrop:
It seems like a show you'd love!
really? is it safe to say that netflix doesn't have it?
It doesn't.
I apologize for the mixed up order in advance, but I'm moving some entries to an earlier date to allow some of Avaitor's entries to be postponed, as he requested.
DAY 11:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fs-e18bQOZUw%2Fmovieposter.jpg%3Fv%3D4ee64aaf&hash=791e25225fd626e60d005599e52cb0ceeedb708c)
This is basically Christmas tradition. I watch it with my family every year, and it never ceases to be both appropriately hilarious and simultaneously heartwarming. Still, what's honestly most memorable about this movie, to me, is how cynical it can be for a kid's film. I mean, there are plenty of jokes for the grown-ups, but that's not what I mean. I'm talking about how twisted it can get about a child's perception of certain aspects of Christmas, and their life in general. But, at the same time, that's probably what makes the humor so goddamn funny in the first place. Either way, you can tell that the people who made this movie clearly understood how children think at that age, making this an excellent movie to show and kid and have them relate to, while you can sit back and enjoy it yourself.
Anybody who watches this movie thinks to themselves "How did these writers know I did that when I was a kid?".
One of the all time Christmas classics. It's kind of been a while since I last watched it from start to finish, but I always catch chunks of it throughout its 24 hour Christmas marathon.
That 24 hour marathon (and others) burned me out on this movie for the longest time. Thankfully, it's no longer overplayed and I can enjoy it for what it is again.
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on December 11, 2014, 04:04:35 PM
That 24 hour marathon (and others) burned me out on this movie for the longest time. Thankfully, it's no longer overplayed and I can enjoy it for what it is again.
It's still played for 24 hours on Christmas, so how is it less overplayed now?
Quote from: talonmalon333 on December 11, 2014, 04:05:48 PM
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on December 11, 2014, 04:04:35 PM
That 24 hour marathon (and others) burned me out on this movie for the longest time. Thankfully, it's no longer overplayed and I can enjoy it for what it is again.
It's still played for 24 hours on Christmas, so how is it less overplayed now?
Where? I haven't seen it in a marathon for years.
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on December 11, 2014, 04:10:14 PM
Quote from: talonmalon333 on December 11, 2014, 04:05:48 PM
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on December 11, 2014, 04:04:35 PM
That 24 hour marathon (and others) burned me out on this movie for the longest time. Thankfully, it's no longer overplayed and I can enjoy it for what it is again.
It's still played for 24 hours on Christmas, so how is it less overplayed now?
Where? I haven't seen it in a marathon for years.
I still see it on TBS every Christmas.
Quote from: talonmalon333 on December 11, 2014, 04:13:23 PM
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on December 11, 2014, 04:10:14 PM
Quote from: talonmalon333 on December 11, 2014, 04:05:48 PM
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on December 11, 2014, 04:04:35 PM
That 24 hour marathon (and others) burned me out on this movie for the longest time. Thankfully, it's no longer overplayed and I can enjoy it for what it is again.
It's still played for 24 hours on Christmas, so how is it less overplayed now?
Where? I haven't seen it in a marathon for years.
I still see it on TBS every Christmas.
I'm not sure why they feel the need to air one movie for 24 hours straight.
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on December 11, 2014, 04:14:35 PM
Quote from: talonmalon333 on December 11, 2014, 04:13:23 PM
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on December 11, 2014, 04:10:14 PM
Quote from: talonmalon333 on December 11, 2014, 04:05:48 PM
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on December 11, 2014, 04:04:35 PM
That 24 hour marathon (and others) burned me out on this movie for the longest time. Thankfully, it's no longer overplayed and I can enjoy it for what it is again.
It's still played for 24 hours on Christmas, so how is it less overplayed now?
Where? I haven't seen it in a marathon for years.
I still see it on TBS every Christmas.
I'm not sure why they feel the need to air one movie for 24 hours straight.
Perhaps, but my point was that it's as played now as it was years ago. :P
I still think it's one of the best Christmas movies, though. And any time I catch a part of it, I enjoy it just as much.
My apologies guys. I got so preoccupied helping my family put up Christmas decorations yesterday that I totally forgot to update this thread. Hence, we are going to do 2-days in one today to make-up for yesterday.
DAY 12:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg3.wikia.nocookie.net%2F__cb20051224144844%2Frobotchicken748%2Fimages%2Ff%2Ffd%2FRobot_Chicken_Christmas_Special.jpg&hash=5cbaf0506d263101a2f0060239378add55fb407c)
Robot Chicken- Robot Chicken Christmas Special (2005)
DAY 13:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F61uIgieTHdL.jpg&hash=ae8150e80215009b830ec79b72d8088de9781717)
As for that Robot Chicken episode, it's been so long since I've last seen it, but it's usually pretty great when it comes to holiday specials.
That South Park episode is easily my 2nd favorite of it's Christmas specials, and IMO one of the best musical episodes in any show. Every song is hilarious, and it's a really unique episode that has aged much more gracefully than a lot of other early season South Park episodes.
And it happened again. Sorry about that.
DAY 14:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2F9%2F98%2FBlack_christmas_movie_poster.jpg&hash=ff297263f201d91e209790db2401a94605d6f17b)
Black Christmas
DAY 15:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.filmsite.org%2Fposters%2Fitsa3.gif&hash=10702e74768f41aa3a0c20ccfce9a206af91c2e4)
I thought that it'd be fun to put together two polar opposite films in one day. On the one hand you have the horrifying holiday classic, Black Christmas, which sadly I still have yet to see, but really want to get around to. The idea of a Christmas-themed horror movie is just brilliant, and really makes this one of the most unique and refreshing Christmas specials of all time.
It's A Wonder Life is a classic that really needs no introduction. Even putting the Christmas theme aside, it's just a great story about human nature and what's truly important in our lives. I'd say that it's one of the most essential films for anyone to watch, whether it's Christmas time or not.
Black Christmas is very much a personal classic. I try to make sure I watch it every year, late on Christmas night (watching a slasher movie next to a lit Christmas tree is delightful). It's more unique than Halloween, and is very good in its own way. I also have to say that the movie becomes stronger on rewatches. I liked it the first time I saw it but wasn't especially impressed. Now, I'd call it one of the best slasher movies I've seen, probably second to Halloween.
It's a Wonderful Life is It's a Wonderful Life. Arguably one of the best movies ever made. I don't need to say much more than that.
I love It's a Wonderful Life, as well as Frank Capra's other works. I really recommend checking out the director's other movies; it seems like this one overshadows the rest of his filmography due to its popularity on the holidays.
Also, Jimmy Stewart is one of the best.
Quote from: Daikun on December 15, 2014, 12:57:29 PM
I love It's a Wonderful Life, as well as Frank Capra's other works. I really recommend checking out the director's other movies; it seems like this one overshadows the rest of his filmography due to its popularity on the holidays.
I don't know how often I've mentioned this on here, but It Happened One Night is one of my very favorite movies, period.
Quote from: Avaitor on December 15, 2014, 05:56:17 PMI don't know how often I've mentioned this on here, but It Happened One Night is one of my very favorite movies, period.
My favorites are
Arsenic and Old Lace and
Meet John Doe.
DAY 16:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fjatufilmrev.files.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fchristmas-carol-dvd-sim1.jpg&hash=c0a5ab68e40186963526eb085509c416348d62ba)
In all honesty, I have yet to see this version of this classic, but I've heard that it's the best "faithful" reselling of the timeless classic. I'll try to watch it before Christmas.
Alastair Sim will always be Scrooge to me.
Beautiful telling of the story.
DAY 17:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.soundtrackcollector.com%2Fmovie%2Flarge%2FRudolf_red_nosed_reindeer.jpg&hash=5910d79fb37685b22adb9e213ac444abb6e11f38)
DAY 18:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fecx.images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F51p4bccF3pL._SX940_.jpg&hash=6773da3ca5214ee9a04dc2e0235d97238f32a04e)
Yet another set of classics. I really adore the stop motion style of animation, and kind of miss it since it's a near dead art form in this day and age. Admittedly that helps these specials stand out more, but even putting that aside, they are well put-together and meaningful Christmas stories.
I was going to say that the only style of stop-motion that's near extinction is the Rankin-Bass holidaytime kind, thanks to Laika and all (but really, we're in need of more stop-motion that breaks the mold beyond using RB or Henry Selick's style, especially since Aardman has all but abandoned the form), but I did hear about a new Elf special which is inspired by these classics.
Granted, they had to replace Will Ferrell with Jim Parsons (ugh), but I know Mark Hamill's there too, which is never a bad move.
I enjoy the Rankin-Bass specials. Despite their shoddy, jerky animation, they still have a lot of heartfelt moments.
I missed out on commenting on a lot of good stuff, but if I can be brief:
Gremlins - Need to watch.
Muppet Christmas Carol - One of my favorite versions of A Christmas Carol and favorite Muppet films/specials as well.
Goof Troop Christmas - The only part I think is "cheesy" is the ending, which is just kind of quick and silly. The rest is great stuff that holds up quite well and is still a lot of fun to watch.
The Weekenders: "The Worst Holiday Ever" - I've always though the way it balances four different holidays in one special is commendable. Even as a kid, none of the characters' holidays seemed really all that bad to be, except for Tino's, but the jokes were strong so that doesn't matter much. The best part is easily Lor's grandmothers' holiday story. That was hilarious.
The Nightmare Before Christmas - A great Halloween AND Christmas film with great songs and an unforgettable and iconic aesthetic, plus one of the best Disney animated movie protagonists ever in Jack Skellington. Still one of my all-time favorite animated movies.
A Charlie Brown Christmas - One of the most poignant and heartwarming Christmas specials (imo). A still very relevant commentary on the over-commercialization of Christmas and a reflection of what really matters most. The ending is simply iconic. Fun Fact: did you know that the aluminum christmas trees shown in the special actually existed back then? And after this special aired, within like two years no one sold them anymore? I think that's a pretty good testament to how powerful the messages of this special are, and why it still endures and reruns on television yearly to this day.
Dexter's Laboratory: "Dexter vs. Santa Claws" - Not necessarily one of the best Dexter eps, but it is one I remember pretty vividly to this day, and overall fun stuff.
Johnny Bravo: "Twas the Night" - I like the half-hour special more, but this is still a nice ep. I like how it's in rhyme and there's some good jokes here "You promised me no more cavorting!"
I Am Weasel: "Happy Baboon Holidays" - Not really a fan of this one. Weasel doesn't really get much to do and I can't sympathize with Baboon in it either.
Sheep in the Big City: "Home for the Baa-lidays" - This really is more of a Thanksgiving episode, but there is some stuff here that can apply to Christmas as well. In any case, it's Sheep, so it's great stuff that still gets a kick out of me to this day. This show really is too underrated, imo.
A Christmas Story - Classic. Might have been over-exposed for a few years, but it's a very entertaining and funny film that can be strikingly true-to-life and works on many levels no matter how old you are.
Robot Chicken Christmas Special (2005) - Oh man, Robot Chicken has had so many Christmas Specials over the years that they are all kind of a blur to me, but they've usually been pretty solid stuff. I believe that this one was comprised of Christmas-related sketches gathered from previous episodes, and I can remember quite a few of those ones. "Who Killed Santa Claus," "Kill Bunny," and "A Dragon Ball Z Christmas" in particular are awesome and some of my all-time favorite Robot Chicken
sketches.
South Park: "Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics" - Probably my favorite South Park christmas episode, mainly because I love musical episodes of shows and the songs in this episode are all really unique and memorable. My favorites are Satan's and Garrison's songs, and the second to last one with Santa and Jesus is pretty great too.
Black Christmas - Haven't seen.
It's A Wonderful Life - Classic.
Christmas Carol - Alastair Sim is best Scrooge.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - Classic.
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town - I don't think I've ever seen this, or if I have, it must have been when I was a wee tot and I can't remember now. I'll have to give it a look sometime.
Oh, and E-K, can we replace my Cartoon Network nomination entry with the Urusei Yatsura episode "The House of Mendou-Summer X-Mas"? I forgot about it before but it's a great ep, and we don't really need three CN nights anyway, so I'd like to substitute it. Also, I'd like to have the day it's put up be the day before the Maison Ikkoku entry, just because it would be nice to have these two on back to back days.
DAY 19:
Warner Bros:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.tumblr.com%2F99b93e098f96d0cd3007738cbd3df643%2Ftumblr_inline_mqll1h6VG61qz4rgp.png&hash=e7074c1a51c449a05209ef474b17f8cb1a700ca0)
Pinky & the Brain- A Pinky & the Brain Christmas
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fjlurevisited.files.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F12%2Fcomfort-and-joy.jpg&hash=ec14ef662877b5ad3badf004e109462dbfad4cd5)
Justice League- Comfort and Joy
DAY 20:
Nickelodeon:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dvdtalk.com%2Freviews%2Fimages%2Freviews%2F275%2F1315459165_8.png&hash=4379f54181e8d398b02bd5a16f281ad1f88265f4)
Hey Arnold!- Arnold's Christmas
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.acartoonchristmas.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2009%2F12%2F13-Invader-Zim-The-Most-Hor.jpg&hash=fe56213139b4fd4bdf31581f9918c964fe59afbb)
Invader Zim- The Most Horrible X-Mas Ever
Four classic holiday specials.
PATB is always hilarious, and this adds a bit if a heartwarming touch to the formula.
That Justice League episode is really different from any other in the series, but perfectly manages to capture the spirit of Christmas and show us how it even applies to the world's greatest superheroes.
That Arnold special is arguably one of the greatest episodes of the show, period. It tackles some pretty heavy and mature subject material, and really manages to stand out as being not just another kid's show holiday special.
I haven't seen the one for Invader Zim in such a long time and barely remember it, but I'm sure that it's great.
So no to my substitution request? Aight.
Anyways, another set of great eps today!
That episode of P&tB is as hilarious as always up till the end, which is one of the most genuinely emotional, heartwarming moments in the entire show.
That JL episode is a good breather episode before the three-part "Starcrossed" finale and it's nice seeing how each of the team celebrates Christmas, my favorites being GL and Hawgirl's and the Flash's.
"Arnold's Christmas" is easily one of the best episodes of the show, and one of the most memorably emotional. It really made a huge impression on me as a kid.
I also don't remember that Zim episode all that well. I'm sure it was messed up as heck, though.
Quote from: Cartoon X on December 20, 2014, 03:06:27 PMSo no to my substitution request? Aight.
Sorry, I forgot to respond to that. I'll substitute it, sure.
I've only seen the P&tB and ZIM specials.
P&tB has one of the most touching endings to a Christmas special I've seen. The ZIM special is total fun and wackiness. I love them both.
I almost considered the Doug, Rocko, or SpongeBob Christmas specials instead, but I knew that Arnold was one of the sweetest, and Zim among the most demented episodes the show had done, so they were perfect fits. And I actually got to see the P&TB episode again recently, and it's as great as ever.
Oh, and I forgot to mention, but I went with my Dexter's Lab choice for one clear reason- that perfect ending line.
Yeah, the punchline to that Dexter episode is great. Especially since it's something you wouldn't expect considering the messages of 90% of kids show holiday specials. I always got a kick out of that as a kid.
DAY 21:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fa%2Fab%2FThe_Snowman_poster.jpg&hash=cec4c994d1c21c75d535eb250918e1e60125f901)
Confession time, people....I actually haven't seen this short before!
I'm quite literally going to remedy that right now....
Quote from: Dr. Ensatsu-ken on December 21, 2014, 03:10:22 PMConfession time, people....I actually haven't seen this short before!
I'm quite literally going to remedy that right now....
Hoo boy, are you in for a treat...
By far my favorite telling of the Frosty the Snowman story.
A wonderful and charming short with a unique style and beautiful animation. The ending is a little melancholy, but otherwise the whole thing is a treat start to finish. Like Talon, this too is my favorite variation on the Frosty tale.
Doug Walker doesn't like the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials, if I remember correctly. I think he said many people are kind of "trained" to like them from a young age, or something along those lines. And I never understood that. They are just warm, well meaning and nice specials with charming stop motion effects, particularly the two I nominated for this thread.
Especially Santa Claus is Comin' to Town. That's one of my favorite Christmas specials, alongside The Snowman and a few others. All of the songs in it are eternally etched into my mind.
Doug Walker's critiques always get weird when he tries to explain why other people like things he doesn't. It's a strange habit he has to talk down other people's tastes. His Toy Story 3 rant was something quite bizarre, for instance.
That said, I actually didn't care too much for them as a kid compared to now. They're cute little specials that hit the exact mark they're aiming for. Not perfect, but well done.
DAY 22:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnerdreactor.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2013%2F04%2Ftwilight-zone-night-of-the-meek-11.jpg&hash=a2559645bde1a562d53ee6bd72531f94f6ecf548)
The Twilight Zone- Night of the Meek
DAY 23:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2F4%2F47%2FHome_alone.jpg&hash=bbad1a893cc5c6d2726ab04f2318f2113d7e9356)
DAY 24:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fa%2Fa1%2FScrooged_film_poster.JPG&hash=13fef929134bd8efa945e2162e7cc2cb415eee45)
That TW episode is probably one of the more underrated ones, and it's one of the few to actually have a positive message to it, really showing you how heartwarming Christmas specials can be when even a show as notoriously cynical as this one would show some sincere compassion, here.
As for Home Alone, call them guilty pleasures of you wish, but I have a lot of nostalgic love for the first two movies. And true, the sequel was just a retread of the first movie, but it was the first Home Alone movie that I watched, so I'm especially attached to it. While not necessarily classics in any regard, I will still come back to these movies because on top of just being fun movies that bring me back to my youth, they can be genuinely heartwarming as well.
Scrooges is a really underrated take on and parody of A Christmas Carol, IMO. Admittedly, without Bill Murray's ingenious, trademark sarcastic humor, it'd probably be a really forgettable film, but his performance alone makes it worth watching every Christmas, and he really brings out the laughs as he carries the film the entire way through. I also just love the set-up since he is a modern day TV channel executive, and he also KNOWS the story of A Christmas Carol, so his synicism and witty remarks to everything that happens in the story just adds to the type of humor of this film.
That TZ episode is a good one, and it's a shame it's often overlooked.
Home Alone was a movie I loved as a kid, but doesn't quite do as much for me now. But the emotional center of the movie is quite strong and the ending is truly heartwarming. The sequels on the other hand...
I haven't watched Scrooged, but it's on Netflix last I checked, so I'll try to hit it up sometime.
I haven't seen that Twilight Zone episode, regrettably.
Home Alone is just an okay movie, in my opinion. It's cute, but not great.
Scrooged is my favorite adaptation of the story. I watch that one every year.
Great Twilight Zone episode.
Also, I still think Home Alone is a Christmas classic.
As for Home Alone, a big factor of what makes it enjoyable is nostalgia. Growing up watching that movie every year was just something that has stuck with me until now. Of course, neither the first or second film will hold up as good when you're an adult, but when I ended up watching it with my kid sister last year, a rush of really fond memories came streaming back to me, and I just couldn't help but smile. Also, on the subject of Home Alone 2, whether you care for the movie itself or not, you just can't deny that all of Tim Curry's scenes are absolute gold.
I wish I nominated Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. That has to be my favorite Christmas special alongside The Snowman.
it is a classic. anyone who disagrees is soulless.
Making up for lost time here:
DAY 25
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Ff%2Ffc%2FMiracle_on_34th_Street.jpg&hash=45ad36238a611306afaebc2dd6ce9ac7648abe96)
DAY 26:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2F5%2F53%2FNationalLampoonsChristmasVacationPoster.JPG&hash=e59782751875d17ac664e5a2c16fc84691754f60)
DAY 27:
(https://wogglebugblog.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/vlcsnap-2014-10-24-20h40m28s245.png?w=1276&h=958)
Urusei Yatsura- The House Of Mendou-Summer Christmas
DAY 28:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.waoanime.tv%2Fimages%2F225xNx1276478255.jpg.pagespeed.ic.5trR9k9kKH.jpg&hash=941beec1dee06d889d15cbd4c03521c7060dfd39)
Maison Ikkoku- Love Takes Guts! Godai's Part Time Job Ploy! & A Bittersweet Favor! Budding Christmas Love!?
DAY 29:
FOX:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg1.wikia.nocookie.net%2F__cb20130714192450%2Fsimpsons%2Fimages%2F7%2F71%2FMarge_Be_Not_Proud_82.JPG&hash=63ebd9b5f26ed4fe1697d630afa0150d64c4c55f)
The Simpsons - Marge Be Not Proud
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvignette2.wikia.nocookie.net%2Famericandad%2Fimages%2Fa%2Fab%2FSc060-0200.jpg%2Frevision%2Flatest%3Fcb%3D20121208125543&hash=f0aa86f5b56bc131d07e89b0df5c173c49e9159a)
American Dad! - Minstrel Krampus
DAY 30:
FOX:
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tvfort.com%2Ffiles%2Fcaptures%2Ffuturama-b4297f%2FScreen-131219.jpg&hash=a96043eab754dfde5324c6acceef391b8bbbed44)
Futurama- A Tale Of Two Santas
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fc0181321.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com%2FPHn2UpownWKrro_1_m.jpg&hash=3eba93842d84bfb06e6ef5e65bdba8c051f0e3bd)
American Dad- Rapture's Delight
E-K, that UY pic you've got isn't from that episode. Use this one instead:
Spoiler
(https://wogglebugblog.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/vlcsnap-2014-10-24-20h40m28s245.png?w=1276&h=958)
Anyways:
Miracle on 34th Street - Haven't seen this one yet. I should, I know.
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation - Hands down the funniest christmas-themed movie I've ever seen, personally. Cracks me up every time.
Urusei Yatsura- The House Of Mendou - Summer X-Mas - There are two UY christmas episodes. The first one is one of the early episodes in the series and is generally a favorite among a lot of people for being one of the first real good Ataru-Lum relationship episodes (in the series-end top episodes poll, audiences rated it as the 4th best episode in the series). I also like it quite a bit, but between the two, I like this episode much more. Whereas that episode tried to have a lot of emotional drama, this one is just straight up hilarious beginning to end and involves a lot more of the main cast. It's one of many episodes from the series can rewatch it over and over again even if I've just seen it again recently. My favorite bits in the episode are Mendou's shooting training at the beginning, Shinobu's whole monologue where she's thinking about who she should go with to the party, and Ryuunosuke's flashback to her christmas-less childhood. Overall, one of the most fun and funniest anime christmas episodes I've ever seen. Here's a link for anyone who wants to watch it: http://kissanime.com/Anime/Urusei-Yatsura/Episode-079?id=10727 (http://kissanime.com/Anime/Urusei-Yatsura/Episode-079?id=10727)
Maison Ikkoku - Love Takes Guts! Godai's Part Time Job Ploy! & A Bittersweet Favor! Budding Christmas Love!? - These are a touching set of episodes that actually apply a christmas-related theme and christmas-related problems to the situation instead of just using the imagery as a set-piece, which is something you don't see often in most anime christmas episodes. Easily the best christmas episodes in the series, and probably my favorite set from any anime series too.
The Simpsons - Marge Be Not Proud - The best
Simpsons christmas episode by a landslide. It's hard not to feel for Bart as he tries to make amends for the guilt he feels and make things up to Marge, and the ending is one of the most heartwarming in the series.
American Dad! - Minstrel Krampus - I love
American Dad!'s christmas episode and it's musical episodes. What do you get when you put both together? A friggen awesome episode, that's what! I still have the songs from this one stuck in my head.
Futurama - A Tale of Two Santas - My favorite christmas special between the two, since this one is more comedy focused throughout while the first one had a more drama aspect to part of it, which was still great stuff, but I just get more out of this one, especially since there's more Robot Santa madness in it.
American Dad! - Rapture's Delight - This episode is on every AD fan's favorite episodes list and is unanimously considered it's best christmas episode as well. You need only watch it to know why.