Even though the industry always reinvents themselves by releasing films every year, especially about Christmas, our generation had the opportunity to witness one of the best Disney films in the last thirty years. It is obviously The Nightmare Before Christmas, which turned 29 years old since its premiere in 1993. The musical animation film caught the attention of the public for its outstanding plot. The film directed by Henry Selick and produced by Tim Burton, was critically acclaimed. Although 29 years have passed, let’s get immersed in the movie once again.
The Nightmare Before Christmas is probably Tim Burton’s best film, even though he did not direct it, yet, many people assume he is the director. Burton may not be part of the direction, yet he produced the film so he also helped to give shape to this animated masterpiece. Burton designed the lead characters, he has story credit, and also the style’s film is similar to Burton’s.
The film narrates the story of Jack Skellington (voiced by Chris Sarandon) (singing voice Danny Elfman) who is the beloved king of Halloweentown, who feels bored after the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world”. Later Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, where he gets to see all the bright colors, happiness, and warm spirits. Jack has the idea to bring Christmas to Halloweentown and become the next Santa Claus. By achieving this, he kidnapped Santa Claus and took over the role. Then Jack soon discovers that even if the plan is built up to perfection, something can go seriously wrong.
The actors who gave voice to the characters back in 1993, were Chris Sarandon voicing Jack Skellington and Danny Elfman was Jack’s singing voice, Catherine O’Hara as the voice of Sally and Shock, William Hickey as Dr. Finkelstein, Glenn Shadix as Mayor, Paul Reubens as Lock, Ken Page as Oogie Boogie, Edward Ivory as Santa, Susan McBride as Big Witch, Debi Durst as the voice of Corpse Kid, Corpse Mom, and Small Witch, Greg Proops as Harlequin Demon, Devil, and Sax Player, Randy Crenshaw as Mr. Hyde, Behemoth, Vampire, and so forth.
The Nightmare Before Christmas was nominated seventeen times including one Oscar nomination, the project achieved to win 6 of these awards, which are:
- DFWFCA Award for Best Animated Film in 1994.
- Annie Awards in 1994 for Best Individual Achievement for Creative Supervision Field of Animation, and Best Individual Achievement for Artistic Excellence in the Field of Animation.
- Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films 1994, for Best Fantasy Film and Best Music.
- 20/20 Awards 2014, for Best Original Score.
Although The Nightmare Before Christmas got a nomination at the Academy Awards in 1994, for Best Visual Effects, the film could not achieve the award, since Jurassic Park (1993) won the Oscar.
The Nightmare Before Christmas, was critically acclaimed by that time, and it still is, becoming one of the best films of Disney and one of the best animated films ever made, thanks to its stop-motion animated technique. The film currently has 95% out of 100% in Rotten Tomatoes, in IMDb has 7.9 out of 10, and in Metacritic has 82% out of 100%.
The Nightmare Before Christmas could be Disney’s dark film of choice in this 2022’s Christmas, in fact it could be watched on Disney+ with a subscription, and on other streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Youtube, Google Play Movies & TV, from 3.99 dollars USD. So, if you have not watched this masterpiece, what are you waiting for? The film by Selick and Burton will make you laugh, cry, and even sing.
Andrea Rich