Now Is the Perfect Time to Stream This Stop-Motion Disney Classic

As someone who has grown up with the magical world of Tim Burton and his enchanting creations, I must say that The Nightmare Before Christmas is a timeless masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of seasons. It’s been a part of my annual traditions since its release in 1993, and it continues to captivate me every time I watch it.

During holidays, disagreements often arise when friends and family gather, causing tensions to escalate. While not all arguments revolve around sensitive topics, one popular debate among movie enthusiasts every December is whether Die Hard qualifies as a Christmas film. Another contentious topic is whether The Nightmare Before Christmas is more appropriately categorized as a Halloween or a Christmas movie. Over the past 30+ years since its release, the fanbase for this film has become increasingly fervent, and opinions on when to watch it have become deeply entrenched. With Halloween behind us and Thanksgiving still ahead, there’s no better moment to enjoy this cherished tale as we approach the peak of the holiday season.

Released on October 29, 1993, Disney‘s movie was designed to offer a less scary Halloween treat for young viewers. Consequently, it became popular to watch this film in October, marking its release anniversary month. However, the release date doesn’t always determine the ideal time to appreciate a movie, as evident by the fact that Hocus Pocus was also released in 1993, but earlier in the summer. Interestingly, The Nightmare Before Christmas itself explores the concept of celebrating the aftermath of Halloween.

As a true cinema enthusiast, I found myself utterly captivated by the initial sequences of this cinematic gem, set in the enchanting realm known as Halloween Town, a place where the spirit of Halloween is celebrated with an extravagance that knows no bounds, even on November 1st. The Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington (Christopher Sarandon), reigns over these festivities, yet he longs for something beyond the accolades of Halloween. Driven by curiosity and a thirst for change, Jack embarks on a physical and metaphorical journey, leading him to Christmas Town – a magical haven where the essence of Christmas is embodied in its most resplendent and joyful forms, leaving Jack spellbound.

Since the movie ends on Christmas Day, it could be argued that watching it annually should take place in December. Just like the character Jack, viewers are drawn into the festive imagery of Christmas – think Christmas trees, reindeer, stockings, and twinkling lights. Those who appreciate a more eerie celebration might find watching closer to December 25th more fitting.

Regarding those individuals instrumental in creating it, The Nightmare Before Christmas is a film deserving of celebration during not just one, but two holiday seasons.

What’s the fuss about only choosing one holiday for ‘Hocus Pocus’? As Sarandon pointed out in 2019 when asked, there are fans who watch it for Halloween, others for Christmas, and still more for both. So, isn’t it really about catering to what makes the viewers happiest? It’s all about the audience, the fans, those who have been moved by this film over the years.

In 2022, Selick expressed to ComicBook much like he did before, “From the start, when Tim Burton conceived this initial concept in the ’80s at Disney, as a half-hour TV special in stop-motion, from the beginning, I viewed it as a blend. Over time, during the film’s production as a full feature, I might have given a different response, but I’ve returned to my original perspective. It is indeed a blend. It is a magnificent fusion of Halloween and Christmas spirit. So, there’s no better response than both. It is both, and it stands alone. It’s an exceptional festivity that spans from Halloween right up to Christmas.

The Nightmare Before Christmas is currently streaming on Disney+.

2024-11-17 21:09

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