Great recurring 3-D nightmare
The cult Halloween film, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is back since its debut in 1993. The Halloween feature has made its comeback for the second consecutive year in 3-D.
Tim Burton’s Jack Skellington has evolved over the years as the beloved king of Halloween town whose character could liken to that of holiday favorite, the Grinch.
Beginning with a giant 3-D pumpkin that introduces the film, the viewer instantly leaves the cares of the day at the door and enjoys the world Burton has created.
Skellington and his friends from Halloween town have just finished another successful spooky holiday and waste no time to plan the next until Jack discovers Christmas town. Both curious and craving something new, Jack visits the town.
Filled with lights, cheer, and “Sandy Claws”, Jack narrates his findings to the classic “What’s this?” song. Becoming captivated by this jolly town, Jack sets out on a quest to model Halloween town after Christmas town.
When Jack tells his “best trick or treaters” (Shock, Lock, and Barrel) to bring Sandy Claws to Halloween town to give him a vacation from the Christmas season, Jack’s plans are interrupted. Instead of putting Claws in a comfortable place, the mischievous trio take him to the evil Oogie Boogie.
Jack becomes adamant to imitate the same spirit that he himself found in Christmas town by creating his own spin on Christmas presents. Despite his shy rag doll friend Sally’s words of wisdom, Jack insists to deliver Christmas presents himself.
His plan takes a turn for the worse and Jack discovers he is not meant to fill Sandy’s shoes. He is then able to fix what has been damaged and sends Claws back home in time for Christmas. Jack returns to Halloween town to do what he does best and ends the film with an endearing moment with Sally.
Although audience members might be amazed by Burton’s claymation pre-3-D, the remastered version cannot compare. Burton’s film is a piece of art where each character, whether it’s Jack, his dog Zero, or the mayor is detailed and given it’s own unique personality.
Besides the amazing film, there is also an underlying musical soundtrack. Beautifully crafted by Danny Elfman, the music sets the tone to each scene. Filled with brass, strings, and piano, Elfman was able to perfectly describe Halloween town through instruments. With a hint of creepy melodies, light appreciation, obscure notes and uncanny vocals, the music is a masterpiece.
This film is compassionate and tender due to characters that relate to the audience. Monsters were looked upon in a different light due to their parallel to society.
Burton suggests that people who look hard or weird on the outside are simply creatures of how they were raised.
People tend to take detours in life, but come to find, like Jack, that they were being something they weren’t and shouldn’t be ashamed of who they are.