The Original Christmas Classics

The Original Christmas Classics is a treasured collection of animated television specials from Classic Media that first made their mark on popular culture in 1965. A perennially beloved part of holiday television programming, these specials bring to life some of the most celebrated tales and characters associated with the Christmas season. With timeless stories, enchanting music, and captivating animation, the Original Christmas Classics have touched generations of viewers and continue to evoke nostalgia and bring families together during the holiday season.

The collection is truly a festive feast, featuring cherished characters, delightful stories, and memorable songs that have graced screens for over five decades. It is a testament to the timelessness of these tales that they continue to draw audiences in a world where digital animation and CGI effects have become the norm.

In the Original Christmas Classics, your favourite holiday characters come alive. You'll find the gentle reindeer with the glowing nose in "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer;" a magical snowman in "Frosty the Snowman;" Santa Claus himself in "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town;" the misfit elf who longs to be a dentist in "Rudolph's Shiny New Year," and the Elves preparing for Christmas in "The Little Drummer Boy."

Narrative-wise, each special has a distinct storyline to offer but all have a common and heartwarming message of love, friendship, bravery, and the spirit of giving. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" tells the story of a misfit reindeer who overcomes mockery and uses his unique red nose to lead Santa's sleigh. "Frosty the Snowman," narrated by Jimmy Durante, follows a group of children who befriend a cheerful snowman, Frosty, who springs to life with the placement of a magical hat.

In "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town," the audience gets introduced to a young Santa Claus and the customs and traditions associated with the jolly figure are explored. "Rudolph's Shiny New Year" is a New Year-themed adventure where Rudolph is tasked with saving the New Year from a rogue baby New Year, who has run away. "The Little Drummer Boy" is a touching tale about a poor young boy who gives his most valuable possession as a gift to baby Jesus.

With their spellbinding animation, these classics recreate the wondrous world of Christmas, where reindeer can fly, snowmen can trot and sing, and magic is everywhere. Even though they were created in the mid-1960s, the specials' animation still holds its charm, with the stop-motion animation in particular offering a visually distinctive and engaging experience. The vivid color palette, simple yet expressive character designs, and the attention to detail canonize these specials as cinematic art that transcends generations.

The soundtrack of these specials is just as iconic as the animation, featuring songs that have become inseparable parts of the Christmas season. Who could forget the catchy tunes of Burl Ives' "Holly Jolly Christmas," or the heartwarming strains of "Frosty the Snowman?" Each special's musical score brings the Christmas season to life, adding depth to the storytelling and letting the viewers experience the magic of Christmas through their ears as well as their eyes.

Moreover, the Original Christmas Classics stands out for its positive lessons and heartwarming messages. They highlight the values of acceptance, selfless giving, friendship and courage, making these specials more than just entertainment, but teaching tools for young audiences.

In conclusion, Classic Media's The Original Christmas Classics collection is more than a nostalgia-inducing trip down memory lane, it's a captivating journey into the magical world of Christmas for all ages. With their delightful storytelling, endearing characters, enchanting animation, and memorable music, these specials create the perfect atmosphere for a family movie night during the holiday season. Whether you've grown up with these specials or are discovering them for the first time, The Original Christmas Classics is a heartwarming holiday collection that transcends the past and the present, encapsulating the very spirit of Christmas. It is a clear reminder of why these charming tales have stood the test of time, continuing to be a cherished part of Christmas holiday tradition.