The Christmas Toy

A stuffed tiger named Rugby was a little girl's Christmas toy last year. Wanting to relive that experience, he intends to sneak into the box of this year's Christmas toy and replace it. His toy friends try to stop him before he's seen by a person. If people see the toys when they're moving around, the toys will be frozen forever.

This is a delightful Christmas special from Jim Henson with Kermit appearing at the beginning and end. Some good songs (and one not so good near the beginning) with absolutely charming characters and a lovely story. As other reviewers have mentioned, there's an obvious similarity between this and Toy Story. This is something Muppets fans or fans of great old Christmas TV specials will certainly appreciate.

Ok so I've seen the reviews that said Buzz Lightyear is Meteora. It's obvious. But who is the Apple rip off? Chucky is frickin Apple. Red hair, same eyes, same pasty skin and facial shape...... striped shirt and....SUSPENDERS! No wonder the "seen" toys came back to life. It wasn't Christmas. It was voodoo!!!

Two reviewers have already mentioned 'Toy Story'. I can't help but wonder if John Lassetter had seen this special before he made that movie. This isn't in any way to take away from the genius of either Henson or Lassetter, both of whom have been named as latter day Disneys, a sentiment I agree with.

There are some intriguing similarities:

1 - The overall idea of toys coming alive.

2 - The theme of a toy being replaced in a child's affections and how the toy might feel.

3 - Toys to the rescue!

4 - A science-fictional toy believing they are real. Can't you just see Meteora and Buzz Lightyear hooking up?!

On Xmas Eve 1986 I saw the first 10 minutes of this special but I had to go out and I missed the rest of it. The idea of toys coming alive might not seem like such a new idea in post-Toy Story world, but since this is live-action, and uses the talents of Jim Henson, I'd prefer this over the Pixar behemoth.

The story is virtually identical to Toy Story, with toy boss Rugby (a stuffed lion) not too keen on his rule being usurped by the imminent unwrapping of this year's present. The Christmas Toy has a new edge though in that if the humans catch them out of their reset position they remain frozen forever.

It's shot and lit in a magical way though it goes on just a bit too long. I am still glad I finally managed to figure out what exactly it was, it only took me 27 years.

As the mother of two females, I would recommend this movie, even to the young of heart. We first saw this movie when my youngest, must have been around 2 1/2. Her older sister, who is now an elementary educator was around 9 1/2. We loved this movie. I had taped this to a VHS tape that no longer works. I have been looking for it for quite some time and watching for it on TV. I was afraid I had the title incorrect. As we are about to become grandparents, for the first time, I would love to obtain a DVD for our future generations to enjoy. I would love to have my (soon to be) grandchildren see this "classic" when they are visiting their grandparents. What a wonderful tradition we can start. It's a wonderful movie and I am so glad I finally found it. Thank you Jim Henson!