Will Vinton Classics: Christmas Celebration

In an age of computers, it is refreshing to go back and watch something like this. Nowadays it would be CGI but back then they knew the value of stop motion. Witty, charming and enjoyable, the comedy of Herb playing against his straight man Rex works wonderfully. The songs are stylish, and the religious overtones are of course present, but not dominant, allowing people to choose to believe in what they will and still enjoy the show. The Californian Raisons are held back until the end, with a questionable carol to their lips (is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer really a carol?) and the work in expression on these characters is simply wonderful. I think there's only one way to summarize this programme: Joy to the world.

'A Claymation Christmas Celebration' was one of the trio of seasonal TV specials created by clay animation expert Will Vinton, and deservedly won an Emmy. It's a good-natured, spirited production hosted by odd-couple dinosaurs Rex (voice of Johnny Counterfit) and Herb (voice of Tim Conner). They proceed to educate us on a series of perennial Christmas songs, enacted by a wonderful bunch of characters.

This viewer hopes that this particular art of clay animation never dies out. There is something so irresistible about it, especially when it comes to character design. The sequence with the ice skating walruses is particularly bright and amusing. The songs are all wonderfully performed, and some vibrant spins are put on the material, making them fresh (but without being disrespectful to tradition). The stylish visuals during the "Joy to the World" performance are a real treat. The "California Raisins", a popular bit of pop culture at the time, come in for a special appearance as they regale us with their rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".

The humour is disarming, and will appeal to viewers young and old. One main running gag is that Rex tries to take the proceedings seriously, and Herb just won't ignore that constant rumbling in his stomach. The "Carol of the Bells" sequence is hysterical (it's hard not to crack up when the dumb-bell quips, "I lost mine"). Of course, the brightest moments are derived from the inability of various characters to get a certain song right. Instead of "wassailing", they either sing "waffle-ing", "waddling", or "wallowing".

It's a shame these Vinton specials are rarely seen these days, so this viewer was happy when he found a DVD of Vintons' seasonal work.

All in all, upbeat fun.

10 out of 10.

This little show has been a constant in my life for nearly every Christmas.From when I was very young to my teenaged years, to now in my early twenties.

It's thoroughly enjoyable for everyone who doesn't despise the holidays. The humor isn't so simple that adults can't enjoy it, and its not over anyone's head. It always seems to get me in the mood even when I've had it with the season.

You can't really purchase it, and its not something they show on TV anymore, which is a shame, but if you can somehow find it I suggest you pick it up, for the kids, or just for you.

Finally a Christmas special that doesn't inspire a gag reflex. Well done animation and story that makes you just want to wassail. The camels really rock as do the California Raisins. Music is original with redone Christmas favorites. Find the kids and a big lump of clay and enjoy! (along with some waffles:)

And then finally found it on DVD! I recall watching this on T.V. often when I was young. Everything about it is produced well, from the clay animation to the restructured songs, it's a perfect and short holiday film for the entire family. Good humor with plenty of parts that will create future nostalgic memories.