Claymation Christmas Celebration

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:)

This may cost me my artistic street credibility as a reviewer, but here it is : I've always liked "Claymation Christmas Celebration". Moreover, I owe a debt of gratitude to it, since it has served me well while babysitting the young ones of friends and neighbors. I've yet to meet a child that didn't ask for a second viewing.

The claymation may not be one hundred percent perfect, but it's lively and expressive. There's an admirable sense of adventure about the work - where else do you find two dinosaur presenters introducing a series of beautifully sung Christmas carols ? Or where else do you find a maestro Quasimodo directing an orchestra of living bells ? There's also a sense of festive abundance and generosity, as in the "wassailing" segments that celebrate a variety of culinary treats. After a while the viewer feels as though he's been admitted to one of the famous Christmas dinners of queen Victoria. (Now THAT was a lady who knew her way around a plate.)

Viewers will pick their own favorites from among the various segments ; me, I'm rather fond of "Carol of the Bells", "O Christmas Tree" and "Joy to the World". Pour yourself a cup of eggnog, and enjoy !

This truly is one of the Christmas Specials I cherished not only as a child but as an adult as well. It went forgotten in my mind until a couple of years ago when I started my collection of Christmas movies to get me into the "spirit". It was a little costly ($50) because I had to special order it but I definitely think it is a must have for anyone who remembers it from their childhood. Not only is the animation fantastic but is great for the whole family and holds true to the Christmas spirit. Great songs and also quite funny. The only downside to this special is the sound quality ( original stereo from TV broadcast and the fact it is only 24 minutes long. All in all a great collector's item.

I was lucky enough to have done all of the music for this production. It was one of the most fun and rewarding projects I have ever worked upon.

I am pleased to say that it was finally released on DVD. I am not thrilled to say that the audio quality of the DVD version is of very good quality. It sounds as if it was dubbed from an old mono soundtrack, and certainly does not hold up to even the original television dubs (and certainly not the original masters that I have).

But that said, I truly enjoy seeing the comments, and feel very gratified that so many continue to name this special as one of their favorites. As many of my family members (including my two daughters) sang parts on this project, it is especially fun to see and hear again.

There is talk of a 25th reunion of some of the cast, and perhaps even a concert of some of the music (including the record we did from this for Atlantic records). We'll see...

In any case- thanks again for the kind comments.

Patric J. Miller

When I was younger,"Claymation Christmas Celebration" was aired on TV. We would watch it, but as time wore on, years, the station that once showed the show stopped. Recently my father order "Claymation Christmas Celebration" on DVD and we watched it the other night. At first I could not remember any of it. But I was amazed at what I saw. Today we have the special effects done on computer, but the claymation was very impressive. Each song was beautifully represented as was the picture that went with it. The DVD came with the Halloween and Easter Claymation shows and we could not stop laughing at all three show. The best is the announcers and the various guests that come by as they are trying to introduce the songs. But each piece is very well done. My favorite is most likely the Carol of the Bells. The California Raisins are very funny and entertaining, well the whole thing is.