MGM originally intended to release this film in theaters in 1996. Because of the commercial failure of Charlie 2 (1996), the theatrical release was delayed. MGM eventually released the film straight to video in October of 1997.
Christopher Plummer and Charles Nelson Reilly had both previously provided their voice talents in Rock-O-Rico (1991).
The most recent on-screen adaptation of the Babes in Toyland operetta as of 2023. It also remains the only animated version.
In the original operetta, the names of the nephew and niece of the wicked Barnaby are named Alan and Jane respectively. In this film, they are named Jack and Jill, after the traditional English nursery rhyme.