The Nightmare Before Christmas is a 1993 American stop motion musical fantasy film and one of the most memorable and wonderful family films ever. It was incredibly animated by Henry Selick, based on Tim Burton’s original story and produced/co-written by Tim Burton. The soundtrack from Danny Elfman is amazing, with witty, beautiful tunes and lyrics. He wrote the film score and provided the singing voice of Jack, as well as other minor characters. NBX has become a cult classic that Disney often sweeps under the carpet in place of pushing their more mainstream offerings. Too bad. This one is a true masterpiece.
The film tells the story of Jack Skellington, a being from “Halloween Town” who opens a portal to “Christmas Town”. Jack is perfectly realized as the “town hero” who seeks more in his life (or death, as it may be), a place we all find ourselves time to time. Sally is lovelorn and pines for Jack to not only love her, but just notice her. For parents who are seeking good movies for their kids, The Nightmare Before Christmas is the top recommended movie.
Parents need to know that this offbeat, stop motion-animated movie is one of the great family films for all ages. That said, it does have scary Halloween creatures in it — characters take off their own heads and limbs, and there are skeletons, nasty toys, and a creepy villain named Oogie Boogie. A Christmas tree even burns up. Some little kids who aren’t old enough to distinguish this fantasy from the goings on at Halloween (or those prone to nightmares) might steer clear, although you can always pause the TV and talk about what’s scaring them. The special 3D version is identical in content and storyline to the original, but the enhanced visuals may add marginal spookiness and could further blur the line between fantasy and reality for some younger kids.