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.
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Jenfur7 December 2004
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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.
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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.
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pmiller0677 August 2006I 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 -
sketchyninja8 October 2003Finally 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:)
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minerals6 November 2004All the songs on this show are great I really like the Singing Camels that are in the first song and I like how the last song has the California rasins! I have an old tape from when this aired on TV and my family can not go a single year without playing it because my dad can not get enough out of those Camels! I wish they would have this available on DVD at stores like Wal-Mart so it will be easier to get them when the old video tapes wear out.
Involving that bell ringing thing I like how that conductor uses a sling shot to make that one bell hit the right note! i also like how those two walruses are ice skating and using penguins as bowling pins when they skate!
Those things are the funny things that you will get a laugh out of on this show! -
jesse-6180616 December 2022This show is a national treasure. I cannot fathom why it has not been remastered and put to stream on a major service. The dvd version is pretty bad audio and video - but it scratches the itch. The songs are all arranged in innovative ways that reflect a nice spectrum of cultural baselines that keep the heart of the classics alive and beating. The range of effects that are explored through the claymation is mind-boggling - taken to wonderful abstract beauty in Joy to the World. Its so good and super fun. It really needs to be cleaned up and brought back to the younger generation who aren't going to connect with the VHS feel of the current version. Please someone elevate this back to it's rightful place in our world!
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Hey_Sweden24 December 2018'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. -
gavin694230 December 2013Two hosting prehistoric dinosaurs guide you along a typical small town's Christmas choral celebration. There's just one catch, the entire town population is made out of clay! Special Guest Stars: The California Raisins!
Apparently today this special is hard to track down, with the only DVD release having some pretty awful sound quality (a shame considering this is basically a musical with clay over the top). And yet, it seems to be well-remembered by those who saw it all those year ago.
I was able to track down a copy and was impressed by what I saw. Some, like the Raisins, were how I recalled them. But there are some very interesting interpretations of Christmas songs that need to be heard. -
AdamCarter15 December 2004In 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.
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lorbro3136 February 2004This is a must-see-movie in our household. The clamation wonderfully animates classic Christmas Carols. It is full of humor and it enjoyable for all ages. We wore our tape into oblivion and it took me forever to find another copy.
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Horst_In_Translation25 November 2015"A Claymation Christmas Celebration" is a 24-minute animated short film from almost 30 years ago. The director here is Oscar winner Will Vinton. I may be a bit biased as I am not big claymation style, but still I found this a disappointing effort in terms of visuals. The only thing I somewhat liked about this Christmas special was the music, although the Rudolph version sucked a lot too. In terms of the story, this was a complete disappointment as there wasn't any and it is also not a funny watch. My suggestion is that you skip this one and, instead, listen to a collection of famous Christmas songs. You will not be missing much, the parts with the dinosaurs were so random and uninteresting. Thumbs down, not recommended. Pretty confused how this won an Emmy.
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MadRaina13 March 2003This 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. -
dorianagray23 December 2008"Claymation Christmas" has been one of my favorite specials ever since I was a kid. I recorded it from the Disney Channel around 1992 and I still watch it every year as an adult. "Claymation Christmas" is hosted by two dinosaurs, the smart and proper Rex and dimwitted Herb. Throughout the special, Rex tries to explain to Herb and other numerous characters the true meaning of the song "Here we come-a wassaling". The street food vendors, including a bunch of pigs selling fruit from a truck, keep getting the words wrong. Herb keeps sneaking off and getting food from the vendors while Rex tells about the songs.
The scenes are interspersed with animated Christmas songs. From the hilarious "Carol of the Bells" (with real bells and Quasimodo!) to the beautiful, folk-song version of "Joy to the World", they are all very enjoyable.
Finally at the end, a group of elves selling cider come along, correctly singing "Here we come-a wassaling". The other Claymation characters come out and start singing too. Finally we see Herb, who has eaten so much he has doubled in size. The special is funny and entertaining for both kids and adults. -
marin-alex2525 February 2019I used to watch (and re-watch) this as a kid off an old vhs tape. It continues to bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart every holiday season (and even at other times throughout the year). The music, songs, animation and story are so well done that it deserves to be aired along with other classics, seeing that it truly should be considered one. Thanks to ALL who worked on this and made it a special treat for all to enjoy!
P.S. Found out Will Vinton passed during the "In Memoriam" part of tonight's Oscar's, so had to come here and pay my respects. -
imlanglois24 May 2002This is one of the great Christmas specials of all time. Our dinosaur hosts, Rex and Herb, take us through six "music videos" of different Christmas carols. Singing camels bring us "We Three Kings", Quasimodo conducts a symphony of living bells, one of whom just can't quite get it right, for "The Carol of the Bells", and there's much more.
The humour is clever and cute, and as always, the animation is top-notch. Really revels in the fun of Christmas. I recommend it to anyone who loves the Christmas season and good animation. -
VCR20 November 2004This cartoon was hilarious for kids and adults. Sadly it played maybe 3 yrs straight. It's hosted by 2 funny dinosaurs. Think Abott and Costello. Real treat and now on DVD! It has the California raisins singing songs. It has the camels who walked with the 3 wise men singing songs like the Temptations and bobbin' their heads, LOL! The silly dinosaur sings, "Here we go a WAFFLING" and annoys the other dinosaur by not singing right! They also have a Halloween and Easter one too. They are all on one DVD. This is great work of Will Vinton. If you have a sense of humor, you will enjoy this cartoon as an adult as well. I like to see if any other members remember this cartoon!!
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This is, I believe, the greatest TV Christmas special of all time!
Will Vinton's signature stop-motion animation is in peak form here, with astonishingly well-realized characters, seamless frame-by-frame movement, and fantastically designed sets. Also, whoever wrote this obviously knew exactly what they were doing because the jokes are terrific and the songs are presented in an oddly logical order.
And, of course, the dinosaur hosts are amazing, especially the food-minded Herb, who has a constant quest to discover both the ultimate Christmas snack food and the actual lyrics to "Here We Come A-Wassailing."
The best scene is the "Angels We Have Heard on High" sequence, featuring a ballet performed by walruses De Margo Pontoon and Sir Rudolph Nerves-on-Edge. If you go a holiday season without watching this... well, what the heck *are* you watching?! -
MistyNoble198711 December 2012This Christmas special is by far one of my favorite Christmas specials of all time. Follow Herb & Rex as they host a Christmas extravaganza including ice skating walruses, carol of the bells featuring a clumsy bell and humped over conductor, trimming of the tree, Joy to the World, everyone's favorite singing fruits, the California Raisins, and many other claymation skits that are sure to have to singing the true praises of Christmas all year round. The claymation is superb, the soundtrack is amazing, and the overall Christmas feel of the show will make you want to wassail your way all the way through New Years! Great job, Venton! Joy <3
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stephanie406-11 December 2004I loved this movie as a child, and I've watched it every Holiday season it came on.
Just wanted to inform everyone that IT IS AVAILABLE ON DVD! It was released September 2003. Check Amazon.com for "Claymation Christmas".
According to the editorial review, the DVD includes the 3 Holiday specials (Halloween, Christmas, and Easter). They were aired between 1987 and 1992.
Happy Claymation, everyone! I myself haven't bought it since I just discovered it was available online, but I definitely won't go another holiday without this classic in my collection! -
jeremycrimsonfox13 December 2020A Claymation Christmas Celebration is a neat special. Hosted by dinosaur characters Rex and Herb, the special is made up of various Christmas songs and traditions. What makes this special unique is that it gives the songs a new twist and even injects some of the trademark humor the Claymation titles are known for. Also, there is an interesting B-story where Rex and Herb argue about the meaning of "wassail" from the carol "Here We Come a-Wassailing".
Each segment is done well (with my favorite being the one with The California Raisins singing The Temptations cover of Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer), and the b story is actually funny. -
myriamlenys26 December 2023This 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 !