Hey everyone, if you want to see my full ranks on all 19 of the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials, here it is. Let me know if you agree or disagree on the placement of the specials of the list. Please let’s be civil. Remember, everyone has opinions and we should respect them. twitter.com/patty_b_miranda/status/1205267040719835137?s=21
Did it disappear from your reply? Is there supposed to be a link or something? I'd like to read it, but I don't see it. EDIT: Now there's a Twitter link. My apologies if that was a fluke or something.
I didn’t realize this until years later, but the Jack Frost special has a lot of the same plot elements as the original Hans Christian Andersen version of “The Little Mermaid”: - A supernatural being falls in love with a human after saving their life. - They go to a higher power, requesting to become human themselves, but they have a limited amount of time to complete their task before the spell wears off. - They soon discover that their feelings are unrequited, as their crush is already in love with someone else. - Instead of destroying their beloved’s one chance at happiness, the main character chooses to accept the consequences of their reckless actions and dissolves into particles.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas. "It's not enough to be sorry; when you've done something wrong, you have to correct the thing you did." Wonderful lesson. Great voice cast, characters and songs.
@@LikaLaruku It just seems anti-intellectual, you know? It’s one thing to make a geek character a conceited know-it-all, goodness knows there’s some truth to that stereotype, but when you make him *the worst character ever* it kinda seems like they want to discourage higher learning and praise all lot of old timey attitudes.
@@Popcultureguy3000 Worst character ever!? When his father asks him if he's changed his mind, he replies, "I don't know." Yet he fixes the accidental damage he did to the clock, not because he has "embraced old-timey attitudes," but because he understands his actions have hurt people. How is that anti-intelectual!?
The worst part about Nestor was that he returns to the abusive stable owner who is solely responsible for his mother's death. And everyone acts like that's a happy ending. The guy is even happy to see Nestor again, despite literally trying to murder him the last time we saw him.
And "the man" fought back hard enough to drive off Claus and his kin. The Burgermeister remained in power until his death by natural causes. The bad guy won.
Interesting how tastes can be so divergent... “Nestor” was my ABSOLUTE favorite Rankin Bass special! I cried every time I watched it as a child, the story was so memorable to me (I’m not religious, and loved it even though there are heavy Christian overtones to the story). I found several of the songs very memorable, I can sing them all these years later (I’m in my 40’s). Plus Nestor is WAY more adorable than Rudolph.
I honestly adore Nestor the Long Eared Donkey. His character is so lovable. I can see what you're saying, but there is still something about the movie that I actually like more than Rudolph. Not saying I don't like Rudolph, but I'll watch Nestor over Rudolph each year.
Nestor is totally adorable. This show is so sad though! I remember watching it as a kid while my mom was out for the evening. She came home after I had gotten into bed; she came into my room to check on me and say good night. I told her about this show I had just watched and started crying my eyes out!
I can't believe if "The Year Without a Santa Claus" is your favorite that you didn't give us a little of the Snow Miser/Heat Miser theme! And for the record, I'm 56 and sometimes when faced with a difficult task I'll find myself humming "One Foot in Front of the Other" from "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."
I’m 56 too , I grew up with these little movies and still watch them . “ One Foot In Front of the Other “ was running through my head when I was doing the rehab from all my knee surgeries !
I'd actually forgotten about that one until I saw this here. I don't think it was really the top one, but I remember it being pretty good. I don't think they even show it anymore.
As a young kid(mid 70’s), I was absolutely terrified of the “Rudolph” abominable Snowman! Even when his teeth were missing, I didn’t trust him an inch!
The Year Without a Santa Claus is mostly memorable because of the Miser brothers song and dance numbers. I like that the world came together to give Santa a holiday, but there really wasn't much of a lesson/story here. Rudolph, is without doubt, the best Rankin- Bass Christmas special due to both a great story (accept the differences in other people) and the truly memorable songs. As much as I love 'One Foot in Front of the Other', I still think 'There's Always Tomorrow' is the most poignant song created for the R-B specials.
"Well you see, Karen, Frosty was made of Christmas snow, .....how ever he was melted by a Christmas fire........" My brother and I made up this line when we watched "Frosty the snowman".
These are seriously some of THE best Christmas films ever made , all the stilted movement, the colours , lighting and puppets / animation is simply magical , enchanting and endearing. Loved this , thank you , now I know what to look for as my Christmas binge watch 🤗♥️👏🏼
Can’t believe my very favorite Rankin-Bass, which they never show anymore, 1974’s “‘ ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas”, with the mouse and the clock etc, didn’t even make the list 😔 I was born in 1976 and it was a staple when I was a child. They never show it anymore. And that’s a shame because it’s got some of the best songs “Santa, We Need You Today”, “Even A Miracle Needs a Hand”, has the recited poem it’s named after, and the theme and lessons are awesome, including an unappreciated Santa who sends back all the letters. And for it’s time period, the animation is surprisingly good. It’s a true gem. It deserves a place in your top 5.
The voice talent in your top dive is so important. Fred Astairs voice has so much gravitas and affection. These were very talented people who could do this kind of stuff in their sleep. Back when there were only three channels the broadcast of these shows was a huge event to a child. Wed talk about it in school and my whole family would watch. Definitely a popcorn night.
"Santa, Baby" I've never watched. I recall a newspaper ad when it was new, but I think it bombed so badly that they never aired it on network television again. Kind of a shame the animation doesn't have that Rankin/Bass "feel," and looks more like many budgeted animated TV specials of the early 2000s.
Me neither! I was appalled at the clip where the landlord tried to drown innocent animals that are in the basement! He makes the Grinch look like a saint!
I'd argue Leprechaun Christmas Gold is actually underrated, and it's become one of my favorite Rankin/Bass specials in recent years. It gets annual airings on AMC every year. It's also in some ways more "mature" than some of the subject matter RB was doing, in that it's ultimately about the healing of a broken marriage.
Pinocchio's Christmas is one that has grown on me. Wasn't aware Disney's Jiminy Cricket was hated, as he seems fairly popular as the "original" Disney sidekick. It's definitely one where Rankin/Bass maybe seemed to struggle to bring the runtime to an hour (that fantasy sequence where Pinocchio imagines himself teaching Santa's toys to dance being an example). Still, I'd venture that it was simply a coincidence that it coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Disney version, as I've found no evidence whatsoever to suggest otherwise. These specials took a very long time to make as they would have several in production at once.
Yes, the R/B Pinocchio actually has many elements from the original Italian story. The original is bizarre and not well-known, and most people base their perceptions on the Disney version. As for Jiminy Cricket, the main reason I dislike him is his voice, plain and simple. I don't like characters with that type of voice (for instance, Frosty the Snowman and even Wilber from _Charlotte's Web_ are annoying to me). I suspect that may be the case for many others as well, though it is purely a personal thing. :)
I haven’t seen the Nestor special yet, but I’m like “if they’ve made stories out of the titles of Christmas carols, maybe it’s also the origin story behind El burrito de Belen.” (El burrito de Belen is a really catchy Christmas song in Spanish told from the perspective of a traveler going to Bethlehem to see baby Jesus with their donkey. Maybe the donkey is Nestor or a different one)
coming into this about a year late, but for the most part, i recall pretty much all on the list, good and bad. not sure which i would switch out on the top 5, but i was always fond of T'was The Night Before Christmas with the clockmaker making the giant clock to make up for the letter the mouse sent Santa (Christmas bells are calling Santa, Santa, we need you this year). also always remember "Even a miracle needs a hand." and when the clock broke down, it didn't go kerplunk, it went kerplooey. love the older Christmas specials, part of my youth waiting for them to air every December
Is it just me or does anyone think that Santa was being too sensitive? Here he was going to skip Junctionville all because of one unbelieving mouse! In a way I can understand Santa's point of view. If the whole town doesn't believe in me why bother?! I'm surprised that no one wanted to slap Albert the mouse silly!
I'm a bit surprised to hear you dislike nestor and Pinocchio. They're in my top 10 to watch around Christmas. Also, YES!! I thought no one else was aware, or even liked the life and times of santa! It's my absolute favorite telling of santa claus. I always keep an eye out for when it airs. And I had no idea there was a live action version
My Top Ten All Time Favorite R/B Specials is, 10. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer. 9. The Leprechaun's Christmas Gold. 8. Nestor The Long Eared Christmas Donkey. 7. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town. 6. The Life and Adventures Of Santa Claus. 5. The Year Without a Santa Claus. 4. Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas In July. 3. The Little Drummer Boy (1 and 2). 2. Frosty The Snowman/Frosty Returns. 1. Twas The Night Before Christmas. Here's My Honorable Mentions. Pinocchio's Christmas, The First Christmas The Story Of The First Christmas Snow, Rudolph's Shiny New Year.
For years, I always remembered Twas the Night before Christmas and Frosty's Winter Wonderland, but couldn't find them for years. Watching them last year, they are now a christmas staple for me.
If 'Leprechaun's Christmas Gold' was an hour long special like most of the others, with more time to tell the story, I think it would be better remembered.
I disagree on Nester being horrible as it is one of my favorites to watch every year. I love the story and the music. Plus his mom didn’t cover his ears to hide them, the accompanying clip you show is when she gave him ear warmers as a present. I do agree with the Life And Adventures Of Santa Claus, though. I feel that one is so underrated and unknown, but is one of my favorites. I love the characters and the music. Plus it explains how Santa Claus is immortal. The Year Without A Santa Claus is by far my favorite R&B special and one of my favorite Christmas specials in general. I do think ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas should get a nod as well.
I grew up watching Rankin-Bass specials, and I still love them to this day. Even though it was not very Christmas-sy, Jack Frost was my all time favorite. Although Nestor was a little on the gritty side, I still liked it, so I can't ride with you on that. (lol) Altogether, this was a great video. Thank you, for taking us back to the good old days. It was a simpler, sweeter time indeed.
This Jack Frost reminds me of pictures I've seen of 20-year-old David Bowie in 1967 taken by photographer Gus Fearnley, what with the youth, the lankiness, the blond hair, and the big blue eyes.
You keep saying "original film" You really thought Disney invented Pinocchio? Weirdly the Rankin-Bass holiday special is more accurate to the original novel than the Disney film.
Boy, I tell ya as a young child Nestor's mother's death and Aaron, the Little Drummer Boy's parents deaths sure had me feelin' a certain way right up until their respective manger scene endings. Harsh. At least Frosty came back to life.
@@samanthab1923 I mean quality holiday TV back when such a thing existed. But honestly, seeing his Dad stabbed even in Stop motion was tough.....and then there's another holiday show THE LITTLEST ANGEL. Where Jodie from FAMILY AFFAIR falls to his death right after the titles.
@@maestroclassico5801 I’m surprised. That’s rough. The summer Tom Sawyer came out we were out having pizza & these girls were convinced my brother was Johnny Whitaker 😂
The Little Drummer Boy will always be my favorite. The visuals used to scare me as a kid, especially when the Roman chariot runs over the lamb, but the amazing characters and the Vienna Boy's Choir eventually won me over and now it isn't Christmas without watching our old VHS copy (the DVD remastering can suck a 🐔 for taking out half the sound effects)
I’m a huge Rankin Bass fan. I can’t get through the year without watching these ones. These are the best ones in my opinion: Here Come Peter Cottontail The Little Drummer Boy Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Frosty the Snowman A Year Without a Santa Claus
@@fdsuperstar2547 I own them all on DVD, I don’t wait to see things on TV anymore. I don’t even think we have cable lol. But some streaming services offer them too.
My favorite of all the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials is The little drummer boy🥰. Santa is coming to town and the rest. I saw Nester the donkey like two or three times...and the story lines are meaningful, the songs are wonderful 🎍
Here's a good one: It's called Twelve Days of Christmas, and it is my favorite Rankin Bass special. I seriously recommend checking it out. It's one of Rankin/Bass's most obscure creations, as no one talks about it.
So a lot of their animated specials were actually animated in Japan by the likes of Mushi Productions, and Topcraft. Mushi was founded by the God of Manga himself, Osamu Tezuka. As for Topcraft, a lot of the crew would eventually join Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata to form Studio Ghibli. As for the stop-motion specials, they were also outsourced to Japan.
Little kids under 7 don't care if this animation is not as "sophisticated" as today's over blown extravaganzas. These are charming and cute, just like little kids.
I remember we encountered a Burgermeister in a D&D game ... one of the players had never heard of that title before so kept calling him Burger man. I always thought of this guy from the old Rankin Bass movie which I convinced all the rest of the party must be him, so we worked to take him down before he could ruin Christmas. Turns out he was working for the bad guy so we did help.
When Clarice sings "There's Always Tomorrow for Dreams to Come True" in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, it makes me cry; I think it's such a beautiful song, and so beautifully sung. I look forward to hearing it every year when I watch that Christmas special.
Is anyone else wondering what happened to Frosty, and Frosty’s Winter Wonderland?? Jackie Vernon was awesome as the voice of Frosty, and narrated by icons Jimmy Durante and Andy Griffith (respectively)…classic! :)) I have been watching them since the early 70’s, own them all on DVD, and have collected all of the Rudolph action figures and Santa’s castle set, ornaments, collectibles and much more from over the years - I just love that it takes me back to being a kid! Rankin Bass was a huge part of my childhood, a connection that comes up in conversation with old friends when reminiscing about holidays past, and has been carried forward to two more generations as apart of our family holiday traditions. They never get old, and feel like a warm hug every time you watch them, regardless of your favourites. I hope they never fade away…I hope our collective love for these specials keeps them alive for years to come. Merry early Christmas to you all! :)) P.S. Nestor is our family favourite - we all sit down together to watch (and openly cry) together every year. I can’t stand to think about the time when my mom won’t be here anymore, but it reminds me that time is short, and makes me thankful for all that she’s given me, and the time we have together now.
Rudolph has girl elves hidden in the song numbers in the work shop musical number scenes .how ever that's the only time you see them. Other than that it's guy elves only. My favorite elf is the " kojak" elf in dark glasses. My brother and I named him that, his looks reminded us of "Kojak" on TV.
Frosty the Snowman was pretty good. Though it does make me wonder what the movie would be like if it was stop-motion like the other Rankin Bass specials?
One thing i have realized: No matter the subject, i cannot help wanting to look at the stop motion specials. Even that ridiculous leprechaun episode is dazzling.
What a wonderful look at some of Rankin and Bass's works. I have loved Nestor since I first saw it aired and was glad I taped both Little Drummer Boy specials. I am also glad I taped The Leprechaun's Christmas Gold. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and the songs, especially Christmas in Killarney which I sing every Christmas season. I agree with those who were inspired by Put One Foot in Front of the Other, but I also enjoyed the song in Nestor where we are told not to laugh and make somebody cry. The Year Without a Santa Claus was a wonderful special with Santa deciding to quit his Christmas ride because he felt no one cared. It reminded me of the movie It Almost Wasn't Christmas which I was also glad to have recorded. It may not be a Rankin/Bass production but I still enjoy watching it. I have not seen all Rankin/Bass specials but those I have seen will all have a spot in my heart.
Agreed! Disney could fck up a wet dream if given the chance! Refer to the recent Disney acquisitions, specifically the "Star Wars" franchise, among others. They need to go away.
I don't think it's that bad to compare good adaptation to a bad one since they never mentioned it had to be a one to one retelling of Disney's just what disney did better
The Year Without A Santa Claus is also my favorite. The utter worst R & B special is Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas In July. It gave me nightmares as a child.
Cricket on the Hearth aired as an episode of The Danny Thomas Show, and only ever aired once at the time. It was supposedly lost after that (at least that's how Golden Book Video sold it when it went to home video in the 90s), but it eventually start airing on Saturday mornings on PBS stations in the mid-2000s. The songs were written specifically for Danny and Marlo Thomas, and were released on an album of the same name. It's also grown on me. It's definitely one of RB's weirdest specials--including the out-of-nowhere murder of the crow--but my mom loved Danny Thomas, so watching it with her is a pretty warm experience. Pretty funny that the cricket seems to bring BAD luck instead of good luck, though, as all of the family's trouble starts when he moves in.
Year Without a Santa Claus is the best, for sure. It's always been my favorite, though I love them all, even Rudolph's Shiny New Year and Rudolph and Frosty Christmas in July.
During the Cricket on the Hearth segment, I’m surprised you didn’t mention that one scene where these animal pirates(?) got something for the villain and we’re like “Where’s our reward?” and he says “I’ll give you your reward.” And he just shoots them. Such a random scene, it’s the only thing I remember from that movie.
Throughout my entire life since I was a small child in the late 1960'S I watched Rudolph. When I started working in the late 1970s, I referenced the line "You can't fire me I quit," from the Misfit song. I just sung it last week. Also I love love love Santa Claus is coming to town. I am 58 years old and to this day I still cry when Miss Jessica sings at the well. Very well done production Old School Lane! Thanks
"Rudolph", "Frosty" and "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" are Rankin/Bass classics. I also like "The Little Drummer Boy", which I believe is unjustly neglected.
I think a lot of people liked Jiminy Cricket and he was a fan favorite back then but there is some backlash, most notably from Doug Walker. I also love him too, I thought he was very funny and helpful. He had his own story. Yeah, he did make stupid mistakes but that's just part of his character development.
Just happened to come across this video when searching for people doing first time viewings of some of these specials, and I gotta agree with you on number 1, ESPECIALLY regarding the Miser Brothers. It's like they steal the show! The actors who voiced the two did a fantastic job! Seriously, it's like they weren't even holding back!
The worst part about the Cricket on the Hearth is that they erased the two main characters of the novella, John and Dot, all just to add a talking cricket, other talking animals, and talking toys. Also, Bertha and Edward were brother and sister (Edward was engaged to a completely different woman named May).
Definitely agree with the specials you put in the top five, although I would still put Rudolph at the very top. Yes, the stop motion animation is more clunky than more recent specials and the puppets less elaborate, but the songs are the best of any of their specials and the plot is more complex than any of the others. It's amazing how much happens in the 52 minutes of Rudolph!
once again, I want to thank you for that nice Power Rangers shoutout with the Banshee. I remember watching Leprechaun's Christmas Gold a few years ago, and yeah, it is pretty forgettable. You're right when you said it should have been a St. Patrick's day special. Other than that, I haven't seen any of the weaker specials you listed. Kind of a shame Santa Baby was so poorly executed - it seems like it had potential to be a new classic if it was better written and less WTF. I don't know how accurate the Cricket on the Hearth special is to the original, but I can understand why it tends to be forgotten for Dickens' other holiday tale. As for the best specials - yeah, you picked some absolute gems. It was nice to see Jack Frost get mentioned since that tends to get overlooked sometimes. I've seen The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, and it's certainly a good tale, though I kind of prefer the animated remake from. Personal preference, but I don't think stop motion really suits epic fantasy. Also, I had no idea that Mickey Rooney voiced Kris. I didn't recognize his voice. And I agree with your pick for the best special if only for the Miser Brothers' song.
I am with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cry through the whole show and it is my #1 favorite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I watch it every year without fail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rankin Bass actually did a stop motion tv series in the 60's called "The New Adventures of Pinocchio". The special was closer in tone to that series..not the Disney Movie.
Yeah the year without a Santa Claus is without a doubt the best! I try to watch all of them every Christmas. These movies no matter how corny and sometimes hysterical do have some pretty creepy villains for sure! I think that’s what makes these movies great 😂
"The Leprechaun's Christmas Gold" reminded me of a bad acid trip from the 70's....not that I would have personal knowledge of anything like that.... I've only heard of three of these shows and the only one that seems to be broadcast every years anymore is Rudolf. Maybe Jack Frost too but you really have to look for it.
I loved this special as s kid and now I can appreciate even more that it was way closer to the book with clever tie-ins to Christmas for the story. Just certain changes like the cricket leaving on his own instead of getting squished for obvious reasons lol, and Fireeater's puppets not being sentient similar to Pinocchio like in the book.
I actually think the Rankin Bass Pinocchio was inspired by Piccolino no Boukun, with character designs only just different enough to avoid copyright infringement.
@@LikaLaruku I like that Version of Pinocchio. Watched the Anime when I was young. Idk, maybe inspired by. I don't think the people who made Pinocchio no Buken had a copyright on it. It could also be both where inspired by the same print version of Pinocchio with pictures.
Great list, except you missed Little Drummer Boy. Its the "Brian's Song" of Christmas specials with its emotional impact, "One Star in the Night" is a gorgeous song and the and the message is sends is inspiring. Baaaah--Duuuuh, I'm too much!
Yes, and Greer Garson (aka, the MGM "nemesis" of the great Joan Crawford) is the narrator. Her comments at the end of the special are true and classic. I am 57 and, obviously gay......nice montage, but how old are you?
It's maybe on once a year, I always make sure to record and I know it's already been on this year so I don't know if it will again...I honestly thought it was a decent little special it's only like 20 minutes long
I’ve heard of it’s existence, but I can’t find it for free on the inter webs lol. I especially wanna see it cause my name is Erin, and that’s the name of the ship. Lmao.
I remember being about five years old and watching “The Year Without a Santa Claus” and the little girl singing Blue Christmas just broke my heart!!!!! I wasn’t a super sentimental kid after kid but it has come back in my adult years ten-fold! I bawl like a baby at Nestor, both the beginning and the end. Yes it’s a little cheesy but I still love it. Not on this list, but I can’t watch The Polar Express with anyone because of how hard I cry at the little boy singing about how Santa doesn’t come see him. I used to chuckle at my mommy earring up during It’s A Wonderful Life when George goes running through the town yelling Merry Christmas to all the buildings. This has come back to bite me too, because I am full on bawling at the very beginning when all the prayers are going up for George.
How is that possible? I mean it's one thing to actually die from a broken heart but go blind?! That's ludicrous! By the way did the girl ever get her sight back?
@@SgtBilby Yeah, I actually liked Dickens's story Cricket On The Hearth. Rankin Bass did take liberties with the plot, but I think it was an intriguing try that they decided to try to make a version of it.
The reason Rudolph has the most "homages" is that there is an issue with the copyright. An error at the end of the show says that it was copyrighted in 1164. As a result, many people do ripoffs without fear of reprisal.
The only thing I remember from Cricket on the Hearth is Fish n Chips and that's probably because talking animal burlesque is the last thing I would have ever expected in an adaptation of a Charles Dickens story.
Did you notice in Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town During the song "ToyMaker To The King" you see a picture of the King....later in the show , the same man is shown as the father where the Burgermiester's men are searching for toys
I am glad you love Life and Adventures of Santa Claus as well. It is my favorite because it packs the most emotional punch, has a strong story line, it's darker, and most of all, it's very 80's. Even though Pinocchio and Leprechauns Gold were made in the 80's, they both had a stuck in the 70's vibe. Life and Adventures has a very 80's Fantasy Vibe and I love it. It was also the only one to be made in Dolby Stereo, which give the voices more dynamic and punch (all the others were produced in mono). It carries the most weight of all the special, and the story was strong enough to carry it.
I share that special with everyone that I can because I feel it is easily the most engrossing and enchanting out of all of the Rankin Bass specials. The opening song where the immortal court is marching in prior to the meeting is simply just awesome. The really outdid themselves when it came to the music and the character design. I had literal nightmares about King Awgwa.
Thank you!!! I was beginning to think “the life and adventures of Santa clause” was some sort of fever dream. I couldn’t find it anywhere. Glad to know that I have not been crazy all these years
Okay. The song that the Fox and Cat sing in Pinnoccio’s Christmas is a banger!!! And also the creepy laughing guy scared me as much as Disney’s pleasure island scene, and that’s saying a lot. Cricket on the hearth has beautiful music, I only just came across it, but the music is soooo beautiful, it is a bit cheesy- but like the part when they have a shoot out is iconic lol, but the score is so beautiful (so much I just had to say it a million times). NESTOR IS AMAZING... except the music. It reminds me of a picture book I had as a child called “the donkeys dream” telling the Donkey’s story in the nativity. But Nestor is def in my top 10. Jack Frost is great, I think it is underrated (probably cause a lot of the specials that came out around that were bad), he was also low key my first crush, really reminded me of Peter Pan. The OG Rudolph is the best, WHY WERENT YOU AT ELF PRACTICE. I like to play a drinking game, where you take a shot every time someone is an utter ass hat (careful don’t get alcohol poisoning). I don’t like the life and adventures because it is completely out of the cinematic universe. Santa Clause is Comin to town is probably my favorite, literally every song is an absolute bop (even though it made me afraid as a child that I was being watched through a magic snowball as I went to the bathroom when I was 7 lmao). Year without a Santa Clause is perfection. I wish the miser brothers were used more in the cinematic universe.
Hey everyone, if you want to see my full ranks on all 19 of the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials, here it is. Let me know if you agree or disagree on the placement of the specials of the list. Please let’s be civil. Remember, everyone has opinions and we should respect them. twitter.com/patty_b_miranda/status/1205267040719835137?s=21
Did you watch Nestor the long eared donkey. I don't think you know what it's about. Not if you compared it to Rudolph, there's no comparison....
Thank you for this list! You did a great job! Merry Christmas and have a happy new year to you!
19:35 In guess you could say they were being “Jackasses”.
Did it disappear from your reply? Is there supposed to be a link or something? I'd like to read it, but I don't see it.
EDIT: Now there's a Twitter link. My apologies if that was a fluke or something.
I that donkey movie was not bad
Put One Foot In Front of the Other got me through my winter finals. It literally gave me motivation to keep going
Ok...I know that's right I thought I was the only one that liked that song.
Honestly, that is a sweet story.
It’s my favorite song of my favorite Xmas special of all time.
That song is very encouraging.
It's a great song - one of my favorite Rankin Bass ones
I didn’t realize this until years later, but the Jack Frost special has a lot of the same plot elements as the original Hans Christian Andersen version of “The Little Mermaid”:
- A supernatural being falls in love with a human after saving their life.
- They go to a higher power, requesting to become human themselves, but they have a limited amount of time to complete their task before the spell wears off.
- They soon discover that their feelings are unrequited, as their crush is already in love with someone else.
- Instead of destroying their beloved’s one chance at happiness, the main character chooses to accept the consequences of their reckless actions and dissolves into particles.
'Twas the Night Before Christmas. "It's not enough to be sorry; when you've done something wrong, you have to correct the thing you did." Wonderful lesson. Great voice cast, characters and songs.
I agree with Phelous on that one being one of their worst.
@@LikaLaruku IMO, that guy's "reviews" aren't worth watching.
@@LikaLaruku Phelous?
@@LikaLaruku It just seems anti-intellectual, you know? It’s one thing to make a geek character a conceited know-it-all, goodness knows there’s some truth to that stereotype, but when you make him *the worst character ever* it kinda seems like they want to discourage higher learning and praise all lot of old timey attitudes.
@@Popcultureguy3000 Worst character ever!? When his father asks him if he's changed his mind, he replies, "I don't know." Yet he fixes the accidental damage he did to the clock, not because he has "embraced old-timey attitudes," but because he understands his actions have hurt people. How is that anti-intelectual!?
The Miser brothers are an incredible inspired pair.
Yeah people even say that they are the reason people remember the special
@@sjmhadsock4586 for years I couldn’t remember what they were from. I kept thinking I’d only seen Rudolph, and it’s not from that.
@@bowdencable7094 yep
They also look like Wario and Waluigi.
@@EpicTop1Gaming smash holiday skins 😭
The worst part about Nestor was that he returns to the abusive stable owner who is solely responsible for his mother's death. And everyone acts like that's a happy ending. The guy is even happy to see Nestor again, despite literally trying to murder him the last time we saw him.
Yeah I never got that ending either
I was puzzled to
His mother literally freezes to death when I was ten watching Nestor I was like WTF??
Mary and Joseph keep Nestor and he helps them escape with Baby Jesus to Egypt during The Massacre of the Innocents. Boom, ending fixed.
But Nestor's mother died when she was protecting Nestor.
Santa Clause is Coming to Town was always my favorite because it's about how Santa Clause was originally a wanted criminal who stuck it to the man.
And "the man" fought back hard enough to drive off Claus and his kin. The Burgermeister remained in power until his death by natural causes.
The bad guy won.
@@firstcynic92 He won....but he lost.
But the Meisterburger( or Burgermaster ) stole the show.
Interesting how tastes can be so divergent... “Nestor” was my ABSOLUTE favorite Rankin Bass special! I cried every time I watched it as a child, the story was so memorable to me (I’m not religious, and loved it even though there are heavy Christian overtones to the story). I found several of the songs very memorable, I can sing them all these years later (I’m in my 40’s). Plus Nestor is WAY more adorable than Rudolph.
Jesus loves you
John 3:16
Romans 8:35-39
why? it 'so so incredibly depressing. makes BRIAN'S SONG look like a comedy.
I honestly adore Nestor the Long Eared Donkey. His character is so lovable. I can see what you're saying, but there is still something about the movie that I actually like more than Rudolph. Not saying I don't like Rudolph, but I'll watch Nestor over Rudolph each year.
I feel the same
Same here.
Nestor is my favorite one. I liked how it showed his mother’s sacrifice like Jesus’s sacrifice.
I bought a collection of Christmas movies just so I could have Nestor. I love that adorable little Donkey.
Nestor is totally adorable. This show is so sad though! I remember watching it as a kid while my mom was out for the evening. She came home after I had gotten into bed; she came into my room to check on me and say good night. I told her about this show I had just watched and started crying my eyes out!
I can't believe if "The Year Without a Santa Claus" is your favorite that you didn't give us a little of the Snow Miser/Heat Miser theme! And for the record, I'm 56 and sometimes when faced with a difficult task I'll find myself humming "One Foot in Front of the Other" from "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."
I’m 56 too , I grew up with these little movies and still watch them . “ One Foot In Front of the Other “ was running through my head when I was doing the rehab from all my knee surgeries !
It could be a copyright thing.
I'd actually forgotten about that one until I saw this here. I don't think it was really the top one, but I remember it being pretty good. I don't think they even show it anymore.
As a young kid(mid 70’s), I was absolutely terrified of the “Rudolph” abominable Snowman! Even when his teeth were missing, I didn’t trust him an inch!
I was too! Now I have Abominable slippers 😂 drives the dog crazy
True, Bumble was an intimidating antagonist at first, but in the end, he had a change of heart and turns good.
The Year Without a Santa Claus is mostly memorable because of the Miser brothers song and dance numbers. I like that the world came together to give Santa a holiday, but there really wasn't much of a lesson/story here.
Rudolph, is without doubt, the best Rankin- Bass Christmas special due to both a great story (accept the differences in other people) and the truly memorable songs. As much as I love 'One Foot in Front of the Other', I still think 'There's Always Tomorrow' is the most poignant song created for the R-B specials.
I love “There’s Always Tomorrow!” And the woman who sang it had such a gorgeous voice!
I cried for days after watching Nestor.
Yes me too
Yea this kids picks for being the worst is way off. So are his best picks. Definitely too young to be judging Jules and Bass.
@@jujubegold now their company is bought out by a media company.
Me too it is still my favorite
This is one of my favorites as well. I highly disagree with this person’s analysis of this show.
I've been watching Rankin Bass Christmas Specials year-round for as long as I can remember. So much nostalgia.
I wish I had Yukon Cornelius’ confidence and Snow Miser’s fashion sense and sass.
The Burger meister meister burger.
Sounds like a menu item.
"This fog is thick as pea soup".
"You mean peanut butter."
"Yada, yada,yada !!".
"Well you see, Karen, Frosty was made of Christmas snow, .....how ever he was melted by a Christmas fire........"
My brother and I made up this line when we watched "Frosty the snowman".
Dick Shawn was a perfect Snow ❄️ Miser
@@johnbockelie3899 ironically there was another character with a similar sounding name in Frankenweenie.
These are seriously some of THE best Christmas films ever made , all the stilted movement, the colours , lighting and puppets / animation is simply magical , enchanting and endearing. Loved this , thank you , now I know what to look for as my Christmas binge watch 🤗♥️👏🏼
Rankin Bass also did Mad Monster Party which was a Halloween special.
Wonder why they don't ever play thatbone on TV
Sheila Anne used to always look for it on tv when I was a kid
It’s so good. :)
My favorite!
Yeah they should of include that special in the 31 Nights of Halloween in Freeform
Can’t believe my very favorite Rankin-Bass, which they never show anymore, 1974’s “‘ ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas”, with the mouse and the clock etc, didn’t even make the list 😔 I was born in 1976 and it was a staple when I was a child. They never show it anymore. And that’s a shame because it’s got some of the best songs “Santa, We Need You Today”, “Even A Miracle Needs a Hand”, has the recited poem it’s named after, and the theme and lessons are awesome, including an unappreciated Santa who sends back all the letters. And for it’s time period, the animation is surprisingly good. It’s a true gem. It deserves a place in your top 5.
I bought the DVD so I could be able to watch it just in case it wasn’t aired anywhere
the last time i remember it airing was when Freeform was still Abc Family
I remember it being shown when I was growing up in the 90's and 00's
I love this one as well!!! I got the VHS as a kid and still watch it ❤
It aired on AMC this year (It's airing again on the 11th at 9:30 am and on the 21st at 5:30 am)
The voice talent in your top dive is so important. Fred Astairs voice has so much gravitas and affection. These were very talented people who could do this kind of stuff in their sleep. Back when there were only three channels the broadcast of these shows was a huge event to a child. Wed talk about it in school and my whole family would watch. Definitely a popcorn night.
"Santa, Baby" I've never watched. I recall a newspaper ad when it was new, but I think it bombed so badly that they never aired it on network television again. Kind of a shame the animation doesn't have that Rankin/Bass "feel," and looks more like many budgeted animated TV specials of the early 2000s.
Me neither! I was appalled at the clip where the landlord tried to drown innocent animals that are in the basement! He makes the Grinch look like a saint!
I'd argue Leprechaun Christmas Gold is actually underrated, and it's become one of my favorite Rankin/Bass specials in recent years. It gets annual airings on AMC every year.
It's also in some ways more "mature" than some of the subject matter RB was doing, in that it's ultimately about the healing of a broken marriage.
I find it odd that they would have Leprechauns in a Christmas special. I feel that Leprechauns are more for Saint Patrick's Day.
@@melissacooper4282 It's probably a case of where they wanted to do a St. Patrick's Day special but had to make it a Christmas special to sell it.
Pinocchio's Christmas is one that has grown on me. Wasn't aware Disney's Jiminy Cricket was hated, as he seems fairly popular as the "original" Disney sidekick. It's definitely one where Rankin/Bass maybe seemed to struggle to bring the runtime to an hour (that fantasy sequence where Pinocchio imagines himself teaching Santa's toys to dance being an example).
Still, I'd venture that it was simply a coincidence that it coincided with the 40th anniversary of the Disney version, as I've found no evidence whatsoever to suggest otherwise. These specials took a very long time to make as they would have several in production at once.
Besides, R/B had their own Pinocchio series they ran before they did Christmas specials, so it wasn't ripping off Disney.
Yes, the R/B Pinocchio actually has many elements from the original Italian story. The original is bizarre and not well-known, and most people base their perceptions on the Disney version.
As for Jiminy Cricket, the main reason I dislike him is his voice, plain and simple. I don't like characters with that type of voice (for instance, Frosty the Snowman and even Wilber from _Charlotte's Web_ are annoying to me). I suspect that may be the case for many others as well, though it is purely a personal thing. :)
It's weird she thinks he's hated. If he was so hated he wouldn't have a fairly significant role in Kingdom Hearts that he does.
@@kaiser8659 TBH this entire video seems to have had almost no research put into it.
Hold up.
Nestor.. Is more hardcore
His mom dies to save him.. Its more like lion king over there.
But ok.. Go off I guess
IMHO it's more like "Bambi" to me.
montork preach
I haven’t seen the Nestor special yet, but I’m like “if they’ve made stories out of the titles of Christmas carols, maybe it’s also the origin story behind El burrito de Belen.” (El burrito de Belen is a really catchy Christmas song in Spanish told from the perspective of a traveler going to Bethlehem to see baby Jesus with their donkey. Maybe the donkey is Nestor or a different one)
And the best part of that movie Roger Miller was the narrator.
It's on my *Year Without A Santa Claus* DVD so call me nostalgic
coming into this about a year late, but for the most part, i recall pretty much all on the list, good and bad. not sure which i would switch out on the top 5, but i was always fond of T'was The Night Before Christmas with the clockmaker making the giant clock to make up for the letter the mouse sent Santa (Christmas bells are calling Santa, Santa, we need you this year). also always remember "Even a miracle needs a hand." and when the clock broke down, it didn't go kerplunk, it went kerplooey. love the older Christmas specials, part of my youth waiting for them to air every December
Also, the songs aren't played to death on the radio and in the mall all through December, so you can enjoy them more than Rudolph, Frosty, etc.
Is it just me or does anyone think that Santa was being too sensitive? Here he was going to skip Junctionville all because of one unbelieving mouse! In a way I can understand Santa's point of view. If the whole town doesn't believe in me why bother?! I'm surprised that no one wanted to slap Albert the mouse silly!
I'm a bit surprised to hear you dislike nestor and Pinocchio. They're in my top 10 to watch around Christmas. Also, YES!! I thought no one else was aware, or even liked the life and times of santa! It's my absolute favorite telling of santa claus. I always keep an eye out for when it airs. And I had no idea there was a live action version
My Top Ten All Time Favorite R/B Specials is,
10. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer.
9. The Leprechaun's Christmas Gold.
8. Nestor The Long Eared Christmas Donkey.
7. Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.
6. The Life and Adventures Of Santa Claus.
5. The Year Without a Santa Claus.
4. Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas In July.
3. The Little Drummer Boy (1 and 2).
2. Frosty The Snowman/Frosty Returns.
1. Twas The Night Before Christmas.
Here's My Honorable Mentions.
Pinocchio's Christmas, The First Christmas The Story Of The First Christmas Snow, Rudolph's Shiny New Year.
I'm not surprised Year Without Santa was #1 because it is so iconic, but I probably would have picked Rudolph or Santa Claus Comin to Town.
By the way, Frosty Returns is not by R/B.
The little drummer boy one of my all-time favorites
For years, I always remembered Twas the Night before Christmas and Frosty's Winter Wonderland, but couldn't find them for years. Watching them last year, they are now a christmas staple for me.
I love both of those.
I struggled to find year without a Santa Claus after seeing it in the late 1990s as a kid.
If 'Leprechaun's Christmas Gold' was an hour long special like most of the others, with more time to tell the story, I think it would be better remembered.
I disagree on Nester being horrible as it is one of my favorites to watch every year. I love the story and the music. Plus his mom didn’t cover his ears to hide them, the accompanying clip you show is when she gave him ear warmers as a present. I do agree with the Life And Adventures Of Santa Claus, though. I feel that one is so underrated and unknown, but is one of my favorites. I love the characters and the music. Plus it explains how Santa Claus is immortal. The Year Without A Santa Claus is by far my favorite R&B special and one of my favorite Christmas specials in general. I do think ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas should get a nod as well.
I grew up watching Rankin-Bass specials, and I still love them to this day. Even though it was not very Christmas-sy, Jack Frost was my all time favorite. Although Nestor was a little on the gritty side, I still liked it, so I can't ride with you on that. (lol) Altogether, this was a great video. Thank you, for taking us back to the good old days. It was a simpler, sweeter time indeed.
Never heard of the leprechaun one before.
Never heard of "Santa baby".
Me too.
Sindematic Studios The Miser Brothers!
Robert Morse voiced Jack
Santa really comes off as an ass in Rudolph. Rejecting Rudolph until he could use him...
Agreed, pulling out the Bumble’s teeth and making him a slave! 😉
@@bethpedone8771 agreed
This Jack Frost reminds me of pictures I've seen of 20-year-old David Bowie in 1967 taken by photographer Gus Fearnley, what with the youth, the lankiness, the blond hair, and the big blue eyes.
Santa Claus is coming to town in my favorite it warms my heart
You keep saying "original film" You really thought Disney invented Pinocchio? Weirdly the Rankin-Bass holiday special is more accurate to the original novel than the Disney film.
I think she was meaning the Disney movie is the most recognized version
Boy, I tell ya as a young child Nestor's mother's death and Aaron, the Little Drummer Boy's parents deaths sure had me feelin' a certain way right up until their respective manger scene endings. Harsh. At least Frosty came back to life.
My brothers fav was always the Little Drummer Boy. That & Jack Frost. ❄️
@@samanthab1923 I mean quality holiday TV back when such a thing existed. But honestly, seeing his Dad stabbed even in Stop motion was tough.....and then there's another holiday show THE LITTLEST ANGEL. Where Jodie from FAMILY AFFAIR falls to his death right after the titles.
@@maestroclassico5801 I’m surprised. That’s rough. The summer Tom Sawyer came out we were out having pizza & these girls were convinced my brother was Johnny Whitaker 😂
@@samanthab1923 That's funny! He was a talented kid....Tom Sawyer....where he co starred with Jodie Foster!!!
@@maestroclassico5801 Yup
The Little Drummer Boy will always be my favorite. The visuals used to scare me as a kid, especially when the Roman chariot runs over the lamb, but the amazing characters and the Vienna Boy's Choir eventually won me over and now it isn't Christmas without watching our old VHS copy (the DVD remastering can suck a 🐔 for taking out half the sound effects)
I would like to see a list of the best and worst Peanuts episodes (both specials and TV episode).
Too long, but thank you and Merry Christmas. Rudolph is clearly the the best, in my 57 years of life.
Merry Christmas
I’m a huge Rankin Bass fan. I can’t get through the year without watching these ones. These are the best ones in my opinion:
Here Come Peter Cottontail
The Little Drummer Boy
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Frosty the Snowman
A Year Without a Santa Claus
I have not seen little drummer boy on tv in a very long time. I look for it, but the others always seem to b on
@@fdsuperstar2547 I own them all on DVD, I don’t wait to see things on TV anymore. I don’t even think we have cable lol. But some streaming services offer them too.
"The Little Drummer Boy" is absolutely horrid. In my opinion it is the very worst Christmas special of all time.
@@TotoFrancey when I was a kid I thought it was a bit dry, I’ve grown to really love it ❤️
The baby reindeer in A Year Without a Santa Claus is Vixen, not Blitzen.
Angela Woolsey riding a vixen on a one way street lol 😂
Agreed
Nestor is my favorite Christmas special. Makes me cry every time. I love little Nestor and he has such a sweet story.
My favorite of all the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials is The little drummer boy🥰. Santa is coming to town and the rest. I saw Nester the donkey like two or three times...and the story lines are meaningful, the songs are wonderful 🎍
Little Drummer Boy didn't even make the top five?? That's my favorite!
Here's a good one: It's called Twelve Days of Christmas, and it is my favorite Rankin Bass special. I seriously recommend checking it out. It's one of Rankin/Bass's most obscure creations, as no one talks about it.
I had never heard of it or saw it until this year I loved it
So a lot of their animated specials were actually animated in Japan by the likes of Mushi Productions, and Topcraft. Mushi was founded by the God of Manga himself, Osamu Tezuka. As for Topcraft, a lot of the crew would eventually join Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata to form Studio Ghibli. As for the stop-motion specials, they were also outsourced to Japan.
Little kids under 7 don't care if this animation is not as "sophisticated" as today's over blown extravaganzas. These are charming and cute, just like little kids.
Burgermeister is his title, Meisterburger is his name.
I remember we encountered a Burgermeister in a D&D game ... one of the players had never heard of that title before so kept calling him Burger man. I always thought of this guy from the old Rankin Bass movie which I convinced all the rest of the party must be him, so we worked to take him down before he could ruin Christmas. Turns out he was working for the bad guy so we did help.
When Clarice sings "There's Always Tomorrow for Dreams to Come True" in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, it makes me cry; I think it's such a beautiful song, and so beautifully sung. I look forward to hearing it every year when I watch that Christmas special.
Is anyone else wondering what happened to Frosty, and Frosty’s Winter Wonderland?? Jackie Vernon was awesome as the voice of Frosty, and narrated by icons Jimmy Durante and Andy Griffith (respectively)…classic! :)) I have been watching them since the early 70’s, own them all on DVD, and have collected all of the Rudolph action figures and Santa’s castle set, ornaments, collectibles and much more from over the years - I just love that it takes me back to being a kid! Rankin Bass was a huge part of my childhood, a connection that comes up in conversation with old friends when reminiscing about holidays past, and has been carried forward to two more generations as apart of our family holiday traditions. They never get old, and feel like a warm hug every time you watch them, regardless of your favourites. I hope they never fade away…I hope our collective love for these specials keeps them alive for years to come. Merry early Christmas to you all! :))
P.S. Nestor is our family favourite - we all sit down together to watch (and openly cry) together every year. I can’t stand to think about the time when my mom won’t be here anymore, but it reminds me that time is short, and makes me thankful for all that she’s given me, and the time we have together now.
Yessss, A Year without a Santa Claus is my all time favorite
None of their actual drawing animation was ever better than the stop motion animation
Rudolph has girl elves hidden in the song numbers in the work shop musical number scenes .how ever that's the only time you see them.
Other than that it's guy elves only. My favorite elf is the " kojak" elf in dark glasses.
My brother and I named him that, his looks reminded us of "Kojak" on TV.
I call that elf Mel Cooley after Richard Deacon from the Dick Van Dyke Show.
Frosty the Snowman was pretty good.
Though it does make me wonder what the movie would be like if it was stop-motion like the other Rankin Bass specials?
One thing i have realized: No matter the subject, i cannot help wanting to look at the stop motion specials. Even that ridiculous leprechaun episode is dazzling.
What a wonderful look at some of Rankin and Bass's works. I have loved Nestor since I first saw it aired and was glad I taped both Little Drummer Boy specials. I am also glad I taped The Leprechaun's Christmas Gold. I enjoyed the plot, the characters, and the songs, especially Christmas in Killarney which I sing every Christmas season. I agree with those who were inspired by Put One Foot in Front of the Other, but I also enjoyed the song in Nestor where we are told not to laugh and make somebody cry. The Year Without a Santa Claus was a wonderful special with Santa deciding to quit his Christmas ride because he felt no one cared. It reminded me of the movie It Almost Wasn't Christmas which I was also glad to have recorded. It may not be a Rankin/Bass production but I still enjoy watching it. I have not seen all Rankin/Bass specials but those I have seen will all have a spot in my heart.
Ah yes, Santa is comin' to town is(for me) my favorite Christmas special
You compare Pinocchio way too much to the Disney version, and that's not the source material.
Agreed! Disney could fck up a wet dream if given the chance! Refer to the recent Disney acquisitions, specifically the "Star Wars" franchise, among others. They need to go away.
I don't think it's that bad to compare good adaptation to a bad one since they never mentioned it had to be a one to one retelling of Disney's just what disney did better
Can you guys be happy for once?
Rudolph the red nosed Reindeer..was one of my favorites too
The Year Without A Santa Claus is also my favorite. The utter worst R & B special is Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas In July. It gave me nightmares as a child.
Cricket on the Hearth aired as an episode of The Danny Thomas Show, and only ever aired once at the time. It was supposedly lost after that (at least that's how Golden Book Video sold it when it went to home video in the 90s), but it eventually start airing on Saturday mornings on PBS stations in the mid-2000s. The songs were written specifically for Danny and Marlo Thomas, and were released on an album of the same name.
It's also grown on me. It's definitely one of RB's weirdest specials--including the out-of-nowhere murder of the crow--but my mom loved Danny Thomas, so watching it with her is a pretty warm experience. Pretty funny that the cricket seems to bring BAD luck instead of good luck, though, as all of the family's trouble starts when he moves in.
Year Without a Santa Claus is the best, for sure. It's always been my favorite, though I love them all, even Rudolph's Shiny New Year and Rudolph and Frosty Christmas in July.
During the Cricket on the Hearth segment, I’m surprised you didn’t mention that one scene where these animal pirates(?) got something for the villain and we’re like “Where’s our reward?” and he says “I’ll give you your reward.” And he just shoots them. Such a random scene, it’s the only thing I remember from that movie.
Props to Cricket on the Hearth for having Roddy MacDowell play the Cricket, though. Excellent voice casting.
Throughout my entire life since I was a small child in the late 1960'S I watched Rudolph. When I started working in the late 1970s, I referenced the line "You can't fire me I quit," from the Misfit song. I just sung it last week. Also I love love love Santa Claus is coming to town. I am 58 years old and to this day I still cry when Miss Jessica sings at the well. Very well done production Old School Lane! Thanks
My last name is Rankin so hearing rankin bass just makes me think they’re talking about me half the time
Haha maybe you're related?
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
"Rudolph", "Frosty" and "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" are Rankin/Bass classics. I also like "The Little Drummer Boy", which I believe is unjustly neglected.
I agree. Not sure why they stopped showing The Little Drummer Boy on network TV yearly like the other classics.
I think a lot of people liked Jiminy Cricket and he was a fan favorite back then but there is some backlash, most notably from Doug Walker. I also love him too, I thought he was very funny and helpful. He had his own story. Yeah, he did make stupid mistakes but that's just part of his character development.
Just happened to come across this video when searching for people doing first time viewings of some of these specials, and I gotta agree with you on number 1, ESPECIALLY regarding the Miser Brothers. It's like they steal the show! The actors who voiced the two did a fantastic job! Seriously, it's like they weren't even holding back!
The worst part about the Cricket on the Hearth is that they erased the two main characters of the novella, John and Dot, all just to add a talking cricket, other talking animals, and talking toys. Also, Bertha and Edward were brother and sister (Edward was engaged to a completely different woman named May).
All of them are 100% better than the new Christmas shows coming out this year.
The Melody song Bird looks a lot like a mix between Bigbird, Woodstock, and Birdie from McDonald's. The 2D animation looks pretty neat. 4:33
Definitely agree with the specials you put in the top five, although I would still put Rudolph at the very top. Yes, the stop motion animation is more clunky than more recent specials and the puppets less elaborate, but the songs are the best of any of their specials and the plot is more complex than any of the others. It's amazing how much happens in the 52 minutes of Rudolph!
You are WRONG about Nestor! I was inconsolable as a child when his mom dies. And, I LOVE that theme song.
once again, I want to thank you for that nice Power Rangers shoutout with the Banshee.
I remember watching Leprechaun's Christmas Gold a few years ago, and yeah, it is pretty forgettable. You're right when you said it should have been a St. Patrick's day special. Other than that, I haven't seen any of the weaker specials you listed. Kind of a shame Santa Baby was so poorly executed - it seems like it had potential to be a new classic if it was better written and less WTF. I don't know how accurate the Cricket on the Hearth special is to the original, but I can understand why it tends to be forgotten for Dickens' other holiday tale.
As for the best specials - yeah, you picked some absolute gems. It was nice to see Jack Frost get mentioned since that tends to get overlooked sometimes. I've seen The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus, and it's certainly a good tale, though I kind of prefer the animated remake from. Personal preference, but I don't think stop motion really suits epic fantasy. Also, I had no idea that Mickey Rooney voiced Kris. I didn't recognize his voice. And I agree with your pick for the best special if only for the Miser Brothers' song.
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Power Rangers only got worse imo
RIP Jules Bass.
Aww, I loved Nester as a child.
I am with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I cry through the whole show and it is my #1 favorite!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I watch it every year without fail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love Nester I still cry at the end
Shut the front door. Nestor is one of my favorite Christmas specials.
What ever 😒
How did Frosty not make the top five?!?
Rankin Bass actually did a stop motion tv series in the 60's called "The New Adventures of Pinocchio".
The special was closer in tone to that series..not the Disney Movie.
Yeah the year without a Santa Claus is without a doubt the best! I try to watch all of them every Christmas. These movies no matter how corny and sometimes hysterical do have some pretty creepy villains for sure! I think that’s what makes these movies great 😂
"The Leprechaun's Christmas Gold" reminded me of a bad acid trip from the 70's....not that I would have personal knowledge of anything like that....
I've only heard of three of these shows and the only one that seems to be broadcast every years anymore is Rudolf. Maybe Jack Frost too but you really have to look for it.
I hate how you talk about Pinocchio as if Disney invented the Characters.
I loved this special as s kid and now I can appreciate even more that it was way closer to the book with clever tie-ins to Christmas for the story. Just certain changes like the cricket leaving on his own instead of getting squished for obvious reasons lol, and Fireeater's puppets not being sentient similar to Pinocchio like in the book.
To be fair, Disney thinks they own every story in the public domain & will try to sue anyone else who tries to drink from the same well.
I actually think the Rankin Bass Pinocchio was inspired by Piccolino no Boukun, with character designs only just different enough to avoid copyright infringement.
@@LikaLaruku
I like that Version of Pinocchio. Watched the Anime when I was young.
Idk, maybe inspired by. I don't think the people who made Pinocchio no Buken had a copyright on it. It could also be both where inspired by the same print version of Pinocchio with pictures.
I have to admit: The song 'No Bed of Roses' gets me every time. it's actually the first time I cried from watching anything.
Great list, except you missed Little Drummer Boy. Its the "Brian's Song" of Christmas specials with its emotional impact, "One Star in the Night" is a gorgeous song and the and the message is sends is inspiring. Baaaah--Duuuuh, I'm too much!
Yes, and Greer Garson (aka, the MGM "nemesis" of the great Joan Crawford) is the narrator. Her comments at the end of the special are true and classic. I am 57 and, obviously gay......nice montage, but how old are you?
As someone who loves all things Christmas and his Irish heritage I’m surprised I never heard of the Christmas gold.
It's maybe on once a year, I always make sure to record and I know it's already been on this year so I don't know if it will again...I honestly thought it was a decent little special it's only like 20 minutes long
I’ve heard of it’s existence, but I can’t find it for free on the inter webs lol. I especially wanna see it cause my name is Erin, and that’s the name of the ship. Lmao.
I would take this animation over today anytime. Shows craftsmanship unlike point and click
I remember being about five years old and watching “The Year Without a Santa Claus” and the little girl singing Blue Christmas just broke my heart!!!!! I wasn’t a super sentimental kid after kid but it has come back in my adult years ten-fold! I bawl like a baby at Nestor, both the beginning and the end. Yes it’s a little cheesy but I still love it. Not on this list, but I can’t watch The Polar Express with anyone because of how hard I cry at the little boy singing about how Santa doesn’t come see him. I used to chuckle at my mommy earring up during It’s A Wonderful Life when George goes running through the town yelling Merry Christmas to all the buildings. This has come back to bite me too, because I am full on bawling at the very beginning when all the prayers are going up for George.
So in "Cricket On the Hearth", the girl is so heartbroken about her boyfriend's apparent death she goes blind? Talk about a codependent relationship!
How about read the source material?
How is that possible? I mean it's one thing to actually die from a broken heart but go blind?! That's ludicrous! By the way did the girl ever get her sight back?
@@SgtBilby Yeah, I actually liked Dickens's story Cricket On The Hearth. Rankin Bass did take liberties with the plot, but I think it was an intriguing try that they decided to try to make a version of it.
Old School Lane: *makes #1 Worst Nestor*
Me: Wait....that's illegal D:
I do see your points though. I still love it.
The reason Rudolph has the most "homages" is that there is an issue with the copyright. An error at the end of the show says that it was copyrighted in 1164. As a result, many people do ripoffs without fear of reprisal.
the visuals during the musical numbers in Cricket are a total ACID TRIP
The only thing I remember from Cricket on the Hearth is Fish n Chips and that's probably because talking animal burlesque is the last thing I would have ever expected in an adaptation of a Charles Dickens story.
Calling the animation in "Santa Baby" good brings your entire list and opinion into question. It's on par with local insurance company ads.
Does anyone remember the Rankin Bass show about Smokey the Bear?
And you obviously missed that Rankin Bass in the 1960s had their own version of Pinocchio that they were harking back to.
I sorta liked Cricket on the Hearth, but agree with you on most others.
Did you notice in Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
During the song "ToyMaker To The King" you see a picture of the King....later in the show , the same man is shown as the father where the Burgermiester's men are searching for toys
I am glad you love Life and Adventures of Santa Claus as well. It is my favorite because it packs the most emotional punch, has a strong story line, it's darker, and most of all, it's very 80's. Even though Pinocchio and Leprechauns Gold were made in the 80's, they both had a stuck in the 70's vibe. Life and Adventures has a very 80's Fantasy Vibe and I love it. It was also the only one to be made in Dolby Stereo, which give the voices more dynamic and punch (all the others were produced in mono). It carries the most weight of all the special, and the story was strong enough to carry it.
I share that special with everyone that I can because I feel it is easily the most engrossing and enchanting out of all of the Rankin Bass specials. The opening song where the immortal court is marching in prior to the meeting is simply just awesome. The really outdid themselves when it came to the music and the character design. I had literal nightmares about King Awgwa.
The life and adventures of Santa Claus is a really good one.
Can you do a video about the Nickelodeon Christmas specials countdown.
Ah, You mean the BiC lighter of christmas specials
The specials that only air once and never again
I would put Christmas who on that list
I would include the Jimmy neutron and Fairly odd parents specials 2.
I have a collection of Abominable Christmas ornaments !!! I love all of those movies !!
Thank you!!! I was beginning to think “the life and adventures of Santa clause” was some sort of fever dream. I couldn’t find it anywhere. Glad to know that I have not been crazy all these years
Okay. The song that the Fox and Cat sing in Pinnoccio’s Christmas is a banger!!! And also the creepy laughing guy scared me as much as Disney’s pleasure island scene, and that’s saying a lot. Cricket on the hearth has beautiful music, I only just came across it, but the music is soooo beautiful, it is a bit cheesy- but like the part when they have a shoot out is iconic lol, but the score is so beautiful (so much I just had to say it a million times).
NESTOR IS AMAZING... except the music. It reminds me of a picture book I had as a child called “the donkeys dream” telling the Donkey’s story in the nativity. But Nestor is def in my top 10.
Jack Frost is great, I think it is underrated (probably cause a lot of the specials that came out around that were bad), he was also low key my first crush, really reminded me of Peter Pan. The OG Rudolph is the best, WHY WERENT YOU AT ELF PRACTICE. I like to play a drinking game, where you take a shot every time someone is an utter ass hat (careful don’t get alcohol poisoning). I don’t like the life and adventures because it is completely out of the cinematic universe. Santa Clause is Comin to town is probably my favorite, literally every song is an absolute bop (even though it made me afraid as a child that I was being watched through a magic snowball as I went to the bathroom when I was 7 lmao). Year without a Santa Clause is perfection. I wish the miser brothers were used more in the cinematic universe.
The Miser Brothers had their own special, but... it was pretty bad...