90s Movie Review - The Nightmare Before Christmas

Director: Henry Selick
Genre: Animation/ Family/ Fantasy/ Musical
Runtime: 77 minutes
Year: 1993
Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’hara, William Hickey, Ed Ivory, Glenn Shadix, Paul Reubens, Ken Page, Susan McBride, Debi Durst, Greg Proops, Kerry Katz, Randy Crenshaw, Sherwood Ball, Carmen Twillie

Description: Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon), king of Halloween Town, discovers Christmas Town, but doesn't quite understand the concept

Review: Tim Burton has his own style, which is clearly present in every one of his movies. Everything breaths the typical, dark and fairytale like atmosphere. “The Nightmare Before Christmas” was written by Burton, but directed by Henry Selick.
Selick had some experience with stop-motion, so the perfect man for the job. The characters, characteristic world and the atmosphere came from Burton’s mind, but it was Selick that brought them to life.
Both of them made it into an amazing piece of art. There is so much going on, so many wonderful and unique things to see. The movie is set in three worlds: Halloween town, Christmas town and the real world. Halloween town is Jack Skellington’s home. Jack is animated amazingly. He has so many facial expressions. To create them, there were about 400 exchangeable heads used. Stop-motion needs so much eye for detail, that makers of the genre deserve all the respect they can get.
The movie is an animated musical. The music is written (and sung) by Burton’s go to composer Danny Elfman. The songs don’t get stuck in your head, the way Disney does it, but “The Nightmare Before Christmas” has some show stoppers and effective songs.
It’s especially the way the movie was made that will amaze everyone. It’s such a beautifully crafted work of art, with a great atmosphere.

Rating: 5/ 5