Movie Review: The Nightmare Before Christmas in 3D

Computers make everything easier. When you can execute something faster and with greater simplicity on a computer, especially when it comes to a product which could in turn generate a large influx of cash, it is sure to raise eyebrows. While this explains away the fact that computer generated family pictures are slowly replacing more primitive forms of animated filmmaking, there still remains a great nostalgia and appreciation for the classic hand drawn and stop motion effects which have been a staple of cinema since its inception.

When it comes to deciding the pinnacle of stop motion animation, it is almost unanimous that 'Tim Burton's A Nightmare Before Christmas' is at the upper echelon of its genre. The time consuming method of animation is one of the most visually stunning and Burton's macabre holiday classic has garnered a legendary cult following. That's when Walt Disney Studio's stepped in and bought up the licenses, which earned the eccentric director a nice chunk of change as well as a powerful arm to distribute his animated masterpiece.

Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King, and the rest of his Halloween Town residents fit perfectly with the spirit of All Hollow's Eve and with the classic being re-released just in time for the holiday, revitalized using Disney's Digital 3D technology, it has never looked better.

Over a decade later Burton's animated masterpiece still remains one of the most entertaining, smart and not to mention weird, family films ever put to celluloid. Featuring composer Danny Elfman's most memorable score to date 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' is truly a delight for the eyes and ears. Though I have seen the film every fall since its original 1993 release date I still find myself humming the enchanting melodies for days after watching the picture.