It’s both a Halloween and Christmas favorite. The songs are unforgettable. The animation is stunning. And it’s easily re-watchable. Of course I’m talking about the ever popular film, The Nightmare Before Christmas. What, at first blush, may sound like a B-horror movie, turned out to be a holiday classic that all ages have grown to love. I’m one of them! I loved the film when I saw it in the theaters in 1993, though my mom left a bit befuddled. I bought the soundtrack, I learned the songs…but how big of a fan am I really? How about you? Today, I’m sharing some fun facts about beloved film The Nightmare Before Christmas. Let’s see how much you know…
The story began in retail stores. In the DVD commentary, Tim Burton reveals that the seeds of the film’s plot were planted by retail stores. He’d see them putting out both Halloween and Christmas decor at the same time in order to capitalize on both shopping seasons. But, the two holidays seemed (then) to clash when side by side and thus a story was born.
It was supposed to be for TV. Tim Burton originally imagined The Nightmare Before Christmas to be a television special. Much like the old Rankin/Bass specials such as Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Burton pitched the idea to televison executives, then to book publishers. It wasn’t until he pitched it as a full length movie did he get a green light.
Disney wanted eyeballs. Disney was too afraid to release the movie under their name, so they used their subsidiary Touchstone Pictures. They still insisted on filling Jack’s empty eye sockets with big friendly eyes. The film proved that anti-heroes don’t need “friendly eyes”.
Hidden cameos and surprising voices. The film’s composer as well as the singing voice of Jack Skellington, Danny Elfman, has a cameo in the film. He’s the redheaded undead corpse who lives in the upright bass of the Halloween Town Band. Burton called on several other previous collaborators to voice his characters. Elfman also voiced Barrel, 1/3 of the all year trick or treaters. Catherine O’Hara, then of Beetlejuice fame but now known best for Schitt’s Creek, was the voice of Shock and Sally. Meanwhile Paul Reubens voiced Lock rounding out the trick or treat trio.
There will be no sequel. Burton has repeatedly rejected a CGI sequel. But I stand by that decision. First, because who really wants a CGI sequel? If a sequel is made, my vote would be for it to be another claymation animation style. Secondly, Burton has said, “I was always very protective of [Nightmare Before Christmas], not to do sequels or things of that kind. Because it’s not a mass-market kind of thing, it was important to kind of keep that purity of it. I try to respect people and keep the purity of the project as much as possible.” And I agree. Bill Watterson of Calvin and Hobbes fame was the same way with his comic. He felt that Calvin & Hobbes exists best in the comics alone. No need for movies, merchandise, or tv shows.
The Nightmare Before Christmas remains a Halloween staple in my household. These are some of the things that surprised even me when I was looking up Nightmare facts! But, c’mon, I’m sure you already knew all of this already-as all true fanboys should.
Save the Date!
Fanboys Marketplace is hosting a Power Rangers in Space Reunion on November 19th and 20th. Have you purchased your photo passes yet? Don’t wait! Get your photos with the entire cast or just your favorite Ranger. Purchase tickets today right here!
