Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas

I’ve never been able to pin down what exactly is the target audience for the Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. It’s a holiday tale (about the king of Halloween becoming infatuated with Christmas and getting it terribly wrong) too dark to be an X-mas classic and too warm to be a Halloween fright. It’s animated, so that eliminates a good chunk of close-minded adults, yet it’s far too scary for younger kids (unless you consider Santa Claus being tortured good wholesome fun). It’s a musical too so there go all the adolescents, outside of the drama club. That doesn’t leave many, but those who do count themselves as part of this film’s loyal following know how lucky they are. Sure, it’s an altogether bizarre amalgamation of two seemingly opposite holidays but it is also incredibly clever, darkly romantic and one of the most underrated and satisfying musicals of our time. Walt Disney has been toying with us for years. The film was only allowed out of that pesky vault once a year, finding what seemed like a new home in 3D theatres in time for Halloween. Finally, the mouse house has let Jack Skellington and friends back into our homes in a two-disc special edition. "Special” would be putting it mildly. Not only is the film impeccably restored but the extras feel so rare that you truly feel as if you are being treated to a genuinely thorough backstage look at this artistic triumph. Deleted and extended scenes are raw and unfinished, giving them a silent film era look. Actor Christopher Lee reads Burton’s original poem that the film is based on against illustrations inspired by Burton’s original concept art. Even the teaser trailer is interesting, in a time capsule fashion, and how often can you say that? But that’s barely even skimming the surface. There is not enough space here for me to convey just how unique this film is. Suffice it to say, it needs to be seen and if you find yourself loving it, then this collector’s edition is a must have.