An Awesome Nightmare

I'm not sure why, but for some reason, Tim Burton's THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS has become a cult classic. I'm not complaining, I mean, it's one of the hipper things Disney has ever but out...but I'm still a little mystified by the whole thing. But, over ten years later (and millions in merch sold to sad, "goth" girls) the flick is back in theaters. This time in "Disney 3-D"!!!!

Now, I didn't see it when it was first released back in 1993...so I can't really compare it to what was shown back then. However, I have seen it countless times (thanks in part, to my sister Amber who loves it) at home growing up. I was a bit skeptical of the whole 3-D experience, but I must say it was awesome.

The characters literally burst out of the screen...the flecks of snow seemed to be really falling...it was beautiful. Unlike the traditional 3-D classes of old, the ones we were given where not blue and red panes stuck in cardboard. These were clear plastic with heavy-duty black frames. They were kinda nice. Anyway, the picture projected on screen was fuzzy without the glasses on. Basically, what I was afraid of didn't happen--I didn't have to watch a red-blue-ish version of THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS. The thing was in beautiful, natural color--the only difference was shit popped out of the screen (and the backgrounds seemed to have extra depth). Eventually, the effect did grow a bit tired. I guess everything was magic at one point, until it becomes everyday...this technology (which is better than it's ever been) will one day become old hat as well.

The film is in limited release for three weeks, I guess because of Halloween. For some reason, I've never thought of THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS as a "Halloween" movie. I think of actually as a creepy Christmas movie...but whatever. I think Leah got a little bored (damn Jews...I sat through Adam Sandlers 8 CRAZY NIGHTS, at least Burton's flick has some interesting art direction). I didn't think it was going to be a problem, I even asked her before we went...but I could tell she didn't really want to be there.

I'm not really sure how this whole thing is going to work out. I ordered a copy of A CHRISTMAS CAROL (love me some Dickens) from PaperbackSwap and she kinda gave me some shit about it...I'm not a religious person, it's just something I grew up with.

Anyway, if you get a chance (and you have an extra $10...which, I doubt anyone reading this blog has) you should go and check it out. THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS in Disney 3-D is a fantastic piece of pop art.