Unless you are very, very old or have been living under a rock, it's an almost certainty that you have seen this delightful Christmas special. It's such a ubiquitous show that I never thought to review it up until now--and a Christmas tradition in most households I'd venture to say.

This is one of the first Rankin-Bass productions and is probably the very best. Sadly, following this film's deserved success, the stop-motion franchise was cheapened by many less worth successors from this company, such as JACK FROST, THE EASTER BUNNY IS COMING TO TOWN and RUDOLPH'S SHINY NEW YEAR.

What makes this the best of the lot? Well, one of the biggest reasons is the marvelous narration and songs by Burl Ives. While successive specials from R-B featured talented people such as Mickey Rooney, no one could quite match the magic of Burl Ives' voice talents. "Holly, Jolly Christmas", "Silver Bells" and "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer" are indeed classics and his versions are among the most definitive of each song. I particularly love "Holly, Jolly Christmas" and can't resist breaking into song whenever I hear it. In addition to Ives, the film also has a very well-written plot and exceptional stop-motion film work. Despite this being one of the studio's first stop-motion film, it was among it's best in fluidity and quality of the modeling. Finally, it's the best because the film has achieved such wide-spread acceptance and love by the fans--and this must account for something.

See this film as Christmas without it is like Thanksgiving without a turkey!!

I have been vocal many times before about how much I love Christmas. Not only for the food and gifts but also spending time with the family, which I shamefully admit is something I need to do more. Also it is the time when I can dish out my favourite Christmas specials and movies. I love many specials, but for me Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer is far and away my favourite. It is the perfect example of a timeless Christmas classic, that I watched many times during my childhood(and still watch) and never get sick of.

For one thing the animation/claymation for back then is very very well done, without being too fancy. The character movements are convincing and sharp enough and the backgrounds are colourful and Christmassy. The images of the Island of Misfit Toys for example are guaranteed to stay with you forever. The film teaches great messages without preachy, and the story is sweet, simple and engaging. Another definite positive was the songs by the late Johnny Marks. All of them are memorable and beautiful. While Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer deserves its status as one of the most famous Christmas songs and There's Always Tomorrow is very cute and touching, other songs that stood out were Silver and Gold and We're a Couple of Misfits.

The characters are just as sweet and engaging as the story. Rudolph is a simply adorable character, and I have always found him ever so cute and feel real sympathy towards him. Yukon Cornelious brings some well timed comic relief, and Santa is a wonderful and jovial character. And Clarice is so lovely. The voice acting is exceptional; Billie Mae Richards voices Rudolph with real conviction, and Stan Francis is great as Santa. I must say that Larry D. Mann is hilarious as Yukon Cornelius, and Janet Ornstein is really sweet and likable. However, the real kudos has to go to Burl Ives as Sam the Snowman who serves as the role of the narrator. Burl Ives was a brilliant actor who will be sorely missed; he is the main reason why I love Cat on a Hot Tin Roof so much. Here, he was perfect, he portrayed Sam as a benevolent and humorous character and boy did he do brilliantly. And his singing? I didn't know he could sing until now, and I want to say he proved himself a talented singer as well as a brilliant actor.

All in all, for so many reasons this Christmas special is timeless. Quite frankly one of the best things I have seen to do with Christmas. I highly recommend this, in fact I love it so much after I write this review I am going to watch it again. 10/10 Bethany Cox

Sam the Snowman narrates the story of Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer. His parents, the Donners, try to hide his glowing nose but during the Reindeer Games, his fake nose falls off. He is ridiculed and kicked out of the games. Meanwhile, an elf named Hermey would rather be a dentist than making toys. He runs away and meets Rudolph. They join up with prospector Yukon Cornelius who is looking for gold and silver. They escape the Abominable Snow Monster and discover the Island of Misfit Toys.

This is a classic with two of the best Christmas songs ever; "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "A Holly Jolly Christmas". The stop-motion animation has an old fashion charm. It also brings to the world the Island of Misfit Toys. The only minor complaint is that Santa needs to be more jolly. He's a little judgmental on Rudolph's nose early on. It's a small point in what is an imaginative icon.