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What’s this? What’s this? Halloween is everywhere! The Nightmare Before Christmas is returning just in time for Halloween in a unique and fascinating way!
Henry Selick’s 1993 stop-motion animated classic The Nightmare Before Christmas has become a quintessential part of Halloween in homes. Although many will gather around their television to catch Jack Skellington, Oogie Boogie, and Sally this fall, the dark adventure isn’t just limited to a whimsical film that carries the name of Tim Burton.
Credit: Disney
You can find The Nightmare Before Christmas or its wide range of spooky yet lovable characters everywhere. If you’re visiting Walt Disney World or Disneyland during the spooky season, you can catch Jack Skellington, Sally, and the Oogie Boogie Man hanging around the parks, delighting guests. You can also find the Pumpkin King splattered all over merchandise in any department store.
The Great Debate. Is “The Nightmare Before Christmas” a Halloween movie?
Throughout the centuries, scholars have dedicated their lives to decades of research in hopes of finding answers to some of life’s most demanding and mysterious questions. One of these highly debated topics is whether Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is a Christmas movie or a Halloween movie. The case can be made for either. Although the film is highly centered around Jack Skellington, a resident of Halloween Town, finding his way to the magical land of Christmas Town, much of the themes revolve around the festive holiday that is celebrated in December.
Credit: Disney
Yearning for something more, Jack Skellington decides to bring the traditions of Christmas to Halloween Town. Although the tall and lanky man of bones means well, things don’t go according to plan as Jack has Lock, Shock, and Barrel (voiced by Paul Reubens, Catherine O’Hara, and Danny Elfman), the small menacing henchmen of Oogie Boogie (Ken Page), kidnap Santa Claus.
The interesting themes of Halloween Town and Christmas Town allow The Nightmare Before Christmas to intertwine the two holidays, crashing them together and creating a film that works for both winter and fall viewing. Although part of Freeform’s 31 Days of Halloween schedule, Tim Burton and Henry Selick’s animated masterpiece fits right in with either holiday, depending on your individual taste. Simply put, it’s both a Halloween and Christmas movie. There, you can’t stop arguing now.
Danny Elfman’s Magnum Opus
Although The Nightmare Before Christmas features a unique story told through an even more unique medium, the music is the most recognizable aspect of the film, outside of Jack Skellington. Danny Elfman, who has done the score for many of Tim Burton’s films, including Batman (1989) and Disney’s live-action take on Dumbo (2019), is not only the singing voice of Jack Skellington (Chris Sarandon handled the speaking voice), he’s also the man behind the music.
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The score to The Nightmare Before Christmas is an eerie masterpiece bowtied with gothic undertones. Much like his work on other films, Elfman’s stent on the 1993 film helped set the stage for what would become a classic Halloween favorite. Including song titles such as “This Is Halloween” and “What’s This?” Elfman’s presence can be felt from Halloween Town to Christmas Land, providing an additional layer of shadowy beauty for the more than memorable movie.
Credit: Disney
Many of the film’s musical numbers are now part of everyone’s spooky Halloween party playlist, being remastered and made by some of metal’s most influential musicians in 2008’s “Nightmare Revisited” album. The film’s music is arguably just as important as Jack Skellington to the story, adding clever lyrics and strange feels that further the ascent into the madness that is Halloween Town.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” Celebrates 30 years
It’s hard to believe it’s been thirty years since the world was introduced to Jack Skellington and Sandy Claws. However, as The Nightmare Before Christmas has withstood three decades, it has earned its right to be celebrated as a now timeless Disney classic. Wasting no time to celebrate, Disney is planning a special event to be held at Disneyland this October that will commemorate three decades of spooky gags, ultimately culminating in a 4D showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas at the El Capitan theatre.
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In addition, the film will make its way back to movie theatres around the United States and Canada, accompanied by Pumpkin King inspired snacks and exclusive merchandise. Planning a visit to see Jack on the big screen is the perfect way to celebrate your 2023 Halloween season!
Elfman’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” Returns
In addition to catching the perfect animated flick from the mind of Tim Burton, if you find yourself in Los Angeles this Halloween, there’s a special treat waiting for you. The beloved film will not only celebrate Jack turning 30 but also highlight the fantastic soundtrack provided by the talented Danny Elfman.
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Elfman, reportedly with a few friends, will return to the Hollywood Bowl from October 27 through October 29, bringing the unlively music from The Nightmare Before Christmas back to center stage. The famed composer will renew the voice of Jack Skellington, bringing him back to the land of the living for guests, accompanied by a full orchestra and choir conducted by John Mauceri. Tickets are on sale now via StubHub and are 100% guaranteed through the FanProtect service.
Credit: Disney
Although it remains to be seen who will be joining Elfman on stage, the past has proven to be quite the event. With superstars like Billie Eilish joining the crew to take on the voice roles for several characters. Catherine O’Hara, Ken Page, the late Paul Reubens, and even “Weird Al” Yankovic have performed alongside Elfman in the past at the event, proving there’s no telling who’s going to show up this year.
The venue will host several other activities for guests who arrive early enough. Trick-or-treat stations, merchandise tables, photo ops, and a costume contest await guests at this year’s The Nightmare Before Christmas concert at the Hollywood Bowl. It’s a perfect way to get in the Halloween spirit while helping Disney celebrate thirty years of Jack Skellington and Halloween Town. Get your tickets!
