"I knew that nose would be useful someday. I knew it all along." - Former skeptic Donner
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer DVD Review
By Jonathan Boudreaux
Based on the classic Johnny Marks Christmas song of the same name, the television version of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has been a holiday perennial since 1964. Watching it again on DVD, it is easy to see why.
Burl Ives, playing Sam the Snowman, narrates the tale. Tragically born with a glowing red nose, Rudolph and his family try to keep his handicap a secret. (Like Michael Jackson, he wears a prosthetic nose). When the other reindeer discover Rudolph's "nonconformity," they reject him. While Rudolph is essentially the only character in the original song, the tune is only used as a jumping off point, and the basic story is expanded to include other characters and adventures.
One of Santa's elves, Hermey, also feels like an outcast. He prefers being a dentist to making toys, and feels oppressed by his mean foreman. Together, Hermey and Rudolph decide to run away. As they travel, they meet prospector Yukon Cornelius, the Abominable Snowman, and an island full of misfit toys. In the process, they discover their true self worth and head back to Santa's to help save Christmas.
Part of the charm of Rudolph is its jerky stop motion animation. It manages to look terrible and terrific at the same time. It also features several classic songs, including "Silver and Gold," "We're a Couple of Misfits," and the misfit toys' plaintive tale of being rejected by finicky children. But the special has run as long as it has because its theme is universal. What kid - and adult - cannot relate to Rudolph and Hermey's loser status?
There is plenty here for adults to enjoy. They can relish, for example, the greatest "are they or aren't they" relationship since Ernie and Bert's. (Whether it was intended or not, Rudolph remains one of the gayest Christmas specials ever, from Rudolph's shameful secret to Hermey's lisp and immaculately styled coif. As a matter of fact, the fussy little friend of Paul Lynde is the only male elf to even HAVE hair.) Or the fact that Santa seems extraordinarily bitter and bored (as in his "Well.It needs work.I've got to go" response to the elf song).
Be on the lookout for the cruel fate of the misfit toy bird that can only swim, not fly. In the final moments of the show, a helpful elf sends each misfit toy sailing out of Santa's sleigh with tiny umbrellas, presumably so that they can gently drift to earth and into the arms of loving tykes. When it is finally the bird's turn, the elf makes an elaborate show of opening an umbrella, shrugs, and then simply tosses the flightless bird out of the sleigh while retaining the parachute substitute. No doubt the jaded Santa Claus laughed heartily as the helpless bird plunged to the ground.
The menu designs for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer are stylishly beautiful. Viewers can watch the entire special or jump to their favorite scenes and songs.
