When a televised special like this one continues to capture the hearts of children (and their nostalgic parents) year after year since 1964, it must portray an aura of "timelessness" in order to have such a long shelf-life. Well, "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" does exactly that by using the "misfits" theme to appeal to such a wide audience.For a basic plot summary, "Rudolph" sees the young reindeer with the glowing red nosed mocked for his differences and unable to "join in any reindeer games". Without any chance of joining Santa's sleigh team, Rudolph (along with fellow misfit Elf Herbie, who wants to be a dentist instead of making toys) embarks out into the wilderness himself, encountering an Abominable Snow Monster and a hearty prospector who helps him survive. Along the way, Rudolph and Herbie find themselves on the "Island of Misfit Toys", an experience that encourages both of them to return home.Because every child (whether perceived or otherwise) goes through that "ugly duckling" stage in life, the themes in this little special are indeed timeless. The children who watched it originally back in 1964 and the following years grew up, but never quite outgrew its classic holiday themes, passing it on to their own children until it now has become a holiday tradition.What also helps "Rudolph" stand apart from the rest of the holiday specials is its Claymation format. There is probably a reason why Claymation is no longer used today in Hollywood on this sort of scale, but that rarity only enhances this show's appeal.Overall, there are three holiday media events that I try not to miss each December: "It's A Wonderful Life", "Frosty the Snowman", and this "Rudolph". I can watch them with a sibling/child and introduce a new generation to the old traditions, or I can watch them by myself and rekindle those "Christmases long, long ago".

It's an easy story to understand , even the song is easy to understand. It's simply about being an outcast, something different about you and others will pick on you about it - but don't let that stop you because one day your nose, err, star will shine and you'll show them what you are capable of doing - including outshining those that made fun of you. Rudolph represent who or what many of us have experienced in our own personal lives and that is one of the attractions to this film: being a misfit in our society but overcoming it.As far as the stop motion claymation - I'm still a fan of it. It was super for it's time era and it still is. There are a lot of long hours of work in creating a timeless masterpiece like this one. It's so much better than the CGI of today, which is good if used properly but really can't beat the old way of animations.10/10

This was a staple in our home growing up the same as it was in many others. It tries very hard to have a deep moral message and catchy tunes and creating a fairy tale around a classic Christmas Carol. I hate to say anything bad about it but watching it now (and I still try to every year) I can't help but wonder why it has stood the test of time. The animation for its time was probably very good and is still decent but the story itself is very dark. The characters are a little rugged and edgy. The songs are clumsy and simple (yet still somehow ridiculously catchy) and Santa is almost downright mean. That to me might be the worst thing about it. He is grumpy, and almost disrespectful to his elves, reindeer and wife. Santa should be anything but. I suppose in my middle age I am over-analyzing a children's story but I'm doing it for the sake of review. I still watch it every year and it gives me a great deal of nostalgia to do so, so I must remember it fondly from my childhood. Still I will say that the animation style is very unique, still looks okay nowadays (different enough to not truly show its age) and their is no shortage of action and adventure even if it feels just a little rushed.Burl Ives narrating the story as the snow man is a stroke of brilliance. There is a calming, "Grandpa telling a story" sound to Mr. Ives voice and of course his singing voice is beautiful. He is perfect for the role of the jolly snowman telling the story. Everyone's voice fits their characters relatively well. Their voices are all something of classic characters now and its hard to imagine them sounding any differently. Billie Mae Richards is excellent as Rudolph. She has the right tone and inflections and emotions to her voice. Larry Mann is very good as the gruff and heroic voice of Yukon Cornelius. Paul Soles is the voice (now considering something of a controversial role) as Hermes, the elf that wants to be a dentist. The controversy is that apparently (even aside from his rather strange lispy voice) there are indications of him being homosexual. That is ludicrous because first of all...who cares...and second of all, someone is truly over analyzing this. His voice is strange but there are a lot of strange elements about this little animated classic. Stan Francis is okay as Santa but as previously mentioned, Santa is not so well created in this movie. The supporting cast of voices all do a good job.I suppose the film is best described as if you love, you'll love it and if you don't you'll see a lot of the more strange and negative aspects of it. I always felt like it was weird (even as a kid) but there is something appealing about it too. There is absolutely no doubt that they created something unique and something that has stood the test of time and is a must watch in many homes every holiday season. I'm not sure when I will let my daughter watch it (she's not even born yet...due in April) but there is absolutely no doubt the film has definitive pros and a few cons but who am I to say anything bad about it. See it for yourself and add it to your holiday repertoire. 6/10

What can I say? It wouldn't be Christmas without this sweet family classic. So many wonderful characters and scenes. Rudolph himself, of course. Hermey the dentist, Yukon Cornelius, the Abominable Snowman, Fireball, King Moonracer and the Island of Misfit Toys. Not to mention Sam the Snowman, voiced by the great Burl Ives, who gives us several lovely songs as well. All immensely likable, memorable characters. Beautiful stop-motion animation. This is a rich, heartwarming Christmas story with a great message. I love the Rankin/Bass Christmas specials. I would have to say Rudolph is their masterpiece. Recommended for everybody.