Episode 179 - THE RANKIN/BASS RANK-A-THON

We're making ranked lists...checking them twice...introducing our new thematic device: the Rank-A-Thon has come to our pod! We're doing a thorough breakdown of four vintage Rankin/Bass animated specials, and evaluating them in a wide array of aesthetic, narrative, and festive categories. And we couldn't do it without the help of our old Christmas confidant, Nate Tapp!

We conclude a banner year with this massive holiday extravaganza, and the crowning of a champion among classics. But don't you worry...we'll be back again someday.

Holiday specials included in this episode:

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
Frosty the Snowman (1969)
Santa Claus is Comin' to Town (1970)
The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

Episode 178 - THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS

What's this? A macabre and moving musical classic? A gracefully ghoulish gem of gobsmacking animation? The mother of all modern mashups? The Nightmare Before Christmas has been all this and more for nearly three decades, as it transcends labels to illustrate the importance of being true to yourself.

Kev Young brings us dual-holiday delight in this screamingly fun episode that'll speak to anyone who loves to get their creep on at Christmastime. 

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Directed by Henry Selick
Screenplay by Caroline Thompson
Adaptation by Michael McDowell
Based on a story by Tim Burton
Starring Chris Sarandon, Catherine O’Hara, Ken Page, William Hickey, Glenn Shadix, Ed Ivory, and Danny Elfman