Mjeteconer
Just perfect...
AshUnow
This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.
Candida
It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.
jcook56050
First, I'm going to say that if you haven't read Ray Bradbury's masterpiece, "The Halloween Tree," go buy it and read it through and through, especially the copy illustrated by Joseph Mugnaini originally published in 1972 by Alfred A. Knopf, Publishing. (The story was originally conceived with co-author, animator, Chuck Jones as a screenplay by Bradbury in 1967). This is some of the best and most poetic of Bradbury's writings. Before the great animation factory of Hanna-Barbera finally closed its doors, they managed to produce this gem of a story using updated and original material and the voice of the author himself as the narrator. The combination of voices and the memorable theme music penned by John Debney, including the great Lenard Nimoy as the magical, chilling, informative, yet somehow comforting Mr. Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud, embellishes the animated version with a breezy, leaf filled Fall season feel of warm humanity. At once educational and entertaining, this is one of the greatest and least appreciated features from television's stellar collection of seasonal classics. Like Disney's "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh," from 1964, I expect that someday Warner Brothers will clean up a copy of this motion picture and distribute it on DVD for the sake of its production quality alone. And, were I a producer with a reasonable budget, I could think of no better challenge than to translate this incredible story to live action, hopefully remaining faithful to the heart and soul of Bradbury's original concept.
petitesandra2001
The first time I saw The Halloween Tree back in 1993 I thought "oh, another cartoon for kids." But as I continued to watch I became interested in what this tree did for the kids in the plot. I was aware of how Halloween was celebrated in other cultures and it actual significance but it puts the meaning in a simple yet interesting way for the characters. Taking them from one period of time to another, in other words the history behind Halloween or All Hollows Eve. I always looked forward to watching the cartoon but after a while I wasn't able to find it on any channel. It's a shame because some children still don't understand how Halloween has evolved through the years. I think the cartoon is entertaining and educational.Sandra Shields Palmdale, Ca
CountVladDracula
This was a lovely animated holiday special. They don't make very many Halloween specials anymore. It's as if American society wants to let it die, which is a real shame because Halloween is my favourite holiday. I absolutely love this movie. It was made in 1993 but it has a feel to it that makes it seem far older. It just has an old fashioned quality to it that I find strangely comforting.It's based on the story by Ray Bradbury, author of The Martian Chronicles and Fahrenhiet 451 and he even narrates it, which I love. Bradbury is one of my favourite authors. Sure this film has a few slightly dark moments but it's actually very educational and at the same time heart warming.
BROOKE
Ray Bradbury's cartoon adaptation of his own celebrated book is exquisite, and makes an excellent Halloween treat for kids & adults alike. The are many changes from the book, most notably in the creation of the strong female character of Jenny,(In Bradbury's original work there were many more children characters and they were all boys, boys who for the most part hated girls.) but when you watch the film all of these enhancements and modern additions not only fit but make it include a much larger audience. None of the changes feel forced. And with Ray Bradbury not only writing but narrating, this is a treasure not to pass up. It's value, as an educational tool for cultural diversity, can't be denied. The imagery is thrilling and beautiful as you travel around the world learning how Halloween came to be and how this very popular holiday was and is celebrated. Leonard Nimoy gives an outstanding performance as the spooky, and eccentric tour guide, Moundshroud. But most importantly this movie is fun. The story and animation are rich and lush and it's easy to see why this scary delight is a seasonal favorite and a must have in many households. Mine included.
