Jack's Discovery, Reelive

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

What's this? What's this? There's color everywhere.

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

What's this? There's white stuff in the air.

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

What’s this? I can't believe my eyes!

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

I've got to know, I've got to know!

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

I can't believe my eyes!

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

What is this place? I think I like it!

Sandy Claws, Reelive

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

Sally, I have a plan.

Sally
Sally

Jack, I don't think that's a good idea.

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

But think of the possibilities!

Sally
Sally

You're not like them, Jack.

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

I will be the one to deliver the gifts!

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

I will be Sandy Claws!

Planning Christmas, Reelive

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

Listen, everyone! I have a brilliant idea!

Oogie Boogie
Oogie Boogie

What kind of idea?

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

We're going to take Halloween to the next level!

Citizen
Citizen

But, Jack, what about the fright?

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

Fear not! Christmas can be just as scary!

Lock
Lock

Scary? Like how?

Sally’s Warning, Reelive

Sally
Sally

Jack, please listen to me!

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

Sally, I know what I'm doing!

Sally
Sally

But you don't understand the consequences!

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

It’ll be perfect!

Sally
Sally

No, it won't be! You’ll regret it!

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

You worry too much.

The Christmas Eve Heist, Reelive

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

Let’s get this show on the road!

Lock
Lock

Aye, Captain!

Shock
Shock

What are we delivering, anyway?

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

Gifts of great fright!

Sally
Sally

This isn’t going to end well!

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

Trust me!

The Misunderstood Gift, Reelive

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

Oh no! What have I done?

Elf
Elf

These toys are all wrong!

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

I thought they’d love the fright!

Elf
Elf

This is Christmas!

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

It’s a mess! We need to fix this!

Sally
Sally

I tried to warn you.

The Return to Halloween Town, Reelive

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

I’ve made a terrible mistake.

Sally
Sally

You have to set it right.

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

But how?

Sally
Sally

You need to reclaim Halloween!

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

I will!

Sally
Sally

You have to be yourself.

The Final Confrontation, Reelive

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

You won't get away with this, Oogie!

Oogie Boogie
Oogie Boogie

Oh, but I already have!

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

Release Santa Claus!

Oogie Boogie
Oogie Boogie

Why would I do that?

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

Because it’s what’s right!

Oogie Boogie
Oogie Boogie

Right is what makes me happy!

The Reconciliation, Reelive

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

I couldn’t have done it without you, Sally.

Sally
Sally

You’re learning, Jack.

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

I was lost in my obsession.

Sally
Sally

But you found your way back.

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

And I found you.

Sally
Sally

You have a good heart.

Jack’s Conclusion, Reelive

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

I finally understand.

Sally
Sally

What do you mean?

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

Halloween doesn’t have to clash with Christmas.

Sally
Sally

Exactly!

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

We can celebrate them both!

Sally
Sally

Together.

A New Beginning, Reelive

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

This year will be different.

Sally
Sally

How do you know?

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

Because I have you.

Sally
Sally

I’m always here for you, Jack.

Jack Skellington
Jack Skellington

And I’ll always be with you.

Sally
Sally

Happy holidays!

Jack Skellington

What’s this? What’s this? There’s color everywhere! What’s this? There’s white things in the air!

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

I am the Pumpkin King!

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it!

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Chorus

This is Halloween, this is Halloween! Pumpkins scream in the dead of night!

Chorus

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

You know, it’s a good thing you don’t have a heart, or you might be feeling a little bit sad right now.

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

What’s this? You’re a witch, you know it’s true! You fly through the air, the sky’s so blue!

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Oogie Boogie

Sandy Claws, what a beautiful sight! How about we have a little fun tonight?

Oogie Boogie

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

There’s children throwing snowballs instead of throwing heads!

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

And since I’m dead, I can take off my head!

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

I’m a master of fright, and a demon of light!

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

Sally, I’m going to take over this Christmas thing.

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

It’s time for Christmas in Halloween Town!

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

Never thought I’d see the day! I can’t find it anywhere!

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Sally

My dearest friend, if you don’t mind, I’d like to join you by your side.

Sally

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Dr. Finkelstein

You’re not a mindless puppet, Sally. You have a will of your own.

Dr. Finkelstein

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Oogie Boogie

I want it now! I want it all!

Oogie Boogie

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Narrator

It's a nightmare before Christmas!

Narrator

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

To make a Christmas tree, you have to start with a pumpkin!

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

I’ll take over this whole town!

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

Oh, how I love my job! I’m a lucky guy!

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

I’ve got the pumpkin king’s plan, with a little touch of Christmas cheer.

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive
Jack Skellington

And in their dreams, they’re going to love me!

Jack Skellington

The Nightmare Before Christmas, Reelive

This Is Halloween

This Is Halloween by The Citizens of Halloween Town, Opening song introducing Halloween Town and its inhabitants

What's This?

What's This? by Jack Skellington, Jack discovers Halloween Town's version of Christmas

Jack's Lament

Jack's Lament by Jack Skellington, Jack sings about his discontent with Halloween and longing for something more

Oogie Boogie's Song

Oogie Boogie's Song by Oogie Boogie, Oogie Boogie introduces himself and his plans

Finale

Finale by The Citizens of Halloween Town, Closing song tying together the events of the movie


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Jack's Discovery of Christmas Town

Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, stumbles upon a mysterious portal that leads to Christmas Town. As he enters, the vibrant colors, cheerful decorations, and joyful music contrast sharply with his dark and spooky world. The pivotal moment comes when Jack sees Santa Claus for the first time and realizes he wants to bring Christmas to Halloween Town. This excitement sets off a chain of events that leads to his obsession with Christmas. The aftermath shows Jack's determination and creativity but also foreshadows the confusion and chaos that will follow.

Context: This moment highlights Jack's longing for something more than his usual Halloween festivities. It plants the seeds for the central conflict of the film.

Jack Explains Christmas to the Citizens of Halloween Town

After being inspired by Christmas Town, Jack gathers the residents of Halloween Town to explain his plan to embrace Christmas. He expresses his vision with enthusiasm, highlighting the festive aspects of Christmas in his own spooky way. The pivotal moment occurs when he passionately states that 'Christmas is a time for giving' and 'let’s give it our own twist!' The townspeople cheer, showing their excitement but also their misunderstanding of Christmas. This moment is critical as it reveals both Jack's leadership qualities and his naivety.

Context: Jack’s excitement infectious energy contrasts with the townsfolk's dark nature, setting the tone for the trouble that follows.

Sandy Claws is Kidnapped

Jack's plan leads to the capture of Santa Claus, who he refers to as 'Sandy Claws.' Lock, Shock, and Barrel, his mischievous helpers, are tasked with bringing Santa to Jack. The moment is pivotal when they successfully capture him and deliver him to Jack. The mood shifts drastically as Santa realizes the danger of being in Halloween Town. This scene sets the stage for the conflict ahead and shows the repercussions of Jack's desire to take over Christmas.

Context: This is a critical turning point, underscoring the shift from fun to danger in Jack's pursuit of Christmas.

Jack's Christmas Eve Delivery

As Jack prepares to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve, he is filled with confidence. He dons a Santa suit, unaware of the mischief and chaos that will follow. The pivotal moment occurs during the delivery when kids open their gifts only to find creepy Halloween-themed toys. Jack's realization that he has messed up hits hard when he hears the screams and cries of children. This moment highlights Jack's disconnect from what Christmas truly means.

Context: This scene illustrates the consequences of Jack's hubris and connects to the theme of identity and belonging.

Sally's Prophetic Dreams

Sally, a rag doll who has feelings for Jack, has a dream predicting the chaos Jack’s Christmas plan will cause. The scene is hauntingly beautiful as she sees visions of Jack in danger. The pivotal moment comes when she wakes up desperate to warn Jack, showing her concern. This scene underscores Sally’s love for Jack and her understanding of the different holiday worlds. The aftermath shows her struggle as she tries to save Jack from his mistakes.

Context: Sally’s foresight adds depth to her character, showcasing her intuition and love.

Jack Realizes His Mistake

After a disastrous Christmas, Jack stands on a snowy hill overlooking the chaos he's caused. The scene is somber, with Jack feeling the weight of his actions. The pivotal moment comes when Jack sees the true spirit of Christmas through the sadness he's inflicted on children. His expression conveys regret and the understanding that he cannot simply take on another holiday's identity. The emotional fallout from this moment is profound, leading to Jack’s self-reflection.

Context: This scene highlights Jack's growth as a character, crucial for the resolution of the story.

The Rescue of Santa Claus

After realizing the consequences of his actions, Jack teams up with Sally to rescue Santa Claus from Oogie Boogie’s lair. The scene is filled with suspense, showcasing teamwork and bravery. The pivotal moment is when Jack confronts Oogie Boogie, demonstrating his growth and determination to set things right. This act of bravery is key to restoring balance between Halloween and Christmas.

Context: Jack’s courageous decision showcases a significant character arc and re-establishes his role as the hero.

Sally's Courage

In a tense moment, Sally displays great courage by confronting Oogie Boogie on her own to protect Jack and Santa. The scene climaxes as she shows her determination to fight for what is right, using her resourcefulness to escape. The emotional weight of this action resonates with viewers, as it reflects her love for Jack and her bravery. The aftermath highlights Sally as an essential character in their shared journey.

Context: Sally's growth from a passive character to an active protagonist showcases empowerment and love.

Jack's Apology to Santa

After rescuing Santa, Jack has a heartfelt moment of apology, expressing his regret for trying to take over Christmas. Santa forgives Jack, stating that he understands how one might get lost in the excitement of something new. The pivotal moment comes with the genuine exchange of understanding, showcasing forgiveness and redemption. This scene brings a sense of closure and connection between the two characters.

Context: This interaction reinforces the theme of understanding and collaboration between the holidays.

Reclaiming Halloween Town

Following the chaos, Jack returns to Halloween Town to share the lessons learned from Christmas. He addresses the citizens with excitement, embracing the uniqueness of Halloween and its importance. The pivotal moment and audience joy occur when Jack declares that he is proud to be the Pumpkin King. This marks a theme of self-acceptance and appreciation for one's identity.

Context: This moment culminates in Jack's self-discovery and solidifies the balance between the holidays.

The Final Scene with Sally

The film ends with Jack and Sally sharing an intimate moment under a starry sky while expressing their feelings for each other. The pivotal moment comes when Jack realizes that he loves Sally, and she returns his feelings. Their dialogue reflects themes of belonging and acceptance, bringing the film to a heartwarming close. This closure resonates on a romantic and emotional level.

Context: This final scene ties together the journey of both characters, encapsulating their growth and the importance of love.

The Opening Number - 'This is Halloween'

The film kicks off with an impressive musical number introducing Halloween Town. The citizens celebrate Halloween, establishing the tone of the film with quirky visuals and vivid characters. The pivotal moment is the transition to showcasing Jack as the leader of Halloween Town. This right away captivates the audience with the darkly whimsical atmosphere.

Context: This opening sets the stage for Jack's character and the importance of Halloween, establishing thematic elements.

Sally’s Poison Apple Moment

Sally prepares a poison apple to distract Dr. Finkelstein, her creator. When he finds out, she manages to trick him and escape. The pivotal moment is her cleverness in using her gifts to outsmart him, showcasing her agile mind and desire for freedom. This scene emphasizes her strength despite her limitations, igniting feelings of empowerment.

Context: The moment portrays Sally as more than just a side character; it establishes her as a cunning and independent character.

Jack’s Halloween Performance

Before discovering Christmas Town, Jack leads Halloween Town in their annual spooky celebration. The lively performance illustrates Halloween’s charm through creative and creepy displays. The pivotal moment occurs when Jack shows his genuine passion for Halloween, captivating and entertaining his audience. This moment brilliantly sets up his eventual dissatisfaction and desire for change.

Context: This scene is essential for building the world of Halloween Town, illustrating the quirky features that define it.

Jack Sees the Christmas Colors

As Jack steps into Christmas Town for the first time, he is overwhelmed by the bright colors and joy, a stark contrast to his world. The pivotal moment is his awe-struck expression as he falls in love with the idea of Christmas. This serves as a turning point for Jack as he becomes fixated on adopting the holiday spirit for Halloween Town.

Context: The imagery of Christmas Town is a visual treat that showcases the stark differences between both holidays, feeding into Jack's internal conflict.

The Montage of Christmas Preparations

Jack enlists the help of Halloween Town's creatures to prepare for Christmas, resulting in twisted interpretations of classic holiday traditions. The pivotal moment is the collaboration where the eerie characters put their unique spin on Christmas preparations. This montage is both humorous and dark, leading to the growing chaos of the season.

Context: This moment celebrates creativity while foreshadowing the impending disaster.

Jack’s Melancholy Reflection

After the excitement fades, Jack reflects on his life, feeling empty despite the thrills of Christmas. This quiet moment showcases his inner turmoil and longing for purpose. The pivotal moment happens when he sings about feeling like he no longer belongs, expressing deep existential questions and sadness. The emotional weight of his reflection resonates with viewers, adding depth to his character.

Context: This scene captures Jack’s vulnerability, which is essential for highlighting his growth and transformation.

The Town's Chaos After Christmas

After Jack’s disastrous Christmas attempt, Halloween Town is thrown into chaos, with citizens expressing their frustration and confusion. The pivotal moment occurs when Jack realizes the true consequences of his actions, leading to a profound moment of clarity. This realization not only shifts Jack's perspective but also serves as a wake-up call for the entire town.

Context: This chaos perfectly showcases the theme of unintended consequences and the importance of recognizing one's identity.

The Battle with Oogie Boogie

Jack confronts Oogie Boogie in a dramatic face-off in his lair, filled with traps and surprises. The pivotal moment comes when Jack uses his cleverness and Halloween-themed tricks to outsmart Oogie Boogie, showcasing his growth and self-acceptance. The visual spectacle combined with Jack’s determination heightens the tension and excitement.

Context: This moment illustrates Jack’s complete transformation from misguided hero to a true champion of Halloween.

The Halloween Town Parade

The citizens of Halloween Town join together to celebrate their uniqueness in a quirky parade. The music brings joy and energy, while Jack leads the way proudly. The pivotal moment comes when even the once-skeptical townsfolk embrace their identity. This scene emphasizes unity and harmony in diversity.

Context: This moment solidifies the importance of community and acceptance within Halloween Town.

Sally's Dream of Freedom

Sally daydreams about escaping from her creator’s grasp, expressing her desire for a life of her own. The pivotal moment arrives when her dream reveals a beautiful garden, symbolizing hope and personal growth. This moment resonates emotionally, illustrating her struggle and longing for freedom.

Context: This moment captures Sally's journey and desire for love and independence, setting up her later actions.

The Gift Exchange at the End

Jack and Sally exchange heartfelt gifts that symbolize their love for one another. The pivotal moment comes when they understand they are perfect for each other despite their differences. Their warmth towards one another brings the film to a charming resolution.

Context: This closing moment symbolizes the beauty of love and acceptance between two extraordinary souls.


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Tim Burton's Initial Vision

Tim Burton conceived the idea for 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' while working as an animator at Disney, but it was deemed too dark for the studio.

Why it matters: This reflects the creative tension between Burton's unique artistic vision and Disney's family-friendly brand. It highlights how 'The Nightmare Before Christmas' emerged as a cult classic, largely due to Burton straying from traditional Disney fare.

Henry Selick's Directorial Role

Although Tim Burton produced the film, it was actually Henry Selick who directed it, which is often overlooked by fans.

Why it matters: Selick's direction contributes significantly to the film's distinct stop-motion style and thematic depth, showcasing how collaboration can shape a film's identity.

Stop-Motion Animation Techniques

The film involved more than 24 frames of stop-motion footage for each second of film, resulting in about 109,440 individual frames.

Why it matters: This painstaking effort demonstrates the dedication and artistry behind the film's visual aesthetic, enhancing its charm and creating a lasting impression on viewers.

Danny Elfman's Dual Role

Danny Elfman not only composed the film's iconic score but also provided the singing voice for Jack Skellington.

Why it matters: Elfman's dual role adds a personal touch to the music, making it feel more integrated into the character of Jack, further immersing audiences in his emotional journey.

The Use of Scale Models

Many of the film's sets, like Halloween Town and Christmas Town, were built as miniature models, some reaching as high as 10 feet.

Why it matters: These elaborate sets created a tangible world that adds richness to the visual storytelling, making it a delight to explore for viewers both young and old.

Voice Casting for Sally

Catherine O'Hara voiced Sally, and her character was designed to reflect her performance, particularly her unique vocal quirks.

Why it matters: This synergy between voice acting and character design highlights how performances can inform visual elements, resulting in a more cohesive film experience.

The Original Concept Art

The design of Jack Skellington was inspired by a character from a Christmas poem written by Tim Burton as a child.

Why it matters: This origin story signifies the personal connection Burton has with his characters, infusing the narrative with a deeper emotional resonance.

Oogie Boogie's Unique Texture

Oogie Boogie's character was designed with a burlap sack texture, achieved by layering various fabrics and materials to create a lifelike feel.

Why it matters: The use of mixed materials enhances the character's menacing yet humorous persona, contributing to the film's overall aesthetic and thematic contrast.

Last-Minute Changes in Script

The script underwent numerous revisions, particularly Jackson's songs, with some scenes changing significantly near the film's completion.

Why it matters: These changes reflect the collaborative nature of the filmmaking process, where songs and scenes evolve to create a cohesive narrative experience that resonates with audiences.

Character Appreciation Beyond Genres

Jack Skellington's character transcends both Halloween and Christmas themes, embodying a journey to find one's purpose.

Why it matters: This dual significance allows the film to appeal to a broad audience, making it a holiday staple for both Halloween and Christmas celebrations.

Uncredited Voice Performances

Many additional characters had uncredited voice performances from well-known actors like Paul Reubens and Ken Page.

Why it matters: The use of diverse talent enriches the film's soundscape, enhancing the overall production quality and creating a memorable auditory experience.

Innovative Lighting Techniques

Stop-motion animation required custom lighting rigs to ensure consistency across frames, with lights being adjusted for every scene.

Why it matters: This attention to detail in lighting adds depth and atmosphere to the film, creating visually striking contrasts that enhance emotional moments.

Cameo of Tim Burton

Tim Burton appears briefly in a scene during the 'Sandy Claws' moment when Jack is preparing to take Santa’s place.

Why it matters: This cameo connects Burton with the narrative and allows fans to engage with his direct participation in the film's legacy.

The Musical Element of the Story

The film's storytelling heavily relies on its musical numbers to convey emotions and advance the plot, an unusual approach for animation at the time.

Why it matters: This integration of music deepens the narrative, allowing audiences to connect with characters' motivations and emotional arcs in a uniquely engaging way.

Collaboration with Disney

Despite its darker themes, it was produced under Disney’s Touchstone Pictures, allowing for a broader release than many non-Disney animated films.

Why it matters: This partnership ultimately helped the film reach a wider audience, paving the way for more unconventional storytelling within the animated genre.

The Influence of German Expressionism

The visual style is heavily influenced by German Expressionism, featuring stark contrasts, exaggerated shapes, and a moody ambiance.

Why it matters: This stylistic choice adds layers of emotional depth to the storytelling, enhancing the gothic aesthetics that have become synonymous with Burton's work.

The Pumpkin King’s Design Evolution

Jack's character design evolved significantly over the development period, going through dozens of sketches before finalizing his look.

Why it matters: This evolution showcases the creative process, illustrating how character design is critical in conveying personality and emotional depth to the audience.

Mock-Up Set Used for Pitch

A mock-up of Halloween Town was created to pitch the film to potential studios, giving a preview of the film’s unique aesthetic.

Why it matters: This early visual representation helped secure the film’s production, demonstrating the importance of visuals in conveying ideas and garnering support.

Merchandising Phenomenon

The film has become a merchandising success, with characters appearing on clothing, toys, and other memorabilia, long after its initial release.

Why it matters: This enduring appeal signifies how profoundly the film has resonated with audiences, evolving into a cultural icon that extends beyond cinema.

The First Feature Film for Selick

This film marked Selick's first feature film as a director, giving him the opportunity to showcase his skills on a larger scale.

Why it matters: As Selick’s debut, it established him as an important figure in the realm of stop-motion animation, influencing future projects and the genre's evolution.

Extended Release Versions

Since its original release, various extended versions have emerged, incorporating cut scenes and songs that refine the narrative.

Why it matters: These versions provide fans with deeper insight into the characters and story, reaffirming the film’s enduring legacy and the community around it.

The Song 'This is Halloween'

The iconic song 'This is Halloween' was sung by a choir of different characters, giving it a lively and communal feel.

Why it matters: This choice contributes to the song's catchy nature, enhancing audience enjoyment during the film and solidifying its place in holiday music.


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