Podcasts about rankin bass

In the final episode of Casual Chats for 2025, Patricia and special guest Jesse McAnally from Musicals with Cheese discuss about 10 musicals based on the 1843 novella A Christmas Carol written by Charles Dickens. They go over the pros, cons, and best songs that encompasses each key moment from this classic Christmas story. The musicals we covered for this podcast are as follow: The 1954 adaptation of A Christmas Carol from the anthology series Shower of Stars.The Stingiest Man in Town from the anthology series The Alcoa Hour that aired in 1956. The 1962 animated television special Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol.The 1970 musical film Scrooge.The 1978 animated adaptation of The Stingiest Man in Town produced by Rankin/Bass.The 1992 film The Muppet Christmas Carol.The 1994 Off-Broadway show A Christmas Carol: The MusicalThe 2010 stage show A Christmas Carol: A New MusicalThe 2022 animated adaptation of Scrooge: A New Musical that was released on Netflix.The 2022 Apple TV+ film Spirited.

A glowing red nose didn't start as folklore—it started as copy. We follow Rudolph's unlikely path from a 1939 Montgomery Ward booklet written by Robert L. May, forged in grief and grit, to Johnny Marks' earworm melody and Gene Autry's reluctant hit that stormed both pop and country charts. Then we pull the curtain on the Rankin/Bass special: GE's sponsorship, Arthur Rankin's partnership with stop‑motion pioneer Tadahito Mochinaga, and the Animagic craft that studied real deer in Nara to give Rudolph those lifelike blinks and gentle turns. Commerce met creativity, and somehow a marketing project became a tradition that refuses to fade.We also sit with the hard questions. The bullying, the “man's work” line, Santa's chilly management style, and the idea that acceptance arrives only when difference becomes useful—these critiques have followed the special into the modern era. Defenders argue the story still delivers courage, resilience, and belonging. Between those poles is the real story of American holiday culture: capitalism can launch a narrative, but families, memories, and repetition give it meaning. That's how a department store promo turned into the longest‑running Christmas special on TV, and how a bright flaw became a guiding light.If you love media history, Christmas traditions, marketing strategy, stop‑motion animation, or pop culture debates, this one's for you. Hear how rights, royalties, and risk shaped a classic; how Canadian radio talent and Burl Ives sealed the deal; and why the special still pulls ratings decades later. Listen, share with a friend who hums along every year, and leave a review to help more curious listeners find the show.

Even if the yule log has stopped burning and the eggnog is all drank up, the holiday cheer doesn't have to end on the 25th, right?? ... work with us here, this is what happens when a regular podcast schedule meets the realities of awkward holiday timing. Bakertoons returns to the podcast to help us check out the final member of the Festive Four, Frosty the Snowman, and the special that took a dysfunctional family to the big time in Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire. You'd think there's not a lot of daylight between the two, but since both star rotund, not so bright protagonists, it actually kind of works out.

Isabel Tehran returns for another Christmas Special, talkign about...a Christmas Special. This year we are focused on Rankin-Bass' "The Year Without A Santa Claus." Along with a BUNCH of other stuff, Christmas Special related and otherwise.  Go to www.dwighthurst.com/santa for a free gift, the TTRPG A Bunch Of Santas.  Happy Holidays to all! 

Send us a textWhat makes a Christmas song timeless? We set ourselves a deceptively hard challenge: pick the single most iconic holiday track from each decade, starting with the 1960s and ending in the 2010s, then fuse them into one perfect album side. Right away a pattern emerged—so many beloved songs weren't immediate smashes. They took years to climb, re-entered charts as rules changed, and found new life through radio, TV specials, movies, and, later, streaming.We start with Darlene Love's Christmas (Baby Please Come Home), released on the day of JFK's assassination and later crowned by time, then square it against Burl Ives' Holly Jolly Christmas, seared into memory by Rankin/Bass. In the 70s, Lennon and Ono's Happy Xmas reframed the “Christmas song” as purposeful protest while McCartney's Simply Having A Wonderful Christmas Time perfected the carefree synth sleigh-ride. The 80s deliver spectacle and sentiment: Band Aid's Do They Know It's Christmas birthed charity supergroups and Live Aid, while Wham's Last Christmas kept quietly climbing until it nearly topped the chart four decades later.The 2000s were a tougher hunt, but they showcase platform power. Faith Hill's Where Are You Christmas rides the Grinch soundtrack into perennial status as Britney's My Only Wish (This Year) evolves from TRL-era fluff to streaming favorite. Then the 2010s give us precision nostalgia: Kelly Clarkson's Underneath The Tree, crafted with Greg Kurstin to echo Phil Spector's wall of sound, stands shoulder to shoulder with Mariah Carey's All I Want For Christmas Is You, the modern juggernaut that finally reached No. 1 decades after release and returns every year like clockwork.By the end, we've got a front-to-back holiday playlist with a story: how classics are born, forgotten, revived, and ultimately adopted as tradition. Hit play, then tell us your decade winners, the sleepers we missed, and the holiday deep cuts you swear by. If you enjoy the show, follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review—it helps more listeners find their new favorite December soundtrack.One idea. Six songs. Infinite possibilities...

We round out this year's trilogy of Christmas episodes by exploring the made-for-TV Christmas classics that have awed generations. We're talking about the Rankin / Bass stop-motion films. We go all the way back to 1964 for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, the longest-running Christmas special of all time. The company garnered another hit with the Santa origin story. Mickey Rooney and Fred Astaire lend their voices to Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town. Finally, Rooney returns in the hilarious and vibrant film, The Year Without A Santa Claus.Have you seen these animated classics? Which one is your favorite?❗️SEND US A TEXT MESSAGE ❗️Support the showSign up for our Patreon for exclusive Bonus Content.Follow the podcast on Instagram @gimmethreepodcastYou can keep up with Bella on Instagram @portraitofacinephile or Letterboxd You can keep up with Nick: on Instagram @nicholasybarra, on Twitter (X) @nicholaspybarra, or on LetterboxdShout out to contributor and producer Sonja Mereu. A special thanks to Anselm Kennedy for creating Gimme Three's theme music. And another special thanks to Zoe Baumann for creating our exceptional cover art.

Dan and Brian approach the end of 2025 pondering what makes a "movie year" -- how to measure and rank it, what they've watched on the podcast, and what eras of film history they've under- and overrepresented. Then, they fill an important hole in their podcast's lineup with a look at two 1974 Christmas movies at very different ends of the spectrum: a family stop-motion TV special and a terrifying proto-slasher. Join as they discuss the their competing feelings towards the Rankin-Bass holiday shorts, their histories with and feelings towards Santa Claus mythology, the thinking face emoji, chilling phone calls coming from inside the house, and the role of "female empowerment" themes in both selections. Yes, Virginia, there is a 1974 film. Dan's movie reviews: http://thegoodsreviews.com/ Subscribe, join the Discord, and find us on Letterboxd: http://thegoodsfilmpodcast.com/

Front Row Classics is beginning a week long holiday celebration with several Christmas specials. We welcome back Scott Nevins to chat about classic Christmas TV specials. Brandon and Scott diiscuss everything from A Charlie Brown Christmas to the numerous Rankin/Bass specials.  It's a fun and nostalgic walk down memory lane. 

Scott Nevins Christmas Front Row Classics is beginning a week long holiday celebration with several Christmas specials. We welcome back Scott Nevins to chat about classic Christmas TV specials. Brandon and Scott discuss everything from A Charlie Brown Christmas to the numerous Rankin/Bass specials.  It’s a fun and nostalgic walk down memory lane.  Don't forget … Continue reading Ep. 400- Celebrating Classic Christmas Specials with Scott Nevins →

The Rankin & Bass holiday specials defined Christmas for generations — but what if something about them isn't right?

Brad Zerbo and Jaytriot kick back for a festive, free-flowing Christmas edition of The Audio Files, blending holiday nostalgia, personal stories, and a wide-ranging soundtrack that spans decades and genres. From classic Rankin/Bass memories and Italian family traditions to deep dives into iconic Christmas songs, forgotten gems, metal covers, and cultural commentary, this episode is equal parts music history and holiday hangout. Along the way, the hosts share laughs, reflect on how Christmas has changed over the years, and celebrate the spirit of the season with humor, warmth, and a distinctly Badlands edge.

Ep. 103 - RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER / SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN Ms Fab & Rob talk about the Rankin Bass Christmas Stop Motion TV specials RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER & SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN THE CREATION OF RUDOLPH (book & song) JOHNNY MARKS GENE AUTRY NOTABLE RECORDINGS OF RUDOLPH FUN FACTS ABOUT THE SHOW  & MORE ******* SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN THE SPECIAL THE SONGS ROB's FAVORITE SONG FROM THE SPECIAL DINGLE, BINGLE, TINGLE, WINGLE & ZINGLE  & MORE! This was a fun podcast to do and hope you enjoy it! ******* KNOW GOOD MUSIC can be found on Podbean (host site), Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Iheart Radio, Pandora, YouTube  and almost anywhere you listen to podcasts. Links to more sources at Link Tree - www.linktr.ee/knowgoodmusic  Help support our Podcast by purchasing some cool merch: https://www.teepublic.com/user/knowgoodmusic Visit our YouTube Channel where you can see video segments from all of our interviews.  Just search "know good music" Please follow / subscribe & review  Follow our Instagram & Facebook pages for info on upcoming podcasts and sometimes extra content   TURN OFF THE TV - TURN UP THE HOLDIAY MUSIC!

Actor and filmmaker Kate Siegel (The Haunting of Hill House, Hush, Midnight Mass) joins Talking Strange host Aaron Sagers to discuss her darkly twisted short "Down the Chimney," part of Executive Producers David Dastmalchian and The Boulet Brothers' The Boulet Brothers' Holiday of Horrors anthology, now streaming on Shudder and AMC+. Siegel dives into turning one of the most familiar holiday tropes — Santa visiting good little boys and girls — and turns it into a hilariously dark Rankin/Bass-esque tale of Seasonal body horror. And how she did it to get revenge on her sister! In their conversation, they chat about the creepy side of the holidays, childhood vulnerability, and the creepy side of Elf on the Shelf. She also talks about writing and directing horror in a compact format, collaborating with The Boulet Brothers and David Dastmalchian, and what she hopes husband Mike Flanagan got her for Christmas. And don't miss the other interviews for Holiday of Horrors as part of the Talking Strange show, including chats with David Dastmalchian, The Boulet Brothers, and Akela Cooper (M3GAN, Malignant). _______________________________________________________________ The Talking Strange Show with Aaron Sagers is a weekly paranormal pop culture show featuring celebrity and author interviews, as well as experts in all things strange and unexplained. Talking Strange is a creation of Aaron Sagers with production help from Michael Ahr. Host Aaron Sagers is a paranormal TV host and journalist who appears as host of 28 Days Haunted on Netflix, and on Paranormal Caught On Camera on Travel Channel, Discovery+, and MAX streaming service. If you like Talking Strange, please subscribe, leave a nice review, and share with your friends. The Talking Strange Paranormal Show is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you check out spooky content. Connect with the show community on Facebook as well. Email us with episode ideas, guest suggestions, and spooky stories: Contact@TalkingStrange.com Follow Host Aaron Sagers: Twitter/X Blue Sky Instagram Facebook TikTok Patreon (For Q&As, livestreams, cocktail classes, and movie watches) Until Next Time: Be Kind. Stay Spooky. Keep It Weird. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rankin-Bass does it again! And by "it" we mean makes a stop-motion holiday special that no one asked for featuring a celebrity narrator, a weird dictator, and characters with anachronistic 1970s hair styles.

Rankin/Bass Assemble! The conclusion of at least three trilogies at the same time (Rudolph, Frosty, Mickey Rooney's Santa Claus, and possibly Jack Frost), Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July (1979) is in many ways the Endgame of the Rankin/Bass multiverse.In it, we see the Cosmic Forces at play in Rudolph's origin story and how this lynchpin of the multiverse must go to war to reclaim his hero status (and save a cowgirl's circus)! We also see Old Man Frosty willing to give up his humanity to save his friend.

(Spoiler Section Length - 2min 45sec)The last attempt at a non-Rankin/Bass Rudolph movie went over poorly, at least financially, so this time around the rights-holders are doing a direct sequel to Rankin/Bass' efforts. They're also not putting this thing in theatres, which was probably financially a smart move. With CGI animation and character designs harkening back to the original, does this movie prove even a little more worth watching than its direct predecessor? Listen to find out!

It's the holiday season, so it's Rankin Bass time! Rankin Bass made SO MANY holiday specials that were all sort of stealth Christmas specials. They still hold up, especially Jack Frost -- which is fun and also has everyone's favorite asshole Kubla Kraus the Cossack King!

• Used Google Earth and satellite imagery to assess exterior home condition and offer free painting estimates by text • Covered full exterior painting scope including trim, doors, garage doors, ground level, and pool patios • Promoted Paisley Painting's quality, detail, and customer satisfaction • Live broadcast from the Just Call Moe Studio and show open for A Mediocre Time with Tom and Dan • Introduced guest comedian Amy LaCoursiere • Joked about medication changes and mental health among comedians • Promoted the Just Call Moe free Christmas party with RSVP, location, Elf screening, Santa photos, mascot meet-and-greet, and football-friendly timing • Talked about Mo hosting free community events without profit motive and personal ties to the venue • Reflected on venue changes, smoking restrictions, bar nostalgia, food love, soup jokes, and interior artwork • Amy shared stories opening for George Wallace and why performing with him felt career-defining • Praised George Wallace's energy, longevity, crowd work, positivity, meet-and-greets, and cross-generational appeal • Compared Wallace and Seinfeld, fame then vs now, authenticity, persona, and modern comedy visibility • Noted sold-out shows running long, late-night scheduling issues, and venues running out of food • Florida stereotypes, Diet Mountain Dew jokes, health judgment mockery, and soda culture humor • Deep dive into Andy Dick, addiction cycles, fame, recovery stories, Steve-O comparisons, and aging comedians moralizing • Bart Marek Team shout-out, milestone BDM home sale, and Rankin & Bass–style holiday pillow gifts • Long debate on food-delivery tipping, standards changing, $2 tips, driver pay, platform practices, and resentment • DoorDash pepper-spray incident breakdown, motives, tip visibility, cameras, legality, and anger overriding logic • Delivery apps vs driving yourself, cost, cold food, quality decline, sodium concerns, and Orlando sprawl issues • Proposed delivery standard: tip as time/distance bid, roughly $5 minimum plus about $2 per mile ("Justin rule") • Music talk: household musicians, home studio, rehearsal livestreams, monetization, Teenage Bottlerocket, and Justin Bieber examples • Music recommendation: Sunday Mourners – "Careers in Acting" • Sponsor segment: Modern Plumbing Industries, preventative maintenance stories, flood avoidance, and reliability • Merch deadline reminder for shirts and straw hats before Christmas • Plugged comedy events, Florida Comedy Coalition nonprofit, venue challenges, and Scary Mondays open mic culture • Florida Highwaymen history: Black landscape painters, segregation, bank sales, mass output, Florida imagery, and modern value • Listener call with personal Highwaymen art, Treasure Coast hotspots, nostalgia for banks, small-town Florida, and local landmarks • Ozzy tribute drum-off analysis featuring Barker, Chad Smith, and Danny Carey, groove vs flash, and why audiences misjudge solos • Broader art debate: skill vs emotion, insiders vs casuals, skating analogies, restraint over spectacle • Roller skating and roller derby stories, aging bodies, muscle memory, hustling jokes, and physical punishment • Nostalgia for old radio humor, memes, cubicle culture, and generational awkwardness • Sponsor: Fairvilla Megastore for quirky last-minute holiday gifts and extended hours • Voicemail segment, app improvements, faster episode drops, and holiday takeout talk • Holiday food planning: burrito bar, cooking with kids, homemade routines, catering vs Cracker Barrel convenience • Gift-identity rants: snow globes, themed decor traps, Florida beach bathrooms, clutter, and ruthless decluttering • Childhood sleepovers, looser parenting eras, bars and rinks as hangouts, and shifting norms • Grocery talk: Kroger delivery ending, Publix dominance, Walmart reality, alternatives, and family Walmart memories • Target decline complaints, dirty bathrooms, gut-health jokes, and morning shopping habits • Shared guest social handles, name-spelling confusion, heavy production schedule, holiday content push, and closing remarks ### • Social Media: https://tomanddan.com | https://twitter.com/tomanddanlive | https://facebook.com/amediocretime | https://instagram.com/tomanddanlive• Where to Find the Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-mediocre-time/id334142682 | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2FtZWRpb2NyZXRpbWUvcG9kY2FzdC54bWw | https://tunein.com/podcasts/Comedy/A-Mediocre-Time-p364156/• Tom & Dan on Real Radio 104.1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-corporate-time/id975258990 | https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkLnBvZGJlYW4uY29tL2Fjb3Jwb3JhdGV0aW1lL3BvZGNhc3QueG1s | https://tunein.com/podcasts/Comedy/A-Corporate-Time-p1038501/• Exclusive Content: https://tomanddan.com/registration• Merch: https://tomanddan.myshopify.com/

Welcome back to the holiday season at the Video Store Podcast. I'm back today with another edition of Rankin/Bass B-Sides. I love Rankin/Bass so much, and they're part of just about every holiday season for me. Here are four more lesser-known Rankin/Bass B-Sides for you to enjoy this holiday season. And bonus! If you missed it last year, go back and check out my original edition of “Rankin/Bass B-Sides.”Cricket on the Hearth (1967)Starring Danny and Marlo Thomas as father/daughter duo Caleb and Bertha, this is a heartwarming adaptation of a lesser-known Charles Dickens Christmas classic. This special has great tunes, and the titular cricket, Cricket Crocket, is voiced by brilliant character actor Roddy McDowall. This special also features the talents of Ed Ames, Hans Conried, Paul Frees, and singer Abbe Lane. The First Christmas: The Story of the First Christmas Snow (1975)Can a young orphaned shepherd boy find a new home and still keep his sheep? This special is notable for its beautiful animation, songs, and stars the late, great Angela Lansbury as Sister Theresa. Cozy up under a wool blanket and with some wool socks, and join us for this lesser-known Christmas special. The Stingiest Man in Town (1978)Based on the stage musical of the same name, this is an animated adaptation of Charles Dickens' iconic novela, A Christmas Carol. This animated musical features the talents of Walter Matthau as Scrooge, Tom Bosley as B. A. H. Humbug, our insect narrator, voice acting legend Paul Frees as the ghosts of Christmas Past and Present, among others. The music in this special is top-tier, so be sure to check it out, especially if you love a song and dance number in your holiday specials. Jack Frost (1979)This iconic mythologizing of this winter sprite, Jack Frost, is a fish-out-of-water tale as Jack learns to be human. Can he win the heart of the girl he loves and remain human? This is a special with catchy tunes and loads of fun. You'll feel a chill in the air, but warmth in your heart. Thanks again for joining us at the Video Store Podcast. From all of us, to all of you, have a safe and happy holiday season. Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com

Check out this weeks KICK ASS PODCAST with ya boy QPC and special guest Gabe Godwin ... It's more fun than Mowing down an entire parade with you car, I PROMISE !!! LOL !!! Topics discussed: Getting stuck in parades, Rankin/Bass, Oregon, Dr Moss, Diddy doc, ZYN and soooooooo much more ... You're gonna LOVE THIS SHOW !!! CHECK IT !!!

Our first Rudolph film post-Rankin/Bass has virtually nothing to do with the Rudolph special we all know, and instead is a retelling of the story with a lot of added aspects like fairies, an ice witch and a sly arctic fox. It's also got a lot of well-known actors lending their voices to the project, such as Whoopi Goldberg and John Goodman. The creators of the film were so confident in their work that they even decided to put it in theatres! Was the result as good as the original Rudolph, or perhaps even better? Listen to find out!

Jim and Drew unpack one of the biggest industry shakeups in years as Netflix snaps up Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that reshapes everything from Adult Swim to the broader animation marketplace. Then the guys follow the yellow brick road into this week's feature, exploring the strange, stop-and-start history of Hollywood's many attempts to revisit Oz, from Disney's abandoned visions to Filmation's long-delayed Journey Back to Oz. NEWS • Netflix acquires Warner Bros. Discovery for $82.7 billion and what this lightning-fast deal could mean for Paramount, cable networks, and Adult Swim. • How the sale compares to Disney's 2017–2019 acquisition of Fox once you adjust for inflation. • Industry chatter around the merger's approval process amid concerns from competing studios. FEATURE • A colorful tour through Hollywood's many post-MGM attempts to return to Oz. • Disney's near-miss projects, including the almost-produced “Rainbow Road to Oz.” • Rankin/Bass, Chuck Jones, and the surprising number of animated Oz interpretations in the 1960s. • Filmation's turbulent decade-long journey to complete Journey Back to Oz, featuring Liza Minnelli, missing dialogue tapes, and recycled Sammy Cahn music. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic — where you can save up to 12 percent on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets. Planning a 2026 trip? Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and let Unlocked Magic handle the rest. And don't forget to tell them Jim and Drew sent you.UnlockedMagic.com If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim and Drew unpack one of the biggest industry shakeups in years as Netflix snaps up Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal that reshapes everything from Adult Swim to the broader animation marketplace. Then the guys follow the yellow brick road into this week's feature, exploring the strange, stop-and-start history of Hollywood's many attempts to revisit Oz, from Disney's abandoned visions to Filmation's long-delayed Journey Back to Oz. NEWS • Netflix acquires Warner Bros. Discovery for $82.7 billion and what this lightning-fast deal could mean for Paramount, cable networks, and Adult Swim. • How the sale compares to Disney's 2017–2019 acquisition of Fox once you adjust for inflation. • Industry chatter around the merger's approval process amid concerns from competing studios. FEATURE • A colorful tour through Hollywood's many post-MGM attempts to return to Oz. • Disney's near-miss projects, including the almost-produced “Rainbow Road to Oz.” • Rankin/Bass, Chuck Jones, and the surprising number of animated Oz interpretations in the 1960s. • Filmation's turbulent decade-long journey to complete Journey Back to Oz, featuring Liza Minnelli, missing dialogue tapes, and recycled Sammy Cahn music. HOSTS • Jim Hill - IG: @JimHillMedia | X: @JimHillMedia | Website: JimHillMedia.com • Drew Taylor - IG: @drewtailored | X: @DrewTailored | Website: drewtaylor.work FOLLOW • Facebook: JimHillMediaNews • Instagram: JimHillMedia • TikTok: JimHillMedia SUPPORT Support the show and access bonus episodes and additional content at Patreon.com/JimHillMedia. PRODUCTION CREDITS Edited by Dave Grey Produced by Eric Hersey - Strong Minded Agency SPONSOR This episode is brought to you by Unlocked Magic — where you can save up to 12 percent on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets. Planning a 2026 trip? Pick your dates, grab your tickets, and let Unlocked Magic handle the rest. And don't forget to tell them Jim and Drew sent you.UnlockedMagic.com If you would like to sponsor a show on the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network, reach out today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tis the Season for Rankin/Bass specials! Kicking off our holiday episodes, come join us with some hot cocoa as we discuss the merits of Jack Frost (1979).Narrated by Pardon Me Pete (the most famous groundhog in the world), Jack Frost tells the tale of how the elfish ice sprite attempts to win over his true love. Will Jack get the girl? Will he get fired by his creator and boss, Old Man Winter? Will all of this lead to the creation of Groundhog Day? Come find out!

In this week's episode of The Kibbe & Friends Show, the crew kicks off the Christmas season with one of the most beloved holiday films of the modern era: Elf. Rob, Corndog, and Bernie dive deep into what makes this 2003 classic so timeless—from Jon Favreau's intentional “Rankin/Bass meets live-action” style, to the practical effects and forced-perspective tricks that give the movie its handmade, storybook charm. They break down everything from Buddy's fish-out-of-water innocence in New York, to Zooey Deschanel's vintage-inspired performance, to the behind-the-scenes choices that turned a goofy comedy script into a heartfelt family movie that has joined the ranks of A Christmas Story and Christmas Vacation as a true annual staple. But being K&F, the review doesn't stop at plot and characters—the guys treat Elf like a full-blown car movie. They dig into the real New York City Crown Vic taxis Buddy dodges throughout the film, talk P-codes and wheelbases, and then go full “Corndog Spec Ops” on the five different sleighs built for production—including which were stunt shells, which survived, and why the hero sleigh might secretly be Mopar-powered. If you love Christmas movies, deep-cut trivia, and automotive rabbit holes disguised as holiday cheer, this is a must-listen episode. The post K&F Show #348: Christmas Kickoff and Toys for Tots 2025!! // Christmas Car Movie Review: “Elf” (the Will Ferrell one)! first appeared on The Muscle Car Place.

We've been through all of the Rankin/Bass adventures of Rudolph and Frosty, so why not check out their adventures as handled by their later rights-holders? First up is Frosty, who, well, Returns in this eco-focused special from the 90s starring John Goodman and various improv talents. It might be nostalgic for some, but looking at it all these years later, does it hold a candle to the original special? And regardless, is it good in its own right? Listen to find out!

Film Photography Podcast - Episode 355 – December 1, 2025 -  In this special movie-film episode, hosts Michael Raso, Owen McCafferty, and Mat Marrash celebrate all things motion picture film. The team dives into the 16mm legacy of the beloved Rankin/Bass stop-motion Christmas TV specials of the 1960s and '70s - exploring their production history and why these classic holiday reels continue to enchant viewers. Also, a batch of listener letters, filled with great questions and community stories from fellow movie film shooters. A festive, film-filled start to the month! https://filmphotographyproject.com/content/podcast/

What's up, dudes? You never knew Santa had a donkey? Well, Jeff Loftin from Lost Christmas and Alamo City Santa Jeremy Phelps did. In fact, they're here with me to talk all about the Rankin Bass special “Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey!”Nestor was born with abnormally long ears. His owner mistreated him, and the other animals teased him. One night when Roman soldiers came to the stable to buy donkeys, they dismiss Nestor and take all the other donkeys for free. Enraged, Olaf casts Nestor out into the frigid cold. Nestor's mother finds him and shields from the harsh weather with her own body, freezing to death in the process.The next day, Nestor meets a cherub named Tilly, who says that they need to travel to Bethlehem. When they reach the outskirts of the town, Tilly returns to Heaven, instructing Nestor to wait. When Mary and Joseph are expecting Jesus, they take Nestor because of his "gentle eyes", but are caught in a sandstorm. In the midst of the storm, Nestor hears Tilly's voice, but recognizes it as his mother's. She tells him to follow the voices of the angels. Nestor guides Mary and Joseph through the storm, while wrapping Mary in his ears to keep her warm. They arrive in Bethlehem, where Nestor finds the stable where Mary gives birth to Jesus. Nestor heads back home where he is hailed as hero by Olaf and the other animals. Santa? Check. The Holy Family? Yep. Spieltoe? Never thought Santa had a pack mule! So grab your Nativity scene and add a donkey to this episode on “Nestor the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey!”Lost Christmas PodcastFB: @LostChristmasPodcastTwitter: @LostChristmasP1IG: @lostchristmaspodcastAlamo City Santa                                                    IG: @alamocitysanta Etsy: North Pole General StoreFB: @northpolegeneralstore                                                                                              IG: @northpole_generalstoreGive us a buzz! Send a text, dudes!Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com! Later, dudes!

Brim and Mr. Greer are back at it again. Apart from all the usual shenanigans, the gang chats about everything pop culture with all the trimmings including how a German company is creating backpacks for the homeless, $20k robot housekeepers and Robo-Christ. The crew also chats about AI "Artists" who are breaking into the Billboard Top 100 and receiving million dollar contracts, they play with Suno on-air, and is Mr. Taylor actually Kevin James? The cast talks about the Married with Children reunion in January, the My Safe Space idiocy on the White House website, Who didn't have Tom on MySpace as a friend, and the lost, little known Mad Monster Party from Rankin Bass. They talk about an Ex-Satanist who says that trick or treating summons demonic activity, the Little Baron Trump books, time travel, what exists and if we don't see it - is it real? The crew also discusses Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour harassment and bullying claims, as well as Stranger Things chatter. The crew chats about entertainment news, opinions and other cool stuff and things. Enjoy.Wherever you listen to podcasts & www.thegrindhouseradio.comhttps://linktr.ee/thegrindhouseradio

Happy Halloween!  Byrd, Lux, Tom and Kevin get together to discuss Rankin-Bass' stop motion Halloween feature, Mad Monster Party.  Dr. Frankenstein (voiced by Boris Karloff) is about to retire and invites the classic monsters to his castle for a party where he will announce his successor.  Among the guests are the Frankenstein Monster and his bride, Dracula, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the Wolf Man, the Gillman, the Hunchback, the Invisible Man, the Mummy, and "It," a legally distinct stand-in for King Kong.  This cult favorite was directed by Jules Bass and animated by the legendary Tadahito Mochinaga.  We discuss the Rankin Bass holiday specials, enduring an annoying Phyllis Diller performance, the career of animator Tadahito Mochigana, whether the film could be considered anime and/or tokusatsu, and more!  Relax and enjoy the conversation.

Content Warnings: violent/disturbing imagery, loss of limb, consumption of things that are not food Adam GMs another ~Halloween Special~ in Alex Black's A Walk in the Forest of Arms, a short, light game meant to evoke the feelings of Rankin/Bass animated films watched as children and half-remembered as adults. Listen to hear the journey of four Lost in the Dark Wood as they seek the Arms Queen and her wish-granting Goblet of Nails -- which paths will they choose, and where will they lead? As the poet once said... "They Are Strong Hands" by Punchline. "Midnight March for Haunted Things" is by Drew Blood and Robin Graves. Visit us on the web at dicepunks.com and on Tumblr & BlueSky as @dicepunks, or email us as dicepunks@gmail.com! Our Patreon is www.patreon.com/DicePunks — backers can gain access to our patron-only Discord, Dice Peeks after-show, and more!

Content Warnings: violent/disturbing imagery, loss of limb, consumption of things that are not food Adam GMs another ~Halloween Special~ in Alex Black's A Walk in the Forest of Arms, a short, light game meant to evoke the feelings of Rankin/Bass animated films watched as children and half-remembered as adults. Listen to hear the journey of four Lost in the Dark Wood as they seek the Arms Queen and her wish-granting Goblet of Nails -- which paths will they choose, and where will they lead? As the poet once said... "They Are Strong Hands" by Punchline. "Midnight March for Haunted Things" is by Drew Blood and Robin Graves. Visit us on the web at dicepunks.com and on Tumblr & BlueSky as @dicepunks, or email us as dicepunks@gmail.com! Our Patreon is www.patreon.com/DicePunks — backers can gain access to our patron-only Discord, Dice Peeks after-show, and more!

We are back, not only with our first episode of the year, but in our beloved Rankin/Bass cinematic universe. ITM covers the bizarre Halloween film Mad Monster Party?which features plenty of classic monsters, an horror icon Boris Karloff himself. Did Mad Monster Party? succeed where Universal's Dark Universe fails? Maybe not. Does this film have plenty of non-sequiturs that make no sense and cheap, borderline offensive humor? Of course. ITM also addresses the pod's long hiatus and is very excited for the return of Christmas programming in a few weeks.

What's up, dudes? Thunder! Thunder! Thunder! ThunderCats Christmas! Hoooooo!!!! Nicholas Pepin of Pop Culture Roulette and Laramy Wells from Moving Panels join me to talk about the humanoid feline aliens! In the issue #41 story ‘Footprints' from 1987, Cat's Lair is directly in the path of a creature called the Metokangmi! King Hanuman of Hook Mountain warns the ThunderCats, describing the destruction and fear in the creature's wake. Every Rammastide (the Third Earth equivalent of Christmas which commemorates the first defeat of Mumm-Ra) the inhabitants live in fear. Fortunately, this year Cat's Lair reminds the Metokangmi of its lost mate, and it just builds a snowman.Subsequently, issue #89 sees WilyKit and WilyKat build a snowman in the shape of Lion-O. Of course, the Mutants decide to crash the ThunderCats' Rammastide festivities, knocking over the snowman. Luckily, the intruder alarm alerted the heroes who quickly hid as snow sculptures and overtake the foes. The heroes then invite them in to celebrate.Finally, in issue #128, Snarf is home alone preparing a feast on Rammas Eve, when a traveling salesman tries to cash in. The sidekick tries to haggle with him, making a huge mess. As the ThunderCats return, they invite Snarf and the salesman to the Tower of Omens for Rammastide.Fierce beasts? Yep. Crazy art? Uh huh. Poontang? Only if it's the name of the traveling salesman! So grab your Sword of Omen and let it give you sight beyond sight for this episode on ThunderCats Christmas comics!Pop Culture RouletteFB: @PopCultureRouletteTwitter: @popcultrouletteIG: @popcultrouletteMoving PanelsFB : @MovingPanels Twitter: @MovingPanels IG: @movingpanels Give us a buzz! Send a text, dudes!Check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Totally Rad Christmas Mall & Arcade, Teepublic.com, or TotallyRadChristmas.com! Later, dudes!

On this episode, we're going to take a look back at the 1970 Rankin/Bass classic Santa Claus is coming to town. We'll also use some of that wintery Christmas magic to keep your drink cold, learn a little bit about a special kind of art project, and we'll count down the top 5 Christmas versions of non-Christmas songs Download here! 00:00 – 01:43 Intro 01:43 – 03:26 We Need A Little Christmas Now 03:26 – 12:14 5 Golden Things – Christmas Versions of Non-Christmas Songs 12:14 – 16:28 Santa Babb's Mail Bag 16:28 – 32:44 Santa Claus Is Comin' to…

In this episode of Nerd Legion, the hosts dive deep into the 1982 Rankin/Bass animated film 'The Last Unicorn.' They discuss the movie's memorable characters, voice acting, animation style, musical contributions by the band America, and the profound themes that blend with some truly bizarre moments. They also touch on the film's cult classic status and speculate on its possible influence on later works by Studio Ghibli. Stay tuned for a lively talk filled with nostalgia, humor, and unique insights into this quirky 80s fantasy classic. Get 50% off FACTOR meals at https://www.factormeals.com/nerdlegion50off with code nerdlegion50off. High-quality, never-frozen meals delivered to your home! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with Mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that's over 40% off) with promo code NERD at https://www.shopmando.com!

It's Movie Monday again, and the movie for this month was the Rankin/Bass fantasy animation The Last Unicorn from 1982. Adapted by Peter S. Beagle from his 1968 novel of the same name. This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Jason Connerley of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast (podcast) Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) Goblin's Henchman (podcast & blog) & the Umber Bulk James Ting-Edwards Menion aka Rob of Confessions of a Wee Tim'rous Bushi (podcast) Karl Rodriguez of The GMologist Presents… (podcast) M.W. Lewis of The World's of MW Lewis (podcast) The Movie Monday Letterboxd list https://letterboxd.com/the39thman/list/movie-monday-1/ And here's that Cairn 2e unboxing I mentioned https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXpR9P6MGZo In memory of Val Kilmer, who sadly passed at the beginning of this month, I have chosen Ron Howard's Willow from 1988 as the movie for May. See below for details on how to contact the show. The episode will air on May 26th, so please send your submissions by the 24th if you'd like to be included in the show. "Warning" by Lieren of Updates From the Middle of Nowhere Leave me an audio message via ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/KeepOffTheBorderlands You can email me at ⁠spencer.freethrall@gmail.com⁠ You can find me in a bunch of other places here ⁠https://freethrall.carrd.co⁠ You can also find me on Discord by searching for freethrall This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freethrall.substack.com

Happy Easter! To celebrate the spring holiday, Matt sat down to watch "The First Easter Rabbit" from Rankin/Bass for the first time!Tune in to hear him talk about the ups and downs of this very *interesting* special and, as usual, he determines whether or not it should be deemed a holiday classic. Come listen!

I begin this episode by responding to some Movie Monday feedback for The Neverending Story from Joe Richter of Hindsightless and Jason Connerley of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast. This leads to me discussing a bunch of different films I've watched over the last couple of weeks. Phenomena dir. Dario Argenta (1985) The Quatermass Xperiment dir. (1955) Lifeforce dir. Tobe Hooper (1985) I Saw the TV Glow dir. Jane Schoenbrun (2024) Eyes Without a Face dir. Georges Franju (1960) Companion dir. Drew Hancock (2025) Find my Letterboxd profile at https://letterboxd.com/The39thMan/ The movie for April is the Rankin/Bass animation The Last Unicorn from 1982. See below for details on how to contact the show. The episode will air on April 28th, so please send your submissions by the 26th. Leave me an audio message via ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/KeepOffTheBorderlands You can email me at ⁠spencer.freethrall@gmail.com⁠ You can find me in a bunch of other places here ⁠https://freethrall.carrd.co⁠ You can also find me on Discord by searching for freethrall This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freethrall.substack.com

Ditch the TARDIS for Tokyo Tower! Hamish Steele⁠⁠ returns for Toho's second attempt at King Kong, which includes a supervillain named Dr. Who (!!!) creating Mechani-Kong, a giant robot ape version of the lonely and horny real deal. We get into this movie's origins as a Rankin-Bass cartoon -- and the on-set conflicts caused by those American co-producers -- along with all the James Bond DNA (including a literal Bond girl), iconic English dubbing, and how this is a better sequel to classic King Kong than you'd expect.⁠Pre-order Go-Man: Champion of Earth!Part of⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Glitterjaw Queer Podcast Collective⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Discord⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠skreeonkpodcast@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Theme song:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠"BIO WARS - Synth Cover" by Kweer Kaiju⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sources include: Ishiro Honda: A Life in Film, from Godzilla to Kurosawa by Steve Ryfle and Ed GodziszewskiA Critical History and Filmography of Toho's Godzilla Series by David KalatWikizillaLost Media Wiki

Reed Diamond and Chuck Shute delve into the timeless appeal of Pixar movies, emphasizing the importance of a strong script. Reed shares his experiences working on "Drop," a thriller filmed in Ireland, highlighting the practical sets and collaborative environment. They also touch on the impact of tax incentives on film production, the evolution of live music experiences, and the importance of storytelling in acting, with anecdotes about working with notable actors and directors. Reed Diamond discusses his acting philosophy, emphasizing the importance of being in the moment and collaborating with fellow actors. He contrasts this with the competitive, cutthroat environment of "Homicide," where actors actively tried to undermine each other. Diamond admires strategic actors like Val Kilmer but prefers a more spontaneous, improvisational approach. He also reflects on the impact of social media and politics on society, advocating for authenticity, empathy, and local action. Diamond promotes his upcoming film "Drop," highlighting its intense, well-crafted narrative and the collaborative effort behind it.0:00:00 - Intro0:00:20 - Rankin/Bass, Claymation & Kids Movies 0:04:45 - Movies from 70s/80s, Anora & Test of Time 0:11:25 - New "Drop" Film, Script, Production, Casting & Location 0:22:10 - Cheaper to Film Outside of Los Angeles 0:25:22 - Statue of Liberty & New York Scene 0:30:45 - Music Scenes, Concerts & Punk Rock 0:38:28 - Working with Other Actors & Being Authentic 0:44:40 - Working on Homicide & Crazy Stories 0:51:03 - Smart Tricks, Being Difficult & Bad Behavior 0:55:40 - Val Kilmer & Cunning Strategy of Actors/Actresses 1:04:03 - Improvising Vs. Having a Plan & Visionary Directors 1:07:53 - Gene Hackman's Method 1:09:20 - The Substance & Hands On Directing Vs Natural 1:12:35 - Tarantino & Natural Dialogue vs. Micromanaging 1:15:05 - Shooting Better Call Saul Scene 1:19:12 - Actors Directing Actors 1:23:01 - Wisdom, Life Decisions & Emotion 1:25:50 - Leaping to Outrage, Authenticity & Social Media 1:30:17 - Politics, Arguing, Division & Common Values 1:35:00 - Fear & Outrage, Nation's Ideals & Making a Difference 1:38:15 - Corruption, Leading By Example & Not Preaching 1:40:45 - Goal is the Truth & Striving to Be Better 1:43:52 - Music, Film & Art Reflects Life 1:47:21 - Outro Reed Diamond instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thereeddiamond/?hl=enReed Diamond X:https://x.com/reeddiamond?lang=enChuck Shute link tree:https://linktr.ee/chuck_shuteSupport the showThanks for Listening & Shute for the Moon!

Welcome to Movie Monday. This month's movie was The Neverending Story from 1984, directed by Wolfgang Peterson, adapted from Micheal Ende's children's fantasy novel from 1979. Here's a video comparing the German and international cuts of the film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kw3q65OxtCQ This episode features contributions from: (in order of appearance) Goblin's Henchman (podcast & blog) & the Umber Bulk Joe Richter of Hindsightless (podcast) James Knight, Tyranner the Dwarf and Ellen the Elf M.W. Lewis of The World's of MW Lewis (podcast) Jason Connerley of Nerd's RPG Variety Cast (podcast & blog) The Movie Monday Letterboxd list https://letterboxd.com/the39thman/list/movie-monday-1/ The movie for April is the Rankin/Bass animation The Last Unicorn from 1982. See below for details on how to contact the show. The episode will air on April 28th, so please send your submissions by the 26th. "Warning" by Lieren of Updates From the Middle of Nowhere Leave me an audio message via ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/KeepOffTheBorderlands You can email me at ⁠spencer.freethrall@gmail.com⁠ You can find me in a bunch of other places here ⁠https://freethrall.carrd.co⁠ You can also find me on Discord by searching for freethrall This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit freethrall.substack.com

In this episode of The Epic Universal Podcast, Jim Hill and Eric Hersey dive deep into the surprising and nostalgic story of Nickelodeon's presence at Universal Studios Florida—from green slime to dark rides and beyond. Plus, they share the latest updates on Epic Universe and more theme park buzz. Highlights include: Nickelodeon at Universal Studios Florida: How a rent-free deal brought Nick Studios to Orlando and made Double Dare, the Slime Geyser, and Nick-themed attractions part of theme park history. Jimmy Neutron's Nicktoon Blast & SpongeBob Square Store: The rise (and fall) of Nick's attraction presence in the park—and what stayed behind. SpongeBob in Las Vegas: Eric's review of the new dark ride at Circus Circus and the surprising quality of this family-friendly experience. Epic Universe Parking Lot Names Revealed: Eric and Jim break down the new themed lot sections like Monster, Gamer, and Hero. Universal Hollywood's Free Parking Updates: What new perks mean for Gold and Platinum passholders—and why free parking hours don't always make sense. Rumors of Universal's ‘Mega Movie Summer': Alicia Stella uncovers a new trademark hinting at a possible new event or seasonal promotion. Rankin/Bass & Classic Media Catalog: Jim unpacks the forgotten goldmine of IP (like Rudolph, Casper, and Rocky & Bullwinkle) that Universal owns but rarely uses. From ‘90s nostalgia to Epic Universe speculation, this episode is packed with trivia, theme park deep dives, and classic Nickelodeon vibes! Support Our Sponsor: Be Our Guest Vacations Planning your next Universal vacation? Be Our Guest Vacations is a Platinum-level Earmarked travel agency with concierge-level service to make every trip magical. Their team of expert agents plans vacations across the globe, from Disney and Universal to cruises and adventures, ensuring you have the best possible experience without the stress. Book Now Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt previews public hearings and work sessions for the week of March 3, 2025.Public Hearings:LD 46, HP0010An Act to Establish a Grant Program to Increase Postsecondary Educational Opportunities for Students with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities or Autism Spectrum Disorder - Rep. Kelly Murphy of Scarborough - EmergencyLD 198, SP0085An Act to Prohibit the University of Maine System Campus Police from Issuing a Citation or Summons Related to a Parking Violation to a Visitor of the University of Maine System - Sen. James Libby of CumberlandLD 375, SP0170An Act to Require the University of Maine School of Law to Provide an Online Degree Program - Sen. Trey Stewart of AroostookLD 377, SP0133An Act to Establish a University of Maine Medical School and to Dedicate Funds from Raising the Cigarette Tax to the School - Sen. Joseph Baldacci of PenobscotLD 457, SP0190An Act to Fund Climate Resiliency Projects Related to the Repair of Campus Infrastructure Used for Active Transportation and Outdoor Recreation - Sen. Anne Carney of CumberlandLD 471, SP0210Resolve, to Establish a Pilot Program to Expand Intensive English Language Learner Programs - Sen. Joseph Rafferty of YorkWork Sessions for March 5, 2025LD 34, SP0053An Act to Increase the Minimum Salary for Teachers - Sen. Teresa Pierce of CumberlandLD 71, HP0035An Act Regarding Special Education Funding - Rep. Kristi Mathieson of KitteryLD 98, HP0063An Act to Include School Counselors in the Educators for Maine Program - Rep. Michael Brennan of PortlandLD 181, HP0114An Act to Modify the Calculation of Pupil Counts Used for Determination of School Administrative Unit Operating Costs - Rep. Will Tuell of East MachiasLD 193, HP0126An Act to Fund Students in Maine Schools Who Are Experiencing Homelessness - Rep. Marshall Archer of SacoLD 501, HP0330An Act to Fairly Fund School Administrative Units for Economically Disadvantaged Students - Rep. Kristen Cloutier of LewistonWork Sessions for March 6, 2025LD 74, HP0038An Act to Update the System of Learning Results Review Timeline - Rep. Michael Brennan of PortlandLD 78, HP0042An Act to Require Elementary School Students to Learn Cursive Writing - Rep. Joseph Underwood of Presque IsleLD 360, SP0151An Act Supporting the Dirigo Reads Literacy Program - Sen. Joseph Baldacci of PenobscotLD 370, SP0162An Act to Raise the Minimum State Standard for Mathematics Education for a High School Diploma - Sen. James Libby of CumberlandLD 396, SP0182An Act to Provide for a Later Starting Time for High Schools - President. Matthea Daughtry of CumberlandLD 543, HP0362An Act to Enhance Maine's Wildlife Conservation Efforts and Preserve Maine's Sporting Heritage by Requiring Hunter Safety Education in Schools - Rep. Donald Ardell of Monticello

Welcome to this week's episode of The Video Store Podcast . This week, I'm focusing on animated movies that lean into darker themes and mature storytelling. These aren't your typical Saturday morning cartoons or Disney films. They're imaginative, ambitious, and not afraid to explore the more complicated corners of life.Let's dive into the four films I'm recommending this week.1. Watership Down (1978)This adaptation of Richard Adams' novel is often remembered for its striking animation and unflinching depiction of survival. On the surface, it's a story about rabbits searching for a safe place to call home, but the film works on deeper levels, touching on themes like leadership, sacrifice, and the brutal realities of nature.Director Martin Rosen made the choice to stay true to the novel's tone, which makes this film stand out from other animated projects of the time. The voice cast is strong, John Hurt as Hazel and Richard Briers as Fiver bring a lot of emotion to their roles. The animation is hand-drawn, with detailed backgrounds that create a world that feels both beautiful and dangerous.2. The Last Unicorn (1982)Based on Peter S. Beagle's novel, The Last Unicorn has a dreamlike quality that sets it apart from other animated films of its time. It tells the story of a unicorn searching for her lost kind, encountering both friends and enemies along the way. While the animation was produced by Rankin/Bass, the actual work was done by a Japanese studio that would later become Studio Ghibli, which might explain the film's unique visual style.This voice cast is great. Mia Farrow voices the Unicorn, Jeff Bridges plays Prince Lir, and Christopher Lee is unforgettable as King Haggard. Lee was reportedly a huge fan of the book and even brought his own copy to recording sessions to ensure his performance stayed faithful to the source material.The soundtrack, provided by the band America, gives the movie a melancholy, almost folk-like feel that complements its tone.3. The Secret of NIMH (1982)Don Bluth made his directorial debut with this adaptation of Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien. The film tells the story of a widowed field mouse, Mrs. Brisby, who must save her home and sick child with the help of highly intelligent rats.What makes The Secret of NIMH stand out is how dark and detailed it is. Bluth and his team left Disney to make this film because they wanted to push the boundaries of animation, and it shows. The level of detail in the animation is stunning, especially in the rats' lair, which feels alive with glowing lights and intricate designs.The score by Jerry Goldsmith is sweeping and dramatic, which matches the film's high stakes. And while it's technically a kids' movie, it doesn't shy away from mature themes like death, ethics, and the consequences of human interference with nature.4. Heavy Metal (1981)If you're into sci-fi, fantasy, or anthology storytelling, Heavy Metal is one to check out. It's based on the magazine of the same name and features multiple stories connected by a mysterious glowing orb called the Loc-Nar. The animation is bold, with an unapologetically adult tone. Even though I saw it as a kid, I think this one is definitely not for kids.What's interesting about Heavy Metal is how it pulls from different art styles, with each segment feeling distinct. The soundtrack is packed with rock and heavy metal tracks from bands like DEVO, Black Sabbath, Blue Öyster Cult, and Journey, giving it a unique energy.Each of these films pushes the boundaries of what animated storytelling can do, whether through their themes, visual style, or just their ambition. They're all worth watching if you're looking for something that goes beyond the typical animated fare. That's it for this week's episode of The Video Store Podcast. Thanks for listening, and let me know what you think of these recommendations. Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com

*This episode was originally released in December 2021, but we're re-airing it for the holidays with never-before-seen video! Check out our video, now being uploaded to Spotify, to get even more of your favorite artists* What's more Christmas than a warm and fuzzy throwback?! Join the animators of the 1960s Rankin/Bass claymation classic, "The Christmas Crab", to see what exactly when into creating the holiday sensation you still watch with your little cousins! WE HAVE A LIVE SHOW ON JANUARY 8TH, GET TIX HERE: https://www.squadup.com/events/artists-on-artists-on-artists-on-artists-live Our normal episodes are filmed in the beautiful Dynasty Typewriter Theater, and tech-produced by Samuel Curtis. For live shows and events you can find more about them at dynastytypewriter.com . To learn more about the BTS of this episode and to find a world of challenges, games, inside scoop, and the Artists being themselves, subscribe to our Patreon! You won't be disappointed with what you find. patreon.com/aoaoaoapod Artists on Artists on Artists on Artists is an improvised Hollywood roundtable podcast by Kylie Brakeman, Jeremy Culhane, Angela Giarratana, and Patrick McDonald. Music by Gabriel Ponton. Edited by Conner McCabe. Thumbnail art by Grant Moore. Hollywood's talking. Make sure you're listening. Subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Youtube! Please rate us five stars!

The celebration of the season continues as GGACP revisits this 2020 holiday presentation with friend and fan favorite Mario Cantone. In this episode, Mario and the boys discuss awkward child actors, depressing Christmas carols, holiday-themed horror films, the musical talents of Leslie Bricusse and Jerry Herman and the 50th anniversary of Rankin/Bass' “Santa Claus is Comin' to Town.” Also, Mickey Mouse meets Scrooge, Katharine Hepburn tugs on St. Nick's beard, Cyrano de Bergerac warbles a seasonal ditty and Mario (finally) discovers the legend of Cesar Romero. PLUS: Tattoo sings! Ed Norton swings! “Christmas at SeaWorld”! Saluting Paul Coker! And Bob Hope and Marie Osmond holiday in Saudi Arabia!  (Produced & edited by John Murray. Special thanks to Jerry Dixon. In loving memory of Mike McPadden) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

GGACP celebrates the birthday of actor, comedian and beloved guest Mario Cantone (b. Dec 9) while also ushering in the Christmas season with this ENCORE of a classic holiday episode from 2018. In this episode, Mario and the boys weighs in on a stocking full of essential topics, including the fearlessness of Mae West, the tortured genius of Judy Garland, the most unappreciated Rankin-Bass special and the recent “Rudolph” and “Baby, it's Cold Outside” controversies. Also, Leslie Nielsen tackles Mr. Magoo, Shelley Winters scales a Christmas tree, Marlon Brando hops a ride with Michael Jackson and Frosty pals around with John McGiver. PLUS: The Walt Disney of Christmas! Munchkins gone wild! Deconstructing “Moonstruck”! Gilbert remembers his favorite holiday toy! And Mario picks the worst Christmas song of all time! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The creative team of Rankin and Bass have produced some of the most enduring, nostalgia-producing Christmas specials in television history. Historian and biographer Rick Goldschmidt joins Brian to tell the story of how an art director and an ad jingle writer became "the kings of Christmas."LinksMore info about Rankin/Bass and Rick GoldschmidtRick's books about Rankin/BassMusic in this episode"Kettled" — Blue Dot Sessions, via Free Music Archive"Soft Piano" — Anastasia Kir, via Pixabay"O Holy Night (Solo Piano)" — 23843807, via Pixabay"Wish Background" — Kevin MacLeod, via IncompetecConnect Facebook page Facebook group Instagram Bluesky Twitter / X Email: christmaspastpodcast@gmail.com Website BookChristmas Past: The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Holiday's Traditions makes a great gift for all the Christmas lovers in your life. Available in hardcover and audiobook. Find it wherever books are sold, like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

The guys make a oliphaunt-sized announcement -- the 1977 animated Hobbit is now streaming on Canon+ (along with the cartoon Return of the King!). Naturally, it's our next LAMPC pick (Look At Moving Pictures Club, for those of you who don't know). The discussion of the Rankin-Bass cartoon Hobbit leads to a discussion of Family Movie Night, and how all fiction is fantasy, really. In process Nate pokes fun at one of the sci-fi greats, Robert Heinlein, for his definition of sci-fi, and the guys turn their attention to discussing the movie I Am Legend. Get The Things of Earth today: https://canonpress.com/products/the-things-of-earth-treasuring-god-by-enjoying-his-gifts-2nd-ed