A Claymation Christmas Celebration

Plot synopsis:
Situated in a facsimile of London's Christmas Square, the special is co-hosted by Rex (Johnny Counterfit), an erudite and intellectual Tyrannosaurus Rex, and Herb (Tim Conner), a dimwitted, bespectacled Styracosaurus with a voracious appetite. Some critics have cited similarities between these two characters and film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. Rex and Herb previously appeared in Vinton's Dinosaurs! - A Fun-Filled Trip Back in Time!, but this is where they were given speech and more complex personalities.
Recurring characters in Vinton's films dating back to 1980, Rex and Herb introduce several stand-alone videos of Christmas carols and standards and discuss the origins of each song relating to different holiday traditions around the world.
The songs featured were:
"We Three Kings" by the Three Wise Men and their doo-wop-singing camels
"Carol of the Bells" performed at Notre Dame Cathedral under the direction of Maestro Quasimodo by The Paris Bell-Harmonic, a group of anthropomorphic church bells who strike their own heads with mallets to achieve their respective notes, with the low B bell (the tonic) constantly goofing off and enraging Quasimodo.
"O Christmas Tree" performed by a children's choir, showing various scenes taking place inside of Christmas ornaments
"Angels We Have Heard On High", an instrumental version of the carol with an interpretive ice ballet performed by a pair of walruses and several dismayed penguins.
"Joy to the World", a soulful rendition of the carol featuring images depicting African-American culture
"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" sung by the California Raisins (a cover of The Temptations' version of the same song)
"Here We Come A-Wassailing" sung by the entire cast
Throughout the program, Rex futilely attempts to clarify the true pronunciation and meaning of the term 'wassail', featured in the Christmas carol Here We Come A-Wassailing. As the show progresses, Rex is dismayingly accosted by different groups singing the song, though each version is lyrically incorrect.
Here We Come a-Waffling, sung by a kennel of dogs selling waffles from a vendors wagon.
Here We Come a-Waddling, by a gaggle of straggling geese carrying baskets of goodies.
Here We Come a-Wallowing, by a herd of slovenly pigs on a field wagon gorging themselves on an abundance of assorted fruits. (The driver is driving a green and yellow tractor, suggesting John Deere, though no logo is found on the tractor itself.)
Though Rex is convinced his own definition is correct, he finds himself continually being questioned by the others, including Herb when he's not busy excessively partaking of the various Christmas treats offered by each group. Finally, near the program's end, a large truck loaded with elfin, cider-swilling townsfolk arrives on the scene, singing the correct version of the carol, validating Rex's theories much to his delight. When asked, one of the townies explains the real meaning of wassailing: going around the neighborhood singing Christmas Carols, and getting treats and cordials. After that, the entire cast performs Here We Come A-wassailing, and then We Wish You a Merry Christmas as the end credits roll.
This special was released on the Henstooth Video DVD Will Vinton's Claymation Christmas Plus Halloween & Easter Celebrations in 2003.

Tags: comedy, entertaining

Review:
Yuletide mood.
Finally a Christmas special that doesn't inspire a gag reflex.
Well done animation and story that makes you just want to wassail.
The camels really rock as do the California Raisins.
Music is original with redone Christmas favorites.
Find the kids and a big lump of clay and enjoy!
Could it really be coming up on 25 years?.
I was lucky enough to have done all of the music for this production.
It was one of the most fun and rewarding projects I have ever worked upon.I am pleased to say that it was finally released on DVD.
I am not thrilled to say that the audio quality of the DVD version is of very good quality.
It sounds as if it was dubbed from an old mono soundtrack, and certainly does not hold up to even the original television dubs (and certainly not the original masters that I have).But that said, I truly enjoy seeing the comments, and feel very gratified that so many continue to name this special as one of their favorites.
As many of my family members (including my two daughters) sang parts on this project, it is especially fun to see and hear again.There is talk of a 25th reunion of some of the cast, and perhaps even a concert of some of the music (including the record we did from this for Atlantic records).
We'll see...In any case- thanks again for the kind comments.Patric J.
Miller.
Not Christimas without it.
This little show has been a constant in my life for nearly every Christmas.From when I was very young to my teenaged years, to now in my early twenties.
It's thoroughly enjoyable for everyone who doesn't despise the holidays.
The humor isn't so simple that adults can't enjoy it, and its not over anyone's head.
It always seems to get me in the mood even when I've had it with the season.
You can't really purchase it, and its not something they show on TV anymore, which is a shame, but if you can somehow find it I suggest you pick it up, for the kids, or just for you..
Christmas Classic.
This is a must-see-movie in our household.
The clamation wonderfully animates classic Christmas Carols.
It is full of humor and it enjoyable for all ages.
We wore our tape into oblivion and it took me forever to find another copy..
FAVORITE Christmas Special Ever!.
I used to watch (and re-watch) this as a kid off an old vhs tape.
It continues to bring a smile to my face and warmth to my heart every holiday season (and even at other times throughout the year).
The music, songs, animation and story are so well done that it deserves to be aired along with other classics, seeing that it truly should be considered one.
Thanks to ALL who worked on this and made it a special treat for all to enjoy!P.S. Found out Will Vinton passed during the "In Memoriam" part of tonight's Oscar's, so had to come here and pay my respects..
Still very charming, 30-plus years later..
'A Claymation Christmas Celebration' was one of the trio of seasonal TV specials created by clay animation expert Will Vinton, and deservedly won an Emmy.
It's a good-natured, spirited production hosted by odd-couple dinosaurs Rex (voice of Johnny Counterfit) and Herb (voice of Tim Conner).
They proceed to educate us on a series of perennial Christmas songs, enacted by a wonderful bunch of characters.This viewer hopes that this particular art of clay animation never dies out.
There is something so irresistible about it, especially when it comes to character design.
The sequence with the ice skating walruses is particularly bright and amusing.
The songs are all wonderfully performed, and some vibrant spins are put on the material, making them fresh (but without being disrespectful to tradition).
The stylish visuals during the "Joy to the World" performance are a real treat.
The "California Raisins", a popular bit of pop culture at the time, come in for a special appearance as they regale us with their rendition of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer".The humour is disarming, and will appeal to viewers young and old.
One main running gag is that Rex tries to take the proceedings seriously, and Herb just won't ignore that constant rumbling in his stomach.
The "Carol of the Bells" sequence is hysterical (it's hard not to crack up when the dumb-bell quips, "I lost mine").
Of course, the brightest moments are derived from the inability of various characters to get a certain song right.
Instead of "wassailing", they either sing "waffle-ing", "waddling", or "wallowing".It's a shame these Vinton specials are rarely seen these days, so this viewer was happy when he found a DVD of Vintons' seasonal work.All in all, upbeat fun.10 out of 10..
Searched all over the internet for this about 10 years ago....
And then finally found it on DVD!
I recall watching this on T.V. often when I was young.
Everything about it is produced well, from the clay animation to the restructured songs, it's a perfect and short holiday film for the entire family.
Good humor with plenty of parts that will create future nostalgic memories..
A Forgotten Classic?.
Two hosting prehistoric dinosaurs guide you along a typical small town's Christmas choral celebration.
There's just one catch, the entire town population is made out of clay!
Special Guest Stars: The California Raisins!
Apparently today this special is hard to track down, with the only DVD release having some pretty awful sound quality (a shame considering this is basically a musical with clay over the top).
And yet, it seems to be well-remembered by those who saw it all those year ago.I was able to track down a copy and was impressed by what I saw.
Some, like the Raisins, were how I recalled them.
But there are some very interesting interpretations of Christmas songs that need to be heard..
Two dinosaurs become the host of a Christmas festival..
This truly is one of the Christmas Specials I cherished not only as a child but as an adult as well.
It went forgotten in my mind until a couple of years ago when I started my collection of Christmas movies to get me into the "spirit".
It was a little costly ($50) because I had to special order it but I definitely think it is a must have for anyone who remembers it from their childhood.
Not only is the animation fantastic but is great for the whole family and holds true to the Christmas spirit.
Great songs and also quite funny.
The only downside to this special is the sound quality ( original stereo from TV broadcast and the fact it is only 24 minutes long.
All in all a great collector's item..
Marvel of entertainment.
In an age of computers, it is refreshing to go back and watch something like this.
Nowadays it would be CGI but back then they knew the value of stop motion.
Witty, charming and enjoyable, the comedy of Herb playing against his straight man Rex works wonderfully.
The songs are stylish, and the religious overtones are of course present, but not dominant, allowing people to choose to believe in what they will and still enjoy the show.
The Californian Raisons are held back until the end, with a questionable carol to their lips (is Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer really a carol?) and the work in expression on these characters is simply wonderful.
I think there's only one way to summarize this programme: Joy to the world..
A Christmas Must.
When I was younger,"Claymation Christmas Celebration" was aired on TV.
We would watch it, but as time wore on, years, the station that once showed the show stopped.
Recently my father order "Claymation Christmas Celebration" on DVD and we watched it the other night.
At first I could not remember any of it.
But I was amazed at what I saw.
Today we have the special effects done on computer, but the claymation was very impressive.
Each song was beautifully represented as was the picture that went with it.
The DVD came with the Halloween and Easter Claymation shows and we could not stop laughing at all three show.
The best is the announcers and the various guests that come by as they are trying to introduce the songs.
But each piece is very well done.
My favorite is most likely the Carol of the Bells.
The California Raisins are very funny and entertaining, well the whole thing is..
DVD availability!.
I loved this movie as a child, and I've watched it every Holiday season it came on.Just wanted to inform everyone that IT IS AVAILABLE ON DVD!
It was released September 2003.
Check Amazon.com for "Claymation Christmas".According to the editorial review, the DVD includes the 3 Holiday specials (Halloween, Christmas, and Easter).
They were aired between 1987 and 1992.Happy Claymation, everyone!
I myself haven't bought it since I just discovered it was available online, but I definitely won't go another holiday without this classic in my collection!.
Great claymation cartoon from the 80's.
This cartoon was hilarious for kids and adults.
Sadly it played maybe 3 yrs straight.
It's hosted by 2 funny dinosaurs.
Think Abott and Costello.
Real treat and now on DVD!
It has the California raisins singing songs.
It has the camels who walked with the 3 wise men singing songs like the Temptations and bobbin' their heads, LOL!
The silly dinosaur sings, "Here we go a WAFFLING" and annoys the other dinosaur by not singing right!
They also have a Halloween and Easter one too.
They are all on one DVD.
This is great work of Will Vinton.
If you have a sense of humor, you will enjoy this cartoon as an adult as well.
I like to see if any other members remember this cartoon!!.
A must-see at Christmas time.
This is one of the great Christmas specials of all time.
Our dinosaur hosts, Rex and Herb, take us through six "music videos" of different Christmas carols.
Singing camels bring us "We Three Kings", Quasimodo conducts a symphony of living bells, one of whom just can't quite get it right, for "The Carol of the Bells", and there's much more.The humour is clever and cute, and as always, the animation is top-notch.
Really revels in the fun of Christmas.
I recommend it to anyone who loves the Christmas season and good animation..
Waffle?
Waffle?
No. Waddle?
No. Well, I know it's not "wassail".....
This is, I believe, the greatest TV Christmas special of all time!Will Vinton's signature stop-motion animation is in peak form here, with astonishingly well-realized characters, seamless frame-by-frame movement, and fantastically designed sets.
Also, whoever wrote this obviously knew exactly what they were doing because the jokes are terrific and the songs are presented in an oddly logical order.And, of course, the dinosaur hosts are amazing, especially the food-minded Herb, who has a constant quest to discover both the ultimate Christmas snack food and the actual lyrics to "Here We Come A-Wassailing."The best scene is the "Angels We Have Heard on High" sequence, featuring a ballet performed by walruses De Margo Pontoon and Sir Rudolph Nerves-on-Edge.
If you go a holiday season without watching this...
well, what the heck *are* you watching?!.
Who was that conductor again?
Not sure, but his face sure rings a bell!.
This Christmas special is by far one of my favorite Christmas specials of all time.
Follow Herb & Rex as they host a Christmas extravaganza including ice skating walruses, carol of the bells featuring a clumsy bell and humped over conductor, trimming of the tree, Joy to the World, everyone's favorite singing fruits, the California Raisins, and many other claymation skits that are sure to have to singing the true praises of Christmas all year round.
The claymation is superb, the soundtrack is amazing, and the overall Christmas feel of the show will make you want to wassail your way all the way through New Years!
Great job, Venton!
Joy <3.
The songs are great.
All the songs on this show are great I really like the Singing Camels that are in the first song and I like how the last song has the California rasins!
I have an old tape from when this aired on TV and my family can not go a single year without playing it because my dad can not get enough out of those Camels!
I wish they would have this available on DVD at stores like Wal-Mart so it will be easier to get them when the old video tapes wear out.Involving that bell ringing thing I like how that conductor uses a sling shot to make that one bell hit the right note!
i also like how those two walruses are ice skating and using penguins as bowling pins when they skate!Those things are the funny things that you will get a laugh out of on this show!.
"What the heck is wassaling?".
"Claymation Christmas" has been one of my favorite specials ever since I was a kid.
I recorded it from the Disney Channel around 1992 and I still watch it every year as an adult.
"Claymation Christmas" is hosted by two dinosaurs, the smart and proper Rex and dimwitted Herb.
Throughout the special, Rex tries to explain to Herb and other numerous characters the true meaning of the song "Here we come-a wassaling".
The street food vendors, including a bunch of pigs selling fruit from a truck, keep getting the words wrong.
Herb keeps sneaking off and getting food from the vendors while Rex tells about the songs.The scenes are interspersed with animated Christmas songs.
From the hilarious "Carol of the Bells" (with real bells and Quasimodo!) to the beautiful, folk-song version of "Joy to the World", they are all very enjoyable.Finally at the end, a group of elves selling cider come along, correctly singing "Here we come-a wassaling".
The other Claymation characters come out and start singing too.
Finally we see Herb, who has eaten so much he has doubled in size.
The special is funny and entertaining for both kids and adults..
Only the songs are fine.
"A Claymation Christmas Celebration" is a 24-minute animated short film from almost 30 years ago.
The director here is Oscar winner Will Vinton.
I may be a bit biased as I am not big claymation style, but still I found this a disappointing effort in terms of visuals.
The only thing I somewhat liked about this Christmas special was the music, although the Rudolph version sucked a lot too.
In terms of the story, this was a complete disappointment as there wasn't any and it is also not a funny watch.
My suggestion is that you skip this one and, instead, listen to a collection of famous Christmas songs.
You will not be missing much, the parts with the dinosaurs were so random and uninteresting.
Thumbs down, not recommended.
Pretty confused how this won an Emmy.