Great story that truly brings back childhood memories. Growing up in the 70s, this show was a staple of the Christmas season and always showed up on television, along with a few others and some classic Christmas commercials (before Christmas became a dirty and discriminating word).

Yes, like other posters have commented, the animation/claymation/whatever it's called is dated. There are no fancy computer generated special effects, and some comments made would be frowned upon in "today's society." But perhaps that is one of the things about this show that makes it so appealing. I appreciate that this was top technology for the times (and I like that it doesn't have all the "scary" animations that some of today's shows have). Also, I can appreciate that any "sexist" remarks made (such as the men "protecting the women folk" - there was actual chivalry back then!) were made in a time when this was acceptable to the censors, but cursing and on-screen violence/sex/etc. wasn't. So does that make our times better or worse than those just 20ish years ago? I also want to set the record straight... Santa does apologize to Rudolph before he needs him to guide his sleigh. It is a brief apology right after Rudolph returns. Santa says something like "I was a little to rough on you. I guess we all were." Some people have commented that by today's standards, they find this "too lame" of an apology. Again, I say that times have changed, and not necessarily for the better. People today are less willing to forgive and, instead, seek revenge. Imagine if Rudolph would have said "stuff it, Santa." Kids throughout the world would have suffered because of his anger and resentment. Instead, he took a higher road and became a hero. Even the final words of the song tells of him going down in history.

Finally, my son and daughter love it. They are both very young, and the things that would be criticized by the P.C. police out there go straight over there heads (and I don't believe in the whole brainwashing conspiracy theory). It's a simple story that isn't so frightening that it makes them run from the room in tears. It also ends on a cheerful note and they love the music.

As a kid and even as a teenager, I loved to see it on T.V. after Thanksgiving. It was one of the seasonal shows that meant Christmas was coming. Now, since all T.V. seems to show are reality shows or night time soap operas that are not family appropriate, I will continue to play the DVD for my kids anytime they would like to see it between Thanksgiving and Christmas... and I will delightfully watch it with them.

Remember People, This was made in 1964. I LOVE IT, cause I've been watching it since I was 2 or 3 years old in the late 60's and it was DAMN MAGICAL!! I wanted to grow up to be MOONRACER, and I kinda did, but I have an island of misfit animals instead of toys. And they are all Truly Beautiful! :) Some reviewers complained about negative elements of the story, well, yes it is sexist, and full of bullies, but come on people. That's how REAL LIFE was then, and sadly it's reverting back to just as bad if not worse the last few years. I think what you should try to stick to is that it's a cartoon, and old cartoon at that. If I could pick out a positive character as a 3 year old to want to model my life after,(Moonracer) who finds value and beauty in all things. Then I think you adults should try to look at what is positive in the story. True Friendship between Hermey the elf, Rudolph, the little doe Clarice, the abominable snow man and the fun trippy ol prospector dude Yukon Cornelius. Why you gotta focus on all the negative??? It's a damn classic movie and isn't going away anytime soon. The whole point is it's Not too Late to Change your mind and your heart! Learn how to model yourself and your kids after the positive aspects, not the negative please. And if your just a Christmas hater, then celebrate FESTIVUS instead. ;D It's a Festivus for the Rest of US! :D