The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Disney Classic in Disguise

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The Nightmare Before Christmas: A Disney Classic in Disguise

When you think of timeless Disney classics, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” may not be the first to come to mind. Surprisingly, Disney was initially hesitant to associate its name with this beloved seasonal masterpiece. In this article, we’ll delve into the intriguing story behind Disney’s reluctance to embrace “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and why it ultimately became a hidden gem within the Disney empire.

Disney’s Initial Concerns

In an exclusive interview with The New York Times commemorating the film’s 30th anniversary, the creative genius behind the movie, Tim Burton, and its director, Henry Selick, revealed Disney’s initial apprehension. Instead of prominently featuring the Disney brand, they chose to release the film under the “adult-oriented” Touchstone Pictures label.

The Regretful Decision

Henry Selick has since expressed regret over this decision, believing that the movie’s success could have been even more substantial had it been associated with Disney from the start. He admitted, “They were afraid it might hurt their brand. If they had put the Disney name on it right then, it would’ve been much more successful, but I understand it just didn’t feel anything like their other animated films.”

The Unconventional Masterpiece

Tim Burton added insight to Disney’s concerns, saying, “Anytime you’re doing something like that, which was unknown: stop motion, the main character doesn’t have any eyeballs, and it’s all music, what’s to feel comfortable about? Of course, they would be nervous about it.” Indeed, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” was an unconventional masterpiece, unlike anything Disney had produced before.

A Milestone Year

As “The Nightmare Before Christmas” celebrates its 30th year, it has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Various tie-in events, interviews, merchandise releases, and heartwarming anecdotes have flooded in, proving its enduring appeal.

Jack Skellington’s Pop Culture Resurgence

Jack Skellington, the film’s iconic protagonist, has reemerged as a pop culture icon in the modern age. Fans can find him as a character in the popular video game Fortnite, demonstrating the lasting impact of the film.

Streaming and Theaters

For those who wish to revisit this Disney classic, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” is now available for streaming on Disney Plus. Additionally, select theaters are showing the film, allowing fans to relive the magic on the big screen.

In conclusion, “The Nightmare Before Christmas” may have started its journey with Disney on the sidelines, but it has since become a beloved and enduring classic, capturing the hearts of generations. Disney’s initial reluctance may have been justified, but in the end, it only added to the film’s unique charm and allure.