13 Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas Facts
1. The Film Was Not Directed By Tim Burton
Despite being widely associated with Tim Burton, the film was actually directed by Henry Selick. In fact, The Nightmare Before Christmas was Henry Selick's directorial debut! Burton was the producer and came up with the original story and characters, but he only spent about 8-10 days on set during the two-year production of the film.
2. It Was Inspired By The Retail Industry
On the DVD commentary of the film, Tim Burton explained that growing up in a sunny place like Burbank, California meant that holidays weren't marked by seasonal changes -- but instead holiday decorations! The idea that Halloween and Christmas decorations are sold almost simultaneously to hit both holiday-selling seasons, planted the seed of this original movie idea for Burton.
3. Stop-Motion Magic
The movie is renowned for its stop-motion animation. Each frame was meticulously crafted with physical puppets and sets, requiring about 24 frames per second to create the illusion of movement. The film’s stop-motion animation process was incredibly labor-intensive, with each scene taking several weeks to complete.
4. A Skeleton With Two Voices
Chris Sarandon provided the voice of Jack Skellington, but Danny Elfman, the film's composer, performed Jack's singing parts. Elfman composed the film's music and songs, which have become some of the most iconic in animated movie history. He spent three years writing and recording the soundtrack.
5. A True Cult Classic
Although it was not a major box office hit upon its initial release, The Nightmare Before Christmas gained a huge cult following and became a significant success through home video and merchandise. The film's success led to a massive array of merchandise, from action figures to themed clothing, making it a staple in holiday decorations.
6. Two Holidays, One Film
The movie cleverly blends Halloween and Christmas, offering a unique take on both holidays. This duality has contributed to its popularity year-round. Disneyland even transforms its classic attraction, the Haunted Mansion, into a Haunted Mansion Holiday from Fall through Winter each year.
7. A Misunderstood Vision
The film’s unique style and concept were initially met with skepticism from some Disney executives, but Burton’s vision ultimately won out. For example, Disney wanted eyes for Jack Skellington. They felt that the open sockets of the skeleton would be too scary for children. In the end, Jack Skellington kept his true skeleton form and proved that he didn't need eyes to connect with an audience!
8. Touchstone Pictures Release
Although this film has gained popularity over the decades, Disney didn't originally release it under the Walt Disney Pictures label, but instead under Touchstone Pictures. Since The Nightmare Before Christmas has such a presence in the parks, merchandise, and more today, it's hard to imagine the film not being associated with the brand.
9. The Birth of Oogie Boogie
Oogie Boogie, the villainous burlap sack, was inspired by the classic Halloween figure of the "boogeyman." He has grown in popularity over the decades within the villain realm and even has his own Halloween event at Disneyland Resort in Disney California Adventure Park, Oogie Boogie Bash.
10. Detailed Puppetry
Over 230 individual puppets were used to create the characters, each with its own set of facial expressions and poses. Jack Skellington had 400 different heads to cover his wide range of facial expressions.
11. Halloween Town's Design
Halloween Town was designed to be a chaotic, whimsical place, reflecting Burton’s own artistic style and his love for the macabre. Model artists also drew the concepts, characters, and settings with their non-dominant hands. This method helped to give the film a twisted and unsettling look.
12. Hidden Mickeys
It wouldn't be a Disney movie without some hidden details, right? Burton and Selick were allowed to hide some hidden Mickeys in the film. During the scene where Jack's gifts attack, there is a flying stuffed creature with a sharp-toothed grin that is supposed to be Tim Burton's version of Mickey Mouse. You might also notice that the girl is wearing a Mickey nightgown and the boy is sleeping in Donald Duck pajamas!
13. A Rejected Sequel Concept
Did you know Tim Burton rejected a CGI Sequel of this holiday film? The Nightmare Before Christmas could've fallen into the "straight-to-DVD sequel" category at Disney if it wasn't for Burton's protective nature over the movie's purity.
Deadly Night Shade
We are so excited to celebrate 30 years of this iconic stop-motion film, that we released a special Deadly Night Shade necklace inspired by it! This somniferous spirit was used by our favorite rag doll to escape capture and aid her one true love, the Pumpkin King. An eerie entity that's a must-have for any great potion maker -- and of course, a major Nightmare Before Christmas fan. This piece is part of our Eerie Entities collection, available to shop on our site right now.
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas remains a testament to creative imagination and artistic craftsmanship. These spooktacular facts offer a glimpse into the movie’s enchanting world and the passion behind its creation. Whether you watch it for Halloween or Christmas (or both!), this film’s magic endures through the years.
