Customer Reviews

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Making Of The Rankin/Bass Holiday Classic

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

For all of us, there are symbols of Christmas that were permanently etched in our minds in childhood. Few of those etchings come close to the magic that was created by Rankin/Bass holiday classic, 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer'. No child can resist viewing it when it is televised, because it renders a timeless story about what it means to be human - exploring some of our failings and triumphs, as seen through the eyes of a child. This message is carefully delivered to us through the interaction of irresistible animated puppets.

I consider myself a fan of the TV special, having seen it when it first aired in 1964 (I was eleven years old)... and virtually every time since, that it has been aired.

After reading Rick Goldschmidt's latest book (The Making of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer), I have a much deeper appreciation of what was involved in its production.

Rick, once again, conducts exhaustive research on this Rankin/Bass classic... and then does an eloquent job placing the critical ingredients of the Rudolph TV Special on the pages of his latest book for us to ponder. We learn that the TV Special was successful because contributions to its success were made by a number of key people - all gifted in their own areas. Noteworthy, was the fact that a significant amount of animation frontiering that was done during its production. We also learn that the TV Special was comercially feasible through the involvement of one of the premier technology companies of the day - General Electric.

Rick's book pays homage to these creative individuals (and their work), while enabling us to appreciate them as well. The book includes not only a tidy assortment of 'one of a kind' behind the scenes pictures, but the 'original' screenplay. It is fascinating reading, and will be on display on my coffee table throughout the holidays, and beyond.

I highly recommend it.

I just received my copy of this book and I must say it has everything and more. With Rick's first book, It documented all of the RANKIN/BASS Productions as a PORTFOLIO and I love that book. This book gets into the Animation with the Animators, The Sound with the Sound guys, The voice actors with the Voice Actors and so on and so on! To top it all off, ANDREW STANTON and JOE RANFT (PIXAR/MONSTERS, INC.) make some interesting and relevant comments that put the legacy of the TV SPECIAL into perspective. Without a doubt....this book has a little SILVER and GOLD for everyone! Put it under your Christmas tree and let it shine! You may even hear it go....BLEEEEEP!

Who hasn't wondered and marveled at the TV special that has been so much a part of holiday tradition since childhood? The foremost authority on Rankin/Bass, Rick Goldschmidt, takes us into a never-before-seen back stage world of misfit toys, reindeer and a certain dental elf with the most comprehensive history ever written about a single TV special. Generously illustrated with production photos, priceless artwork, period ads and collectibles, the story of the Rudolph special is as magical as the story of the misfit reindeer himself. Every aspect of the show is examined, from voices and music to animation and the song itself. The grand finale is Romeo Muller's actual early draft containing many "lost" sequences and plot ideas, including song concepts by Muller himself! Ask an elf to tie an umbrella to one of these books and sail it down to you ASAP!

The books author Rick Goldschmidt has done an unparalled job here. Everything anyone could ever want to know about the classic Rankin/Bass holiday special is included. Having spoken with the actual cast & crew of the film himself. He's collected the definitive step by step process & written it all in this heavily illustrated book. Whether you're into animated filmaking, christmas or Rankin/Bass, there's something for everyone. There's a dozen other five star reviews on amazon for the book too. Now at a great kindle price & pocket size, the tradition continues shining bright.

So glad that my 2nd book is finally here for your KINDLE! So many people have asked me for this and hopefully it will reach a new audience going into the Holidays of 2011! RUDOLPH is almost 50 years old now and still going strong! We plan on doing something special with the cast of RANKIN/BASS and the restored ANIMAGIC figures for the 50th...stay tuned! We love and appreciate all of the fans of RANKIN/BASS PRODUCTIONS and this classic TV special that they created with so much heart and warmth! :) Enjoy!

I, like so many, grew up watching this holiday classic. I was raised on it, in the days before VHS and DVDs, where if you missed it, there was no chance to see it, till the following year. As with many fans, I like to know as much as I can about anything I hold near and dear, in my heart.

This book was gifted to me, two years ago and I didn't stop reading, till I'd finished it. It's that informative, enjoyable and well written. I take the book with me on road trips and day trips, because I can so easily enjoy it. When I saw this was now available on Kindle, I knew it had to be mine.

I purchased the Kindle edition, late this afternoon and doing a quick scan through this edition, I'm thrilled with my purchase. Best yet, it's on my iPod and can travel anywhere I go and it's much lighter, now! I often worried about losing the book on my travels or damaging the book, now this won't be a worry, as it can stay home and be enjoyed, any time, but with the Kindle edition, it can go anywhere I go and I can enjoy it, any time.

If Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has been a favorite TV special for you, this book is a must have for you. Written by a true fan of the special, only a fan could write a book this well and do this much justice to this classic.

THANK YOU to all that have bought this book! Almost sold out on the hardcover edition and considering a soft cover printing in 2009. I do have a 3rd printing LE HARDCOVER of my ENCHANTED WORLD OF RANKIN/BASS: A PORTFOLIO BOOK up at AMAZON and my blog now! It has a few NEW pages and a new cover by AMATO IMAGE DESIGN on a deluxe black cover! So happy to have this in print again. E-mail me with any questions and have a HOLLY JOLLY CHRISTMAS!

After reading Rick's first book "The Enchanted World Of Rankin/Bass", which is a wonderful Tribute to Rankin/Bass, I was equally excited to read his second book, "The Making of Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer".This is a MUST HAVE for Rudolph Fans or Rankin/Bass fans. I appreciate and understand much more about what went into making this classic Christmas special.The perfect blend of talent it took to become a classic, one which my children enjoy now,as much as I did growing up watching Rudolph. Great illustration, with lots of behind the scene photos.Romeo Muller's Script was a Bonus! You won't want to put this book down!

Although the author's passion for Rankin/Bass productions (Rudolph in particular) is very evident, I was a little disappointed that this book really wasn't purely dedicated to the making of the holiday classic which the title would imply. There is a great deal of space dedicated to the voice talents that brought the beloved characters to life but in my opinion not enough dedicated to the "animagic" work done on Rudolph. After reading the book I felt the $30 price tag was a bit steep.

This insightful, intensely well-research book is the definitive look at the inner-workings of a classic animated TV special. Whether you're a fan of the show, a fan of vintage stop-motion animation, a die-hard baby-boomer, or just plain old in a yuletide mood, this book delivers the goods! Don't miss out!