I know that it’s still hot and humid, and very much summer time, across the country. There is no denying that “spooky season” is fast approaching. Step inside many retail and grocery stores RIGHT NOW and you’ll find Halloween candy and decorations already. It’s hard for me personally to get into the Halloween “state of mind” when we still need to crank our air conditioner up to keep from melting.
Halloween and Christmas are my two more favorite holidays. When it comes to decorating, my husband insists that we have more Halloween decorations than Christmas decorations. That might be true, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t love both holidays. I think it’s because for so many years we had to keep our Halloween decorations “G-rated” so as not to scare our kids. Now that they are young adults, I can make them as spooky as I want.
Our neighbors also appreciate our Halloween decorations. We’re one of the very few people in our condo complex that decorates. We love to mix it up too so that they never know what to expect from us. Last year we purchased a creepy old lady (she’s the mother from the Psycho movies). We put her in our dining room window that over looks the complex, and put a light underneath her so all you see is her creepy glow. Our neighbors love it.
Aside from decorating, I’m also totally into watching Halloween movies – from the classics to new releases. The scarier the better too (although rarely are there any quality horror movies made anymore).
One of my family’s favorite holiday films is Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas.
I’ll admit, the first time we saw the movie years ago we were not instant fans. We thought it was very odd and the addition of Santa (who was also creepy) was strange to us too. However, the more we watched the film, the more it grew on us. Now it’s one of those films we need to watch at the very least once (if not more) during Halloween season.
There is a new book that will be released tomorrow (August 22, 2023) that is a must have for any fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas. The book is entitled Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: Beyond Halloween Town: The Story, the Characters, and the Legacy. The book was written by Emily Zemler with a foreword written by Tim Burton.
What is it about Jack Skellington that is so compelling? Why does the love between Sally and Jack resonate with so many? The feature-length, stop-motion movie about the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town who becomes obsessed with celebrating Christmas is a fascinating musical and love story that has transcended the original film and captivated the world. From the improbable tale to the lovable characters, Tim Burton’s creation has turned into a lifestyle, branching into fashion, video games, card and board games, live-action concerts, themed celebrations at Disneyland, and even cameos in other movies.
Featuring an original foreword by Tim Burton himself, Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas: Beyond Halloween Town celebrates the film and the culture that has grown around it with exclusive and original interviews from:
- Author and creator, Tim Burton
- Animators, sculptors, and other artists of the film
- Jack Skellington himself, Danny Elfman
- The iconic voice of Sally, Catherine O’Hara
- Musicians on the Nightmare Revisited album
Delve into the magic of Halloween and Christmas in a story told through unlikely heroes that started 30 years ago. This beautifully designed coffee-table book is sure to captivate die-hard and casual fans alike.
I received an advance copy of the book free to review.
This is a hard cover book, and it could easily be considered a “coffee table book.” I fully plan on leaving this out on our coffee table during the Halloween season so me and my family can open it up and read more about one of our favorite films.
This book is a must have for any fan of the movie. It covers EVERY topic. I don’t think any “page” has been “unturned” (no pun intended). Topics range from the film’s inspiration and conception, to the music and songs, merchandizing, games, fandom and so much more. It covers every topic I could possibly think of.
I have not finished the book in it’s entirety (yet), but so far I really love this book. It really gives the reader a fascinating look at this movie. I loved learning about the backstory of the film and the pre-production. I sometimes forget that this film was done in stop motion animation. They are actual figures that had to be moved by hand and filmed to be strung together to make a sequence for a scene. When you watch the film, most people don’t think about that.
It was fun to see photos of the actual set and figures used in this film. Imagine owing the actual Jack Skellington figured used in the film? That would be the ultimate collectible for fans.
Speaking of Jack Skellington figurines, I loved the section that talked about other ways people embrace this film, including photos of ideas that I want to try out with my family and friends.
I know that you’ll find a lot of The Nightmare Before Christmas merchandise in stores. I see movie themed products every where. We even own a Jack and Sally snow globe (a gift I gave my daughter).
I really want that Jack Skellington blow up holiday yard decoration. Too bad it won’t fit on our balcony (there is an over hang).
I failed to mention the amazing artwork in this book too.
This book will be released tomorrow (August 22, 2023). You can find it where ever most books are sold. The book is available on Amazon, and currently on sale for $27.00 (list price is $30.00).
What do you think about this book? Would you like to check it out for yourself? Are you a fan of the film? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts. I always love to hear from readers.
Kimberly
*I received a free copy of this book in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.