It was only relatively recently where the decision to encounter the Rabbit Ears Productions animations/stories was made, thinking that it would help during such a distressing period. To me, the company was responsible for a number of incredibly well made and written, immensely charming and accessible adaptations for the whole family of popular children's literature, tales from around the world, biblical stories and American heroes and legends and their work does deserve to be known a good deal more.
They are also strong examples of having famous voices narrating, but those involved were chosen on that they were talented at their craft and not on star power or box office draw (not that kind of project). 'Santabear's First Christmas', the first of Rabbit Ears Productions' holiday classics, is a fine example of this. It is not one of my favourites of their adaptations, in a list that includes 'The Fool and the Flying Ship', 'The Velveteen Rabbit', 'The Steadfast Tin Soldier', 'The Elephant's Child' and 'Pecos Bill'. It is still great, very charming and warms the heart. Deserving of a much higher rating that it has at the moment, which is likely down to a lack of votes, and of more exposure. People that have heard of Rabbit Ears Productions hold a vast majority of them in very high regard and for good reason. 'Santabear's First Christmas' is no different.
'Santabear's First Christmas' may be slight narratively and on the deliberate side in places. Other adaptations from Rabbit Ears Productions have slightly more memorable and identifiable characters.
However, the visuals are really lovely to look at. As usual, the style is simple (would hesitate calling it limited personally) but it never comes over as simplistic or amateurish, if anything it is quite elegant and quaint. Michael Hedges' music does nothing to overshadow what's going on, a beautiful match in quality with the visual style and pleasantly understated orchestrally. As well as both mysterious and occasionally elegiac in rhythm.
Narrator here is Kelly McGillis, not one of the best known of the Rabbit Ears Productions' series numerous narrators but a more than worthy one. She narrates very soothingly and sincerely, exactly the sort of delivery when reading a bedtime story. The writing is very easy to understand for children and it shouldn't be too dumbed down for adults, actually thought the text achieved the balance of simplicity and maturity very well. Speaking as a young adult in her late-20s.
Regardless of its slightness, the story is rich in charm and really warmed my heart without being too sugary or gooey. The characters are engaging and easy to identify with, the title character avoiding being too cute.
Overall, great. 9/10
They are also strong examples of having famous voices narrating, but those involved were chosen on that they were talented at their craft and not on star power or box office draw (not that kind of project). 'Santabear's First Christmas', the first of Rabbit Ears Productions' holiday classics, is a fine example of this. It is not one of my favourites of their adaptations, in a list that includes 'The Fool and the Flying Ship', 'The Velveteen Rabbit', 'The Steadfast Tin Soldier', 'The Elephant's Child' and 'Pecos Bill'. It is still great, very charming and warms the heart. Deserving of a much higher rating that it has at the moment, which is likely down to a lack of votes, and of more exposure. People that have heard of Rabbit Ears Productions hold a vast majority of them in very high regard and for good reason. 'Santabear's First Christmas' is no different.
'Santabear's First Christmas' may be slight narratively and on the deliberate side in places. Other adaptations from Rabbit Ears Productions have slightly more memorable and identifiable characters.
However, the visuals are really lovely to look at. As usual, the style is simple (would hesitate calling it limited personally) but it never comes over as simplistic or amateurish, if anything it is quite elegant and quaint. Michael Hedges' music does nothing to overshadow what's going on, a beautiful match in quality with the visual style and pleasantly understated orchestrally. As well as both mysterious and occasionally elegiac in rhythm.
Narrator here is Kelly McGillis, not one of the best known of the Rabbit Ears Productions' series numerous narrators but a more than worthy one. She narrates very soothingly and sincerely, exactly the sort of delivery when reading a bedtime story. The writing is very easy to understand for children and it shouldn't be too dumbed down for adults, actually thought the text achieved the balance of simplicity and maturity very well. Speaking as a young adult in her late-20s.
Regardless of its slightness, the story is rich in charm and really warmed my heart without being too sugary or gooey. The characters are engaging and easy to identify with, the title character avoiding being too cute.
Overall, great. 9/10
