Tim Burton's Original 'Nightmare Before Christmas' Poem Narrated by Christopher Lee!!!

The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of my all time favorite films... not animated films, films in general. There are many reasons why this is the case, but I think the fact that it transcends seasons and genres better than any other film I have ever encountered. It is a Halloween movie as much as it is a Christmas movie. It is an underdog story as well as a sinister plot to displace good ole Saint Nick. It is horror, comedy, action and adventure all rolled into one... and it is fantastic. The idea for the film came from a poem written by Tim Burton. He created the poem way back in 1982 and I have seen it once or twice, but never in this fashion. It is narrated by frequent Burton collaborator Christopher Lee, aka Lord Summerisle himself (if you know what that is, you are my people)!!! My pal Samurai Frog over at Electronic Cerebrectomy posted the video and I thought it was a great way to transition from All Horror Week to the 2012 holiday season. Enjoy the video after the jump...

Is This What Darth Vader SHOULD Have Looked Like?

These are some really cool illustrations by a few artists that design Darth Vader based solely on the script passage that first introduces the audience to the great Sith Lord. Check out the passage first, then the artists renderings:

INTERIOR: REBEL BLOCKADE RUNNER MAIN HALLWAY. The awesome, seven-foot-tall Dark Lord of the Sith makes his way into the blinding light of the main passageway. This is Darth Vader, right hand of the Emperor. His face is obscured by his flowing black robes and grotesque breath mask, which stands out next to the fascist white armored suits of the Imperial stormtroopers. Everyone instinctively backs away from the imposing warrior and a deathly quiet sweeps through the Rebel troops. Several of the Rebel troops break and run in a frenzied panic.

Carlos Villagra

Chosen 1

James Groman

Jorge Lacera

Rod Widnt

Thanks to