Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966)

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! is a 1966 American Christmas animated television special directed by Chuck Jones. It is based on the eponymous children's book by Dr. Seuss, the story of the Grinch trying to take away Christmas from the townsfolk of Whoville below his mountain hideaway. Originally telecast in the United States on CBS on December 18, 1966, it went on to become a perennial holiday special. Directed by Chuck Jones, it features the voice of Boris Karloff.

Why It Rocks

 * 1) It's 100% faithful to the original book of the same name.
 * 2) It has the glorious traditional cel animation that fits the Dr. Seuss tone very well.
 * 3) It has some decent vocal performances; Boris Karloff was great as the Grinch.
 * 4) Memorable and catchy songs such as "Welcome Christmas" and "You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch".
 * 5) The message is important. "Maybe Christmas doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas perhaps, means a little bit more." Although the principles are Christian, at least the themes here are broader and could be applied to material culture and religion in general.
 * 6) Uplifting and emotional moments such as the Grinch learning the true meaning of Christmas and gives all the presents back to the Whos.
 * 7) Dr. Seuss was involved in making the film.
 * 8) Chuck Jones's astounding direction of the film.
 * 9) The added rhymes written exclusively for the special are perfect ad-libs.

Bad Qualities

 * 1) Like the other four specials that come later in the 70’s; Horton Hears a Who, The Cat and the Hat, The Lorax, and Dr. Seuss on the Loose, the narrator (including the Grinch) doesn't follow what was written in the original book word-for-word.
 * 2) Even though it’s explained why the Grinch hates Christmas, it makes no sense for him to see or hear what is happening when he lives far away from them.
 * 3) Occasional animation errors. For example, when the Grinch sneaks down the chimney, his hat turns green for a few frames.

Trivia

 * First Dr. Seuss special
 * Thurl Ravenscroft being uncredited in this Dr. Seuss’ special is one of the infamous errors. Dr. Seuss attempted to rectify by sending letters to every major columnist in America identifying Ravenscroft as the singer on "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch!". He is also part of the chorus on the other two songs.
 * First Dr. Seuss special to be directed by Chuck Jones.
 * Boris Karloff, who voiced the Grinch in this special, did not return to reprise his role as the Grinch in a prequel called Halloween is Grinch Night, due to his death, so he was posthumously replaced by Hans Conried, who voiced Captain Hook in Peter Pan.