It’s no secret that Tim Burton’s Disney production of Frankenweenie is out and according to the numbers over at rottentomatoes.com, is doing well in the hearts of critics, movie-goers – and at the box office. However, for those of you who may be too young to remember the old days – way back in the 1980’s, there was a great short film, also titled Frankenweenie. It was made back in 1984 by – guess who – Tim Burton!
Back in 1984 Burton made the lovely little black and white oddball film about a dog he once had as a boy that died. It’s about twenty minutes and while the special effects of the stop-motion animation version is fun to watch and has become part of Burton’s hallmark style, this early live-action one is charming and fun to watch as well. Some of us oldsters remember it with fondness. Great little film and perfect for this time of year.