This is the most...unique...yeah that's a good word...unique take on the Santa Claus myth ever, I'll say in all existence. This story actually came from the scribe of the novel version of the Wizard of Oz, and has Santa...who was known then just as Claus, raised by immortal fairy folk, lead by the Great Ak, who looks like Odin of Norse Mythology and has a silver axe that shoots lasers, and cared for by a mountain lion...yeah you just read that right. The story follows Santa from his adoption into the fairy folks world to his last days as a mortal, where is invents toys... yes that is right Claus invented toys people... and he needed to defend himself from the evil Agwas, a band of weird demons who hate children and toys, even though Claus invented them only like 30 years prior. You also find out that Claus' reindeer are not his, but borrowed every year from the fairly folk, and they don't fly, they just jump REALLY far. It is like I said a unique take on the story, and one that has to be watched at least once. It's very random, and dear God is in inaccurate compared to most of the Santa origins, I do not condone drug use... but this must be great to watch high, but it is still one of those Christmas Classics a lot of people enjoy watching.

I would just like to comment on the last posting. This is NOT claymation! This was made with stop-motion puppets not clay. Yes there is a difference. Each puppet is painstakingly made by hand,First pre-production drawings of each puppet are made,an armature is created,Someone has to sculpt a character,molds are made,foam latex is put into molds then puppets are baked in an oven,Artists paint the details,clothing has to be made...so on. I want to educate people on this so there will not be any confusion in the future. Sorry if I am preaching...I take this seriously. In conclusion, I do agree this movie is quite enjoyable! Happy Holidays!

The synopsis of this movie I will leave alone for now, as the previous comment pretty much had that down pat. As a child of the 80s myself, this movie is easily my best Christmas memory. The fantasy, the unexpectedly dark plot, beautiful imagery...all of these things make this one of the most memorable Christmas movies I could think of.For those of you looking for a classic movie full of love, warmth, cheer, and all of the other TYPICAL feelings associated with a Christmas movie...I would pass this one up. The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus throws in elements of suspense, fear, sadness, and eventually relief...not commonly associated with a Christmas flick. Agreed, it IS a bit on the dark side for a holiday movie. However, would I recommend this for a truly unique and unexpected treat for older viewers? Without a doubt. The younger kids may not be able to sit still, but the older kids (including my generation) won't be able to shut up about it afterwards. If you want something TRULY indescribable and unforgettable in your movie collection, I'd go for The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus.

I saw this when I was very young and it scared me very much especially King Aqwa, his horns and just the way he looked freaked me out. Two years ago I saw it again and I found it quite interesting but very dark. It's most certainly not the typical special. Rankin/Bass did a great job and they always have very special characters in all of their specials. The musical score is pretty good and there's a moral in this very dark tale of Santa Claus. The good guys even look kinda creepy but cool. Like Peter Nook and those other immortals that the Great AK talk to during their story of Santa Claus. It's a bad shame that this special does not air regularly like most of the other Rankin Bass specials. If you like fantasy, you'll like this great one.