MovieChat Forums > Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) Discussion > One Night Only

One Night Only

posted 4 years ago by John Kyle (680)
8 replies | jump to latest

I was 6 when it first aired.....And if you didn't watch it the night it was on, you had to wait until next year.

[–] strntz (12474) 4 years ago

So many options these days. I use an Android streamer and a side app. Any movie or TV show I want is available when I want.

[–] John Kyle (680) 4 years ago

Too many options. Some things like this should be seen only once a year. It makes it special.

[–] strntz (12474) 4 years ago

I get it, but often I'm not available when it's broadcast that one time they do.

[–] jonathan_k80 (6436) 4 years ago

The only advantage to owning the DVDs or streaming is that you can view the program in its original format. The network broadcasts are full of cuts so they can insert more commercials.

I have practically all of these specials on DVD. I only watch them during December.

[–] strntz (12474) 4 years ago

The network broadcasts are full of cuts so they can insert more commercials.

Particularly the older 60s ones that had only 10 minutes of commercials in a full hour. They have to cut them up big time these days.

Fortunately, streaming shows them uncut and in HD now.

[–] jonathan_k80 (6436) 4 years ago

That's what made all these holiday programs (and The Wizard of Oz) so special. These weren't mere broadcasts... they were must-see events. Almost a holiday in themselves.

Anticipation is a big part of what makes Christmas a special time of year. Waiting for these programs to air was added excitement.

When VHS came along it destroyed one aspect of the Christmas magic. Being able to watch these shows on demand may be convenient, but it cheapens the holiday experience. Like the Hallmark Channel showing Christmas movies in the middle of the summer. I don't get it, and wonder how many people actually watch that stuff.

[–] strntz (12474) 4 years ago

I don't disagree. I have most of the Twilight Zones on DVD, but there's something a bit more fun watching the holiday marathons and watching the Twilight Zone episodes the same time as millions of other people are. I know it doesn't make sense, but there it is.

[–] jonathan_k80 (6436) 4 years ago

What I do is this... when a special is airing on network TV, I watch the DVD instead, but at the same time as the TV broadcast. I know what you mean about the "shared experience." That was what made these shows so special in the past.