User Reviews

A film was made from a superior book. Those who enjoy the Hallowe'en holiday often not have much of an idea of its roots, and Ray Bradbury turns a sympathetic eye towards various Hallowe'en traditions.

That the film is an animated one suggests rather strongly that it was aimed squarely at the younger set, but the cartoon medium allows a certain chaotic underpinning that facilitates transitions in time and space.

Children going out to Trick Or Treat, less one member of the gang, known as Pipkin. A house they visit looks very spooky, and has in its yard a tree festooned with Jack O'Lanterns. The person whom they meet is the mysterious Mr. Moundshroud. The strange grownup introduces them to various Hallowe'en traditions, taking them on trips through time and space. This is magical, but not spooky in the scary sense.

The fate of Pipkin is bound up in this, as the children learn. They also get a thorough grounding on many aspects of Hallowe'en, as do the viewers.

A good film for the season.

Halloween has always been one of my most favorite times of year, ever since I was a kid. Now I'm 30, but I still love the holiday. You're never too old for Halloween... AND you're never too old for Halloween cartoons. Every year, I celebrate the holiday with watching "It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown," "Garfield's Halloween Adventure," "Halloween is Grinch Night," several Simpsons "Treehouse of Horror" specials, "Scooby-Doo and the Ghoul School," "Doug's Halloween Adventure," "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "The Halloween Tree." When I first decided to check it out, I thought it was going to be lame. Hanna-Barbera had really lost their touch by this time, and their cartoons would never be the same (the studio would have been dead by the end of 1994 if it weren't for their admittedly cool and creative "What a Cartoon" shorts from 1995-1997!) Now I'm glad I watched it. It has become a Halloween tradition of mine! True, it doesn't resemble your usual Hanna-Barbera cartoon in any way. Instead it feels more like Nelvana or Film Roman made it. (From what I read, Ray Bradbury wanted his animator friend Chuck Jones to bring it to life. I think a Chuck Jones version would have been even better!) But regardless, it's still fun. It helped me understand several Halloween origins and customs, and can be a bit creepy at times. Perfect! Leonard Nimoy does a great job voicing Mr. Moundshround, and Ray Bradbury does an equally great job narrating his story. The animation, like I said, isn't the usual Hanna-Barbera style you would expect. It's not totally perfect, but is still pretty good for a 1990s animated TV special, at times up to par with Walt Disney Television Animation's stuff of the time (then again, bad animation became increasingly rare in the 1990s, with a few exceptions like H-B's poorly-animated "Arabian Nights" TV movie from 1994!) John Debney's music is also really good, especially the haunting opening theme, though it does get a bit Disney-esque at times (there were times in the 1990s when H-B felt they needed to mimic Disney!) I'm watching it as I type this review, and it's helping put me in the Halloween mood more. "Oh my gosh!" look at the time. "Ready, set, go!"

I'm a huge Ray Bradbury fan so I was excited to see this animated adaptation of his great novel The Halloween Tree. Bradbury himself scripted this movie and even provided the narration. The story is magical, poetic, and even educational. I would recommend it for parents to share with their kids. It's beautiful.

Interestingly, Bradbury wrote the novel after he had collaborated on a Halloween Tree screenplay with the great Chuck Jones for an animated film that never came to be. As pleasant and enjoyable as the animation is in this version, one can only wonder how amazing the collaboration between two greats of their respective mediums would have been.

This was a lovely animated holiday special. They don't make very many Halloween specials anymore. It's as if American society wants to let it die, which is a real shame because Halloween is my favourite holiday. I absolutely love this movie. It was made in 1993 but it has a feel to it that makes it seem far older. It just has an old fashioned quality to it that I find strangely comforting.

It's based on the story by Ray Bradbury, author of The Martian Chronicles and Fahrenhiet 451 and he even narrates it, which I love. Bradbury is one of my favourite authors. Sure this film has a few slightly dark moments but it's actually very educational and at the same time heart warming.

This is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen and I recommend it to anyone of any age who likes Halloween. It is an awesome story of friendship, discovery, and mystery. Ray Bradbury wrote a masterpiece and it was made into a fantastic film. I have watched it since I was very young and still watch it over and over every year. I think that anyone of any age will enjoy this movie. It does not follow what some call the "Halloween plot" of children going trick or treating the entire night. It is different but prodigious. The children save their friend while learning the history of Halloween. The ending is one of the best parts, but I hate to see that part of the movie because it is the end. I seriously recommend this movie to watch on Halloween, or even any part of the year. I love it.

An exciting educational film that children will love, the parents will too. This isn't a boring halloween kids movie it shows children why they go out on halloween dressed up as ghosts, mummies, witches and monsters and has a really heart warming ending. I recommend this for children to watch before halloween night so they can get excited about dressing up. (who doesn't)

Kids will learn a bit about halloween's history and there's some quality animation in parts, but the narration is unnecessary and Nimoy's a little too over the top. That said, it's a worthy story that was way better than it could have been.

This is a cartoon that adults as well as children will enjoy. It helps to explain the why's of some of Halloween's favorite traditions. It was very well drawn and acted. Although some parts may frighten smaller children all in all it is very entertaining.

The Halloween Tree (1993) is a movie my daughter and I watched together on Tubi last week. The storyline follows a group of kids who wander to the wrong haunted house 🏚 on Halloween and meet a strange caretaker. The caretaker takes the kids on a magical journey that teaches them the history of Halloween and the methods to potentially save a lost friend...

This movie is directed by Mario Piluso (Stripperella) and stars Ray Bradbury (Mirrors), Leonard Nimoy (Star Trek), Alex Greenwald (Donnie Darko), Darleen Carr (The Beguiled) and Andrew Keegan (Independence Day).

I thoroughly enjoyed this picture for numerous reasons. The animation was classic early 90s (think Ninja Turtles) and has fun characters, costumes, settings and circumstances. I enjoyed the flashes to ancient Egypt, Stone Henge and other eras in Halloween. The background on magic and witches was also well told on how they came to be. The ending was smart and had a nice, unpredictable twist.

Overall, this is a fun, family Halloween animated film that's definitely worth your time. I would score this a 7.5/10 and strongly recommend it.

Ray Bradbury's cartoon adaptation of his own celebrated book is exquisite, and makes an excellent Halloween treat for kids & adults alike. The are many changes from the book, most notably in the creation of the strong female character of Jenny,(In Bradbury's original work there were many more children characters and they were all boys, boys who for the most part hated girls.) but when you watch the film all of these enhancements and modern additions not only fit but make it include a much larger audience. None of the changes feel forced. And with Ray Bradbury not only writing but narrating, this is a treasure not to pass up. It's value, as an educational tool for cultural diversity, can't be denied. The imagery is thrilling and beautiful as you travel around the world learning how Halloween came to be and how this very popular holiday was and is celebrated. Leonard Nimoy gives an outstanding performance as the spooky, and eccentric tour guide, Moundshroud. But most importantly this movie is fun. The story and animation are rich and lush and it's easy to see why this scary delight is a seasonal favorite and a must have in many households. Mine included.

The most Insightful and Delightful Halloween Movie I have EVER seen! As always, Ray BradBury Rocks! This movie takes Halloween to the next level by explaining the true origins of the Holiday throughout notable parts of the world. Narrarated by one of my favorite actors, Leonard Nimoy, (Mr. Spock) A delight for Children and Adults Alike! Grab your popcorn, and your family for this awesome depiction of Halloween History, Folks!!! May I suggest reading the original Book? It also Rocks! Other book suggestions by Ray Bradbury regarding this Topic: "The October Country" and "Something Wicked This Way Comes" Enjoy The Undiscovered Country of Halloween Everyone! Fabian Trahan - GhostCams Experiment Portal

"Wow" is truly the only word to describe this movie, and not in a good way. First, the animation is clearly cheaply done and looks more like a fifteen minute show on cartoon network than a film. Leonard Nemoy does give his voice talents, however "Mountrouds" voice is horribly annoying, especially after about an hour of watching the film. The story is bad and extremely confusing, especially for youngsters. Also, the "educational" trip through time fails to mention all-hallows-eve, the real history of Halloween. Oh yeah, and I forgot about the redeeming message in this film --- I'm still trying to figure that out. Friendship maybe...hmm? All together a terrible movie for adults and children alike. Do yourself a favor and rent out a disney film. 2/10

A truly wonderful animation following the exploits of four children who learn the true meanings and reasons we celebrate Halloween as they travel through time to learn why we celebrate All Hallows Eve (Halloween). Dressed as a Skeleton a Witch a Mummy And a Werewolf the Children race through time and different cultures to save their friend from the grip of the Evil yet wonderfully portrayed Mr Moundshroud! Leanord Nimoy (Spock from Star Trek) is Excellent at portraying the role or Mr Moundshroud. A must for the whole family as it is as educational for the Children as it is heart warming for the Child in us all.

This perfect gem of a movie is indescribible. It is touching ,poetic ,excellent in performances and plotting. Leonard Nimoy is astounding as Moundshroud ,the music score was brilliant. I think Ray Bradbury deserves great credit. This film won an Emmy (one it was damn deserving of). This is what I consider the smartest move I ever made when buying a video. I was not Dissapointed. Bradbury Rules. The book is great too.

Anybody who says this is a Halloween classic is absolutely right, it is a superb animated movie. One that I remember vaguely from childhood, and revisited on YouTube last night. Ah, those great memories. The animation is absolutely wonderful, it had a dark eerie feel to it, and all of the more advanced visuals were breathtaking. The music score was just phenomenal; there are no songs to interrupt the flow, instead the incidental music is haunting, beautiful, atmospheric and even dramatic. The characters are great- the four leads are likable enough, but my favourite is Moundshroud, sinister yet funny yet charming all at once. And what a talented vocal cast. Ray Bradbury narrates with consummate ease, but the real kudos has to go to Leonard Nimoy as Moundshroud, in one of his best performances. The pace is brisk, it has an engaging and somewhat educational story and a nice faithful script. It is also brilliantly adapted from the book by Mr Bradbury himself, and the film is full of traditional Halloween imagery that are constantly used in an inventive manner. Not to mention the ending, I thought that was a very poignant one. All in all, if you haven't seen this already, give yourself a treat. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I love animation from Hanna-Barbera, along with Disney, Rankin-Bass, Fleischer Studios, Studio Ghibli, and Nelvana Ltd. Also, Halloween is my favourite holiday. I thought this was the best Halloween film/special from Hanna-Barbera. I was lucky to have taped it because they no longer seem to air it on TV with other classics, damn!

Have any of you ever wondered how Halloween started? Well, in this film, all answers will be revealed as four friends and a shadowy character travel back in time; 4000 years to be precise, to save their friend's spirit and learn about the mysteries of Halloween. I have read the original novel by Ray Bradbury (who is also the narrator in the film). My mom and I would read it together every October before Halloween. And afterwards, "The Halloween Tree" became one of my favorite books and films as well.

I have finally found the name of this movie!

I have searched for a long time with no success. Now that I have found it I have to say that The Haloween Tree is one of the best movies about Halloween that I have ever seen. My family would always watch it on TV at our Halloween party, but I was so young at the time I didn't care about the title but this movie is a great Halloween classic and I recommend it to anyone who loves the classics. Even though the animation isn't top notch high-def, it is still a very enjoyable movie with a good plot line. I think that somehow someone needs to get this great classic back on air. It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown has been running for a long time and is a classic, I believe that The Halloween Tree should be shown along with that as a Halloween special.

Ray Bradbury is an amazing writer, and this movie is just more proof of that. I also love that it's mildly educational, but in a really fun and adventurous way. It's quickly becoming one of my 5 year old son's favorites too!

when i was growing up holidays like Halloween & Christmas use to have special meanings now both are used only for political holidays to get votes. but to me both are still special I love it when months like September & October roll around cool air starts arriving brown leaves falling everywhere in neighbors yards. or late summer months like june sitting on your front porch and you feel a slight cool breeze off of the summer wind just to give you a tease of whats to come in a few months. sitting on the couch with your windows raised watching all types of college. nfl and highschool football on the weekends. seeing all the masks. decorations. candy and scary movies in stores watching the young children enjoy theirself for one night of the entire year as they knock on doors asking for candy. carving jack o lanterns. if you get a chance to watch this movie ....do it you wont regret it you'll get that special feeling you had when you were a kid at halloween

Adults - You'll enjoy this movie if you've got a soul!.. 👻 Teens - Should enjoy it as well!.. 🎃 Kids - Will absolutely enjoy this, it's educational as well!.. 📙

Yes, Would Recommend This Movie!

This is an Absolute Classic! That I'd recommend everyone who has a sense for story and adventure to toil-n-dabble into!

First, I'm going to say that if you haven't read Ray Bradbury's masterpiece, "The Halloween Tree," go buy it and read it through and through, especially the copy illustrated by Joseph Mugnaini originally published in 1972 by Alfred A. Knopf, Publishing. (The story was originally conceived with co-author, animator, Chuck Jones as a screenplay by Bradbury in 1967). This is some of the best and most poetic of Bradbury's writings. Before the great animation factory of Hanna-Barbera finally closed its doors, they managed to produce this gem of a story using updated and original material and the voice of the author himself as the narrator. The combination of voices and the memorable theme music penned by John Debney, including the great Lenard Nimoy as the magical, chilling, informative, yet somehow comforting Mr. Carapace Clavicle Moundshroud, embellishes the animated version with a breezy, leaf filled Fall season feel of warm humanity. At once educational and entertaining, this is one of the greatest and least appreciated features from television's stellar collection of seasonal classics. Like Disney's "The Scarecrow of Romney Marsh," from 1964, I expect that someday Warner Brothers will clean up a copy of this motion picture and distribute it on DVD for the sake of its production quality alone. And, were I a producer with a reasonable budget, I could think of no better challenge than to translate this incredible story to live action, hopefully remaining faithful to the heart and soul of Bradbury's original concept.

This is absolutely my favorite holiday movie ever, be it Christmas, Halloween, or whatever. It is shown on The Cartoon Network every Halloween. It is an adventure story which takes children and adults alike on an intoxicating journey of human history and shows how Halloween came into being. The movie teaches the audience that friendship is one of the strongest human bonds, and people will go to the ends of the Earth, literally, to protect it. There are some differences between the movie and the book, but nothing that will distract from the viewing experience. The narrator for this tale is Ray Bradbury, and who better than he to tell his own story. Leonard Nimoy is the voice of the wicked Moundshround. One of the wonderful things about this movie is that it was made in 1993 and is actually animated, it's not CG! I rate this movie a 10, a animation masterpiece!