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There are two particularly notable movie versions of Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer.

The older one, first aired on NBC in the US in 1964, was made with stop-motion photography (often called claymation although, as someone was kind enough to point out to me, the movie did not actually used clay), and is the more widely known of the two movies, having been broadcast every years since, along with other famous specials like A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and Frosty the Snowman. In it, Rudolph suffers considerably because of his red nose, even at the hooves of his own father, Donner, who thinks him an embarrassment to the family. His only friends are Clarice (a young doe who thinks his nose is cute), Hermey (an elf who'd rather be a dentist than a toymaker), and Yukon Cornelius (an unsuccessful miner). He teams up with the latter two as fellow misfits, but they find themselves pursued by the Bumble, an abominable snow monster. I won't tell much more than that in case you haven't seen it, but here's part 1 on YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDuHKcdXUIk

The newer, lesser-known animated version, released in 1998, is officially known as Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Movie. It was done in traditional-style animation, and featured a somewhat different plot. In it, Rudolph again deals with the same red nose. Although he is the subject of much ridicule from other deer as well as a few elves, he finds support in a small number of friends, particularly his parents. Blitzen, his father, finds the nose thing somewhat embarrassing, but does his best to support and stand up for him, particularly at the encouragement of Mitzy (Rudolph's mother). Also on Rudolph's side is Zoey, a young doe who considers his nose unique, not funny, and Santa, who encourages Rudolph to focus on what‘s inside his heart. But at the persecution of his malicious tormentor, Arrow, and following a humiliating disqualification from the Reindeer Games (traditionally his only shot at joining the team), he runs away from home. Zoey goes out in search of him, but in the process falls foul of Queen Stormella, who hates Santa and has vowed to bury the entire North Pole in a massive blizzard if anyone from Santa’s village crosses her ice bridge. Unfortunately, Zoey does just that and invokes the queen’s wrath, leaving it up to Rudolph and his friends Slyly the fox and Leonard the polar bear to rescue her and overcome the storm. Part one can be found here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY-TjEu2 ... F&index=19

Both movies have their share of musical numbers, although the 1998 film has more of these. Also, both have narrators; in the 1964 special, it’s Sam the Snowman, in 1998 the narrations are done by four fairies known as the sprites of the northern lights, who also become involved in the plot directly later on. Also, both address matters of social injustice and prejudice, as well as courage and strong character.

Before either of these, in 1948, there was a cartoon short which had essentially nothing added to the original song as a storyline. No doe friend, no villain or villainess except for Rudolph's tormenting deer peers, and he had actually never met Santa until the Jolly old Elf came into his room to fill his stocking, saw that glowing nose, and asked him to join the team. The full video (just under nine minutes), can be found here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvaO7SvUU9w

So, the question I want to pose is, which do you prefer, and why?

EDIT: Poll removed due to malfunction.
EDIT: Added a synopsis of the 1948 cartoon short version of Rudolph, previously not mentioned in part because it wasn’t a movie, and corrected a factual error with regard to the stop-motion version of Rudolph.

Gotta stick with the originals in my opinion.

Most of the time I'd agree. But in the case of the Rudolph movies, I'd rather watch the cartoon one. For one thing, it has none of the jerky movements that go with the claymation. Also, I find it gives a better impression of parenting, both moms and dads. I meant consider: in the older Rudolph, his father was one of his worst persecutors. And Mrs. Donner, as I recall, did very little to challenge this. In the newer version, while Blitzen was just as bothered by his son's abnormality, he wasn't hesitant to stick up for him. And when he wavered from his responsibility as a father to demonstrate that he cared about his son, Mitzy was not at all reserved about speaking her mind. With only one case of sharpness (most of the time she was a very gentle conscience), she did her part in encouraging both her mate and her son on the right path.
Now, I'll grant that in terms of putting Rudolph at a disadvantage, Donner was more effective (in a dysfunctional sort of way). But don't try to tell me that it's in any way positive for a dad to be a bully to his son, letalone for the mother not to speak up when the kid's getting slighted.

Forgive my ignorance, but I never knew there was another Rudolf made, now I'm curious to see this newer one. I always enjoyed watching the original Rudolf, its pretty much Christmas tradition in my house. Just a little something of interest, my Grandma knew and worked with Robert May the creator of the original Rudolf when she was empolyed at Montgomery Ward.

Well, I hope I haven't given away too much in advance. Here again you'll find a link to part one of the newer version. And since it's part of a playlist, just look to your right on the page for where it says "Play All," and you can watch the whole movie. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY-TjEu2 ... F&index=23

Well, I prefer the animation. But for 1964 clay mation was one of the best ways to create a movie. I think it''s pretty cool. But I enkoyed more of the new animation since it gives more to the story and realistic.

Thanks for the link, I'll go check it out.

Anytime.

I choose Rudolph in claymation. Rudolph in animation would not intrest me. I will take a look at that and see how it goes.

Well, while we're on the subject of Animation what about the original Rudolph short from 1944? It's not always easy to find a clean copy, but it's actually pretty good. As for the 1964 TV Special, I've read and heard several times it wasn't done with clay, but rather with wax, wood and paper. But, nonetheless it is stop motion animation.

I haven't seen the original short, but I'll look it up if I can and try to add it to the discussion.
As for the stop-motion version, I stand corrected. Thank you for clarifying.

EDIT: I found one from 1948, but not 1944. And it turns out I have seen it beofre, I just forgot. It's not a movie, which is what this topic was really about. But since it is a classic in its own right, I added it to the topic.

Willing to give the others a look, but probably will still choose the 1964 version.