The First Christmas(aka The Story of the First Christmas)which some sources credit a 1975 release, was given to us by the Australian production company, API. They are best known by U.S. viewers from their family classic releases such as Treasure Island; A Journey to the Center of the Earth; Robinson Crusoe; etc., mostly dated from the 1970's and running about an hour. The First Christmas, however is an exception, with a running time just under 30 minutes. The minutes are well used, however, and much is related about the birth of Jesus. Some of API's other films seem to target a younger age then this one. Here, teenagers and up would be fitting. The start of the movie is unique as compared to other company renditions of the same story. We see and hear (briefly) carolers, then a voice-over narration and drawn images of modern warfare. Phrases such as "history is volcanic" are used. Then we go back in time and begin to learn about the origins of the historical Christmas. In keeping with their original style, though, Barabbas is shown as a boy. Then we see the episode about Elizabeth and Zechariah leading up to John the Baptist, and so forth. Another departure includes the use of haloes for the Virgin Mary and her Son. The animation was done with a limited budget but the voice characterizations are first rate. The copy viewed had washed out colors for the most part. It was included in the Little Audrey collection, volume one.
Review of The First Christmas
