You know how that ol' song goes about Rudolph, the iconic red-nosed reindeer that saved Santa's sleigh — and Christmas — one cold December. It makes its way onto the air waves and your brain right after Halloween. You'll find yourself singing the classic song by Johnny Marks to yourself as you worry you're putting up your Christmas tree too early. But really, the holiday is in your heart, so you put up that tinsel and mistletoe whenever you want! But just not before Labor Day. To accompany the Christmas decorations and tunes, you gotta have some holiday classics on your TV. While you can watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer online here, luckily, the ultimate Christmas classic will also air on ABC Family this year and is available on DVD and Blu-Ray for consumption whenever you put up your tree.
The iconic 1964 TV special is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Back then, the stop-motion animated show was sponsored by General Electric and aired as part of NBC's The General Electric Fantasy Hour. The adorable Rudolph and his adventure to the "Island of Misfit Toys" immediately won the hearts of kids and grown-ups alike. Every year since then, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer has aired on TV in some capacity — or multiple times — during the holiday season. Just like putting up your Christmas tree, you don't necessarily have to wait until Christmastime to watch your favorite reindeer's red nose light up. Here's how you can see it when you want.
50th Anniversary DVD & Blu-Ray
Earlier this month, the stop-motion tale of Rudolph was released a special Collector's Edition on DVD and Blu-Ray for its big 50th anniversary. The discs, which come in a gold box featuring the reindeer and his famous nose, features a video pop-up book and a sing-a-long, as well as the digitally remastered classic tale itself.
The Original Christmas Classics DVD and Blu-Ray
If you love to marathon your Christmastime TV, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer DVD and Blu-Ray discs are also sold as part of the Original Christmas Classics gift set, which features the following beloved specials: Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, Little Drummer Boy, and Frosty the Snowman.
The gift set is also available online through iTunes and Amazon Instant Video, but don't get too excited, Rudolph fans. Only Santa Claus is Comin' to Town, Little Drummer Boy, and Frosty the Snowman are currently watchable on the services right now. I guess we'll have to wait for Rudolph to go fully digital.
Good Ol' TV
Are you willing to wait and watch Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer old school? This year, the special will air on Dec. 9 on CBS. Cancel your plans or set your DVR.
If you can't get enough of Rudolph, ABC Family will air two spinoffs featuring our heroic little reindeer throughout the month: Rudolph's Shiny New Year and Rudolph & Frosty's Christmas in July. Check the network's 25 Days of Christmas schedule for air dates and times.
Images: Classic Media/CBS (3); TheOriginalChristmasClassics/Facebook
