The Snowman And His Snowdog

The Snowman And His Snowdog

The Snowman is a British Christmas classic. The song at its core made its child singer Aled Jones a star and for the last three decades, the short film has been delighting generations with its gorgeous story of a boy and his magical snowman.

Finally, thirty years after he first warmed the hearts of Brit’s across the nation, The Snowman returns in a new adventure and this time he’s got a canine companion.

Thankfully, this follow up stays true to the spirit of the original. With beautiful, hand drawn animation throughout (computer animation was never even given a moment’s consideration by the show’s creators) and the same delightful mix of delight and sadness that made the original such an enduring classic.

Despite not having a single line of dialogue, the original is a staple of every Christmas up and down the nation. The animation, made by Raymond Briggs, stands as one of the great season specials and has led to the public clamouring for a follow up ever since its original broadcast in 1982.

Only now though has he given his blessing for a follow up, but fans of the original shouldn’t fear. The Snowman and The Snowdog is an utterly delightful affair. Heart-warming and moving in a wonderfully delicate way, this is the perfect antidote to the crash-bang CGI animated films that film the Christmas schedules.

The structure is very much the same as before, as we see a young boy move into a new home with his mother and discover a mysterious hat and scarf stashed away in the floorboards. So, of course, he uses them to make a snowman and a snowdog for company. That night, they magically come to life and take the child on a magical journey.

This isn’t just re-treading old ground though, there’s plenty new here for those who’ve grown up with the original to savour. Overall, it’s a winter warmer to savour.

Get ready to have another Raymond Briggs flavoured holiday favourite.

 

The Snowman and The Snowdog airs tonight on Channel 4 at 8pm.

FemaleFirst Cameron Smith

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