Watch The Story Behind The Grinch Documentary

The Story Behind The Grinch Documentary takes viewers behind the scenes of the beloved Christmas classic, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" The documentary explores the history of the book, its adaptation into an animated TV special, and its enduring popularity as a holiday tradition. Narrated by actor and comedian Eddie Murphy, the film features interviews with the creative team behind the original animated special, including animator Chuck Jones, composer Albert Hague, and voice actor Boris Karloff. Viewers also hear from the current custodians of the Grinch legacy, including members of the Seuss family and representatives from Illumination Entertainment, the studio behind the 2018 animated feature film adaptation.

Throughout the documentary, viewers learn about the origins of the story and the creative process behind bringing it to life. Author Dr. Seuss, whose real name was Theodor Geisel, wrote "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" in 1957 as a commentary on the commercialization of Christmas. He famously said that he drew inspiration for the Grinch from a piece of fruit: "I saw him on a grapefruit one day."

The documentary explores how the TV special came to be, from the initial challenges of adapting the story to the screen to the groundbreaking production techniques used to bring the world of Whoville to life. For example, the special was the first animated program to use the technique of animating with a limited number of drawings, which allowed for smoother animation and more expressive character movements.

The film also reveals the behind-the-scenes drama that surrounded the production, including tension between Seuss and his creative team over certain creative decisions. One particular point of contention was the addition of the song "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" to the special. Seuss originally opposed the idea, believing that the Grinch shouldn't have a voice, but eventually relented.

As the documentary moves into the present day, viewers see how the Grinch has continued to captivate audiences across generations. The special has aired on TV every holiday season since its debut and has become a staple of family holiday traditions. The studio behind the 2018 film adaptation discusses their decision to stay true to the spirit of the original story while also updating it for modern audiences.

Throughout the film, viewers are treated to behind-the-scenes footage, concept art, and archival material that bring the story to life in new ways. The documentary also features interviews with fans of all ages, sharing their own experiences with the Grinch and what the story means to them.

Above all, The Story Behind The Grinch Documentary celebrates the enduring power of storytelling and the magic of the holiday season. For fans of the Grinch, this documentary is a must-watch, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation of this beloved Christmas classic.