"Welcome; you're about to see a very special version of the classic story Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. This new adaptation is not only a delightfully entertaining experience, but a tremendous learning opportunity as well. This special story of Rudolph has been welcomed in classrooms by over 150 thousand teachers, and enjoyed by 5 million students across America. Because of the overwhelming request by schools, the story has been created on video for more students to experience and for families to share at home. Our new Rudolph story is told by Santa himself; it addresses six life lessons that all of us both young and old will face in our lifetime. More importantly, it relates them in a fun way, so that we can carry them with us for the rest of our lives. We hope that you'll enjoy and grow from this enlightening story of Rudolph. As Santa says, "Sometimes the best gifts goodness knows. Can't be wrapped up in ribbons and bows."
— Sam Derence's opening introduction to the film
Rudolph's Lessons for Life is an obscure 1996 Direct to Video adaptation of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer directed by Joie Scott-Poster and Ted Kay, and produced by Duncan & Hill (a division of HA-LO Industries, Inc). It's a faithful adaptation of the original story by Robert L. May with some edutainment elements in the mix.
This film notably has two different telling of the story in the same tape. The first is told from Santa's perspective, and the second is set inside a live-action environment with the story narrated by a teacher and a group of children.
This film was exclusively at Montgomery Ward Department Stores during the Christmas season throughout the 1990s with some copies being shipped to local schools across America. Copies were also sent to local schools and families across America during the video's release in 1996 and 1997. During the video's release, Montgomery Ward would bundle the video with an exclusive Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Christmas stockings and doll
that featured his design from the video and book (which dates back to 1989).
Tropes featured in Rudolph's Lessons for Life include:
- Adaptation Personality Change: Unlike other adaptations, Rudolph is notably optimistic, bubbly, and playful compared to his timid, awkward, and self-conscious nature that's traditionally present.
- All of the Other Reindeer: It's expected, but Rudolph is seen getting mocked for his red nose at a school inhabited by reindeer. The exception is a unnamed female reindeer (implied to be Rudolph's love interest) and a unnamed male penguin who's seen helping Rudolph put up his Christmas tree alongside the female reindeer.
- Animated Adaptation: Not only is this an adaptation of the original story. But is based on an obscure children's book by Joie Scott-Poster and Tedy Kay, and illustrated Keith Peterson.
- Breaking the Fourth Wall: Since "Rudolph's Lessons for Life" is mainly told inside a storybook. Santa Claus is fully aware that he's talking to the viewer. After he finishes his story, Rudolph alongside his friends wishes the viewer a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year before the storybook closes.
- Civilized Animal: Like the original story, Rudolph and the other reindeer are able to live at their own houses and able to run schools.
- Domestic-Only Cartoon: According to the brief behind the scenes footage shown before the story. The animation was mainly done in-house at Montgomery Ward with assistance from Karen Johnson Productions, Rainbow Animation Group, Bardel Entertainment and Film Factory Inc.
- "Eureka!" Moment: As Rudolph is paying attention to Santa explaining his troubles on delivering presents on Christmas Eve due to traveling during a blizzard combined with heavy amounts of fog. Rudolph's red nose begins shining brighter and brighter until he tells Santa that his red nose could save the day.
- Expy:
- While never given a speaking role, the unnamed female reindeer who is seen helping Rudolph set up his Christmas Tree appears to been based on Clarice from the Rankin/Bass special.
- The unnamed male penguin seen wearing a Santa hat also appears to been based on Hermey the Elf (minus the dentist role).
- Half-Dressed Cartoon Animal:
- Rudolph is seen wearing white pajamas with red polka dots as he's sleeping on Christmas Eve.
- The unnamed penguin is seen wearing a Santa Hat.
- Interspecies Friendship: Rudolph is friends with an unnamed male penguin.
- Narrator: Santa Claus narrates the story of Rudolph from his point of view.
- No Name Given: With the exception of Rudolph, Santa Claus and his reindeer. None of the other characters (notably a female reindeer and a penguin who are Rudolph's two friends) are given a name.
- Only Friend: Rudolph's only friends that don't mind his red nose is a young female reindeer and a male penguin.
- Rhymes on a Dime: Like the original story, the entire film (except for the live-action sections) is told through rhyme.
- Storybook Opening: This film opens up with a picture of Rudolph with the film's main title.
- Truer to the Text: This film alongside the 1948 cartoon by Max Fleishcer, is one of the few faithful adaptations of the original story. Such as the reindeer living in houses, Rudolph meeting Santa as he's visiting his home on Christmas Eve◊, and Rudolph's nose always glowing. It even keeps the rhyming scheme that was present in the original story/poem. Some of the character dialogue (notably Santa's narrations) actually uses some dialogue from the original book and references to the song.
- What the Hell, Hero?: When Santa's eight reindeer start laughing about Rudolph's nose as Santa is preparing to deliver presents to his house. He immediately scolds his reindeer team for mocking Rudolph before the titular reindeer wakes up.
