Imaginative director Tim Burton’s long-awaited animation film “Corpse Bride” was released last week with talks of an Oscar-nod already buzzing.

The animation techniques used in “Corpse Bride” pay tribute to Burton’s 1993 film “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Both films use the time-consuming art of stop motion animation. In stop motion animation, the movements of poseable puppets are filmed frame by frame to create the appearance of motion. The technique gives “Corpse Bride” a look that sets it apart from other animated films.

The movie focuses on the arranged marriage of Victor Van Dort (Johnny Depp) and Victoria Everglot (Emily Watson). The couple who is set to meet on the night of their wedding rehearsal both find themselves having doubts about being forced into a marriage by their overbearing parents. Upon meeting though, both begin to develop feelings for each other and become more assured about their impending marriage. After nervously stumbling over his vows, Victor leaves the rehearsal and wanders into the woods where he can practice his vows alone. While reciting his vows he accidentally proposes to a dead bride who dwells in the woods. He is then transported into the world of the dead and must figure out how he can return to the land of the living and reunite with his true love Victoria.

While the plot of “Corpse Bride” is at times predictable, it is Burton’s creative touch that makes it truly unique. Burton uses an over-exaggeration of both his characters’ features and movements to add to their personalities. In addition, Burton also uses a unique color approach when representing the living versus the dead world. Contrary to what many may think, the dreary living world is filmed using only shades of grey while the upbeat dead world is filmed in full color. In doing this Burton creates a paradox between the two worlds, which is not what the viewer expects. Several musical numbers are also peppered throughout the film, which at times take away from its plot.

Because “Corpse Bride” is an animated film it initially appears to be a children’s film, when in fact, it contains several adult themes. Lost love, domineering parents and death are all addressed in the movie.

With its animation techniques and creative storyline, critics are praising Burton for his innovative style and are hailing “Corpse Bride” as worthy of an Oscar for Best Animated Film.