Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-24 18:48:27

By Far the Best

This review is from: A Christmas Carol [VHS] (VHS Tape) It is hard to say enough good things about this movie. The acting is moving and deep, the music and sound effects cover the emotions from warm to chilling (with the sounds of Christmas Future being especially terrifying). And there are some amazing camera shots. It is a shame there are only five stars to give to this one.

2012-05-24 11:56:15

The definitive retelling of Dickens' classic novel.

A wondrous spectacle of the famed holiday classic that may have done better as a theatrical release, Clive Donner's television rendition of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" is perhaps the most successful version of the oft-told story. Featuring a handsome production design that outshines many other television movies, a delightful and poignant performance from George C. Scott, and a trio of ghosts that supply real fright, this is one adaptation that captures the heart of the novel with impressive results. The story of Ebenezer Scrooge is made much more emotionally pliable under Scott's acting, who brings out of the very cruelest qualities in Scrooge. Most importantly, he convinces us that Scrooge's miserly ways stem from a lack of love in life rather than from sheer hatred for much of mankind and their celebration of Christmas. His despicable treatment of his secretary, Bob Cratchit, and his refusal to lend charitable assistance have made him an icon of his town, much to the dismissal of Cratchit as well as his own nephew, Fred Holywell, who believes there must be some good in his miserable uncle. One fateful Christmas Eve, Ebenezer is visited by his deceased partner, Jacob Marley, set up superbly through a series of bump-in-the-night chills throughout his cold, empty mansion, and ghostly apparitions and voices that are truly frightening. Warned of his fate, he is later visited by three spirits at the strokes of one and two o'clock, with a third that will appear in due time. The visitations of these spirits provide us the sometimes gleeful, but always uneasy life of Ebenezer, whose childhood centered around the disdain of his father, and whose adolescence began his growing obsession with financial security over all else. With each visit comes a window into the past, the present, and the future, at which point he must decide whether or not he wishes to continue in his unfriendly ways and die alone and unloved. The challenge of retelling such a well-known story, especially one that has been committed to film numerous times, is giving is a fresh feel. Donner has achieved this through his elegant production design, his great cast, and his reliance on the original source material. This version above all others is able to capture Scrooge's life in convincing detail, emotionally and physically. The fact that his father had an influence on his adult ways furthers our understanding of his attitude towards others; throughout the course of the night, each spirit's revelation deepens our sympathy for him, and our hope for his repentance. Casting Scott in the main role lends much to that success: his versatility as an actor provides the character a unique and magnificent portrayal unmatched by all others to date. As Bob Cratchit, David Warner beautifully relates his character's attention to what is most important to him rather than his hardships; Frank Finlay is eerily frightening as Marley, while Angela Pleasence and Edward Woodward mix warmth with chills as the Spirits of Christmas Past and Present, respectively. For a television movie, this one has lofty ambitions, evident in its glorious appearance. Filmed entirely in Shrewsbury, England, Donner captures the period and history of the novel, bringing authenticity to life before our very eyes. His biggest success rests with his envisioning of the third Spirit, that which is the most frightening of the three. Each filmed version portrays the apparition in a different manner, but I have yet to see one as completely terrifying as this. Draped in black and surrounded by fog, with a mere screech as its communication, this Spirit is guaranteed to send chills up and down your spine, and is a master portrayal of Dickens' character. Destined to be one of the great Christmas classics, this rendition of "A Christmas Carol" mixes terror and glee in equal measure for a film that captures the Dickens novel beautifully and successfully. Scott's performance remains one of the best of his career, and outshines many other portrayals of the famed miser. Donner has outdone himself with this most vivid achievement: any other version of "A Christmas Carol?" Bah, humbug!

2012-05-24 10:27:30

The All-Time Best Christmas Carol

This review is from: A Christmas Carol (DVD) This is the best version ever. I can't watch any of the others because this one has spoiled me. Down to the locale in England, using actual stores, etc. it takes you back to how life was back then. George C. Scott is the best Scrooge ever. I never tire of it. All the actors are great in their roles and the Ghost of Christmas Future is about as scary as it gets.George C Scott manages to inject humor into spots in the movie which are pricless. No one does it better. I had it on video but recently have been unable to use my video player due to the new digital cable, so had to buy the DVD so I could watch it several times before Christmas.Love it.If you haven't seen it, buy it. A Hallmark production at its very best (do they ever do a bad one?)

2012-05-24 02:28:30

Mine at long last!

This review is from: A Christmas Carol (DVD) This is one of my traditional Christmas classics to watch, and I've wanted to own it for years. Now at long last, I have the perfect DVD of George C Scott in one of his finest roles. Friends may argue about which A Christmas Carol was the best, but this is my personal choice.

2012-05-22 04:01:28

The Best Christmas Carol Adaptation

I first saw this film many years ago and I have to say, there hasn't been another adaptation of Charles Dickens' story that I liked better. I know a lot of people rank the one with Alastair Sim as their favorite, but I have to rank it 2nd to this one. Playing Scrooge here is George C. Scott, best known for his Oscar-winning performace in Patton. He plays the character so well that I'm sure Dickens would have hand-picked himself. From the Scrooge in the beginning into the friendly soul in the end, Scott performs with extraordinary skill. David Warner, who plays Bob Crachit, also puts in a fine performance, even though I'm used to seeing him play a villan. If you are unsure about which version of "A Christmas Carol" to see, choose this version as you will be blown away. As for the DVD, the picture and audio quality is probably as good as a DVD gets, I hope since Sim's version went to Blu-ray, Scott's is on its way.

2012-05-21 14:45:24

Well worth the upgrade to Blu-Ray

This review is from: A Christmas Carol [Blu-ray] (Blu-ray) How many times have you read that somebody thinks the Blu-Ray version of an old movie isn't worth spit? Why some people have issues with Blu-Ray releases I feel can be usually found in the tools they use to view the movie. Subpar Blu-Ray players hooked up to mediocre TVs, with sound being heard through tinny speakers will always result in a less than steller viewing experience. Maybe the system they are using hasn't been optimized. Perhaps adjustments to color, contrast, brightness, and sound, which are necessary to let the quality of the Blu-Ray shine through, have been ignored. The quality of a Blu-Ray isn't always in the eye of the beholder if that beholder has no idea how to optimize the system the movie is playing through. Not all Blu-Ray upgrades are good- but on the whole, they are a definite improvement over upconverted DVD.I apologize for the rant. My review: I've been watching this movie ever since it aired way back in 1984(?). The quality of the acting, production values, direction and the overall spirit of the film are legend. George C. Scott lives and breathes Scrooge. The rest of the actors are just as strong. If you've seen the movie you probably agree. The last disc version I have before this was DVD. The picture was fine on my old 36" tube set but on a 50" Panasonic, upconverted through a Panasonic Blu-ray player it struggled to have depth. The sound was so-so ( afterall this was a movie made for TV ) but the production quality and the spirit of the show managed to overcome these visual and sonic shortcomings. I watched the Blu-Ray version of this movie for the first time last night and was impressed. Here was an upgrade to Blu-Ray that clarified everything about this old stalwart. The color, contrast, sharpness and especially the sound ( now in 7.1 DTS-HD ) were all greatly improved. I've seen older movies where going to Blu-Ray resulted in graininess and distorted memory colors ( flesh tones, hair color, forest green ) but not with this Blu-ray. The close-up skin tones are smooth, fleshy and totally devoid of grain. The subdued colors of Scrooge's bedroom and his workplace are just that- suddued. There are also scenes when the sharpness and depth of contrast are startling ( when Scrooge is transported back to his school days and his father arrives to take him home the scene almost has a 3D quality about it). Even though presented in 1.33:1 full screen ( old TV ratio ) the movie never seems hemmed-in or held back from being grand in scope. I don't like long-winded reviews so I'll just finish by saying, in my opinion, this is a quality, all-to-gether enjoyable upgraded rendition of a true classic. The improvements in appearance, sound and nuance mark it as a well-handled worthwhile Blu-Ray release. This version will make you sit up and become even more aware of just how much of a timeless masterpiece this production truly is. If you enjoyed this movie in DVD this new Blu-Ray is worth every penny as an upgrade into the realm of HD. It will keep you entertained for many years to come (that is, of course, until the 3D version comes along ;-).

2012-05-21 07:40:19

The Best Version of a Christmas Carol

We don't have a lot of Christmas traditions in my family, but one of them is that, every Christmas Eve, we watch this version of "A Christmas Carol". It has always been my favorite and should be a part of every Christmas movie collection.George C. Scott plays Ebenezer Scrooge in this version, and he is absolutely fantastic. He plays the role of the miser to perfection, attaining just the right amount of nastiness without going overboard. Yet he also shows the tender side when necessary, particularly as it pertains to Tiny Tim. David Warner, one of my favorite actors nobody's ever heard of, plays Bob Cratchit and he, too, is excellent as Scrooge's kindhearted employee. The only other really notable actor is Roger Rees as Scrooge's nephew Fred, but pretty much all the actors in this movie are excellent, even if you don't recognize them.The feel of the movie is also excellent. The sets make you feel very much like you're in 19th century London, while other things, like the costumes and street performers, really put you in the middle of that time. The music is also outstanding, and fits this movie perfectly.Just writing this review makes me wish it were Christmas. And this movie will too. It's definitely a must have!

2012-05-20 22:56:30

The Best Version!

There is a reason why TV critics did handstands when this movie premiered on CBS in 1984- it's pretty darn terrific! The story is known to almost everyone. It's Christmas Eve in 1840's England and at the office of Scrooge & Marley curmudgeonly Ebenezer Scrooge mutters "bah humbug" about the upcoming holiday. He rebuffs a Christmas dinner invitation by his only living relative, his nephew Fred, and begrudges having to give his overworked, underpaid employee Bob Cratchit a day off. After work, Scrooge retires to his empty, depressing house for a dreary, lonely meal. It is then that Scrooge is confronted by the chained spirit of his late partner, Jacob Marley. Marley warns Ebenezer that unless he repents from his greedy, selfish ways he will be doomed to walk chained in the spirit world as Marley does now. Marley offers Scrooge a chance for redemption. He will be visited by three spirits, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, who will arrive one after the other to give Scrooge the choice of either continuing on the path which his life is currently traveling or to strive for the path that leads to a better union with humankind.With apologies to fans of Alastair Sim's portrayal, George C. Scott stands head and shoulders above all as the "best" Ebenezer Scrooge. To me, Scott's Scrooge is much more realistic. Sim's portrayal ran from two extremes- extremely nasty to extemely happy. Scott does a much better job of humanizing Scrooge in his two forms: the embittered miser and then later on the reformed repentant. The best example of how Scott shines over Sim is how they say Scrooge's line about boiling people in their own pudding and then burying them with a stake of holly through the heart. Sim's Scrooge sounds so malevolent when saying that line that he comes across as a total sociopath. On the other hand, Scott's Scrooge laughs while saying that line. One still get's the idea that Scott's Scrooge lacks Christmas spirit and compassion, but one does not think that he is insane! I also love how Scott plays Scrooge after his night of transformation. He has the initial glee of being given a second chance, but he approaches his relatives and Bob Cratchit with his new outlook in a reserved way that shows a man still unsure if he will be accepted by people he had treated with such disdain for so many years. The scenes of Scrooge with his bewildered (but overjoyed) nephew are quite moving.This made-for-TV film also has much more than just Scott's magificent performance. The set design, outdoor locations, and costumes really make 19th century England come to life. It also follows the plot of Dickens' story fairly closely and the few changes and additions actually benefit the story's narrative such as having the ghosts visit all in one night and adding elements to explain how Scrooge ended up such an embittered man. The performances are uniformly great and compliment Scott very well. However, the two stand-outs are David Warner as Bob Crachit and Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Also, as others have noticed, this is the only version of "A Christmas Carol" that has a Tiny Tim Crachit who looks like he really does have one foot in the grave. If you're looking for just one version of "A Christmas Carol" to add to your collection then this is the copy to get.

brbarbato 2012-05-18 14:26:17

God Bless us Everyone!

I was amazed when I saw this film and every time it's the same. Therehave been many great actors portraying Scrooge, but George C. Scott wasthe one that made him most human, even in his greed. The short scenewhere he is extorting for the price of corn, although not in the novel,set this up well. However, it is Mr. Scott who took a "character"everyone has heard of from childhood and made him into a real person,both in greed and in joy. I could believe this was a real person, notsome sort of cartoon.George C. Scott is a great actor indeed: to be able to portray bothScrooge and Patton and make each role compelling.FOUR STARS.

2012-05-17 23:03:37

The definitive version

This review is from: A Christmas Carol (DVD) I love this story, and this version is, in my opinion, by far the best performance of A Christmas Carol available. My family makes a tradition of watching it every Christmas. George C. Scott is tremendous.

2012-05-16 17:25:17

The Best Adaptation To Date!

There have been a LOT of adaptations for this timeless Christmas classic and everyone has their favorite.However, if you want to see one that is the closest to the original book, then this is the one you for you. This version, starring George C. Scott (too fat to play Scrooge, but he makes up for it by capturing the essence of the character) and with incredible production values has blocks of dialogue and scenes that are taken word-for-word from the book. Other scenes have minor alterations or additions and a few short scenes have been added. But for the most part, the movie plays like the book.The acting is top notch. Marley's Ghost is simply the best ever done. David Warner as Cratchit does a wonderful job. Even Edward Woodward gives the Ghost of Christmas Present the appropriate twinkle.I have seen almost all of the adaptations (no thank you, Jim Carrey) and have enjoyed some (Scrooge) and disliked others (Reginald Owen) but this one has become my standard Christmas tradition. My wife and I watch it every year without fail, every Christmas Eve.My only knock against this release is the total lack of special features. As a huge fan of this version I'd love some behind-the-scenes stuff or interviews. Even TV spots... anything. Instead I've got the companion book from 25 years ago and that's about it.So I highly recommend this version even though the Blu-Ray is nothing special as far as bells and whistles go. Simply the best adaptation of Dickens's classic book!

2012-05-16 15:03:36

Not my Fav.

This was an ok version of the "christmas Carol"! I have seen many versions of this movie this was not my favorite but it was not the worst either.

TOMASBBloodhound 2012-05-16 01:15:48

Hard to imagine a better version.

So this made for TV film scores only a 7.6 on this site? Bah! Humbug!Without question this 1984 version of Dickens' classic tale is the bestever made. And yes, the Hound has seen the 1951 version which was alsogood, but not good enough. The lack of color is perhaps the biggestshortcoming of that version, although the acting was wonderful.George C. Scott is simply incredible as Ebenezer Scrooge. We all knowthe story of this stingy businessman who is haunted by the ghost of hisdead partner, then by three other spirits later on that evening. Scottis properly gruff as Scrooge. Too gruff in fact for some critics whoclaim he is unable to project the new-found glee that he awakens to onChristmas morning after the spirits teach him a valuable lesson. Buthey, this is George C. Scott. He's never going to go dancing down thestreet in a fit of joy. He has too much dignity, and his Scroogeprojects his emotion in a realistic manner.The supporting performances are uniformly excellent, as are thecostumes, music, and scenery. 19th Century London comes to life inClive Donner's visionary style. The film even borders on frightening inseveral scenes involving the spirits. The important tale of moralityshines through in every frame, though.You won't often find this version aired on television anymore, and thatis a disappointment. The 1984 version of A Christmas Carol should be arequired part of every household's celebration of the holiday. When thedecorations come out of the basement, this film should find its wayinto the DVD player at least once during the season.10 of 10 stars.The Hound.

2012-05-15 14:47:13

Dickens on screen

The Alastair Sim version was very good but this is better. The late George C Scott is the definitive Ebenezer Scrooge and the supporting cast is uniformly excellent. The film boasts that rare combination - careful attention to Period detail and an engrossing storyline that remains faithful to the original novel. The penultimate scene when Scrooge is reconciled to his nephew [ Roger Rees ] is particularly moving. You'll be lucky to sit through this one without recourse to a box of hankies!

2012-05-13 14:45:49

A Good Classic Renewed

This is one of the "classic" Christmas movies that I watch every year. I think George C. Scott did a marvelous job as Ebenezer Scrooge in this movie and I like the updated look of the movie. I have 3 versions of this movie and like them all, but I think this is my favorite because of the way it was filmed. It always leaves me wanting to watch it again.

2012-05-13 01:41:36

my favorite version

I loved George C. Scott's version of Scrooge. I grew up with the 1938 version, and I still like it, but I like this one better.Usually, the depiction of Scrooge is as a feisty, mean, old man, one who can intimidate and scare people as he comes there way. Scott portrayed him as a cold businessman, an Ebeneezer Scrooge that was more business than he was hot-tempered and mean. His coldness of heart evenutally transforms, but the change is believable. Scrooge still has the same temperment, but he is a much more compasionate man.I also liked Jacob Marley's ghost. This Jacob Marley truly is a ghost you can believe has been cast into the depths of hell. His ghost was deeply tormented and had much remorse and regret for the selfish life he lived of hoarding money for selfish ain and greed. A great performance that deserves recognition. The 1938 version of Jacob Marley cannot compare.The other characters were portrayed well, too....Bob Cratchit, his wife and children,especially Tiny Tim, the other ghosts, etc.

2012-05-10 07:33:46

Moving.. very VERY moving - The BEST version!!!

I've seen several different versions of A Christmas Carol, including the original from 1951, and I have to say that by far this is the best version. It's been quite some time since I've seen the original and I don't remember it well, and I can understand those who appreciate the original version the most. It's good, but this version is the best. This movie has become an annual must-watch in my family.George C. Scott showed his incredible talent as an actor from beginning to end in this movie, and was brilliant in showing Scrooge's ignorance, nastiness, greed, and every other trait that made Scrooge "Scrooge". Not only Scott, but the other actors in the movie (for the most part) were terrific as well, and this cast overall is the best. Bob Cratchit, and the Ghost of Christmas Present also were both very enjoyable.But the best thing about this movie is that you'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll begin to feel sorry for Scrooge's character, and rejoice when his soul is saved, and it will make you want to be a better person - it's everything that Christmas spirit is all about! I've never seen another version of this story that achieved this affect quite as well as this one. The scene where Cratchit comes home to his family after visiting Tiny Tim's grave is one of the most emotionally moving scenes of the movie and never fails to bring tears to my eyes, and is soon followed by a most dramatic finale between Scrooge and the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come where George C. Scott completely steals the show with his performance and Scrooge vows to completely change his ways. One moment I'm in tears, the next I want to do a Jimmy Stewart and run down the street yelling "Merry Christmas!". What a movie! Okay, I'm done hamming it up now, but trust me, this is a great movie - and I don't use the word "great" very often when reviewing movies.Don't listen to the few people who give this movie a bad rating, like the guy who said that George C. Scott attempts to "eat scenery" - whatever that means. Judging by these people's comments, they obviously weren't WATCHING the movie when they saw it. Oh well, I guess you can't please everyone. And to the 1-star reviewer who says this movie ruined his children..... instead of blaming this timeless classic for your childrens' faults, perhaps a little discipline would keep them from bossing you around. Truly pathetic.

2012-05-09 15:28:56

A Holiday Must See

This review is from: A Christmas Carol (DVD) George C. Scott makes an outstanding Scrooge in this 1984 TV production of the Christmas classic. The story is once again told of a miser, miserable and alone. He shuns Christmas and helping others, only doing things that will increase his personal wealth. But then one fateful Christmas Eve, he's visited by four spirits who try to show him another way. Will it be enough to redeem him?I love this story, usually enjoying it in a couple forms over the course of December. This particular film version is my favorite. Probably helps that I've watched it almost every year since it came out. The acting is superb, especially from Scott. The costumes, scenery, and effects are wonderful as well, and they stick very close to the original story. Just watching a few minutes, I get... in and want to watch the whole thing all over again.This DVD is the perfect way to watch the film. The picture and sound are remarkably clear for an almost 20 year old made for TV film. Definitely better then my old recorded from TV tape. The film is presented in its original ratio - full frame. While it would have been nice to have an extra or two, the quality of the movie makes up for this absence in my opinion.If you're looking for a film version of this classic story for the holidays, look no further. This movie is sure to become a tradition in your family.

2012-05-08 23:20:57

A brilliant, faithful production of the best story ever written

This review is from: A Christmas Carol (DVD) Charles Dickens, my favorite author, believed in the native goodness of human beings and clearly saw that treating our fellow humans well or badly is a choice we make every day, and that we have the capacity to change our long-held patterns as quickly as we will ourselves to. All of his books say that and show it, but in 'A Christmas Carol' he presented it in its briefest and purest form and it is my heart's favorite of all he wrote.I had never seen a film or television version of it that pleased me. They all cut essential scenes or added ones that watered down the message or distracted from it, so when this version first appeared on television I was prepared to be displeased once again. Especially since I could not see George C. Scott as a believable Ebenezer Scrooge, even though I admired him as an actor.From the moment it began, I was in love, transported by the faithfulness of the script to the book, in awed appreciation of the attention to visual period detail and the music, and blown away by the casting of the supporting parts and the excellent performances by them. (The only thing that makes me wince is the boy who plays Tiny Tim. He speaks his line like he'd been to the dentist and the novocaine hadn't completely worn off his lips.)As others have noted, Edward Woodward is a vital, expansive Christmas Present who has the wit and power to drive home his points on a range from subtle to powerful. Roger Rees does an excellent job with nephew Fred, whom too often is played as giddy or foolish in his cheerfulness. Rees shows him to a better depth, self-sufficient and dedicated to never giving up on his mother's beloved brother. (Kudos to Donner for the subtle touch of the facial resemblance between Rees and the actress that played his mother.)But George C. Scott floored me with the range and depth of his portayal of Scrooge, and he makes the thawing of Scrooge from a cold, detached and hard-hearted man to a warm, thoughtful family man completely believable. He clearly shows that the commodity of human love and warmth had always abandoned or been withheld from Ebenezer, leaving him to only trust the value of the coins and currency he could physically grasp and hold on to.I encourage you all to give this production of this classic story a try. I believe it is the definitive version and the one Dickens himself would most appreciate.

2012-05-08 16:42:21

A Dickens Masterpiece!!!

George C. Scott is "Scrooge." No doubt about it, as you watch this movie. He has invested himself in this role with every nuance imaginable. The mood, the emotions, the passion, and the ferocity of his convictions. The ensemble cast shines incredibly as we're taken back to the days of Dickens and we walk the streets with the characters. It's no surprise that Scrooge just about bursts into tears when he discovers that the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come has shown him his untended grave.This is a masterpiece and a true collectors film for any video library. Watch it and weep and then examine your own heart. I did, and its movie making which is compelling!!!