Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Color:
Image not available

To view this video download Flash Player

 

or
Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering.
Sell Us Your Item
For up to a $0.75 Gift Card
Trade in
More Buying Choices
Crescent Tradings Add to Cart
$10.25  & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Amazon.com Add to Cart
$10.53  & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
het-pakhuis Add to Cart
$10.99  & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
Have one to sell? Sell yours here

A Christmas Story (Full-Screen Edition) (1997)

Melinda Dillon , Darren McGavin , Bob Clark  |  PG |  DVD
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,423 customer reviews)

List Price: $19.96
Price: $7.49 & FREE Shipping on orders over $25. Details
You Save: $12.47 (62%)
o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
In Stock.
Sold by Big_Box_Bargains and Fulfilled by Amazon. Gift-wrap available.
Want it Friday, June 21? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. Details
Watch Instantly with Rent Buy
A Christmas Story   $1.99 $9.99

Other Formats & Versions

Amazon Price New from Used from
Blu-ray 1-Disc Version $15.32  
DVD Full-Screen Edition $7.49  

Frequently Bought Together

A Christmas Story (Full-Screen Edition) + National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (Special Edition)
Price for both: $17.67

Buy the selected items together


Product Details

  • Actors: Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Peter Billingsley
  • Directors: Bob Clark
  • Writers: Bob Clark, Jean Shepherd, Leigh Brown
  • Producers: Bob Clark, René Dupont
  • Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Full Screen, NTSC
  • Language: English, French, Spanish
  • Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
  • Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
  • Studio: Warner Home Video
  • DVD Release Date: November 1, 2007
  • Run Time: 94 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1,423 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B000VBIGCW
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,948 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
  • Learn more about "A Christmas Story (Full-Screen Edition)" on IMDb

Special Features

None.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Director Bob Clark's charming, touching, and very funny adaptation of humorist Jean Shepherd's nostalgic, autobiographical Yuletide novel, In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, remains essential holiday family viewing. Narrated by a man (Shepherd) recalling his childhood, the film looks back at the compulsive efforts of 7-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) as he tries every means possible to acquire his dream Christmas gift--a Daisy-brand Red Ryder repeating BB carbine with a compass mounted in the stock. Problem is, he lives in a Norman Rockwell-esque Midwestern town in the 1940s, where his parents, teachers, and even Santa Claus all warn Ralphie that "he'll shoot his eye out." Episodic in nature and seen entirely through the eyes of a child, the film offers a wonderful look at the day-to-day eccentricities that grew out of this conservative period. More interestingly, it cleverly captures childhood urgency, where even the most trivial fantasies or objects become immediate life-or-death necessities. While countless family Christmas movies serve up clichéd situations suffocating with preachy sermons, Clark's acute eye for detail and odd mixture of warmth, satire, and quirky humor are the reasons why so many viewers have rediscovered this after it initially bombed in the theaters. Sentimental without being syrupy, it's a true rarity: a holiday movie that adults and children can enjoy equally, for completely different reasons and regardless of the season. --Dave McCoy

Product Description

This delightfully funny holiday gem tells the story of Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsly) a 1940's nine-year-old who pulls out all the stops to obtain the ultimate Christmas present. It's Christmas time and there's only one thing on Ralphie Parker's Christmas list this year: a Red Ryder Carbine Action 200-Shot, Range Model Air Rifle, but many obstacles stand in the way of his dream because every adult that he confronts keeps telling him he'll shoot his eye out. Meanwhile The Old Man just got a major award (a lamp shaped like a woman's leg), and Mom is making sure The Old Man doesn't come near her turkey, Ralphie's friend gets his tongue stuck to a flag pole, and Ralphie utters the f-word infront of his father. Christmas is drawing nearer and Ralphie visits Santa at the department store in hopes of asking him for his dream gift. Will he receive it? Let's hope so.

Customer Reviews

This movie is funny and very entertaining. "samroot"  |  141 reviewers made a similar statement
One of the best movie's ever made. Michael Beebe  |  72 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
444 of 482 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Is this reissue worth it? December 2, 2003
Format:DVD
Released this fall, the "Christmas Story" collector's edition is really a 20th anniversary version of the classic. First, let me say I can't believe it's been out for 20 years. I thought 12, at the most 15. Wow.

Briefly, for readers who may not be intimately acquainted with the film, I strongly encourage you to purchase "A Christmas Story" and make it a regular part of your holiday routine. It will grow on you with each viewing and you'll soon find its one-liners making their way into your everyday vernacular. Which version should you get? That's why you're reading this review.

The original DVD release of "A Christmas Story" had no extra features. Nothing. No commentaries, no interviews, no documentaries. Just the movie. This was greatly disappointing, since I'm a big fan and was interested in the making of the film, what the actors are doing now, etc. So naturally I was looking forward to this special edition.

Well, I can't say I'm too satisfied with the reissue.

1. The documentary is very uninformative. The one positive aspect of it is the simple fun of seeing the actors all grown up. Ralphie is 30 now, but looks about the same. Flick has changed more in his appearance and his career choices. (Career choices? You'll have to look that up yourself. It's not on the DVD and I'm not about to ruin Christmas for you.) There just isn't that much to glean about the movie from the special features. If you would like to know what Ralphie wanted for Christmas when he was 10, or what the worst Christmas present Schwartz ever got was, then you'll likely be absorbed. I wasn't. What could've been an in-depth look at the making of this low-budget masterpiece, intermingled with musings from the actors turned into a Nickelodeon-style "what's your favorite color" type of Q&A session....

2. The other "special features" are even more lame. There's a trivia challenge (yawn), a decoder game where you match the dialogue from the scene, a history of the daisy rider BB gun, and the original radio readings from Jean Shepherd (the narrator). You might do these once, but it's nothing worth buying the DVD for.

3. The one bright spot is the commentary, and if there's a reason to buy the special edition, it's this. The director (Bob Clark) and Ralphie (Peter Billingsly) do provide some more insight into the making of the film, and if you're the type that enjoys commentaries, you'll find it's worth it.

4. Lastly, I don't think the film was restored in any way. We're talking 20 years here. The film was pretty marked up and I was disappointed they didn't go to any effort to fix it in the 20th anniversary edition. For those of you that don't know (and don't worry, I'll spare you the 1000 word treatise on the mechanics of film that another reviewer felt the need to share), artists go into the original film and frame by frame they remove specks of dust and dirt, and in some cases they even add paint to touch up obvious artifacts. This apparently didn't occur in "A Christmas Story" and it badly needed it. This would've gone a long way to help the value of this DVD set.

So what's the bottom line? If you intensely love this movie and have for years, then buy the DVD. It will be worth it. But if you're on the fence, maybe you've already got the first issue of the DVD, maybe you throw it in during the holidays, then save your money. And if you're just getting into the movie and don't yet own a copy, well, you should probably get the reissue since we're only talking about a few dollars in price difference.

This review applies mostly to readers who already have the first release and are considering getting the new version. If the features I mentioned appeal to you, then go for it. Otherwise, you might be better off just sticking with the original release and using your 20 bucks to get the "Christmas Vacation" reissue, which actually is worth it. Read more ›

Was this review helpful to you?
105 of 115 people found the following review helpful
By Sanpete
Format:Blu-ray
Amazon has combined the reviews for the Blu-ray and standard DVD versions of this set, which aren't exactly the same in their features. This review is for the Blu-ray version. My review of the standard DVD version is here too, so be sure you're reading the one you're interested in.

The movie is excellent, a Christmas classic (see below). Should you upgrade to the new Ultimate edition if you already have the 2006 Blu-ray edition? That depends on how much you like memorabilia. The new edition is a repackaging of the 2006 edition, with a couple new non-DVD extras:

-- a collectible retro Christmas cookie tin (the container for the set)
-- a strand of leg-lamp Christmas lights (Blu-ray exclusive)

Those look like fun, if you're into that kind of stuff. Amazon has a photo of the tin and a second photo that shows the tin and the leg-lamp lights. (The announcement for this set said that the items from the standard DVD set (here) would be included in this one, but that isn't correct.)

The Blu-ray DVD won't be remastered from the previous one. The video quality of the 2006 release was only fair for hi-def, soft with fairly good color, with fair mono sound.

The 2006 Blu-ray didn't include everything that was on the HD or the 2-disc SD set.
... Read more ›
Was this review helpful to you?
83 of 91 people found the following review helpful
2.0 out of 5 stars Hurrah for movie, Shame on DVD September 2, 2000
By A Customer
Format:DVD
This is a must-see, completely charming, wonderfully acted (and I usually don't like child actors), heart-warming without being too mushy, Holiday Season story.

But they made the DVD in Pan&Scan (except the opening credits, which are in widescreen). SHAME ON THE DVD PRODUCER!

The whole idea of DVDs was that there's ample space for both widescreen and pan&scan versions. P&S (now called "Full Screen Format" -- to make you think it's a good thing) makes movies look like made-for-tv shows, with no vistas and too many closeups.

How about an un-modified version of this terrific movie?

Was this review helpful to you?
38 of 40 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Exactly the same as the 2003 release November 7, 2008
Format:DVD
Revised 12/09: The 2003 "Anniversay" edition of the DVD is now out of print, making this the only deluxe version of the movie available at the current time. A year ago, there were two identical Christmas Story DVD sets on the market at the same time, and this was the more expensive of the two. Seeing as how this is no longer and issue, I'm upping the score for this item from three stars to five.

Original review:
Don't get me wrong - I love "A Christmas Story," and I would give the film a 5-star review. The issue here is that the 2008 DVD release is EXACTLY the same as the 2003 version (aside from some slightly different artwork on the slipcover and case). There are no new special features, and the print quality is the same as before. There is absolutely no need for the studio to release this needless double dip DVD. If you don't already own the 2003 version, then this is a must have DVD; if you do, there's no need to buy the new version, unless you go for the Ultimate Collector's Edition, which has some neat extras (which admittedly aren't worth the price if you already own the film on DVD). Check out the Blue-ray version if you're looking for slightly improved picture quality.
Was this review helpful to you?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas Classic
Just a great movie. I look forward to watching this over and over again.

This is a must for any "Christmas collection" !!!
Published 7 hours ago by jimboinaz
5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas Story
A Christmas Story is one of the funniest if not the funniest stories I've ever heard. I first discovered it many years ago when Jean Shepherd was doing a weekly hour on the radio. Read more
Published 3 days ago by Nancy Williamson
5.0 out of 5 stars A classic
This is a great movie...a classic. We watch it every year, between Thanksgiving and Christmas. A must-have for our DVD collection.
Published 7 days ago by Z. Wilcox
5.0 out of 5 stars Great bit of nostalgia
I have watched this movie several times, and always enjoy it. It probably helps to have been a kid in the 50s/60s in the midwest.
Published 10 days ago by Very Pushy
5.0 out of 5 stars Funny and Sweet
This movie has become a classic and it deserves to be - especially for those of us who grew up in the 40's and 50's and remember a simpler time. Great laughs and great memories.
Published 12 days ago by gorphelia
5.0 out of 5 stars Love this movie
My family watches this movie every Christmas on TNT and I have always been scared that one day the network wouldn't show it anymore so I wanted to have the DVD on hand just in... Read more
Published 12 days ago by Deona Krug
5.0 out of 5 stars Brings back childhood memories
Don't need to say too much about this movie almost sure everyone has seen it at one time or another. An it does bring back memories for me. Hope it does the same for you
Published 16 days ago by pamela baker
5.0 out of 5 stars A Christmas Story
Another must-have for the Christmas season! Never, ever get tired of it! I can always count on finding items I want on Amazon.com. Read more
Published 17 days ago by H. Cordell
5.0 out of 5 stars The classic
If you haven't seen this movie by now, come out of your cave. It's the classic American Christmas tale when Santa did bring dreams, and all was right with the world.
Published 18 days ago by L. Dale Walter
5.0 out of 5 stars A Hilarious Classic
This movie is a classic and is so funny. A great holiday movie for the whole family. A must see movie!
Published 21 days ago by Cecicat1
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews


Forums

Search Customer Discussions
Search all Amazon discussions

Topic From this Discussion
Is this widescreen version?
Concerning:
A Christmas Story
20th Anniversary 2-Disc Special Edition (STANDARD DVD)

It is both Full & Widescreen. After you select play on the main menu it will ask if you wish to view it Full or Widescreen.

The HD DVD is just Widescreen.
Dec 16, 2007 by K. Napier |  See all 10 posts
A Christmas Story, Games and Holiday Fun
If anyone is interest in getting a Leg Lamp go to:

http://www.redriderleglamps.com/

Full Size 45" and 50" Leg Lamps on Sale!!!

FREE T-Shirt & Decoder Pin with purchase of either Full Size Leg Lamp!!!

A Christmas Story House Open Year Round
www.achristmasstoryhouse.com

... Read more
Nov 25, 2007 by W. Dignan |  See all 4 posts
A Christmas Story - The Lost Scene
Never seen this scene. Sounds good.
Jun 1, 2012 by Thomas J. Deninno |  See all 2 posts
Differences between this and the 2006 Blu-Ray?
Why would you expect better from the studios? They try and double, triple, and sometimes quadruple dip on any and all movies they can. Look at how many times Terminator 2(Lionsgate, I know) has been released/repackaged.
Sep 5, 2010 by John Graham |  See all 2 posts
Commentary
When the movie plays press the audio button on your dvd player remote and select the english track 1/2 on the pop up screen. When you play the disc select play movie and not special features that is where the commentary is. To do it another way while the movie is playing press menu put the snow... Read more
Sep 3, 2008 by T. Bach |  See all 4 posts
Off topic Amazon question. Be the first to reply
Start a new discussion
Topic:
First post:
Prompts for sign-in
 




Look for Similar Items by Category

Big_Box_Bargains Privacy Statement Big_Box_Bargains Shipping Information Big_Box_Bargains Returns & Exchanges