Customer Reviews

A Christmas Carol (Animated Version) [VHS]

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Come Christmas 1971, the infamous New England Green Christmas, ABC aired a strange 1/2 hour animated version of 1951's "A Christmas Carol". Directed by famed master animator Richard Williams and Produced by veteran master animator Chuck Jones (Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, The Grinch) with narration by Sir Michael Redgrave and Alastair Sim himself reprising his role as Scrooge, this "Christmas Carol" is as faithful and stylistic as any filmed version. In fact, the atmosphere evoked by the double-vision animation itself makes it the spookiest version told; indeed, some scenes may be too intense for children under five. The artists' unique use of lighting adds to the spectral effects, this film "Being a Ghost Story of Christmas" as the subtitle reminds us. The artwork is stunning: the backgrounds recall the bleakness of mid-19th century England and the characterizations remind one of the pen and ink renderings that graced 1930s editions of the novella by illustrator Milo Winter. Important details often overlooked by films three times the length are included. The narration itself mirrors the classic 1951 film version and Sim himself lends all his charm to this remarkable picture. Why this was aired so little then disappeared altogether is as mysterious as the story it tells; perhaps a new generation will enjoy this as I did going thirty years on (Cartoon Network, are you reading this?). My only regret is that it isn't longer. Don't let the video cover art fool you, this is THE animated version that we lost too many years ago, the one that the Academy awarded for best animated short in 1972. It deserves no less recognition than that.

As others have pointed out, this should not be confused with the live action version of "Carol" filmed in 1951. This is the animated version of "A Christmas Carol" that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Film for 1972. It aired on TV a few years later and has not been seen on televsion since.

It was produced by Chuck Jones (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and directed by Richard Williams (Raggedy Ann and Andy). But don't be fooled into thinking that this is a cartoon for the little ones. This is a serious animated 30 minute film that *will* scare small children. Believe me, I know. I first saw this version when I was six or seven years old and the sequence with Jacob Marley in particular scared the you-know-what out of me.

Bottom line: if your kids get spooked easily, you're better off buying them a Disney video for Christmas instead. But older children and adults should enjoy this intelligent, well-animated film immensely.

All the comments made by the other reviewers are true. This twenty-three of so minute classic is, in my humble opinion, in the top four or five versions of Dicken's Christmas Tale. The first being the other Alastair Sim Christmas Version (1954). This ranks up there with either two or three as the "BEST."

It is sad that like so many other fine versions of A Christmas Carol, this hasn't been shown very regularly on any network or cable channel in recent years. This makes it all the more imperative that it come out on DVD.

So Goodtimes Video (or whoever owns the rights). Please put it out on DVD. It's worthy of DVD release.

Sincerely,

JThree

carolyn@dia.net

I remember seeing this classic as a young child, and I agree that the images almost frightened me, especially the scene when Scrooge walks up his stair well as ghosts rush by. And I remember waiting for the show to air every Christmas, then it just disappeared, only to be replaced with lame musical versions! I searched countless video bins in vain, and was so glad to find it on Amazon (why didn't I check last year!)For those who take animation seriously, this is the Christmas classic for you, to be ranked with the Grinch and Charlie Brown's Christmas. (I also highly recommend Bill and Opus' A Wish For Wings that Work!! Another classic that aired only once or twice.)

Yes... this is "A Christmas Carol" and yes... it "stars" Alistair Sim. BUT this is NOT the classic 1954 version which so many reveiwers here seem to think. This is the 1972 Chuck Jones animated version. The animation style is based on the original drawings that accompanied the publication of Dickens's classic story and as such it is quite unique. Sim again shines in the role of Scrooge but the real star of this outing is the brilliant animation. Chuck Jones may be best known for his Looney Toons animation but this production is inspired and adults will be as mesmerized as the children. Maybe even more so as, in all honesty, some of the effects may be too intense for young children (such as the ghost of Jacob Marley which beats anything in any live production I've seen). If you have the '54 version get this one as well. You'll enjoy noting the changes in Sim's delivery almost 20 years down the road and you'll enjoy this class production. I'll bet even Disney would be impressed.

2009 Note: While Chuck Jones is indeed the executive producer of this classic animated version, I should have given credit to director/animator Richard Williams for his essential role in this feature's creation. A decade since my original review and this has STILL not found its way to DVD. It's a shame it was not added as a bonus feature to the recently released A Christmas Carol (Ultimate Collector's Edition)(B/W & Color): it would have made a more interesting and fitting bonus than the edited Seymour Hicks version or some of the other features.

The only problems with this version of the classic story - It's too short, it's hard to find, and it's not available on DVD at this time. I have a copy on VHS from ABC Capital Cities video from the early-90's, which was recorded at SLP speed and therefore loses some of the original quality. C'mon ABC, you couldn't have saved that much money skimping on video tape, and you messed up some of the beauty of the animation! I'm trying to buy this re-released version here on Amazon mostly to have a backup in case my old one breaks (plus an extra for my girlfriend and her son). Yes, I'm concerned about wearing it out. It's that good.

I have watched and studied animation for almost 40 years. There are several different approaches to animation in this one episode, all intertwined to give it a unique look and an eerie feel...remember, it IS a ghost story. This is the only animated version that I've ever found that included the hearse passing Scrooge on the stairs. The Ghost of Christmas Past morphs from a young child to a girl to an old man with multiple faces and limbs and so on just like described in the book, something that I've never seen in any other version, live or animated (by the way, if you never read the book, try it, then watch this video to see what I mean). Marley has never been scarier, as goes for the floating spectres and the Ignorance and Want children. I first saw this as a child of about 10, then each year for the next few until ABC quit airing it (why?). Even at that age it gave me the creeps. Fun creeps, you know? But creeps regardless. This probably isn't suitable for very young kids. It might give them nightmares. I'm not kidding.

Some of the most impressive pieces of animation surround the scenes near the lake in the Ghost-of-Christmas-Past segment and the entire "transportation" sequence in the Ghost-of Christmas-Present segment...I can't say enough about how beautifully this was done. One other sort of odd note is the limited use of background music. Most directors try to relay a feeling of fear, dread, terror, etc. through spooky music. Director Richard Williams opted for minimal background music. The eeriest scenes had no music at all, just the dialog. It works perfectly.

If only it hadn't been done for a 30 minute TV spot, minus commercial time! It was later released in theaters and then won the Oscar in 1972 for Best Short Subject, Animated. It should have been a full length feature.

I hope Amazon comes through. I ordered this special order item in mid-November but have been told not to expect it until mid-January (if at all, I presume).**

One last note - several reviews note this as a Chuck Jones creation. That's not exactly right. He served only as Executive Producer, meaning that his production company was involved and that he probably had a financial stake. Richard Williams was the director. I'm a huge Jones fan, but we should give credit where credit is due.

**Addendum as of 12/21/04 - Amazon notified me that this is unavailable and cancelled my order.

I, like the other reviewers, saw this spooky, animated version of "A Christmas Carol" about 30 years ago. The networks never showed it again. I found it on Amazon.com, recently, & bought it --- It's as incredible as I remembered it!!

The short, 27 minute long, animated film is beautiful to watch. It is so well done. The film is not for the very, very young, who might be frightened by the haunting images. You will definitely enjoy this classic animated film, just as much as the younger people.

You will not forget it. I can't understand why the networks haven't shown this film every Christmas Holiday. Buy it -- you'll enjoy it!!

To begin with, a warning: many of the reviews you'll find here are incorrectly filed and unrelated to this remarkable animated gem. Many of the reveiwers here seem to be talking about the Alister Simms original live action feature--a classic in its own right and deserving of all due praise--and not discussing this specific version of the Dickens classic. This can be confusing and frustrating (at least it was for me during my initial attempts to locate this lost classic at AMAZON.com). That said, let's proceed.

You, dear viewer, are truly in luck. You have stumbled upon one of the few genuine miracles of Christmas: Chuck Jones' animated version of the Christmas Carol. I saw this amazing presentation during its original broadcast (I believe it was on ABC, lo these many years ago) and I have NEVER forgotten it. If you are a Dickens fan, a Christmas Carol fan, or simply a fan of remarkable animation, you MUST own this video. That it was not immediately enshrined as a Christmas Classic to be repeatedly viewed after its initial boradcast remains one of the great, tragic mysteries of our times. I dare say this version of the Dickens tale (which I must confess I consider not simply a "beloved Holiday tradition" but a genuinely brilliant piece of modern literature worthy of all the stuffy academic consideration often heaped upon more "serious"-- but far less gifted--written endeavours). I searched in vain for more than twenty years, hoping to stumble upon the minor wonder again. And now, thankfully, I can share my happy fortune with you, Constant Reader.

Rendered to capture the flavour of the original pen and ink sketches and etchings which accompanied Dickens tale in print, this animated version brings home the world of Scrooge's England in a way both startling fresh, yet immediately familiar. The fine line work of the graphic design lends a rather fleeting, spectral quality to the entire affiar--perfectly in keeping with the tone and context of the story itself. I defy a child not to be captivated by this animated version's mesmerizing visual character. Supported as well by wonderful voice characterizations and carefully edited music and sound, this ANIMATED CHRISTMAS CAROL should make everyone's Top 10. To see it, is to be transported. Buy this video and you will own a treasure to be cherished for every Christmas to come. GOD BLESS US EVERY ONE!

This version is a masterpiece! I, like many others have noted here, saw this as a kid on TV in the early 70's and haven't seen it again until recently. The film made a haunting impression on me. It is creepy and magical and it gives you a true feeling for Dickens' classic ghost story. I plan to show it to my kids, but not until they're a bit older. The animation has a sort of cross-hatch shading that changes with every cell, giving an unsettling feeling. The "camera" angles and transitions are dramatic and original for any animated feature. The icing on the cake for this version?: Alastair Sim does the voice of Scrooge, the same actor seen in the 1951 black & white film version - unquestionably the best Scrooge in the two best versions! This video is difficult to find. But if you really want it and you can't find it here, check a certain on-line auction site from time to time. Don't be put off by the lame cover art (which looks like it's from a coloring book) - it's not indicative of the animation in the actual film, which is outstanding. Let's hope ABC or Anchor Bay finally put this out on DVD! This should be shared.

I ordered this on Christmas Day 2002 after learning that it did indeed exist on video! I got it yesterday (Kudos to Amazon for fast shipping!) and watched it this morning. It lived up to my memories of seeing this 30 yrs ago & did not disappoint me. Moving and creepy like any authentic A CHRISTMAS CAROL should be!
(Marley & the Phantoms, and the Waifs at the Christmas Present Ghost's feet may disturb small children- they sure gave me the chills this morning *L*)