Customer Reviews

A Christmas Carol [VHS]

5 star:		(82)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Somehow, across the years, the story of Ebenezer Scrooge and his three ghosts has been transformed from it's spooky roots to light-hearted family fare. Scrooge is not so much evil, as grumpy. The ghost's tend to amuse rather than frighten.

This black-and-white version of "A Christmas Carol" maintains the horror roots of the story. Jacob Marley is one of the most frightening ghosts to haunt the silver screen. He grows intolerant of the idea that Scrooge is not frightened, and howls his rage and frustration. The Ghost of Christmas Past is an impersonal specter, cold and distant. Present is jolly and yet quick to anger. Future is the grim shade that he is supposed to be.

The back story of Scrooge is told in greater detail here than in any other version. He resents Fred, not because of his Christmas cheer but because his birth caused the death of Scrooge's beloved sister. He not only remembers the good times at Fezzywig's, he remembers putting Fezzywig out of business later in life. Alastair Sim brings this character to fullness more than any other actor. The Christmas morning scene is a delight, and worth the wait.

As a bonus, the Fleischer "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer" is included on this disk. This is clearly Santa Claus by the people who gave us the first animated Superman. The animation is fluid and dynamic. One of the best extras on any DVD.

At the bottom of this review, there is a tiny bit of trivia, and I hope you'll like what I discovered. It's just some trivial tidbit stuff, that's all... So now, the review:

If you are changing to the DVD format from VHS, throw away your OLDER VHS tape and purchase this! The much older VHS tapes hadn't been remastered from the original print, which was discovered in England. The picture quality is so much better than those older 3rd- and fourth- generation tapes and broadcasts we've seen where everything seems like "Scrooge" was filmed in a fog. The contrast in the DVD is sharp and brilliant. The darks are deep yet the whites aren't at all washed out. Trust me, purchase the remastered version (I'm sure they also have released a remastered version in VHS, but I have converted to DVD).

The DVD has something for everyone, God bless us all. I watched the colorized version, but it seems... colorized. It simply doesn't have that warm, saturated, natural tone of movies filmed with color stock. Some may feel that younger people might in some way enjoy the colorized movie better, but try showing it to them in B&W first. Give them the chance to see the original which has stood the test of time, and for good reason. I still admire any DVD producer that takes advantage of the versatility of the options that can be pressed into the DVD format, and VCI Entertainment gave the consumer the choice. The black & white version is on one side, and just flip the double- sided disc over for the color version.

There are added features including a Max Fleischer cartoon of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Although it was filmed in Technicolor, there was a very noticable color shift that occured in the original print. The audio wasn't that great, either. And honestly, it's not nearly as enjoyable as the animated puppet version that we used to see on CBS television with the Charlie Brown cartoon.

Also included is an introduction by Patrick Macnee, who you remember as John Steed in the TV series "The Avengers." I didn't understand at first why he was introducing the movie until I found that he played a bit part in "Scrooge (Macnee failed during his introduction to say whom he played)." So, I'll tell you: Look for him as the young Jacob Marley, early in the film, when Scrooge (Alastair Sim) is guided by the Spirit of Christmas Past (Michael Dolan). There is a 4- page color pamphlet included. One page shows a repro of an cute, yet quirky little original movie poster. Another has chapter stop and movie info. The inside pages are devoted to other DVD movie titles.

Okay, now the tidbit! What people liked about "Scrooge" is that the characters produced some more spontaneously funny moments that break the otherwise dark and gloomy tone of the story. Those of you who have watched "Bride of Frankenstein" have probably noted the similarities that I will describe! There are two characters in the "Scrooge" movie that I could have sworn mimicked two other characters in a different flick. The maid, Mrs. Dilber (Kathleen Harrison) in "Scrooge" seemed so much like the maid, Minnie (Una O'Connor) in "Bride of Frankenstein." Watch the similarities in how the characters play off each other in the different movies (Mrs. Dilber with Mr. Stretch, the undertaker [Ernest Thesiger] in "Scrooge;" Minnie with Dr. Pretorius [also played by Thesiger!]) I actually just discovered that Thesiger played in both movies! Maybe the producer and/or director of "Scrooge" tapped some ideas from the light moments between Mrs. Dilber and Mr. Stretch from the Frankenstein flick, but it worked. (I love that name, "Stretch!") Enjoy.

I refer to the entire cast and crew as having made this magnificent
version as indeed a 'Labor of Love'. They all obviously cared deeply
about bringing the best of Dickens to the big-screen and succeeded. The
outdoor London 'sets' where several outdoor scenes of the offices of
Marley and Scrooge are shot are now long gone, real buildings from the
Victorian era that survived the 'Blitz' of WW II. And the indoor sets
were so well done, the flavor of the period well done.

Alastair Sim as Scrooge is marvelous, a wonderful turn by this fine
actor. But he is never better then when he awakens on Christmas Morning.
Dancing, singing, doing gymnastics! The pure joy on his face when he
inquires of Mrs. Dilber the housekeeper, played by Kathleen Harrison,
'what day is today'? And she responds 'Christmas Day' and his elation
that he hasn't missed Christmas. Or the following scenes with the
housekeeper. She thinks him quite mad! And why not? Hadn't he already,
in his sleeping gown, done a hand-stand on a chair, and she, screaming,
running out of his chambers with her apron over her face. When he
catches her up on the stairs and presses a golden coin in her hand she
pulls away at first, wondering what he wants from her. His face shows
her that all is well, a wonderful bit of acting in these two scenes by
Sim and Harrison.

Wonderful acting throughout, good sets, well shot and lit, a memorable
'Scrooge'/'A Christmas Carol'. I have the VHS version but now watch the
LD. Avoid the colorized version, my opinion. The colors just never look
right. Besides, the sets and lighting were done for B & W. Also, the LD
has far superior contrast then VHS could ever offer. Those who don't
have LD, I'm certain the DVD will be a joy. Regardless, buy a copy, even
if only VHS. Remember that the Christmas season really only begins on
Christmas Eve and runs to January 6. Plenty of time to buy and watch
this during the holidays. But see Leonard Maltin. Watch it anytime!
One last thing, note the production error in the Christmas Morning scene
when Sim as Scrooge is dancing merrily about his bedchamber. Few
reviewers ever mention this. Have you noticed it?!

Far and away the best movie version of Dicken's classic story. In addition to Alastair Sim's lauded performance as the definitive Scrooge, this film has a wonderful supporting cast, brilliant screenplay, and marvelous sets that perfectly recreate Victorian England. The message of positive change, and looking out for our fellow man have never been more beautifully brought home then here. Those final scenes, where Scrooge realizes that he is still alive and vows to become a better man, prove to be some of the most moving in cinamatic history. Enough talk, go buy the movie. It's a Christmas present you won't soon forget.

As usual with films that are in the public domain, trying to figure out which one to buy can sometimes be a trial.

There are two companies putting this one out: United Home and VCI. VCI put out the 50th anniversary edition as well as the colorized version (which - now don't get confused - includes the black and white version). United Home puts out the black and white version. However, the packaging for the United Home and VCI versions are identical. And the 50th anniversary edition is no longer available.

So. Given that the quality of whatever is shown on TV every year gets worse and worse, I took a shot at the VCI colorized/B&W edition since they had also put together the 50th anniversary edition (shows a certain fondness for the film). And since I had the opportunity to watch this film on TV on Christmas Eve, I'm in a position to make an almost side by side comparison.

The result is that I am impressed with what VCI was able to do with this material. I have no idea what their source material was. And it doesn't look or sound as though they went through the whole restoration process. However, the improvement in sound and picture is remarkable, maybe not 5s, but at least 3.5 to 4 on the sound, and at least 4 on the picture. And given the price, this is far more than one might expect.

They don't show these old films so much these days at Christmas time: Miracle on 34th Street, Pocketful of Miracles, White Christmas, Holiday Inn, and so on. And when they do show them, they often use ratty old tapes or film stock.

Therefore, buy these DVDs now in preparation for next year, if available, and see them when and as often as you like. DVDs do get withdrawn from circulation, and you'll be sorry if you let the opportunity to pick up this version of A Christmas Carol go by.

Such a classic movie put to shame by shoddy DVD reproduction.

If you are looking to build your DVD collection, avoid "VCI home video" at all costs.

You cannot even read the interface, and the menu is a complete mess. Sound quality is awful, and the image quality looks like they put a 1980 video recorder on a worn porn theatre screen.

I LOVE this movie, but VCI should be shot. Who in their right mind gave them the rights to such a piece of film history?

Pathetic!

I wish there was a "-5 star" option

Just about everyone consider this 1951 film version of the oft-told tale to be the definitive movie adaptation, and I am inclined to agree with them (Although the 1984 George C. Scott version is a good rival). Okay, I do think the 'Christmas Past' sequence is a tad too lengthy, but the whole film fits together so well that this little complaint doesn't carry that much weight. Director Brian Desmond Hurst gives the right balance of heart and darkness, but the major credit belongs to Alastair Sim. He gives out a full 3-dimensional characterization of the aged Miser: cruel, witty, smug in his deviousness, bewildered, pathetic, reluctant, pleading, and repentant. Also, being a comic actor, Sim successfully injects humor in several scenes (most emphasized in his jolly transformation on Chritmas morning). At the end of the film Scrooge suprises the audience by almost changing back to his old gloomy self (before exploding with an outburst of the giggles. 'I can't help it'). Of course that is not to say Sim is the only good performance; There's Michael Hordern in agony as a memorably melodramatic Jacob Marley, Mervyn Johns gives dignity in his meek Bob Cratchit, Carol Marsh is moving as Scrooge's sister (especially in her visit to her lonely brother in school) and Glyn Dearman's Tiny Tim succeeds in being cute and endearing without being a little too much. The production, special effects, and music (using strains of 'Barbara Allen') are also well done. A memorable show rightly praised.

I've watched this film so many times, I know all the lines. This is not just the best telling of Dickens tale, but a classic film for all time, all seasons. Alistair Sim is incomprable as Scrooge. All the actors are wonderful, they so perfectly convey the feeling of 19th century London. Look for Patrick McNee, who later gained fame as "John Steed" in the wonderful "Avengers", as the young Jacob Marley, and Hermione Baddely, who was an accomplished stage actress and favorite of Tennessee Williams, she also later played "Mrs. Naugatuct",the tipsy housekeeper, on t.v.'s "Maude", as Mrs. Bob Cratchet. The only reason to see any of the other versions is to reinforce just how superior this one is, though the Reginald Owen and George C. Scott versions are respectable. I found the Patrick Stewart version abominable, as expected. This is too good a film to be watched only once a year, it will transport you so realisticly to Olde London. And the storys lessons of forgiveness and remorse are just as meaningful now as then. Oh, not to ruin the illusion, but in the scene when Scrooge awakens Christmas Day, after having had his "epiphany", watch as he's looking in the mirror, as he tells his housekeeper about his ordeal. You will see, reflected in the mirror, the reflection of a modern-day (circa 1950) person, more than likely one of the crew. Don't know if this bit of trivia is common knowledge, but I find it interesting. Also, though Simm is only known by most for his role as Scrooge, check out his very funny "St. Trinians" films, where he plays headmaster at a boys school. A wonderful, different look at this great actor. This heartwarming film will be THE Christmas classic for all time.POSTSCRIPT!!!I just noticed I reviewed the "colorized" version. DANGER!! DANGER!! Do NOT watch this version, it MUST be seen in black & white!!! WHAT was I thinking??!!!!

I admit I grew up with Alastair Sim as Scrooge - but I've seen many since - including George C. Scott. And all pale in comparison. This captures the look, feel and sentiment in England at the time and uplifts our spirits each and every time we see it. Please treat yourself and your family to the most wonderful Christmas movie of all time.

Alas, for Jacob Marley's ghost when he responds with this line after Scrooge has told him: "But you were always a good man of business." This English version of *A Christmas Carol*, which has the film title of "Scrooge," has always been the definitve version of the story for me. The sets, the costumes, the exterior shots, and the actors and actresses all have what seems to me to be a distinctive "English" look to them. Even Tiny Tim's teeth and Alastair Sim's teeth have an English trademark look to them. This DVD version of this classic film presents an excellent opportunity for the film fan to judge the effect of colorizing on a film. The DVD presents the original black and white version on one side of the disk, and the colorized version on the other side. I first saw the film in black and white...and have always thought of it in that fashion. In that aspect, the black and white presentation offers some interesting aesthetic and dramatic

effects which can be compared with the effects which the colorized version produces. To my sense perceptions, the black and white version increases the "coldness" of the feel of the film...of the snow...and the huddling of people to keep warm...and it seems to increase the perception of Scrooge as a cold person. Even in scenes where there should be a sense of warmth, such as when Scrooge is in his room huddled in his chair ready to eat some "hot" soup, the effect is still one of coldness. The black and white aspect of sets and people seems to heighten the dramatic impact, making for a solemn, lonely, spiritless feel to the characters and events...which is certainly in keeping with the intent (until the transformation). Alastair Sim's acting is so profoundly good that he does transform the tone of the black and white into a warmth of reclaimed humanity. When he goes in humility and some fear to his nephew's house, not knowing how he will be received, and asks forgiveness for his foolishness, the black and white aspect cannot dull the warmth and humanity. But, that having been said, I must also say that the moment I turned the disk over and began the film in the colorized version, I knew I was experiencing...and was going to experience...a different set of sensory impules...and different resulting feelings and aesthetic impressions. For the opening sequence is of a book being opened...in the colorized version, the book's cover is colored...but it is tastefully done...and the pages are a warm ivory color. The effect to me was enormously pleasing...then when the actual characters appear... the colorizing adds to the facial expressions...one now notices arched eyebrows, grimaces, smiles...there is a real humanity that is brought out by the color. People's personalities are not "washed out" by the black and white...the distinctiveness of individual personality seems more alive with the color. This colorized version is done well...the color is tastefully done...the inside of Scrooge's house becomes more distinctive, and one notices objects that tend to go unnoticed in the black and white version. The brown colored bannisters of the stairway are one example...as well as the statue at the bottom of the stairs. The wooden surfaces glow with a warm brown... and Scrooge's (Alastair Sim's) eyes are an interesting, mesmerizing ice-blue color. Formerly I would have said, as something of a film purist, that the black and white version of the film would be the one which I would watch...and show to others. But now, I have become a real fan of the colorized version...maybe it is the novelty because I have not seen the colorized version as many times as I have seen the black and white version...but I firmly suspect that it is something deeper and more aesthetically and psychologically compelling in relation to the use of color... at least with this film (I once saw a horrible, inept, attempt at colorizing "Miracle on 34th street"...but I do not fault this present attempt). I found nothing wrong with the sound on this disk... The most haunting moments in this film, for me, are at the beginning when Tiny Tim is looking in the shop window...and the mechanical clown is laughing...Tim laughs too, for he thinks it is in amusement...but then Tim sees someone buy the boat which he obviously wanted...the look of loss and hurt on the young actor's face is unforgettable...and yet the heartless mechanical clown continues to rock back and forth with laughter...now, as if mocking Tim...Tim looks at the clown... and still in his good-hearted spirit manages a smile and a laugh, too. My god...what an incredible piece of filmed humanity...and feeling. There are other incredibly moving moments in this filmed version. For me, it will always be the best.