A Christmas Carol

This is the best version of A Christmas Carol. George C. Scott was born to play the role of Scrooge and truly brought the character to life. A must see!

Every year I watch the 20 or so movies I associate with Christmas. Though not all are actually about the holiday or its origin, they all have something to do with the feelings and meaning attached to it. One of the most important stories about Christmas, and the one that is most often credited with shaping it for modern society is Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." There are several versions of it, all to a greater or lesser degree faithful to the original tale, and I enjoy many of them, each for what it has to offer. This is one of my favorites, largely because it is an acting tour de force. Scott shines as Scrooge at each and every stage of his development. This rendition better than any other captures the reality of a human being so damaged by his experiences that he is utterly committed to avarice and so afraid of human involvement that he is already dead, inside if not outside. This is a real person with real problems, not a cartoon cut out. As with good narrative of any kind, the viewer is allowed to form his or her own opinions of the character of Srcooge, and like the character himself grow and change in outlook. We don't so much identify with him as change our understanding of him, until we come to feel compassion for his experiences as a child and young adult and for the personal losses he inflicted upon himself. In short we ourselves grow. If we see ourselves in him at all, it is in these self inflicted emotional wounds. Either we know ourselves to have been guilty of complicity in our own episodes of personal unhappiness, or we can say to ourselves, "There but for the grace of God might I also be." Like the other cinematic versions of the story, this one also presents the usual costume and pageantry of the 19th century venue of the original story. The sense of "being there" in London and its environs and of taking part in the intimate settings of private homes, makes this film version far more real than others. Most of the others have a more staged character that partakes more of the theater experience than of a life experience. Here the color and attention to scenic detail, the intimacy of the camera angles and sound effects all go far to create a sense not only of time but of space. All of this evokes emotional responses that keep the viewer engaged throughout; not an entirely easy feat given the general familiarity of the story. For fun examples of other remakes, I suggest: the 1951 black and white version with Alistair Sim A Christmas Carol (Ultimate Collector's Edition)(B/W & Color) , the musical/animation version by the Muppet Theater The Muppet Christmas Carol - Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition , the musical version with Albert Finney Scrooge . Wonderful.

One of my favorite Christmas movies. George C Scott perfect as Scrooge.

It's a time honored story with George C Scott playing Scrooge. The acting is superb and Scott makes Scrooge believable. It's my go to Christmas Carole each year.

This is my personal favorite version, the story, the pace and not too much singing.

This is my favorite version of this classic talent.

I have loved this version of the Christmas Carol story since it premiered on TV in the 1980’s. It features a mostly British cast and has a very authentic Victorian period look, with details from time specific costumes to a choir singing traditional Christmas songs in the street , including "The Holly and the Ivy" and "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" ( the latter is probably the titular carol, as it is featured in almost every film based on the story). George C. Scott is great as Scrooge. Though he plays him as tight fisted and grim, he also bestows a touching vulnerability to the character. You really do believe that Scrooge wants to return to the world of human contact. Also good are Edward Woodward as the jolly yet socially conscious Ghost of Christmas Present and Susannah York as Mrs. Cratchit. As I noted , the film is very well researched as to period details and follows the book faithfully for the most part. One of the things I’ve always liked about it is the addition of a few scenes that fit in with the book’s theme of compassion toward fellow beings, including a look at an impoverished family who is still determined to stay together at Christmas. I think these fit in well with Dickens’ interest in social reform . It’s well worth a look and even a purchase . The only down side is that the DVD does not have any real extras. Perhaps the blu Ray release will remedy this. Nonetheless this film is a genuine holiday classic!

This was an excellent deal! It was cheaper in price than any other place we found. And it came 6 days earlier than they estimated. Plus, the movie was great, the DVD great. No problems at all with this order. Thank you, Paul!

Charles Dickens Weihnachtsgeschichte wurde schon dutzendfach in allen möglichen Varianten verfilmt, aber diese Version ist meiner Ansicht nach die mit Abstand beste. Ein Grund hierfür ist die Tatsache, dass sie sich sehr eng an das Buch anlehnt. Ein weiterer Grund ist die großartige schauspielerische Leistung von George C. Scott. Er vollzieht die Wandlung vom menschenverachtenden, zynischen und geldgierigen Geizhals zum Wohltäter der Menschheit überaus gelungen und sogar glaubhaft, was bei anderen Verfilmungen nicht so gut gelungen ist. Gerade weil die Wandlung vom Saulus zum Paulus sich nur langsam (aber stetig) vollzieht, ist sie nachvollziehbar. Aber auch alle anderen Schauspieler sind wirklich gut und tragen dazu bei, dass dieser Film so stimmungsvoll und unterhaltsam ist. Ein weiterer Pluspunkt ist die atmosphärische Dichte des Films, der zwar sehr emotional und manchmal auch etwas sentimental ist, aber niemals rührselig oder kitschig. Zudem besitzt der Film eine lange "Halbwertzeit". So sehe ich mir den Film -neben dem kleinen Lord- fast jede Weihnacht an, und das seit knapp 30 (!) Jahren. Die Spezial Effekte sind für einen so alten Film immer noch ganz passabel, und die DVD hat eine gute Bild- und Tonqualität. Fazit: Ein herausragender Weihnachtsfilm für die ganze Familie (auch mein 3jähriger Enkel schaute ganz gebannt), den man/frau sich immer wieder ansehen kann. Daher kann ich diesen Film uneingeschränkt empfehlen!

Es una película (posiblemente la mejor en su tipo) de culto.

A great version that thankfully has no muppets or annoying songs

Parfait pour les fêtes de Noël , en couleur ce qui est quand même bien. plus beau et avec des sous-titres français j'ai été heureuse de revoir ce film magnifique de Noël

Produto perfeito