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Summary: I realize that this is a classic, but I was scared!!!
Review: I saw this movie when I was a child because my Dad insisted I be exposed to classic film. To be honest, I don't have very fond memories of that day! I remember being scared out of my wits to go to bed, and having nightmares. Looking back, I suppose I was just being childish, but my fear was very real and i haven't seen the movie again since (even though I recently sat thru "Psycho" relatively unalarmed). My point in writing this is to let all you parents know that this movie is quite scary for a young child to watch and I strongly suggest to wait until they're able to understand the meaning of this story before they watch this movie. I realize that this isn't everyone's idea of a scary movie, especially in this day and age, but to an impressionable child it can appear very real.
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Summary: A Triumph of Animated Classics
Review: This is the British animated version of the Dicken's classic. Alistair Sim provides the voice of Ebeneezer, and reprises a role by which he will come to be known for generations. This is the animated version produced by Chuck Jones, of Warner Brothers and Grinch fame. Might be too strong for younger children (under 5) due to its very "artsy" rendition of the story. The images are quite dark, and the loose animation style tends to be a bit frightening. Which is why it achieves the "ghost story" feeling that Dickens intended, quite well. This is one of the better animated versions that will thoroughly entertain adults. Highly recommended, if you can find it in print.
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Summary: Accept No Substitutes!
Review: This is it! There are myriad versions and adaptations of this wonderful tale but this is the one. Black & White and even a little Spooky! The George C. Scott version I must admit is well done but none can hold a Christmas Candle next to this one!
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Summary: The best of all " A Christmas Carol " Offerings
Review: If you can own only one of the plethoria of A Christmas Carol movies available, this is your choice! Alaster Sim's performance as Scrooge sets the standard which no actor has since attained. Characters are all very human and refreshingly believable. The exchange between Scrooge and his chamber maid on Christmas morning remains one of the funniest and touching renditions of Scrooge's conversion yet filmed. A must see.
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Summary: Outstanding representation of Dickens' classic tale!
Review: I have grown up reading the story and seeing this film. No one who has ever attempted this story has ever come close to bringing Dickens to life both visually and in dialogue. The mid 19th century period is captured in costume and speech so that one believes he is actually part of that era. A must see for anyone who loves history or anyone who believes in the goodness of the human spirit.
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Summary: True to life-timeless-as meaningfull today as when written.
Review: It is amazing to me to watch this timeless classic and capture the true meaning of the season. Sim does an excellent job. Other versions of this classic do not seem genuine in there attempt to get the message accross.
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Summary: Excellent, provacative animated version of Dickens Classic
Review: Exceptional animated version of Dicken's classic, with the voice of the Best Scrooge Ever, Alistir Sim, narration by Michael Redgrave. The animation is based on the original drawings that accompanied the first publication of the book, and it is both stark and lush, a masterful, economical, evocative version that moves and intrigues and enchants. Produced by Chuck Jones (of Looney Tunes fame), but a marvelous departure from his light side, it best captures the feel and mood of Dicken's work. See this one, and you'll watch all the others fade in comparison.
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Summary: The best interpretation of Dickens wonderful story.
Review: I love this movie. I think it's still the best version of this Christmas classic. I've seen "A Christmas Carol" many times over the years and I still get apprehensive at the beginning of the movie, as Scrooge goes home Christmas Eve into his lonely, empty home. He enters the dark, lonely house that once belonged to his deceased partner Jacob Marley who died on that very night 7 years ago. There is an excellent camera shot as Scrooge enters the house. The camera is at the top of the stairs pointing down at Scrooge. It's almost as if someone is at the top of the stairs watching and waiting for him. This short scene is made even more frightening by the menacing music of Richard Addinsell. The movie, by the way is excellently scored by Mr. Addinsell, who also composed the "Warsaw Concerto". His music works perfectly throughout the film, expecially near the end when Scrooge encounters his ominous future. Sim's transition from the "Old Scrooge" to the "New Scrooge" is remarkable because the change is so startling that he really seems to become a totally different person. In fact George C. Scott mentioned that he was influenced by Alister Sim when Mr. Scott played Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol" some years ago for TV. Everyone else in the movie is well cast from Hermione Baddley to Patrick MacNee. Mr. MacNee portrayed "Steed" in the TV show,"The Avengers" and plays Marley as a young man and plays him so well. For those of you who love old but timeless movies, this is definitely one for your collection.
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Summary: Alastair Sim IS Scrooge!
Review: I have loved Alastair Sim's version of "A Christmas Carol" for as long as I can remember; the film certainly belongs in every collection. Sim was essentially a comic actor, which is why his portrayal of Ebeneezer Scrooge is so believable. Sim's Scrooge is a basically good and trusting man who has allowed himself to be hardened by some unfortunate life experiences. But as he is visited on Christmas Eve night by the spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, we see Scrooge's cold-hearted facade gradually stripped away until he wakes up on Christmas morning a giddy, light-hearted "child." This scene is the movie's emotional peak; it is cathartic to watch Sim as he dances joyfully around his bedroom. Afterwards, it is touching to watch him try to right his past wrongs by accepting his nephew Fred's invitation to Christmas dinner (while the lovely Scottish ballad "Barbara Allen" plays in the background), and by promising to help the poor family of his clerk, Bob Cratchit. Though Sim dominates the film, the other cast members are fine indeed, while the score, by Richard Addinsell, evokes the Dickensian mood superbly (particularly memorable are the dark, pounding chords heard during the opening credits). The sets and lighting, though rather low-budget for a 1951 movie, also contribute to the atmosphere of Victorian grittiness. For me Alastair Sim's is the definitive version of "A Christmas Carol," while Sim himself will always BE Ebeneezer Scrooge.
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Summary: A Classic's Remasterization/Colorization :New Heights
Review: I was concerned before buying it because of a negative review I read here about the above topic. The other reviews were positive thus overruling the bad one.
Today I watched and I was impressed. The colorization and remasterization has taken this Christmas classic to new heights making it a must for every home that celebrates Christmas and owns a DVD player.
Both sound and picture are vastly improved. The colorized version adds a new and fresh dimension to an already warm and welcomed visitor in our living rooms.
If you don't have it and are wondering if you should buy it, stop wondering and click it right now into your cart. You won't go wrong.
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