A Christmas Carol [VHS]
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Review by Daniel Jolley for A Christmas Carol [VHS]
Rating:
Christmas just isn’t Christmas unless you watch at least one version of A Christmas Carol, and this is by far my favorite. George C. Scott gives one of the greatest performances I have ever seen an actor give; he truly becomes Ebenezer Scrooge to the fullest degree possible. Scott can say more with just the slightest hint of a facial movement than many actors can say during the course of an entire movie. All of the performers here are excellent, bringing to life adored characters such as Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and Scrooge’s nephew Fred. All four spirits are remarkable, none more so than Scrooge’s old partner Jacob Marley; having Marley’s jaw drop after untying the burial cloth holding his mouth closed is an important aspect of the story and certainly does make an impression on the viewer. This is just one example of the moviemakers’ faithfulness to Charles Dickens’ original story; another would be the inclusion of the two miserable children, Ignorance and Want, beneath the robes of the Ghost of Christmas Present.This timeless tale works extremely well on its own, but the unsurpassed acting skills of Scott make it almost more than real. The change wrought in him during the course of the night, as he changes from a man of crass materialism and unkindness to a repentant soul pleading for a chance to change his ways, is powerfully presented and really touches the viewer emotionally. The simple happiness revealed in the lives of Bob Cratchit and others are as heart-warming as the forgotten mistakes and pains of a younger Scrooge are agonizing. If there is any heart out there that is not touched by the goodness and courage of Tiny Tim, I don’t even want to know about it. No matter how many times you watch this movie, it proves itself capable of bringing a tear to your eye, a lump in your throat, and ultimately the very spirit of true holiday cheer and Christian charity that Dickens intended it to convey.I cannot say I have seen every adaptation of A Christmas Carol, but I really cannot believe any other version could exceed the quality and emotional impact of this one. No matter how many times I read the story or watch the movie, it remains a source of eternal joy to me. This is more than a movie for me; it is an important and necessary part of each and every Christmas holiday season.
Review by Mark Baker for A Christmas Carol [VHS]
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George C. Scott makes an outstanding Scrooge in this 1984 TV production of the Christmas classic. The story is once again told of a miser, miserable and alone. He shuns Christmas and helping others, only doing things that will increase his personal wealth. But then one fateful Christmas Eve, he’s visited by four spirits who try to show him another way. Will it be enough to redeem him?I love this story, usually enjoying it in a couple forms over the course of December. This particular film version is my favorite. Probably helps that I’ve watched it almost every year since it came out. The acting is superb, especially from Scott. The costumes, scenery, and effects are wonderful as well, and they stick very close to the original story. Just watching a few minutes, I get… in and want to watch the whole thing all over again.This DVD is the perfect way to watch the film. The picture and sound are remarkably clear for an almost 20 year old made for TV film. Definitely better then my old recorded from TV tape. The film is presented in its original ratio – full frame. While it would have been nice to have an extra or two, the quality of the movie makes up for this absence in my opinion.If you’re looking for a film version of this classic story for the holidays, look no further. This movie is sure to become a tradition in your family.
Review by Miles D. Moore for A Christmas Carol [VHS]
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The celebrated version of “A Christmas Carol” is the one starring Alastair Sim, who gives the definitive version of the traditional, crabbed miser performance of Scrooge. It indeed is very fine, but this version is better. It is probably the most faithful of all the screen “Christmas Carols” to the original Dickens story. It pulses with color and life, and the ancient Midlands town of Shrewsbury makes a delightful stand-in for 19th-century London. But what really makes this version unforgettable is the superb, surprising casting, beginning with George C. Scott as Scrooge. Scott plays Scrooge not as a crabbed old coot, but as a man whose imposing, smug facade masks enormous sorrow and insecurity–a man who suffered greatly, lost his way because of it, and needs to find that way again. It is a brilliant performance, and the supporting players shine like rubies: Frank Finlay as a truly terrifying Marley’s Ghost; “Tom Jones” co-stars David Warner and Susannah York as Bob and Mrs. Cratchit; Edward Woodward, taking time out from “The Equalizer” to make a delightful Ghost of Christmas Present. This version of “A Christmas Carol” remembers that the story is, first and foremost, a ghost story; when the Ghost of Christmas Present reveals Ignorance and Want to Scrooge, every viewer will be thoroughly unnerved, and thoroughly moved. The terror, of course, is all the better to appreciate the abundant joy with which the story ends. Once you see this version of “A Christmas Carol,” you will settle for no other.
Review by S. Ruble for A Christmas Carol [VHS]
Rating:
It would be an understatement to say that there have been many filmed versions of “A Christmas Carol.” They run the gamut from somewhat scary to lighthearted, from straight drama to musical, and everything in between.
Myself, I tend to dislike the musical versions and prefer the story to be straight drama, with a touch of scariness. As such, this version is my favorite. While it is not a completely faithful adaptation of the book, it is true to the spirit of the book and to Dickens’s firm sense of social justice.
George C. Scott as Scrooge is one of those rare examples of absolutely perfect casting. With his jowly, scowly face and gravelly voice, he is completely believable as the miserly, miserable Scrooge, yet at the same time, he shows the humanity that is buried beneath, especially when the Ghost of Christmas Past is showing him the path he took that led to his lonely, bitter existence.
The Ghost of Christmas Present is a harsher, more judgemental spirit. As played by Edward Woodward, he laughs a lot, but at the same time is oddly humorless. There are times when he is actually rather frightening, which of course sets the stage for the terrifying Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.
The supporting cast is extremely good (save for maybe Susannah York as Mrs. Cratchit), and the production values are much higher than one would expect from a TV movie. In fact, one could easily mistake it for a theatrical release; I was surprised to learn that it wasn’t.
Review by Charles Griffin for A Christmas Carol [VHS]
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Every winter, I enjoy watching A Christmas Carol on TV whenever I can, and the 1984 version is my favorite. The production and performances add up to a moody, realistic and touching adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic.Director Clive Donner (editor of the much celebrated 1951 Alastair Sim version of Scrooge) presents a stunningly authentic recreation of Dickens’ London. From effectively foggy streets to Ebenezer’s own cobwebbed-infested manor, Donner provides a gritty, appropriately dark atmosphere, enhanced by the wonderful score. The film’s pacing is exquisite. In showing Ebenezer the error of his ways, the filmmakers give equal time to his past, present and future, never once lingering to the point of boredom. Thus the story seems to fly by compared to the other adaptations.George C. Scott is excellent as Scrooge. Like all of those who’ve portrayed the character, his old miser starts out mean and bitter and ends up joyous and thankful! But throughout his performance, true sadness runs deep. Scott makes his emotional transformation subtle, painting a realistic portrait of a man haunted by the mistakes of his past, taking his pain out on the world. But what separates the 1984 production of Christmas Carol from all others is the terrific supporting cast. David Warner may give the warmest performance of his career as Bob Cratchet (all the more poignant considering the many villains he’s played over the years). Frank Finlay is the most compelling Jacob Marley I’ve ever seen. You can almost feel this man’s torture just by gazing upon his unblinking expression. Edward Woodward brings great depth to the Ghost of Christmas Present, communicating tremendous power, yet just the right touch of humor. Finally, this adaptation of the Dickens’ tale features the scariest, most intimidating Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come you’ll find anywhere!Most of us look forward to a healthy dose of A Christmas Carol at the end of each year and we all have our favorite version. Thanks to the handsome production values, expert pacing and perfect cast, led by the magnificent George C. Scott, I believe they truly got it right in 1984!
Review by Janet Boyer for Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
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After getting this DVD from the library last year, I knew that my son was a big fan of Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas. In fact, so was my husband. He’s an artist, and very critical of shoddy animation. However, with this DVD, he often comments on the well-done, vibrant images of computer animation. (If you’re a parent of a child, you probably already know how shoddy some of the CGI can be in kid videos! Happily, this is not rendered poory like some movies.) In fact, I was amazed at how Mickey’s sweater looked so real, as well as the snow-covered trees, holiday lights and Christmas trees, Minnie and Daisy’s gossamer skating outfits, and so on.
An open “Storybook” presents each tale, and we are whisked away into five magical stories showing true-to-life situations involving relationships. (And you KNOW how the whole family/relationship thing can get during holidays… *wince*).
Clever writing abounds, as well as numerous sight-gags. My son and I think it’s hilarious when Huey, Dewey and Louie burp to a Christmas song–and when Daisy implores Donald to “say something!”, he burps in response.
For those who think this DVD is mean spirited and violent, I have to say it seems like I was watching an entirely different movie than they apparently were… I mean, the classic Huey, Dewey and Louie animated shorts AND comics always presented their mischief. In fact, in the original theatrical shorts, the nephews were sent to live with Donald because their father was in the hospital! Why? Because the boys sent him there by putting firecrackers under his chair! (So I hardly think that ol’ Walt is rolling in his grave. Lighten up, people–this is the guy that gave us Fantasia! You know, the movie that features Night on Bald Mountain, the song about the nocturnal demon Chernabog who summons restless souls from their graves until driven away by the sound of a church bell.)
If you want to see nasty kid programs, try renting a Thomas the Tank Engine DVD!
Granted, the Minnie/Daisy catfight and pettiness was surprising (thus, the reason I’m giving it four stars), but reality isn’t sugar-coated Disney dreams. Friends often have jealousy, children are often onery, Dads can be grumpy at Christmas (and while shopping) and so on.
I’m very cautious about what I let my son watch, and I don’t object to this fine holiday DVD. (Because we live in a house WITH manners–and we stress kindness–my son is quick to point out sad moments…and ones where people are behaving not-so-nicely.)
My family and I are huge fans of slapstick comedy (Jerry Lewis, Dick Van Dyke, etc.), so Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas is a real treat in the humor department. The colors and details of the animation is absolutely stunning. For example, Donald goes behind the curtain at “Mousies” (Macy’s) to investigate their annual animated production. It’s done with a black light, so Donald and the lighted animatronics have a very cool glow that can be only found with black light effects.
I especially like this episode because of the clever sound effects: surrounding Donald in the mall are people and machinery that mimic the song “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”–change in the till, a blender, puppies barking, etc.
In the store, I gave my son a choice between Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas and Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas, and not surprisingly, he chose this one. (We just bought it last night and he’s already watched it four times–the last time, while he sat on my lap and we cuddled.)
This DVD also has some extras:
*A behind the scenes look at how animators were inspired by skating sensation Michelle Kwan
*Deleted Scenes – How the structure for the movie unfolded, and why they picked certain stories for the DVD
*Several Games and Activities
*DVD-ROM Holiday Printables
If you’re concerned that this DVD might be too controversial for kids, rent it first. If you like it, show it to your kids. You’ll soon know whether you want to purchase it or not. For me and my family, we feel this is an EXCELLENT purchasing decision.
Review by M J Heilbron Jr. for Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
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This is a movie you could watch every day for a month, and not fry your brain.
I know, because I had to. My son was obsessed.
The five shorts comprising “Twice Upon A Christmas” are all delightful, and perfect family viewing.
First I must say that the digital re-creation of our favorite animated characters has been done to perfection. Eye-popping crystalline perfection.
The Minnie-Daisy ice skating duel features those dancing hippos and crocs from Fantasia, and beautiful digital effects and designs.
Huey, Dewey and Louie’s journey to the North Pole has a classic caper feel to it; it’s fast and funny. When one of the little guys drifts a little too close to a snoring Santa’s breath, he initially winces. Then he smiles and says, “Hm! Peppermint! With a hint of mocha!” It’s cute. My wife and I laugh, and my 2.5 year old wonders why.
Goofy and his son Max has some nice musical numbers in it. Again, seeing these characters in their three-dimensional glory is a sheer delight. I liked the moral of this piece, not quite sweet enough to give you cavities, but close.
Donald’s discovery of Christmas spirit is also a heart-warmer, and here the animators show off their magic and skill in giving innumerable facial expressions to our favorite hysteric.
Mickey’s Christmas party, with Pluto going off to be a reindeer is a fine ending to a great set of cartoons. Paying attention to the dialogue pays off as well; the creators have inserted lots of sly asides for us older folks.
Kids will be entranced…literally. Adults will totally enjoy this. It reminded me of the way I felt when I watched those stop-motion Rankin-Bass classics as a kid.
These really could be the next generation of Christmas Classics!
Review by L. Shirley for Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
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This review refers to “Mickey’s Twice Upon A Christmas”, DVD (Disney)….
Fabulous!….With 5 wonderfully animated Christmas tales, bonus games and activites, cheery Christmas music to get you into the spirit, and beloved characters no one is too old too enjoy, this DVD will keep everyone happy this holiday season(and for many more to come).
Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, Pluto, Goofy and Max, Uncle Scrooge, Huey, Louie and Dewey, and of course Santa. The gang’s all here. They have been a part of our lives for what seems like forever, and are a pleasure to watch for every age.
The stories range from about 8 minutes to about 25. Each has a speical message and should keep the attention of any youngster(or oldster) for the entire length of a little over an hour.
First up “Belles On Ice”…Best friends Minnie and Daisy become rivals on ice, but discover the true joy of friendship, as they skate their way into your heart once more. Enjoy the ice show, it’s a spectacular treat. Then in “Christmas Impossible”, Huey, Dewey and Louie get into all kinds of mischief while trying to get on Santa’s “good list”, and learn the joys of helping others in the process. Next, Max thinks dad “Goofy” will ruin things for him and his new girl, by being just plain Goofy, but comes to see what his father really means to him in “Christmas Maximus”. Donald(my personal favorite since I was about 5), will make you laugh out loud, as he grumbles about the hustle and bustle of Christmas in “Donald’s Gift”. Eventually he figures out the joys of giving and gets right into the spirit of things. And Of course, we can’t leave out Mickey and pal Pluto. In “Mickey’s Dog-Gone Christmas”, our mouse pal gets a little annoyed at the antics of his beloved dog, and feeling unwanted, Pluto runs away. In the end love wins out.
The DVD is great. As mentioned above there are games and activites for the kids, there’s a short but interesting featurette, “Inspiration On Ice” with Michelle Kwan showing how the animators, used her skating techniques for “Belles on Ice”, and there are Deleted scenes to check out as well. Disney makes the DVD very user friendly. There are Captions in English for those needing them(even if you don’t need them, they are nice for the kids who can read to sing along to all the songs), the picture is dazzling with nice bright colors, and the sound is very good. It may be viewed in DD or DTS 5.1, and has language tracks in French and Spanish as well. The scene selection consists of the 5 stories, the main titles and the end credits(check out some of those voices). The keep case is a very nice, and is enclosed in a slip case as well.
A fabulous new addition to your holiday viewing. One the whole family will love.
Happy Holidays….enjoy…Laurie
other Holiday stuff for the family to enjoy:
Remember Me – bneautiful and touching Thanksgiving epsiode – one of my favorites
Classic Christmas Collection (It’s a Wonderful Life / White Christmas)
A Christmas Carol – wonderfully narrated – great to listen to while decorating
Review by Gregory Bernard Banks for Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
Rating:
My only disappointment with this DVD was that it wasn’t longer. The five shorts on this DVD were great, especially the one with Minnie Mouse and Daisy Duck as dueling ice princesses and the story of Pluto’s adventure’s at the North Pole hanging out with Santa’s reindeer. I thought this last story could’ve been a feature length tale in itself.
While I agree with many that seeing the characters in full-fledged 3D animation, I don’t think this new rendering of these wonderful characters could have been done any better. No, it’s not animation of the quality in the top budget motion picture releases, but it’s nonetheless extremely well done.
If you love Christmas and you love Mickey and the gang, you and your family will love this DVD.
Review by K’s Mom for Mickey’s Twice Upon a Christmas
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We received this DVD last year as a gift, but my then 12 month old wasn’t really into it – what a difference a year makes. My now two year old can’t get enough of this video. Here we are AFTER Christmas, and she’s still asking for it (‘Mommy, Mick Mouse! Mick Mouse!’). And it keeps her entertained the entire time (the last segment with Mickey and Pluto is her favorite). The whole video is entertaining. The animation and songs are wonderful, and the messages each one gives are heartwarming. Perfect for the holidays! (and maybe the rest of the year the way things are looking!) Highly recommend it.