Scrooge

Rating:
Summary: SCROOGE Soundtrack - Gimme music!!!
Review: This movie has brought the Christmas spirit into my home for decades. I would love to play the soundtrack while stringing popcorn and cranberries for my freshly chopped tree before the pine needles hit the carpet. Does anyone have any info on when the soundtrack will be released? Signed, 'Old Potato'

Rating:
Summary: The Best Musical Version
Review: This is a must-have version of "A Christmas Carol." It is a vastly better musical than the much-screened Kelsey Grammar version that has appeared on television this year (2004). The music is memorable and fits well with Dickens's themes. Like any movie or video, it diverts from the original author's text, but not badly so.

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Summary: Childhood nostalgia
Review: In the 80's my little sister and I were always most psyched about the annual airing of this particular production of Dickens' classic. For whatever reason, nobody else in our neighborhood seemed to have seen it. Even on cable, it has become much harder to find amongst the newer, slicker, overproduced, more schlocky productions out there, How excellent to find out that this is also so many people's favorite. It's very interesting when you compare things in this movie to how you remember them from years ago. I still think this production has a great 'feel' and style to it and flows smoothly from dialogue to musical numbers. There are just the right number of songs in this production; any more and it would seem forced.

I don't think anyone has discussed the actual DVD features. First off, the transfer is good. A little visual noise here and there for a moment, but overall it's clean. My sister actually commented on how she like the 'dirtier' one they would air on TV. I see her point- it was what we were used to. The 5.1 surround mix is very basic and has very little on the rear speakers, but this doesn't bother me in the least. I was used to watching it through one speaker back then! Other than that, there are really only subtitle and audio options; no deleted/behind the scenes. I didn't really mind that at all.

Of course, the movie itself is great and brings back fun memories of the past. Finney (only 32!) does a great job, and it was only this year that I realized Sir Alec Guiness plays Marley.

Rating:
Summary: Ignore Amazon's Reviewer
Review: Great sets, wonderful character actors, chameleon-like Albert Finney--but perhaps best of all, a suite of beautiful songs and musical numbers. The tunes are hummable, and the screenplay and lyrics are clever and funny--and very moving. My family watched this every Christmas when I was a kid, and now I do the same with my family. This is my favorite Christmas movie and one of my favorite movies period. I don't know what's wrong with the reviewer, but my advice is to ignore him.

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Summary: A wonderful, memorable holiday tradition
Review: I had to write this review after reading the editors review. Unbelievable! Albert Finney is unquestionably the best actor ever to portray Scrooge and the music creates emotions and advances the story in ways dialogue never could. I Love this film. It's such a treat every year to enjoy it several times with my family. Of the (probably hundreds) of versions of "A Christmas Carol", this is the only one that approaches the greatness of the book and the only one I would recommend. My favorite scene is the end when he's learned his lesson and is preparing to surprise the Cratchett's and his nephew. There is so much genuine joy and happiness here it's contagious. Enjoy.

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Summary: An excellent (but often overlooked) version of the classic
Review: First of all, this movie is one year older than I am.That being said, "A Christmas Carol" (this version in particular) has been my favorite Christmas story for as long as I can remember> And I can't be the only one who feels this way, since the story is well over 100 years old, and still going strong!!!

Here are some reasons(in no particular order) that I enjoy this film:

1. Albert Finney. Deserves a place among the many fine performances as Ebenezer Scrooge. Patrick Stewart,George C. Scott, even Mr.Magoo!(to name ONLY a few!)
2. The songs. The majority of these original songs are real catchy tunes.
3. The late Sir Alec Guiness as Jacob Marley. Those who know him pretty much as Star Wars' Obi Wan Kenobi (like myself!) would have to look REAL carefully to reconise him, as he is clean shaven and under heavy make up.
4. The scene (usually cut out of the television showings) where Scrooge goes to HELL. Right after meeting all of the Ghosts. Jacob Marley (in a MUCH better mood than his first visit) Is there waiting to greet and mock him!!

In conclusion, get this movie and make it part of your Christmas tradition!!

Rating:
Summary: Best Version of Scrooge
Review: I am not sure what planet your reviewer is from but this is the best version of the classic available. We just watched it again and it is the version we have been searching for for years! Bah humbug to the reviewer, this is the one and only

Rating:
Summary: Best Version Out There
Review: I have quite a collection of movie versions of A Christmas Carol, and Scrooge is by far my favorite. This version, with the colors apparently redone for DVD, looks amazing (especially compared to my old VHS copy).

One thing that I don't think I'd noticed until this year's viewing, was that Leslie Bricusse, the lyricist for Willy Wonka, was also the lyricist for this movie. I find it interesting, given that they are two of my all-time favorite movies.