Rating: 
Summary: Good seller
Review: Shipping time was excellent and product is excellent.
Rating: 
Summary: Christmas classic; special features are more fun for kids
Review: This poignant yet non-saccachrine story is one tradition shared by at least 1/6th of all Americans, which is apparently how many tuned in to see this movie being played 24 hours a day on cable channel TNT last Christmas. It is hard to believe that, like "It's a Wonderful Life," this film didn't automatically hit a home run at the box office, but after twenty years, it's met the test of time, picking up new fans each generation. So many of the actors turn in understated, wry performances, including the children, who don't resort to "the cutesys" in order to keep audience interest high, and come off as true to life, rather than "movie" kids. While everyone who ever dreamt of a special toy for Christmas can relate to Ralphie, adults will love Ralphie's parents, played by Melinda Dillon and Darren McGann, and to a lesser extent, the teacher. Along with Ralphie's fun fantasies and excitement over his decoder ring, there's magic in small moments - the mother tastes Lifebuoy, the father flipping a forlorn piece of turkey, and of course, the moment when the grownups have their "battle on Cleveland Street". The overall message is one of gruff love and wonder in the face of life's little disappointments.
As for the two DVDs and the special features, this is one set that was made primarily for a family audience, and may disappoint more seasoned DVD viewers. One of the disc easter eggs is a tacky and unfunny advertisement for a Leg Lamp as seen in the picture - ironically, considering the Little Orphan Annie/Ovaltine decoder ring incident in this film. The commentary track is in a polite, measured tone by Peter Billingsley (Ralphie) and director Bob Clark, who delicately refers to Jean Shepherd's difficult reputation, mentioning that Steven Spielberg asked him, "How did you deal with him?" after meeting Shepherd. Clark also notes that he asked Shepherd to leave the set after a few weeks, but never bad-mouths him, instead reminiscing about the first time he heard Shepherd on the radio, driving to a date in Florida, and deciding at once that he would make a film of Shepherd's stories. Jean Shepherd's original radio monologues are on here, but the interface, shaped like a classic radio, is a little confusing. Using the left/right keys will switch between the two stories on the radio, but using the up key is the only way to exit; my DVD player did not allow me to redirect to the main or sub-menu. While the Double Dog Dare trivia challenge is cute, the featurette, interviewing most of the child actors and Clark, is broken up by several script pages filled with silly rhymes. One of these "pages" would have been enough. "Scut Farkus" actually steals the show here, upbeat, energetic and mock-hostile, telling the tale of a Christmas bulb he'd prefer to forget. Fortunately, "Flick" does not detail some of the poor choices he recently made employment-wise.
Rating:
Summary: Shave and a Haircut Two Bits
Review: ... This is one of the funniest movies you will ever see. If you watch it at Christmas it will seem all the more appropriate. Kids of all ages like it. Guys probably may be more empathetic since after all most of us had a Christmas or birthday were we wanted a BB gun. It is a early 1940s period piece that will appeal very strongly to those that grew up in the 40s or 50s. The author reflects back on the Christmas he wanted an Official Red Ryder BB gun. Scenes of his family life are likely to make us cry with laughter because they strike a cord of truth of our own life experiences. Ever seen a kid get his tongue stuck on a cold object? You or friend beat up by a bully? Father cursing a flaky piece of equipment? Pets eat your Christmas dinner? Someone won a goofy prize but they displayed it like a special award from the President? You get the idea. The DVD is a good transfer and includes trailer, languages, et cetera. Well worth adding to Christmas DVDs along side Christmas Vacation, Scrooged, and Trading Places.
Rating:
Summary: An Epic Classic on XMAS
Review: A Christmas Story is one of my favorite movies to watch on Christmas, I really can't see getting through Christmas without watching the Marathan that TNT shows every year, which is a good thing. It's hard to believe it's been 20 years since it's release, how fast time goes by. It's a film with with a very special meaning to it, it made me feel when I was a child excited and thrilled to wake up Christmas Morning and find my favorite Christmas present. Even though the DVD looks great, I wouldn't buy this movie, simply because of the fact that the only time I watch is during Christmas, it's one of the films I think that's better left that way, watch only one time a year, but that's not to say it's not worth your money, because it is, I'm sure of it. If you've watched this film as much as I have, you begin to appreciate it's plot and happy ending, you feel happy & emotional for Ralpy and you begin to think of yourself & your own family, and when you've watched it as many times as I have, you understand why it's a classic and why you cannot go through one Christmas without seeing it. Ya know Christmas can be the most dreadful time of the year for many people, because of the shopping, travel, and money you have to spend, but the one thing keeps it positive for me is watching "A Christmas Story" on Christmas Eve with the tree light blinking, the presents under the tree, just lying in the recliner all night long, eating lasagna & meatball sandwiches (that's what's cooked up every XMAS at my house), and enjoying a 24 hour marathon of my favorite christmas movie. It really don't get any better than that for me. :-) MMF
Rating:
Summary: Digital Mono???
Review: This is a great movie, I enjoy watching it every year around Christmas. However, if you own an old copy, don't waste your money on the upgrade....I was excited to see that is was a "Special Edition" and that the sticker says "Newly Remastered Picture & Sound" ONLY to find out the remastered sound is Digital MONO. Digital or analog, if it's mono, it's not very special to me. Still a great movie though, I just expected more sound enhancements.
Rating:
Summary: The One we watch EVERY year!
Review: A true classic, in the best sense of the word. It's not a "stuffy" classic that everyone admires but no one actually enjoys. It's not a classic in that it's a movie your grandparents really admire...but you have no use for. Another word for CHRISTMAS STORY would be "timeless." I have seen this movie nearly every year since it first came out on the big screen 20 years ago. I enjoy it EVERY TIME. All the classic comic moments remain hilarious even now. Tongue stuck to flagpole. The bully with the yellow eyes...and his comeuppance. The sexy lamp. The frightening Santa. It's all there. Saying "oh fudge!" The movie had a beautiful feel of nostalgia when it came out, and it has the same feel today. I think for many viewers, this movie has come to define what small town, depression era America was like. Innocent in all the best ways. Oh, did I mention the dog and turkey scene? Or the "how to the piggies eat" scene? Anyway, this is the one movie about Christmas that everyone has seen. I can mention it to people who think high-art is THE FAST AND THE FURIOUS and they recall CHRISTMAS STORY with fondness. I can mention it to people who normally only see films with sub-titles, and they "ooooh" with misty eyes at their favorite memories. Truly, there isn't a single scene in the movie that's stinker. It's one of the leanest, meanest movies you'll ever see. The fat was trimmed very well indeed. Peter Billingsley as Ralphie is perfect in the role. This kid is almost as big an icon of Christmas entertainment as the Grinch! Darren McGavin, a favorite of mine, is just terrific as the crusty father with the flair for expletives. The list could go on. Not a single role is miscast or forgettable. If by some chance you haven't seen it and can't decide whether you should or not...just go ahead and buy it. Once you've seen the movie...it'll become a part of YOUR Christmas tradition too! (One very tiny note of warning: the movie doesn't deal with the religious aspects of Christmas one little bit. It is a totally secular holiday, if this film is to be believed. If you want a show that remembers the Christ in Christmas...then the Charlie Brown Christmas special needs to be under your tree this year.)
Rating: 
Summary: Isn't a Christmas Movie Supposed to be Joyful???
Review: Ever since I watched this movie the first time, I cringed whenever it is broughten up. To me, I can't find an ounce of what Christmas really means. It upsets me to watch a movie where the whole time the kid is dreaming of shooting people. That doesn't create a very positive image for children today. I only seem to have this oppinion, while the rest of my family adores this movie. I can't stand to even listen to it! Not a great holiday classic in my eyes. The whole movie is made up up tense momments and things always get worse. It doesn't put a cheery image of Christmas in my head, at least.
Rating: 
Summary: Not in the same class!!
Review: This movie, some would say is right up there with, "It's a Wonderful Life". I have to disagree. Don't get me wrong. It's not a bad movie, but it's not that great. There are moments that are funny like the scene where the kid sticks his tongue on the lamp post in below freezing teperatures or the lead kid getting sent down the chute by Santa Claus. Other than that, it's at best, an average movie that serves it's purpose for the holiday. Good, but not Great!!
Rating:
Summary: A CHRISTMAS NECESSITY
Review: Twenty years after its initial release, "A Christmas Story" remains one of the most heartwarming, human and enjoyable Yuletide tales ever. The casting of Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin was truly inspired and are at the heart of this classic. Billingsley's unabashed imagination, his wide-eyed awe of all that goes on around him, his desire to get that beebee gun, and his joyous love of life is one of the best children's performances on celluloid. Melinda Dillon's Mom is a joy to behold---witness how she gets little Randy to eat his mashed potatoes and meatloaf--what a marvelous performance she gives--her love and admiration for her husband and children is evidenced in so many sublte ways and Dillon captures and embodies the wonder of motherhood. McGavin, needless to say, is awesome. Childlike, foul-mouthed, but the biggest kid in the movie. This movie alone shows what an underappreciated and fine actor Mr. McGavin is.
Christmas' true meaning and its simplicity and joy have not been captured any more effectively in this Christmas gem.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas and watch this one every year!
Rating:
Summary: The Best Christmas story!!!
Review: We watch this every year on Christmas. We used to watch the 24 hour marathons on cable, but no more, now that we finally have the DVD. I seriously considered buying it last year, but I never got around to it, and I am glad I waited. This offering is far superior than the previous release!
I love this movie because it refuses to take the fun out of Christmas by being sappy. Sappy Christmas movies are far too common, and they are just depressing. This is a stitch a minute, and I place it at the top of my list of movies to watch each year. I recommend that you make this part of your Christmas tradition as well, if you haven't already.
|
