Rating: 
Summary: The Best Version of a Christmas Carol
Review: We don't have a lot of Christmas traditions in my family, but one of them is that, every Christmas Eve, we watch this version of "A Christmas Carol". It has always been my favorite and should be a part of every Christmas movie collection.George C. Scott plays Ebenezer Scrooge in this version, and he is absolutely fantastic. He plays the role of the miser to perfection, attaining just the right amount of nastiness without going overboard. Yet he also shows the tender side when necessary, particularly as it pertains to Tiny Tim. David Warner, one of my favorite actors nobody's ever heard of, plays Bob Cratchit and he, too, is excellent as Scrooge's kindhearted employee. The only other really notable actor is Roger Rees as Scrooge's nephew Fred, but pretty much all the actors in this movie are excellent, even if you don't recognize them. The feel of the movie is also excellent. The sets make you feel very much like you're in 19th century London, while other things, like the costumes and street performers, really put you in the middle of that time. The music is also outstanding, and fits this movie perfectly. Just writing this review makes me wish it were Christmas. And this movie will too. It's definitely a must have!
Rating:
Summary: The best version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL, bar none
Review: This is, without question, the best version of A CHRISTMAS CAROL ever made. This is true not only in the production department, including acting, direction, music, etc., but also in its accuracy to Dickens' literary masterwork. I have seen many different versions of this story with varying degrees of enjoyment, and this is the one to which I always return as the touchstone against which all others must be compared. Charles Dickens set out to write a ghost story, complete with thrill, chills, and scares, set at Christmastide, which would shine with the true meaning of the holiday by the end. This version gives both the chills and the hope which Dickens wove into his story effectively and believably. The funereal opening on Christmas Eve gives way to the bright glories of Christmas Day, just as Ebenezer Scrooge's outlook on life blossoms from dismal to hopeful. Although George C. Scott's masterful performance is the centre-piece of this production, he is surrounded by wonderful elements in all aspects of the film. From Clive Donner's excellent direction, and Nick Bicát's brooding score, to Roger Hirson's marvelous screenplay, and the wonderful cast supporting Scott, the list of great achievements goes on and on, with no detail being overlooked. This is a must for any holiday film collection. Do yourself a favour and get it as soon as possible.
Rating:
Summary: Why (Officially) I Love This Movie!
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: My favorite adaptation of my favorite Christmas tale
Review: 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.
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Summary: A Christmas Carol Is A Gift For the Whole Family
Review: Originally released as a presentation of Hallmark in the mid-80's, this edition of Charles Dickens "A Christmas Carol" is perhaps the most elegantly portrayed, highly detailed production to date, and though its depiction of the central characters vary slightly from the original story, it nonetheless captures the essence and spirit of the century old novella. George C. Scott masterfully plays Ebenezer Scrooge. Set in 19th century England, Scrooge is a miserly, greedy businessman who has set about to build his fortune, despite the adverse effect his life has had on everyone around him. As Christmas approaches, he is visited by the spirit of his recently deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, who admonishes that Scrooge will be visited by three spirits of Christmas who will help him to see the errors of his life. Through each of their visits, Scrooge is given glimpses of Christmas past, present and future through a series of vignette experiences that reflect parts of his life, and where his life will ultimately lead him should his own spirit go unchanged. The movie serves up a very poignant and important reminder about the true meaning and spirit of Christmas, and it is a great and entertaining film for the whole family. "A Christmas Carol" features first rate performances by the entire cast; especially endearing is the relationship between Bob Cratchit (David Warner) and his son, "Tiny" Tim Chatchit (Anthony Walters). Additional noteworthy performances include Edward Woodward as the boisterous and prophetic Ghost of Christmas Present, and the delightful Roger Rees as Fred Holywell, Ebenezer Scrooge's nephew. Capturing the essence of Christmas, this film is an emotional, insightful and completely engrossing adaptation of Dicken's original story. With all the other adaptations of the story that are out there, make sure to make this one a part of your Christmas tradition. It is a film the whole family is sure to enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: If Only Dickens Himself Could See This One
Review: "Old Marley was as dead as a doornail. This must be completely understood, or nothing wonderful will come from what I am about to relate." And with these words the viewer is swept away into Dickens' timeless Yuletide classic. This 1984 made-for-TV production brings 19th Century Victorian England alive before our very eyes, from articulate syntax to stove pipe hats. Everything about this film is first rate. One of the most endearing characters in all of literature is Ebenezer Scrooge, the brooding miser in dire need of reclamation. George C. Scott portrays this character perfectly, allowing us to hate him for his cruelty, pity him for his loneliness, and love him for his ultimate goodness. The transformation of Scrooge over the course of this wonderful story gladdens the heart and puts a lump in the throat. A CHRISTMAS CAROL is watched at our house every Holiday Season. Highly recommended for Yuletide celebrating in your home.
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Summary: The Best All Around Version of a Christmas Classic!
Review: Some people are under the impression that this is an American production of A Christmas Carol while others (namely the 1951 Alastair Sim version) are British. Truth is, while the George C. Scott 1984 version was televised on an American network, it was filmed on location in England, and presents an effectively murky, gritty atmosphere where other versions, including the most recent Patrick Stewart version, look a little too "pretty". Perhaps most telling is that the director of the 1984 Christmas Carol is Clive Donner. Not only is he British, but he was also the editor of the 1951 version...the very same Scrooge featuring Alastair Sim's acclaimed performance! This indicates that Donner had a unique perspective when he decided to revisit A Christmas Carol. He could easily have chosen to tell the tale just as it was done in 1951, but he diverted slightly. Thus, the George C. Scott production is much more atmospheric and concentrates a little more on Scrooge's present and future whereas the Sim version devoted way too much time on Scrooge's past. In giving Scrooge's past, present and future equal time, Donner is able to depict Scrooge's emotional tranformation convincingly and realistically (having George C. Scott doesn't hurt either). The 1951 production of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol will always have Alastair Sim's celebrated performance, but this 1984 production has become the definitive film version of the Dickens classic!
Rating: 
Summary: lower class adaption
Review: I saw this video two weeks after reading the book. It came across as flat and lifeless compared to the book and the 1951 Alastar Sim version I have. Instead of taking you back to the time of Dickens, it takes Dickens up to our time. Another problem is that the characters have lower class characteristics with their confrontative behavior and their arrogance which is always a cover for incompetence.
Rating:
Summary: Nearly perfect in every aspect!
Review: George C. Scott gives a superb and frighteningly convincing performance of the character that brought "humbug" to common usage. By far, his is the finest Scrooge to be filmed, easily believable and "hate-able" and equally sympathetic and likable after his redemption. David Warner, easily one of the most underrated and overlooked actors of the screen, is the perfect Bob Cratchit. Anyone not touched by his performance in the Tiny Tim death timeline has a heart of pure stone. His interaction with the rest of his "family" is thoroughly convincing and heartwarming. Roger Rees is magnificent as Ebenezer's nephew, Fred. It's easy to feel he really wishes to connect with his uncle and genuinely rejoices when it finally happens in the conclusion. Edward Woodward and the Ghost of Christmas Present seems to have been lifted from the pages of the very Dickens manuscript. He is the duplicate of the John Leech illustration in the 1843 original. The only flaw with this production are the wooden performances of the two younger Cratchit children in some scenes. Unfortunately, the youngest is, of course, Tiny Tim. Even so, the young actor portraying him does an admirable and mostly convincing job. (Blooper alert, though: Look over Scrooge's shoulder as he is standing at Fred's door - unmistakable aluminium drainspouts across the street. Minor, but distracting to the scene.) I watch this DVD many times between Thanksgiving and Christmas (and even a couple of times after), and never tire of it. It's simply too good to watch only at Christmastime!!
Rating: 
Summary: Scroogey Enough, but Not Quite
Review: To me, a proper Scrooge needs the proper British accent. While Scott did a fine job with Scrooge's lines, having an American-sounding Scrooge in the midst of British-speaking characters is quite odd. Also, I think he could have put more "umph" in the character of Scrooge. While many parts were done with sufficient "emotional zeal," others seemed kind of blah. The positive points were: one, the story was truer than most to the original by Dickens; and two, the location was great. It was filmed entirely in a small British town which gave it an overall authentic appeal.
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