Disney’s a Christmas Carol
DVDs July 29th, 2010
Product Description
From Walt Disney Pictures comes the magical retelling of Charles Dickens’ beloved tale — Disney’s A Christmas Carol, the high-flying, heartwarming adventure for the whole family, starring Jim Carrey. When three ghosts take penny-pinching Scrooge on an eye-opening journey, he discovers the true meaning of Christmas — but he must act on it before it’s too late. Complete with spirited bonus features, this exhilarating and touching Disney classic is destined to… More >>
Disney’s A Christmas Carol
July 29th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
I couldn’t disagree more with those who have given this a low rating. I saw this movie in the theater, in 3D and thought it was one of the better movies of the holiday season. Although I couldn’t quite understand why it was released so early, it should have been more of a Christmas time release instead of Thanksgiving. As far as the film itself I thought it was a good update on a classic story. While I don’t consider myself an aficionado, I do know the story well and found it stayed true enough to it. The warmth and humanity of the characters is definitely still present. Then of course there is the 3D aspect, which completely blew me away. I’ve seen most of the 3D releases in the last year or so, and with the exception of Avatar this movie did the best job of utilizing it. Actually, I am more excited about this movie being released in 3D than any other movie, including Avatar. I’m just happy you’ll be able to buy this movie alone and not bundled along with a TV. Hopefully this is the start of 3D Blu Ray movies be released minus the bundle. And I know Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs is currently available but it’s no where as good as this movie is.
Rating: 5 / 5
July 29th, 2010 at 11:39 pm
I am a great fan of 3D. I am a great fan of Christmas movies. I am a great fan of ‘A Christmas Carol’. I was skeptical going into this one; however it is a very faithful rendition of the story. The 3D is excellent. I found some details in this film that I have never seen in any adaptation of the story; the story is adapted well. There are two negatives in the movie. 1)Occasionally the 3D was used solely for ‘awe’ factor. I can get over this one because the ‘awe’ factor was pretty amazing. 2)There is a scene during the Ghost of Christmas Future segment (the one where Scrooge in miniaturized) that I thought was simply added because the producers thought they needed some action before the conclusion. Although I overlooked this problem because the rest of the movie was so good, I was disappointed at the scene (you can see part of it in the trailer.) I can’t wait to see it again in 3D and will buy the movie on 3D Blu-ray this year.
Rating: 5 / 5
July 30th, 2010 at 2:22 am
A CHRISTMAS CAROL
STARRING: The Voices of: Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Robin Wright Penn, Bob Hoskins and Carey Elwes
WRITTEN BY: Robert Zemeckis; based on the novel by Charles Dickens
DIRECTED BY: Robert Zemeckis
Rated: PG
Genre: Animation / Drama
Release Date: 06 November 2009
When it comes to animation, it doesn’t get any better than the master himself; Robert Zemeckis. He changed the face of animation forever with his classic Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Years later he dazzled all of us with The Polar Express and his legendary adaptation of Beowulf. Now, he’s done it once more with his latest masterpiece from Walt Disney: A Christmas Carol.
I don’t know of any story that’s been retold more than this one, and rightfully so. It’s been around for nearly 200 years, and I’m sure Zemeckis’s version won’t be the last to be seen.
I’ll take the liberty of assuming that everyone is familiar with the plot, and just highlight the key points: Ebenezer Scrooge absolutely despises Christmas and everything to do with it. He has a massive fortune but not so much as a single friend, and treats everyone like rubbish. Seven years after the death of his partner Jacob Marley, he will be visited by the ghost of Marley as well as three other specters (the ghosts of the past, present and future) on the night of Christmas Eve. The ghosts will show him visions of his past, present and future and the life he has lived and will live, if he does not change his twisted ways.
You get what you’d expect from the plot, yes, and you’ve seen it a hundred times in other forms, yes; but you have never seen it quite like this. Despite being a huge Robert Zemeckis fan and maybe even a bigger fan of Jim Carrey, I too had these same thoughts going in. But as I was, you too will be amazed.
The animation is nothing short of incredible. Several times in the film, I thought I was looking at real people and actual sets, for a few seconds. It’s truly impressive. This will no-doubt be a must-own on Blu-ray! The colors are vibrant, the picture is crystal clear and the sound quality is truly spectacular.
You can see Jim Carrey and Colin Firth and Gary Oldman, hidden in the characters they voice, and it’s awesome! I’m sure that the actors physically acted out these scenes at some point during the process in addition to the voice-over-work, as their physical movements are all very life-like.
Jim Carrey plays Ebenezer Scrooge exceptionally well and we have never seen the character more hideous and vial. He is terrifyingly thin and oddly hunched over and looks like he’s ready to croak any second. His voice is raspy and dry and it makes your skin crawl.
If you are expecting to laugh during the film, DON’T. The laughs are scarce as this is a very heavy drama indeed. In addition to the drama, it’s very dark as well, so you may want to re-think taking smaller children. The spirits are scary and there are several moments where things jump out at you and make loud unsettling noises.
What makes this so different from other versions of the classic Dickens tale, aside from the obvious beautiful look the film offers, are the moments where Scrooge is visited by the ghosts.
Robert Zemeckis wrote the script in addition to directing the film, so it is very much his spin on things. The three entities are all different from what we have seen in versions of the past and they offer a nice touch to the story, cinematically. They don’t crowd the scenes they’re in. They take Scrooge where he needs to go, and offer him minimal guidance and that is good for the kids; they will be able to learn the valuable lessons of this story, from seeing what’s happening with the characters, versus the ghosts telling us and Scrooge the implications his actions have and will cause.
We also go on spectacular thrill-ride adventures with Scrooge as he is hurled through the streets of London, and shot into the sky like a rocket.
Zemeckis and his team of animators have created a gorgeous London for this story to unfold in. I think that’s one of the best elements to animation; you can create interesting and majestic worlds for your characters to live in, without limitations to reality and visual believability.
There are a ton of animated movies that youngsters will love watching, but parents would rather have heart surgery than sit through. There are also several animated films parents don’t want their kids to see due to its content and subject matter. Disney’s A Christmas Carol is something parents will find comfort in their children watching, and they will undoubtedly enjoy themselves as well.
Rating: 4 / 5
July 30th, 2010 at 2:56 am
I’m not a fan of holiday films and I only like some of them. When I saw A Christmas Carol last year I thought it was the best holiday film ever (alongside with It’s a Wonderful Life). With fantastic scnearies and great motion-capture technology, Robert Zemeckis made a classic Christmas movie. Of course Jim Carrey is great in his triple role as is Gary Oldman, Robin Wright Penn and Colin Firth. The atmosphere is dark and cheerful at the same time and every single scene adds to the picture.
A Christmas Carol is a great film with a great story and heart. This combo pack is the best way to see it both in HD and SD. Just buy it and you will have a great Christmas this year.
Rating: 5 / 5
July 30th, 2010 at 3:42 am
I saw this movie at the IMAX in 3D and was completely blown away with the special effects and 3D experience. I watch a lot of 3D at the theaters and found this to be one of the BEST ones that I have seen. I am on pins and needles to get my copy of this for my 3D TV in November! The 3D ghost experience was electrifying!
Rating: 5 / 5