Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #42413 in DVD
• Released on: 2010-11-08
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.78:1
• Formats: Anamorphic, PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 92 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Fans of Robert Zemeckis's brilliant special effects, and of Jim Carrey's transformative acting abilities, will be swept away by their collaboration in the stunning A Christmas Carol. Perhaps more surprising is that Charles Dickens purists will also be impressed and captivated by this version of the oft-told tale--which is dark, complex, and in its way, uncompromising. Which is all to say that this Christmas Carol is an instant holiday classic, easily taking its place alongside the Alistair Sim version, the Patrick Stewart version, and even the Mr. Magoo version of the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and his ultimate holiday redemption. Carrey is dazzling as not only Scrooge, the most miserable, and miserly, man in 19th-century England, but as the Ghosts of Christmases Past, Present, and Future. As with The Polar Express, Zemeckis animates the film over the actors' physical performances onscreen, but here, the emotion is intact--even heightened by the brilliant effects. Joining Carrey in the cast are terrific players, including Gary Oldman (Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and the ghost of Marley), Cary Elwes, Bob Hoskins, and Robin Wright Penn. But the heart of the film is Carrey, whose dramatic acting has shone in films like The Truman Show and Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events. The emotional connection Carrey makes with his characters is what brings Dickens's classic alive--and what connects the viewer with the true spirit of the holidays. "God bless us, every one". --A.T. Hurley

Synopsis
Writer/director Robert Zemeckis adapts Charles Dickens' classic festive tale A CHRISTMAS CAROL as a star vehicle for Jim Carrey in this performance capture/Disney Digital 3-D animated film for all ages. Carrey not only takes on the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, but all of the three ghosts who come to haunt him as well. The filmmaking process is in tune with the director's other animated outings, THE POLAR EXPRESS as well as the adult-themed BEOWULF adaptation. The fantastical morality play takes audiences on a thrill ride through Dickensian London, as it tells the story of grouchy Scrooge and his refusal to embrace the Christmas spirit. A midnight visit from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come show him the error his ways, both old and new; such as how his miserly existence affects those around him including his loyal clerk Bob Cratchit (GARY OLDMAN) and cheery nephew Fred (COLIN FIRTH). Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Cary Elwes and Fionnula Flanagan also lend their voices in this spectacular adventure, that's guaranteed to chase the humbug away.

Customer Reviews

A Christmas Carol 2009
There have been many many versions of this well known story ranging from the excellent Scrooge (Christmas Special Release) (Two Discs) (DVD) [1951] to modern versions Scrooged [DVD] [1988], animated editions, muppets, musicals, and now cgi. To make another adaptation of a christmas carol something has to be special about the film in order for it to find it's place in a crowded market.

This 2009 Disney adaptation filmed using motion capture breathes new life into the classic Dickens tale. The animation is everything you would expect from a Disney film. Jim Carrey is a revelation, he performs as Scrooge AND the Ghosts yet each voiceover sounds so different, Gary Oldman (Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchitt), Bob Hoskins (Mr. Fezziwigg, Old Joe) and Colin Firth (Fred) also do well in support.

The use of animation in this way allows the filmakers to use techniques not seen before in the other versions. Look out for the scenes in which Scrooge is flying over the rooftops of Victorian England and the tiny Scrooge being chased by the Ghost of Christmas future, the cinematography is stunning. The Ghosts are far scarier than I have ever seen them before.

This is not the definitive version of A Christmas Carol but is definately up there as one of the best. The story may be familiar but this film gives it a new lease of life for the 21st century generation. A definate must see.

Es a good, e's Ebeneezer Goode
Ignore those crying `bah humbug', Robert Zemeckis' motion-capture version of Charles Dickens' eternal Christmas classic is a hugely enjoyable yuletide movie, and arguably the best version ever committed to celluloid.

With Jim Carrey taking the lead and also playing the three ghosts, the film sticks to Dickens' story with only a few embellishments which only serve to make the experience more enjoyable. Dickens' overarching themes of poverty and the class schism in Victorian London are clearly flagged-up, and Zemeckis doesn't hesitate in adding scary and sinister touches - the nefarious ghost of Christmas yet to come is as frightening as you'd expect, and I would suggest a pre-screening before sitting down with children under 6. [ASIN:B000BAZD8S The Polar Express], Zemeckis' previous Christmas motion-capture effort, has often been criticised for weaknesses in some of its animation techniques - the eyes of the characters for example - but this time around these have been ironed out and the picture is superb. The 3D experience is simply the icing on the cake - most effective aspect being the falling snow.

Ultimately, this is A Christmas Carol for those who love the magic, chills, and sheer brilliant storytelling that made the novel such a classic, and I for one will be sitting down with this DVD and a glass of mulled wine for many Christmases to come - God bless us everyone!

a christmas classic!
this is an absolute delight to watch. one of the best versions of a christmas carol ever, probably the best since the allistair sim version. while it might be a bit too dark for young children, the whole family should enjoy this. it's very faithfull to the book, and indeed i was mouthing lines of dialogue before the characters! there are a few comedy slapstick scenes added on, but it's very tastefully done, indeed i think dickens himself would have approved of this film.
i admit, i did have reservations about jim carrey playing scrooge, thinking he would be dreadfully miscast, and i'm a big jom carrey fan, but somehow was expecting the worst from him, but i was very pleasantly surprised. in fact, this could very well be one of his best performances, and he plays the voices of the 3 ghosts as well. the rest of the voice cast are also excellent. in fact i'll go as far as to say that this is one of disney's best films in years, one of the best christmas films in years too, and ties with up as the best animated films of the year. i can't praise this film enough, the 3d effects are amazing. i think pixar might have some serious competition at next year's oscars!