Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #14205 in DVD
• Released on: 2008-11-10
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Box set, Black & White, PAL, Special Edition
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 172 minutes

Synopsis
Ebeneezer Scrooge (Alastair Sim) contentedly meanders through his life as a cruel miser until one fateful Christmas Eve when he is visited by three ghosts. The spirits show him how his behavior has degenerated over the years as his heart has become colder. Using events from Scrooge's idealistic past, dreary present, and dismal future, the apparitions try their best to melt his steely soul. Will Scrooge see the error of his ways and learn the true meaning of Christmas

Customer Reviews

An Excellent Remastering of a Great Film
Made in 1951 on a low budget, Scrooge remains one of the best film versions of the "Christmas Carol" tale. This is partly due to Alistair Sim's moving performance, and also the fact that this version gives more backstory than others, explaining how Scrooge got the way he is. George Cole gives a fine performance as the young Scrooge and Jack Warner is clearly enjoying himself as the corrupt Mr Jorking. The film also boasts the radiant Carol Marsh as Scrooge's sister (with too little screen time but see her at her best in "Brighton Rock"), Patrick McNee, William Horden and (eye's peeled) Hattie Jacques as Mrs Fezziwig - with about 10 seconds of screen time.


This remastering does a very good job of improving the picture and sound - pretty low quality film stock was used (the film was made when post-war rationing was still in full force). This set also features a colourised version of the film which is well done (though the B&W version wins for picture quality and atmosphere). There are also two early silent film versions of the tale, two radio versions, and a surprisingly uninteresting interview with George Cole.

Often the film is very very moving - probably the most moving version of the tale; though at other times it does stoop to 1950's sentimentality (Bob Cratchit's family are a bit too sickly sweet). Overall it is a fantastic set and a must if you want a really atmospheric version of the tale.

Real Family Watching
I saw the original version, as a child, when it was released in the cinema and it has always stayed with me as the best version on film.I am not happy with the "colourised" version as I believe the Black & White is more atmospheric - but I am VERY biased.
My youngest son also got hooked on it from an early age -he is now 38 - and is still hooked so it does span generations.
I am not sure how a new generation coming to it now in B&W for the first time would react but try it near Christmas Time with the room darkened and you may be suprised

scrooge
the best version by far, a disk set to treasure and well produced with excellent sound and vision quality. Its on my christmas list!