Scrooge (1970) - Will we ever see a special edition? - Page 2

Re: Scrooge (1970) - Will we ever see a special edition?

I'm with you. I taped the movie off a local channel before the VHS came out (the telecast omitted the scene in Hell), bought the VHS, then the laserdisc, and then the DVD. The movie is reasonably well presented on DVD, and I do not feel I am missing anything when I watch it. I don't know what one would supply as "SE features" anyway. Many, if not most of the people who worked on it are probably dead now.

My wife and I usually manage to watch 3 versions of the story during the holidays. In addition to the musical, we like Mr Magoo's version and George C Scott's.

Paramount? 1970? a Musical? = not bloody likely

Sadly, I agree that it seems hopeless. If they haven't bothered with White Christmas, I doubt Scrooge is going to get any love either. What a shame. It's a really wonderful musical, and the production is top-notch. I was lucky enough to see it originally at Radio City Music Hall, and it was awe-inspiring there.

"Scrooge" is not a Paramount film to begin with, they only have video rights through CBS.  "Scrooge" was originally a Cinema Center film. It's doubtful much even exists at this date. The Director recently passed away (last week?) and a CD was never issued.  I would say we are lucky to have a widescreen stereo DVD, it's possible the film will come to Blu-ray at some point, but to date Paramount has released very few pre-1980 films (Godfather, Grease, Saturday Night Fever being the exceptions) on blu-ray (If only Audrey Hepburn was in it!!!!!)

What a terrific Christmas present to get White Christmas on Blu-ray! I couldn't be more excited. Of course, I'd still like to see Scrooge get similar treatment.
 

I have the DVD version and it's wonderful. There are two key scenes missing which I'm sure I saw aired one time on TV. So I believe there are two versions floating out there, these would be great to have as bonus features or a special edition.

 

The first scene missing, is when the ghost of Christmas Present shows Scrooge the children of Want and Ignorance from beneath his robes. The second is during the ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, where some of the townspeople are talking in the resale shop about taking Scrooge's bed curtains and such. Two very powerful and important elements in the story, each help to make poignant the depravity and ugliness of Scrooge and what he stands for.

 

I don't think we have to be apologetic for Victorian notions in storytelling, politically correct or not (I'm thinking Mark Twain here too). Some may feel the above scenes take away from the "Holly Jolly" Christmas feel of the piece but I really think they are literarily important.

 

It would be also nice to see an interview with Albert Finney (while he is still alive) giving his recollections on the making of the film, working with Alec Guiness, Kenneth More and the rest of the cast. Also stories of what he remembers going on in his own life at the time. So many of the other actors in this film have already passed away.

 

In my opinion it is the best version of the Christmas carol on film. The set design, score, actors, cinematography and the rest make this film truly deserving of all the special treatment it can get.

 

I have watched this film at least once a year since the early 70s when it was regularly aired on TV and then when it came out on VHS and now on DVD.

I watched it when I was a kid and now my kids have watched it and enjoy it too. Hopefully their children will do the same. In my opinion there are only a handful of films out there that can warrant and withstand repeated viewings yet remain fresh and exciting as the first time you saw it and Scrooge for me is definitely one of those films. Like "It's a Wonderful Life", Scrooge is one of the cornerstones for holiday viewing in my home and I imagine it is the same for many others too.

 

Truly one of my favorite holiday movies and the version of A Christmas Carol I enjoy the most.  The scenes that you are referring to were put into the film when it started airing on TV and were not in the original theatre cut.  SFM Entertainment, a company that syndicated to local TV stations a family film once a month during the early and middle 70's, first purchased the film for a three years as it's Holiday syndication movie.  It cut out some of the more scary scenes, which was Scrooge and Marley flying among chained ghosts and when Scrooge falls into hell.  They rescued these scenes from the cutting room floor to help round out the running time.  I was really ticked off about them cutting Scrooge in hell. I agree the scenes would make a nice extra. 

Is there any chance Scrooge might get a blu ray release this year? maybe through Olive Films?

Paramount of all the studios seem very quiet on classic blu ray releases.....

Hi Bruce!

 

I can't speak for Paramount.

 

I can only presume that Scrooge will not be ready for 2011.

 

When I spoke with them in November and suggested the

title, it was not currently on their slate of releases and usually

the studio plans these titles a year in advance.

 

There are really good people working at Paramount right now

who are very much tuned in to this forum and the opinions of

its members.

 

I sent out an email to the studio this evening alerting them 

of this thread, pointing out the discussion pertaining to footage

that was shown in the syndicated television and could perhaps

be integrated into the theatrical.

 

I don't know if I had previously discussed this with all of you,

but HTF played a big part in getting Scrooge released to DVD

a few years back once we learned the rights had been transferred

from Fox over to Paramount via CBS Films.  Martin Blythe was

exceptionally helpful to us in putting this title into release after

learning of the amount of interest members had in the film.

 

I am hoping Paramount will look at SCROOGE as a potential

holiday seller and greenlight it for Blu-ray release.

Well, if Martin Blythe is any relation to the late Colin Blythe I'm sure the job will get done. And let's hope he has better tea to drink too!

I think I am allowed to tell all of you that I just

had a conversation with the studio and have

been told that Scrooge is not slated for this year.

 

The title is still in the process of being pitched

to the catalog team who will decide if and when

to put the title into production for release.

 

No guarantees of any kind here.  This is not

a one person decision.  I think part of the

decision process involves looking at how well

the DVD release sold.  I can tell you that the

folks at Paramount who have been reading this

thread have been extremely helpful in bringing

this title to the forefront for consideration. 

 

It's a good thing, everyone!

This is certainly a popular seasonal title in our household....would love to see it on Blu....consider that Mr. MaGo's Christmas Carol made it to Blu!!! A fine title too!!