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A few words about...™ A Christmas Carol -- in Blu-ray 3D

post #1 of 41
11/4/10 at 4:15pm
Thread Starter 

I did not see Disney's film of Charles Dickens' 1843 holiday offering in a theater.

 

Having now viewed it on Blu-ray, I find it merely a stupendous achievement.

 

Mr. Zemeckis has learned a thing or three about film in his 30+ years in the business, and it all shows in A Christmas Carol.

 

This is a film that had me once we got past the generic Disney leather bound tome, and moved to a view through a window.

 

Not just any window, mind you.  But a slightly weatherworn and dirty window, through which we watch carriages and people moving past in the background -  in perfectly rendered 3D.

 

From there on, until it ended some 96 minutes later, the film had me firmly in its grasp -- enthralled by the artistry, the technology and the entertainment value.

 

Not to mince words, this A Christmas Carol is magnificent entertainment, that just happens to use 3D technology correctly at each and every turn.

 

There are two possibilities for ordering this film on Blu-ray.  Using Amazon's pricing, one can either purchase a two-disc Blu-ray com at $24 or a four-disc combo at $28, which add the film in both Blu-ray as well as Blu-ray 3-D to your collection.

 

Having seen this film in Blu-ray 3D, to me there is no choice.

 

Go 3D.

 

From a strictly technological perspective, this is the first 3D film released on Blu-ray that could send me over the edge and cause me to buy in to the technology.

 

What I'm realizing after viewing this, is that I'm going to need a 3D projector.

 

These are interesting times.  And this is a film that must be a part of everyone's library.

 

Highly Recommended.

 

RAH

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Gear mentioned in this thread:

Disney's A Christmas Carol (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
post #2 of 41
11/4/10 at 4:36pm

Robert, this review is EXACTLY how I feel about the film. Thanks for putting my thoughts into words!

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post #3 of 41
11/4/10 at 6:08pm

How is the storytelling compared to other versions of Dickens' story, lilke the Sim version? I'm more interested in that aspect. I know you said it had you in its grasp for the entire feature, but was that more due to the technological aspects or the movie itself?

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post #4 of 41
11/4/10 at 6:19pm

Ben, it's the most faithful film adaptation I have ever seen. I have every film version that is available and this is my new favorite. Of course, Sim is the definitive Scrooge, but this version is destined to become a classic. It is a very serious, very faithful adaptation. I love it!

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post #5 of 41
11/5/10 at 12:01am

It is far and away the most faithful adaptation I've ever seen of Dickens' text.  Just a stunning film, not flawless, but one of the very best films of 2009, I can't wait to watch it again. smile.gif  

 

It's funny, i saw this in IMAX and it was the trailer for Avatar attached to Christmas Carol that convinced me the film was going to be an unbelievable smash (my thought at the time was that it would be a 300-400 grosser) rather than the embarassing flop I had rather whole heartedly believed it would be before that trailer. :-p

 

Christmas Carol was also the first film since Monster House and Nightmare before Christmas where I really enjoyed the 3D and thought it was done with incredible artistry and excellence, Avatar is the only other film I've liked 3D with.

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post #6 of 41
11/5/10 at 3:36pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eric Scott Richard View Post

Ben, it's the most faithful film adaptation I have ever seen. I have every film version that is available and this is my new favorite. Of course, Sim is the definitive Scrooge, but this version is destined to become a classic. It is a very serious, very faithful adaptation. I love it!



My copy of the book seems to be missing the scene where Scrooge gets an icicle in the nuts.
 

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post #7 of 41
11/5/10 at 4:39pm

I said it's the most faithful. I didn't say exact. Even the Sims version created things. My gosh. I guess you have something looked over by a lawyer around here before you post something.

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post #8 of 41
11/5/10 at 7:06pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob W View Post





My copy of the book seems to be missing the scene where Scrooge gets an icicle in the nuts.
 

Heh, heh, heh.

 

I need to watch this again, because I wasn't wowed by it that much in the theater.  There was a scene in the movie (the one you're referring to) where it seemed like the movie makers decided, "this is 3D, we gotta go big here.  Original plot be damned."  I do remember thinking that Carey was very good at voicing an old man.
 

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post #9 of 41
11/6/10 at 5:31pm


Yes, focus on the minutia, the one or two moments in the film that REEK of producers requiring 'something for the kiddies' to be added to the film, and ignore that it's the only version of the text that has understood just how dark the original Dickens is.  It includes the allegorical twins for pete's sake! the diction is the same as the original, not updated for modern audiences.   and it doesn't suck any of the pro-christian* elements out of the story (look at the lengthy first scene between Scrooge and his nephew, word for word from the original text!)

 

*though not, thank goodness, the sort of pro chritian we get in modern times: the slimy evangelical faux christianism we see from too many who try to use their religion as an allegiance, badge and weapon. 

Quote:
Originally Posted by Rob W View Post





My copy of the book seems to be missing the scene where Scrooge gets an icicle in the nuts.
 

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post #10 of 41
11/6/10 at 5:45pm

Well....

 

You certainly changed my mind.

 

I remember this film getting rather lukewarm reviews

upon its release.  

 

Even though I just set up a 3D display in my home

this was not a title I was considering purchasing.

 

However, Mr. Harris has a way of twisting one's arm

with a review like this.  I am on my way over to Amazon

to preorder it.

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post #11 of 41
11/7/10 at 10:23am

 Looks like I should have added a smiley to my comment since it came off as more hostile than intended.  My apologies. However , that moment was part of an entire sequence that completely took me out of the film.  

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post #12 of 41
11/8/10 at 4:19am

I clicked on the review of the christmas carol that was on the mainpage above all the subscribed threads but it wouldn't let me reply to that one, so I'll reply here.

 

 

Quote other HTF review:
and some rather unfunny comic touches (Marley’s jaw cracking off in mid-sentence and thus having to be held in place with his scarf),

Marley's jaw cracks off in the original text, as is Scrooge's line, "I'd rather not" (the latter surprised me more, actually, since it was used in the trailers so frequently I thought it was an original bit)

 

like all of dickens, the text is available in the public domain and merely a google search away.

Quote A Christmas Carol:

   'Well.' returned Scrooge, 'I have but to swallow this, and be for the rest of my days persecuted by a legion of goblins, all of my own creation. Humbug, I tell you. humbug!'

   At this the spirit raised a frightful cry, and shook its chain with such a dismal and appalling noise, that Scrooge held on tight to his chair, to save himself from falling in a swoon. But how much greater was his horror, when the phantom taking off the bandage round its head, as if it were too warm to wear in-doors, its lower jaw dropped down upon its breast.

 

...

 

   'You will be haunted,' resumed the Ghost, 'by Three Spirits.'

   Scrooge's countenance fell almost as low as the Ghost's had done.

   'Is that the chance and hope you mentioned, Jacob?' he demanded, in a faltering voice.

   'It is.'

   'I-I think I'd rather not,' said Scrooge.

   'Without their visits,' said the Ghost, 'you cannot hope to shun the path I tread. Expect the first to-morrow, when the bell tolls One.'

   'Couldn't I take them all at once, and have it over, Jacob?' hinted Scrooge.

   'Expect the second on the next night at the same hour. The third upon the next night when the last stroke of Twelve has ceased to vibrate. Look to see me no more; and look that, for your own sake, you remember what has passed between us!'

   When it had said these words, the spectre took its wrapper from the table, and bound it round its head, as before. Scrooge knew this, by the smart sound its teeth made, when the jaws were brought together by the bandage.

 

 

the Ghost of Christmas Past in this film is the only film that is remotely like what Dickens describes, in appearance and in voice.

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post #13 of 41
11/8/10 at 5:27am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Adam_S View Post

I clicked on the review of the christmas carol that was on the mainpage above all the subscribed threads but it wouldn't let me reply to that one, so I'll reply here.

 

 

Marley's jaw cracks off in the original text, as is Scrooge's line, "I'd rather not" (the latter surprised me more, actually, since it was used in the trailers so frequently I thought it was an original bit)

 

like all of dickens, the text is available in the public domain and merely a google search away.

 

 

the Ghost of Christmas Past in this film is the only film that is remotely like what Dickens describes, in appearance and in voice.


If you'll read my comment a little more closely, you'll see that I didn't deny that the jaw was unhinged in the original text, only that it was played for laughs in the movie, and I didn't find it funny.

 

And the thread for my review where you can comment directly can be found here.
 

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post #14 of 41
11/8/10 at 12:52pm

I had absolutely zero interest in this, but the idea that it's the most faithful adaptation of the original story now has me intrigued.

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post #15 of 41
11/12/10 at 9:07am
Thread Starter 

Just received this from Disney.  It helps to sweeten the deal.

 

http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/carol-coupon?cmp=dmov_dmr_lptw_blg_carol-coupon

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post #16 of 41
11/12/10 at 10:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Harris View Post

Just received this from Disney.  It helps to sweeten the deal.

 

http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/carol-coupon?cmp=dmov_dmr_lptw_blg_carol-coupon


I'm wondering what the B&M stores are going to charge?  Coupons can't be used on Amazon.

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post #17 of 41
11/12/10 at 1:21pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny Angell View Post


I'm wondering what the B&M stores are going to charge?  Coupons can't be used on Amazon.



$30 at Target and $35 at Best Buy before the coupon.

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post #18 of 41
11/12/10 at 1:42pm

After gagging on the bland creepiness of Zemeckis' "The Polar Express" and the seemingly by-the-numbers trailers for this film, I passed on it in a big way. It held zero interest for me. Less than zero. A recommendation from RAH, however, has swayed me to at least give it a rent.


Edited by dpippel - 11/12/10 at 2:19pm
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post #19 of 41
11/12/10 at 2:06pm

Mark my words....this version will become a holiday classic in the years to come.

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post #20 of 41
11/12/10 at 5:59pm

I too preordered this in 3D bluray from all this postive comments.

And for the fact that I want more 3D bluray material owned.

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post #21 of 41
11/12/10 at 7:57pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TravisR View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny Angell View Post


I'm wondering what the B&M stores are going to charge?  Coupons can't be used on Amazon.



$30 at Target and $35 at Best Buy before the coupon.


Thanks.  I guess Target is the  place to go.

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post #22 of 41
11/13/10 at 11:15am

Quote:
Originally Posted by Robert Harris View Post

I did not see Disney's Pixar film of Charles Dickens' 1843 holiday offering in a theater.

 


This isn't a Pixar film. That said...Like others, I ignored all Zemeckis animation after the dreadful Polar Express. But this looked like it might be good. I doubt it's as good as the classic Muppets Christmas Carol, but I'll try to give it a watch this season. Thanks for the pointer; I would have ignored it otherwise.

 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1067106/companycredits

 

Production Companies

 

 

 

Compare to post-merger Toy Story 3, still listed as a "Pixar" studio film

 

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435761/

 

Company Credits

Production Co:

 Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures See more »
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post #23 of 41
11/19/10 at 1:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by TravisR View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny Angell View Post


I'm wondering what the B&M stores are going to charge?  Coupons can't be used on Amazon.



$30 at Target and $35 at Best Buy before the coupon.



My local BB matched their online price of $27.99 so after coupon it was $17.99.  Not bad at all.  Now I just need my 3D set to get here....

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post #24 of 41
11/19/10 at 5:22am
Thread Starter 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam Gregorich View Post



Quote:
Originally Posted by TravisR View Post

Quote:
Originally Posted by Johnny Angell View Post


I'm wondering what the B&M stores are going to charge?  Coupons can't be used on Amazon.



$30 at Target and $35 at Best Buy before the coupon.



My local BB matched their online price of $27.99 so after coupon it was $17.99.  Not bad at all.  Now I just need my 3D set to get here....


Adam,

 

The disc is amazing.  The finest 3D that I've seen on Blu-ray.

 

RAH

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post #25 of 41
11/19/10 at 5:13pm

I just watched this on 3D bluray. And I really enjoyed it. Much more than I thought I was going to enjoy it.

It has some wonderful 3D effects.

I love the depth of looking through the windows and watching th snow fall.

And probally one of my favorite scenes is Scrooge with Ghost Present looking down through the floor.

 

But did anyone watch the Disney 3D bluray trailer with Bolt, NIghtmare Before Christmas and Alice in Wonderland.

Didn't anyone else think that the trailer had some bad ghosting in it.

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post #26 of 41
11/19/10 at 6:15pm

John,

 

Would have had a review up already but

my Amazon order got lost in the mail (first time

that ever happened) and they won't replace it

till next week.

 

Looking forward to watching and reviewing this

because it's supposed to be one of the better

3D titles out there and lately I have been reviewing

stuff I am not particularly happy with.

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post #27 of 41
11/19/10 at 6:38pm

this can be had at Target for about $15 with coupons that are available. one will be a $5 coupon in the add sunday but you should be able to get that saturday in the early sunday paaper, or now from various sites, the other is the $10 disney movie rewards coupoun added to Target's $29.99 = $15.

 

I'm tempted to do this even though I don't have a 3-d tv.

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post #28 of 41
11/22/10 at 7:20am

I saw this in a theater 3X and have been awaiting it's arrival since then.  Though it debuted at #1 at the box office, the tally was much lower than Disney was expecting.  I was very surprised that it did not do as well because Disney did something to promote it that I had never seen before.  The summer before it came out they had a train tour that started off in California and made selected stops across the U.S.  My wife and I caught up with it at Union Station here in Chicago during the summer of 2009.  It was a brilliant move and quite in keeping with the Disney style of enchantment.  It was Disney at it's finest.  After waiting in line you boarded the train and was treated to interactive treats dealing with the movie and the life and times of Dickens.  They even had authentic clothing from the period in cases.  You also could put your own face on the body of a character from the movie and go on-line to fetch it and print it out.   One of the train cars focused on the movie's special effects. 

 

After exiting the car you were treated to falling winter snow, carrolers, and jugglers all decked out in Victorian clothing.  Last but not least, they had a blow up 3D theater so you could take a sneak peak at the film.  They had me hooked and I couldn't wait for the film to come out.  When it did, my wife and I did indeed enjoy it very much and between this film and the many other 3D movies that we have seen since Journey To The Center of the Earth, I couldn't wait for 3D TV to arrive.  I too think this movie will become a holiday classic and redeem itself.  The critics certainly were hard on it but from what I can tell from the BD reviews the tide is already turning.   

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post #29 of 41
11/22/10 at 7:48am

Well, my wife and I watched this (in Blu-ray 2-D)--for the first time--over the weekend.

 

We didn't see it in the theater but we attended the same 3-D train event mentioned above by June (although at the Albany, NY train station).

 

I had no interest in the film as I am not a fan of the animation style and adore the 1951 Alastair Sim version and consider it definitive.  I was frankly surprised by how much of Jim Carrey's performance seemed to be modeled after Sim's performance (especially after the Christmas morning epiphany). 

 

The video and audio were, indeed, superb...the telling of the tale wasn't too bad.  There were a couple of spots that completely took me out of the film--one being when Marley's ghost was foretelling the visits of the three ghosts of Christmas to Scrooge and he launched into a number of comedy takes involving the dislocation of his jaw.  I turned to my wife and commented about how they had been playing the film completely straight up until that very moment.  She agreed and commented that maybe the filmmakers figured the kids' attention would be starting to wander at that point?  rolleyes.gif

 

We enjoyed the ride, though, to be fair.  But I'm really not sure how much replay value it will have at our home. 

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post #30 of 41
11/23/10 at 9:23am

In the interview with Carrey posted in the review thread, he mentions that Alastair Sim's take was his favorite version, so that might explain the similarity.

 

Also, doesn't the jaw business come from the original story?

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