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| A Christmas Carol (Ultimate Collector's Edition)(B/W & Color) | 
 enlarge | Actors: Alastair Sim, Jack Warner, Kathleen Harrison, Mervyn Johns, Hermione Baddeley
Studio: VCI Entertainment
Category: DVD
List Price: $19.99
Buy New: $10.49
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Avg. Customer Rating:  119 reviews
Sales Rank: 93
Format: Black & White, Color, Digital Sound, Full Screen, Subtitled, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Number Of Items: 2
Running Time: 86
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 5 x 4 x 1
MPN: 8500
UPC: 089859850028
EAN: 0089859850028
ASIN: B000SR0DDE
Theatrical Release Date: 1951
Release Date: October 23, 2007
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Product Description
Alastair Sim's tour-de-force performance as the ultimate miser Ebenezer Scrooge has almost single-handedly made this beloved version of Charles Dickens' story into one of the best-loved Christmas films of all time. Some of Britain's best filmmakers united behind Sim who was joined by a delightful cast of accomplished and acclaimed English actors; creating what many today believe to be the best and most faithful production of Dickens' immortal tale. Cranky and curmudgeonly Scrooge learns the error of his unkind ways and is taught the true meaning of the holidays when he is visited by the ghost of his late business partner and the spirits of Christmas past present and future. BONUS FEATURES: Original B&W 4x3 Version from an all new digital transfer Optional 16x9 Version Enhanced for Widescreen Monitors Bonus Colorized Version Scrooge (1935 Seymour Hicks Version) Audio Commentary by Marcus Hearn & George Cole "Spirit of Christmas Past" George Cole remembers Alastair Sim "Richard Gordon Remembers George Minter & Renown Pictures" "Charles Dickens His Life & Times" Original American Theatrical Trailer Original British Theatrical Trailer Before & After Restoration Comparison Optional English & Spanish Subtitles Optional Narrative for the Blind Photo & Press Book Gallery Cast Bios. SPECS: 2-DVD9s; Dolby Digital; 86 minutes; Color & B/W; 1.33:1 Aspect Ratio & Optional 4x3 & 16x9 Enhanced versions; Year - 1951. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA UPC: 089859850028 Manufacturer No: 8500
Amazon.com
This is the desert-island choice of the many versions of A Christmas Carol, with a magnificent, full-bodied portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge by Alastair Sim that leaves everyone else in the dust. Lean and direct, this film's version of the story wastes no time trying to impress viewers with the magical nature of the spirits' visitations. Director Brian Desmond Hurst keeps the focus on Scrooge's life story, beautifully simplifying and underscoring the theme of lost women with a haunting musical refrain from the folk song "Barbara Allen." Sim's commitment to the role is at times astonishing; his Scrooge's Christmas-morning ecstasy is a marvel of giddy technique. Watch for Patrick Macnee (Steed in The Avengers) as the young Jacob Marley--the actor made his screen debut in this 1951 production. --Tom Keogh On the DVD
This ultimate collectors' edition is crammed with special features, on both discs.
Amazon exclusive video:
George Cole, who played the
young Ebenezer Scrooge, reflects.Watch here Find out what's new on
this restored version of A Christmas Carol. Watch here Never-before-seen U.S. and
U.K. trailers. Watch here | Film (and Charles Dickens) fans won't want to miss a single screen. The audio commentary by Marcus Hearn and George Cole adds depth and perspective to Sim's amazing performance, and the groundbreaking special effects for the time. Cole also gives a homey remembrance of working with Sim during World War II and living in the English countryside to avoid the Blitz. One of the most compelling extras is a short bio of George Mintner, the film's executive producer who would go on to found his own successful distribution company, Renown Pictures. An unlikely film mogul, the British Mintner was shy and bookish, but managed to build a reputable mini-studio in the '50s, out of the Hollywood limelight. He produced mostly B-movies, though after A Christmas Carol (originally titled Scrooge), he produced another Dickens adaptation, The Pickwick Papers. There's a great mini-bio of Dickens, who grew up in the poverty that later fascinated him in his writings. Other extras include the colorized version (what were people thinking back in the '80s?), cast bios, original trailers, and a features that more film companies might want to consider, an optional narration for the blind. Nothing is left out for film fans--God bless us, every one.--A.T. Hurley Beyond A Christmas Carol 
1938 version starring Reginald Owen | 
1984 version starring George C. Scott | 
1999 version starring Patrick Stewart | Stills from A Christmas Carol
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| Customer Reviews: Read 114 more reviews...
 Ultimate Collector's Edition indeed! October 1, 2007
69 out of 72 found this review helpful
I only discovered this movie about four years ago but have watched it every Christmas since. To me it's the best version of the Christmas Carol ever made, and now it gets the best treatment you could have ever hoped for. This two disc collector's edition contains two different versions of this movie. First is the colorized version, but then the second is the real treat. They went back to the original prints of this and worked from there. After carefully removing the skips, scratches, and jerky frames, they digitally restored the movie to a version that looks as if it were made yesterday! The sound has been changed to 5.1 digital surround, and there's even a widescreen version for 16:9 televisions.
The special features include an earlier version of Christmas Carol (not as good as this one), as well as several featurettes on the movie, interviews with the stars, a feature on Alistair Sim, and others.
You can tell the distributor put a lot of effort into this restoration and it shows. I wish they'd do the same for other great films like "It's a Wonderful Life" and "The Bishop's Wife".
Highly recommended as the best version of this classic you'll find anywhere.
A Perfect Gift for the Member of Your Family Who Can't Get Enough Christmas! September 29, 2007
14 out of 16 found this review helpful
I first saw this movie, starring the incredible Alistair Sim as Scrooge(the real title of the film), at school back in the fifties. We were ushered into the school gym and the projector was run for all of the children in my rather small school. I was entranced with the story. We owned a copy of the book at home, with the original illustrations, and it is remarkable either way. When you have Charles Dickens as the author, chances are you are going to get a classic tale which is honestly great.
I find this movie, which I have viewed countless times, honestly great as well. I believe that it is all too true that people need to be taught at times how to behave toward other people: when Scrooge gets a second chance to become a good man and live the spirt of Christmas every day of the year after his visitations (from Jacob Marley, and the three spirits: Past, Present, and Future) it is incredibly affecting.
I particularly found the visitation of Christmas Past interesting to watch, as an adult. I suppose I understand now why Scrooge became the man he became. No excuses, but it is a realization I didn't have when I first watched this film growing up. It is an excellent explanation of why a person would become cold and bitter and unfeeling.
Alistair Sim's face is an extraordinary one. He sort of looks like a beagle. But when he is angry or mean, he is fearful looking. There are many things in this movie which are genuinely fearful, or sad, or moving.
That is part of what makes it a great classic.
True emotions evoked by fantastic directing (Brian Desmond Hurst) and perfect acting (not just by Sim, but also by Mervyn Johns as Bob Crachit, the epitome of a loving devoted father who must work for Scrooge to support his family, which includes, of course, Tiny Tim) make for a film which is worth watching any time of the year, by anyone.
I recommend giving this to the person(s) you most love, and watching it together!
I love seeing Scrooge go off in the snow at the end with a running, cheerful Tiny Tim, now healed because Scrooge has changed and is helping the Cratchits. It isn't silly, it is lovely. A great, uplifting scene!
It is a true delight to have a great movie come so exquisitely and beautifully packaged just in time for the Holidays! It has everything you could want and more!
Deck the Halls!
 DO NOT BE FOOLED! December 24, 2007
13 out of 15 found this review helpful
I am editing this review based on information received from another commentator regarding my initial issue with the sound quality of this edition. Please read the comments added to this post. That being said, my other feelings about this "ULTIMATE" version still apply and are as follows: The extras are pitiful! I love George Cole - and it isn't his fault that the chap interviewing him only asks one question about "Scrooge"....but it IS VCI's cunning "fault" to dare title this extra "The Spirit of Christmas Past: George Cole Remembers Alastair Sim" - all to the tune of one pitiful question about the actual making of the classic film! The Richard Gordon interview extra is audio only....and while interesting to know about the film's producer, how much more interesting would have been something offered about the film's director! The Dickens' bio extra is likewise skimpy and poorly done. The Seymour Hicks version is, as stated in other reviews, the abbreviated one missing 18 crucial minutes. The letterbox Sim version is pointless and crops the tops off of every image. Anyway - you cannot judge a book - or in this case a DVD - by its cover! The packaging is beautiful - but the extras are pitiful. What this film needed was a "Making of..." short with film-makers and surviving cast members and Dickens' scholars discussing this remarkable film. Maybe on VCI's next go-round on a classic that they have turned into their cash cow, sadly. The proof is in the pudding, however, and the most egregious thing of all is VCI blatantly hailing this latest double-disc as the ULTIMATE remaster....yet on the back cover of their 2002 DVD they write: "The producers are pleased to present this holiday classic, fully restored and re-mastered from the original 35mm negative discovered in England." How dare they hoodwink us during the Holidays with this new ULTIMATE edition! Also, as noticed by someone else in their review, a critical reaction shot of Fred's wife is cut in this edition whilst it remains in the 2002 DVD. The cut ruins the full poignancy of the scene. So...if you want a lovely package....buy this ULTIMATE edition. If you want to see the FULL version...watch the 2002 DVD. Merry Christmas and God Bless us, everyone!
"A Christmas Carol (Scrooge 1951) ... Alastair Sim ... VCI Home Video (2007)" August 26, 2007
7 out of 12 found this review helpful
VCI Entertainment present "A CHRISTMAS CAROL" (aka: Scrooge) (Released: 28 November 1951 & 86 mins) (Fully Restored/Dolby Digitally Remastered) --- now in COLOR and Glorious Black and White --- VCI has provided what is undoubtedly the best presentation of this adaptation to enjoy years to come --- one reason this version is so successful, as it doesn't stray too far from the original text --- Thankfully they have included the black and white version as well as the colorized version --- Patrick Macnee who has a brief role is on hand to introduce the film with a wonderful Holiday opening --- Sim is so brilliant as he essays Scrooge's slow conversion as the three ghosts past, present and future, take him on a tour of himself and his ultimate destiny should no change occur --- His deeply expressive face speaks volumes when confronted with the tragedies of his own life and that of Bob Cratchitt --- The icing on the cake is Scrooge's jubilation when he realizes he has a second chance at life --- the elation is palpable, brilliantly comedic and truly poignant all at the same time --- one can't help but feel happy at the sight of this man who realizes he has wasted his life and is ready to make amends --- it is without a doubt the late Alastair Sim who took this role and made it his own.
Under Brian Desmond Hurst (Director), George Minter (Producer), Charles Dickens (Book Author), Noel Langley (Screenwriter), C.M. Pennington-Richards (Cinematographer), Richard Addinsell (Composer (Music Score), Clive Donner (Editor), Ralph W. Brinton (Art Director), Eric Carter (Makeup) - - - - - - the story line and plot, On Christmas Eve in 1840's England, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him to change his ways or be doomed to eternal damnation --- The ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future to show him the error of Scrooge's ways and show the people who are able to keep Christmas in their hearts 365 days a year --- Brian Desmond Hurst directs a fine cast, headed by the incomparable Alastair Sim (a man who can play both malevolent and humorous) as the about-to-be-redeemed Ebenezer Scrooge. Sim's reactions are priceless and he settles down well in the role --- Sim's performance transcends all description of greatness --- Hurst's direction evokes the ideal emotions at all the right moments --- The rest of the cast remain faithful to the Dickens' characterizations --- It is a version which has holly, plum pudding and carol singers written all over it --- One of the major contributing aspects to the impact of the film is the memorable score by Richard Addinsell, conjuring up (and alternating between) both fear and joy, darkness and light, grief and happiness, the music stands out as the best of any film adaptation of the story --- a perfect collection if you want to get your family together for a quiet evening of holiday viewing --- over a half century later, "A Christmas Carol" is still working its MAGIC!
the cast includes:
Alastair Sim ... Ebenezer Scrooge
Kathleen Harrison ... Mrs. Dilber
Mervyn Johns ... Bob Cratchit
Hermione Baddeley ... Mrs. Cratchit
Michael Hordern ... Jacob Marley/Marley's Ghost
George Cole ... Young Ebenezer Scrooge
John Charlesworth ... Peter Cratchit
Francis De Wolff ... Spirit of Christmas Present (as Francis de Wolff)
Rona Anderson ... Alice
Carol Marsh ... Fan Scrooge
Brian Worth ... Fred
Miles Malleson ... Old Joe
Ernest Thesiger ... The Undertaker
Glyn Dearman ... Tiny Tim
Michael Dolan ... Spirit of Christmas Past
Olga Edwardes ... Fred's Wife
Roddy Hughes ... Mr. S. Fezziwig
Hattie Jacques ... Mrs. Fezziwig
Eleanor Summerfield ... Miss Flora
Louise Hampton ... Laundress
C. Konarski ... Spirit of Christmas Yet To Come
Eliot Makeham ... Mr. Snedrig
Peter Bull ... First Businessman, Narrator
Douglas Muir ... Second Businessman
Noel Howlett ... First Collector
Fred Johnson ... Second Collector
Henry Hewitt ... Mr. Rosehed
Hugh Dempster ... Mr. Groper
Maire O'Neill ... Alice's Patient
Richard Pearson ... Mr. Tupper
Patrick Macnee ... Young Jacob Marley (as Patrick MacNee)
Clifford Mollison ... Samuel Wilkins
Jack Warner ... Mr. Jorkin
BIOS
1. Alastair Sim
Date of Birth: 9 October 1900 - Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
Date of Death: 19 August 1976 - London, England, UK.
2. Kathleen Harrison
Date of Birth: 23 February 1892 - Blackburn, Lancashire, England, UK
Date of Death: 7 December 1995
3. Mervyn Johns
Date of Birth: 18 February 1899 - Pembroke, Wales, UK
Date of Death: 6 September 1992 - Norwood, England, UK.
4. Hermione Baddeley
Date of Birth: 13 November 1906 - Broseley, Shropshire, England, UK
Date of Death: 19 August 1986 - Los Angeles, California
5. Michael Hordern
Date of Birth: 3 October 1911 - Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, England, UK
Date of Death: 2 May 1995 - Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, UK
6. George Cole
Date of Birth
22 April 1925, Tooting, London, England, UK
Date of Death: Still Living
7. Glyn Dearman
Date of Birth: 30 December 1939
Date of Death: 30 November 1997 - London, England, UK.
8. Charles Dickens (Author)
Date of Birth: 7 February 1812 - Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, UK
Date of Death: 9 June 1870 - Gad's Hill, Rochester, Kent, England, UK.
9. Brian Desmond Hurst (Director)
Date of Birth: 12 February 1900 - Castle Reagh, Ireland
Date of Death: 26 September 1986 - London, England, UK.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
1. Audio Commentary by Marcus Hearn & George Cole
2. "Spirit of Christmas Past" - George Cole Remembers Alastair Sim
3. "Richard Gordon Remembers - George Minter & Renown Pictures"
4. "Charles Dickens - His Life and Times"
5. Bonus Colorized Version
6. Before & After Restoration Comparison
7. Opitional English & Spanish Subtitles
8. Opitional Narrative for the Blind
9. Photo & Press Book Gallery
10.Cast Bios
11.Original American & British Theatrical Trailers
12."Scrooge" (1935 Seymour Hicks Verision)
Hats off to VCI Entertainment President Robert A. Blair, for this wonderful restored version of "Scrooge" --- the reason is VCI had access to the original 35mm film elements so they were able to supervise the films transfer and restoration." --- The highlight of this new DVD is the beautifully restored original black and white version --- This was accomplished by using the talent and state-of-the-art technology available at Point 360 in Burbank California --- The first step in the process was to do a complete new high definition film transfer from the multiple sources of 35mm film elements provided. Point 360 determined the best footage on a scene-by-scene basis and then assembled our video "supermaster" --- Overall dirt and film grain were removed from the picture using digital noise reduction --- Point 360 then used their own proprietary computer process to remove additional anomalies, dirt, hair and scratches from the picture on a frame-by-frame basis --- the final stage VCI's own video director made a final pass through the master to fine-tune the picture and remove additional imperfections --- perfection was the result, order your copy now from Amazon where there are plenty of copies available on DVD --- if you enjoyed this title, why not check out VCI Entertainment where they are experts in releasing long forgotten films and treasures to the collector.
Total Time: 86 mins on DVD ~ VCI Home Video. ~ (10/23/2007)
 Restored? October 28, 2007
7 out of 11 found this review helpful
My rating for this release is not for the film itself.This movie deserves 5 stars and should been viewed more than once a year.The reason I gave it 3 stars is because this so called restored version is of the same picture and sound quality as the 2 previous VCI releases.I don't no where they got the video to show the before and after comparisons but I have never seen this film this deteriorated. Not even on Public TV who have shown this film every Christmas Eve over the last 20 years.To makes things worse disk 2 includes the 1935 version of Scrooge.This is the butchered 60 minute version not the 67 minute version which was released a couple of years ago by Blackhawk Films.The only reason to buy this is for the George Cole interview which is given by one of the most lifeless interviewers I have ever seen.
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