Backstory:
This classic little animated gem by Cartoon Chuck Jones aired for many years around the holiday season then it was tucked away for safe keeping. Despite by sneaked out on VHS in the 1980s, it has remained wrapped up until now. A Fine Adaptation of a timeless tale. Watch it here on PDFU.net, and won't even cost you two shillings! UPDATE! A DVD version has appeared on Amazon, can't vouch for it but if you MUST have this Christmas Favorite on DVD....
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What did you think of "A christmas carol"?
Nod Review
In 1971, Chuck Jones, animator extraordinaire created his version of the classic A Christmas Carol for broadcast television. Because the short film as so good and so stylish, it was nominated for an Oscar for best animated short and it won! Prompting the Academy to change the rules disallowing any work that was created for and shown on television to be allowed for the Academy Awards. Kind of stupid rule , in my opinion, but what do I know?
In 1971, Chuck Jones, animator extraordinaire created his version of the classic A Christmas Carol for broadcast television. Because the short film as so good and so stylish, it was nominated for an Oscar for best animated short and it won! Prompting the Academy to change the rules disallowing any work that was created for and shown on television to be allowed for the Academy Awards. Kind of stupid rule , in my opinion, but what do I know?
This adaptation starred Alastair Sim, Michael Redgrave, Michael Hordern and Diana Quick. It was sharply directed by Richard Williams. Seeing this short several times in my life, I would easily give it 5 nods, here’s a few reasons why:
1. The Animation is suburb, more like a drawing or painting, less like the round cartoony, looney tune look that Jones is famous for. A fine art animated story is how I would describe this Christmas Carol.
2. The music is sparse and combined with the excellent detailed sound effects. The music that is used is very fitting and quite mood setting.
3. Michael Redgrave does a very tight and business-like narration.
4. The subtitle is Being “A ghost story of Christmas”, and that truly fits this version. Some of the scenes are downright creepy and frightening. Each ghost is very unique and interesting in their own way.
5. Every actor from Scrooge to Tiny Tim does an excellent job and really nails their respective parts. Excellent.
I could go on and on about this tremendous production. The amount of time and attention to detail shows up in every second of the 25 minute running time. I’d like to end this review talking about the Academy Award controversy, the fact the board chose to change the rules because a “lowly” television production won, speaks volumes of the attitude of the Hollywood Elite. Does it take a ghost of future technologies to wake up these Hollywood Scrooges? A good production is a good production, no matter what format it was created on or what the original it was intended for. Stop limiting creativity, please, recognize and celebrate all talent.
1. The Animation is suburb, more like a drawing or painting, less like the round cartoony, looney tune look that Jones is famous for. A fine art animated story is how I would describe this Christmas Carol.
2. The music is sparse and combined with the excellent detailed sound effects. The music that is used is very fitting and quite mood setting.
3. Michael Redgrave does a very tight and business-like narration.
4. The subtitle is Being “A ghost story of Christmas”, and that truly fits this version. Some of the scenes are downright creepy and frightening. Each ghost is very unique and interesting in their own way.
5. Every actor from Scrooge to Tiny Tim does an excellent job and really nails their respective parts. Excellent.
I could go on and on about this tremendous production. The amount of time and attention to detail shows up in every second of the 25 minute running time. I’d like to end this review talking about the Academy Award controversy, the fact the board chose to change the rules because a “lowly” television production won, speaks volumes of the attitude of the Hollywood Elite. Does it take a ghost of future technologies to wake up these Hollywood Scrooges? A good production is a good production, no matter what format it was created on or what the original it was intended for. Stop limiting creativity, please, recognize and celebrate all talent.