A Christmas Carol (ImageMovers)

[toonaspie]

One thing that really struck me about this version of A Christmas Carol (and I think the motion capture helps here) is that the characters look more homely. In just about every other version of ACC you'd see I swear I always see Bob Crachit portrayed as this tall thin but nice looking gentleman with eyeglasses. But in this version, he's more stout, balding, he's seems more like the typical homeless beggar you would see on the street...same goes for alot of other characters in this film as well. It's a welcomed change and I think it's a far more realistic portrayal of the gruff 1843 London environment that the original novel portrays. I like the tone of the film, it's a sort of mix of dark and majestic.

[pap64]

One thing that really struck me about this version of A Christmas Carol (and I think the motion capture helps here) is that the characters look more homely. In just about every other version of ACC you'd see I swear I always see Bob Crachit portrayed as this tall thin but nice looking gentleman with eyeglasses. But in this version, he's more stout, balding, he's seems more like the typical homeless beggar you would see on the street...same goes for alot of other characters in this film as well. It's a welcomed change and I think it's a far more realistic portrayal of the gruff 1843 London environment that the original novel portrays. I like the tone of the film, it's a sort of mix of dark and majestic.

That... a really good point, dude! I recall back when I first saw the movie that I thought Cratchit looked weird, unlike any other version of the story. What you mentioned nails it, it's because he is made to look more like the poor worker that he is rather than the handsome gentleman most versions portray him as.

Since dvdjunkie mentioned it, I can't help but think that this movie is a 3D remake of the Alastair Sim version. Yes, I realize that both movies are based on the same source material, but watching the 1950s movie made me think of the 3D movie, and the 3D movie made me think of the 1950s movie. They are both very similar in tone and feel, and I know some fans are going to gut me like a fish on this, but they are nearly equal in terms of quality.

[Tristy]

That is definitely a good point about the design of the characters. Never really thought about up until now.

I'm also kinda bothered that all the critics really talk about the mo-cap and stuff and yet somehow even in the negative reviews they like Jim Carrey's performance when really it's that character that carries the story.

[Barbossa]

I wonder if this one will ever be considered DAC canon, as eventually they warmed up to Dinosaur to include it in the DAC list. Looking forward to getting this one and watching it again.

[2099net]

That is definitely a good point about the design of the characters. Never really thought about up until now.

I'm also kinda bothered that all the critics really talk about the mo-cap and stuff and yet somehow even in the negative reviews they like Jim Carrey's performance when really it's that character that carries the story.

He does put in a good performance. But sadly, its going to be overlooked because the look of the film is distracting. The motion capture doesn't (in my opinion) add anything to the film. Carrey's performance would be just as strong - if not stronger - without all the "digital makeup" (as its called on the commentary).

Now, I don't object to the spirits being motion captured - they are fantastical beings to start with. But I don't feel Scrooge or Cratchit do work. They are, when all is said and done, cartoony with exaggerated features. I can accept some people will find that the look enhances the characters, but I personally don't feel that it does. And what exactly was the point of Colin Firth's character looking exactly like Colin Firth for example?

The commentary with the motion capture footage is very dry and sadly, almost exclusively concentrates on that aspect of the filmmaking. Zemeckis is quite rightly proud of what he and his team have achieved. But sadly, when all is said and done, the motion capture doesn't make the film, ultimately its the story.

I think motion capture does have a future in cinema. But its got to develop further before it really becomes an art form in its own right. At the moment, its a half-way house between live action and animation taking on the best and worst of both, with the "reality" of neither. But it won't develop unless more films are made. So fair play to Zemeckis.

[ajmrowland]

There is a 3D review.

http://www.blu-ray.com:80/movies/A-Chri ... 64/#Review

[tlc38tlc38]

I don't have a 3D Blu-ray player or TV and I really don't plan on getting one so I'll be buying the standard Blu-ray combo pack. Anyone know if a coupon will be available?

Also, I have a question: Will the 3D Blu-ray disc play on a standard Blu-ray player and if it does, will it give you the same effect if you're wearing 3D glasses?

[toonaspie]

I don't have a 3D Blu-ray player or TV and I really don't plan on getting one so I'll be buying the standard Blu-ray combo pack. Anyone know if a coupon will be available?

Also, I have a question: Will the 3D Blu-ray disc play on a standard Blu-ray player and if it does, will it give you the same effect if you're wearing 3D glasses?

That's what I'm wondering too. Otherwise like you said, there's no point in getting the 4 disc. I doubt I'm going to afford a 3D TV and Blu Ray player in my lifetime.

[CampbellzSoup]

I don't have a 3D Blu-ray player or TV and I really don't plan on getting one so I'll be buying the standard Blu-ray combo pack. Anyone know if a coupon will be available?

Also, I have a question: Will the 3D Blu-ray disc play on a standard Blu-ray player and if it does, will it give you the same effect if you're wearing 3D glasses?

Nope.

The combo pack comes with:

3D Blu Ray
Blu Ray
DVD
Digital Copy

3D blu ray can only be played on 3D players

[tlc38tlc38]

^Do you also have to have a 3D TV?

But you can also buy the 2-disc Blu-ray with DVD combo pack.

[CampbellzSoup]

yeah you need a 3d tv and glasses otherwise it's useless go on Blu Ray.com and look at the review for details.

[jediliz]

any news on the coupon yet?

[disneyboy20022]

any news on the coupon yet?

Ta- Da

http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/pr ... rol-coupon

[Barbossa]

any news on the coupon yet?

Ta- Da

http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/pr ... rol-coupon

The coupon's back to $10! But, this is a four disc set so it will cost more , and Disney's first 3D release.

[KubrickFan]

3D blu ray can only be played on 3D players

Actually, it's supposed to be compatible with 2D BD players as well, but Disney apparently didn't utilize that option here. Probably to put more discs in a package.

[jediliz]

the coupon is for the 4 disc set that has the 3D blu ray. if you have 5 of the eligible Blu Rays for that 3D Ready Blu Ray player offer.....(including A christmas Carol) you could do well.

The price for the pack that this coupon is for, minus the $10 off, is around $19.99 which is pretty darn good! Not as good as $14.99/$16.99 but still pretty good. (That's what the price is at Target, according to the ads at DVD Talk forum).

of course, I don't have a 3D tv seeing as they are expensive, but I'll probably get this 4 Disc pack anyway.

[Prince Edward]

Bought the 3D/2D Blu-ray/Digital Copy-release and the Blu-ray release today! The cover art for the Blu-ray release is much more beautiful than the cover art for the Blu-ray/Digital Copy release, so I needed to have both;)

[Barbossa]

Bought the 3D/2D Blu-ray/Digital Copy-release and the Blu-ray release today!

reyquila under a different identity?

[Prince Edward]

Bought the 3D/2D Blu-ray/Digital Copy-release and the Blu-ray release today!

reyquila under a different identity?

Hahaha, no, just a simple consumer that likes to collect (Disney) movies^^ Mind you, I do not buy everything that Disney releases though;D The classics, the Pixar movies, the "big" live action movies (Pirates, Narnia, Prince of Persia, Alice etc) and the Mickey/Donald/Goofy shorts are enough to make me happy;)

[miklc]

I bought this the other day, not got around to watching it yet however I am excited because I've heard quite good things about it. In the UK it comes under three different versions similar to the US we've got the regular DVD version, regular Blu-Ray/DVD Combo but then the 3D Version rather than coming with a DVD counterpart (4 Disc Set like it's US counterpart) comes as a 3D Blu-Ray/2D Blu-Ray/Digital Copy Combo pack. I bought the 3D Version almost on impluse even though I have neither a 3D TV or 3D Blu-Ray player and have no intentions of getting either. It was a mere £2 more than the regular Blu-Ray combo so at least I have the 3D Version should I upgrade serveral years down the line. I would have prefered a DVD copy as opposed to a digital copy though!