Generally I do like the animations from Burbank Films Australia. They have done some bad ones like Don Quixote, The Odyssey, The Three Musketeers, Prisoner of Zenda and The Old Curiosity Shop, but for me most of their resume ranges from decent to great. I really liked this animated adaptation of I think Charles Dickens' most accessible story, and it is one of Burbank's better efforts along with Wind in the Willows, Peter Pan, Hunchback of Notre Dame, Black Beauty and David Copperfield. It is not perfect, the animation quality is inconsistent, with some handsome background art, hauntingly beautiful colours and a meticulous atmosphere but also some stiff character designs especially the facial expressions- the ghost of Jacob Marley is an exception though- and unconvincing camera angles at the start. But it is very well done on the whole, the exceptionally powerful story that resonates with children and adults is charmingly and movingly told. Some additional scenes are interesting to see such as the flashback of Marley's death as well. The music is very nicely composed, while the dialogue is intelligent and all the characters serve their purpose more than convincingly. Scrooge's transition from miserly to humble is very believable, the three spirits are suitably imposing and as ever Tiny Tim really brings a lump to my throat. The voice acting is good, not the best( either Wind in the Willows, Black Beauty or Hunchback) nor the worst(A Tale of Two Cities is definitely a contender for this, as is The Odyssey). All in all, very good and charming, true to the story and to the meaning of Christmas. 8/10 Bethany Cox
5 Reviews
1 of 3 versions I make sure I catch every Christmas season
BatStarIndyFreak26 November 2019
The other two are the ones featuring George C Scott and Alastair Sim. I tend to be a stickler when it comes to faithfulness to the Dickens novella. Such ones as Reginald Owen and Albert Finney take way too many liberties for my taste.
Anyway, better address the flaws. As mentioned by other reviews, if heavy use of stock footage and/or voice actors obviously taking several roles are deal-breakers--this is not for you. In spite of that, and by animation standards, the pacing is very good, and the character designs and voice-over work are perfectly suitable to convey each key personality. Most notable has be Jacob Marley, He's both pitiful and intimidating, and you felt the full scope of his descent into indifference to the common folk.
I remember this used to come on a Saturday during the Christmas season, at the tail-end of Saturday morning cartoons for quite a few years before it disappeared. After much searching I came to realize I was chasing my tail, thinking that was made in the 60's. It never occurred to me that itwas made in '82, but I learned that when I finally found of VHS of it (yes, I still occasionally use a VCR). And now I just catch it on YouTube. Overall, I think it has enough heart and charm to make it annual event.
Anyway, better address the flaws. As mentioned by other reviews, if heavy use of stock footage and/or voice actors obviously taking several roles are deal-breakers--this is not for you. In spite of that, and by animation standards, the pacing is very good, and the character designs and voice-over work are perfectly suitable to convey each key personality. Most notable has be Jacob Marley, He's both pitiful and intimidating, and you felt the full scope of his descent into indifference to the common folk.
I remember this used to come on a Saturday during the Christmas season, at the tail-end of Saturday morning cartoons for quite a few years before it disappeared. After much searching I came to realize I was chasing my tail, thinking that was made in the 60's. It never occurred to me that itwas made in '82, but I learned that when I finally found of VHS of it (yes, I still occasionally use a VCR). And now I just catch it on YouTube. Overall, I think it has enough heart and charm to make it annual event.
A pretty good animated version of Charles Dickens' classic.
OllieSuave-00730 October 2022
This is a pretty good, animated version of Charles Dickens' Christmas classic - telling the tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and him facing the spirits of Christmas past, present, and future, telling him to mend his bitter and greedy ways to help those in need and show kindness toward his community, including to that of his loyal and trusted employee, Bob Cratchit.
This film was released from Australia. While the animation wasn't top rated, it's still a nice piece of entertainment to get you into the spirit of Christmas and remind you of the purpose of kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and letting go.
Grade B.
This film was released from Australia. While the animation wasn't top rated, it's still a nice piece of entertainment to get you into the spirit of Christmas and remind you of the purpose of kindness, generosity, forgiveness, and letting go.
Grade B.
Memorable despite low production values
hownowbrownpaul29 November 2011
I have seen other animated versions of the story, including one directed by Richard Williams in 1971, and "Mickey's Christmas Carol" from 1983. Both of those were more consistent in visual style and obviously had a larger budget.
The beginning of this cartoon seemed cheaply done, with unconvincing low angles and street scenes where only a couple people in the foreground are moving. Also, some of these opening street scenes are reused in a later flashback. The animation quality is comparable to that of a Scooby Doo episode.
Despite evidence of cheapness, I still found this to be a charming adaptation. The musical score is pretty good, as in the scene where Scrooge is flown over the rooftops of London. The characterizations are distinguishable from other versions. The ghost of Marley, in particular, is well-drawn, and we are shown a flashback to Marley before he died, which is unique (at least out of all the other versions I've seen). Some of the backgrounds are effectively somber and atmospheric, particularly in the dark chambers of Scrooge's home.
This is not my favorite filmed version of the story (that would probably be the one from 1984 starring George C. Scott), but it is charming and definitely watchable. I saw it on TV in the mid-80s and was happy to find it on DVD recently.
The beginning of this cartoon seemed cheaply done, with unconvincing low angles and street scenes where only a couple people in the foreground are moving. Also, some of these opening street scenes are reused in a later flashback. The animation quality is comparable to that of a Scooby Doo episode.
Despite evidence of cheapness, I still found this to be a charming adaptation. The musical score is pretty good, as in the scene where Scrooge is flown over the rooftops of London. The characterizations are distinguishable from other versions. The ghost of Marley, in particular, is well-drawn, and we are shown a flashback to Marley before he died, which is unique (at least out of all the other versions I've seen). Some of the backgrounds are effectively somber and atmospheric, particularly in the dark chambers of Scrooge's home.
This is not my favorite filmed version of the story (that would probably be the one from 1984 starring George C. Scott), but it is charming and definitely watchable. I saw it on TV in the mid-80s and was happy to find it on DVD recently.
An extremely bad video
Aleta_Nook22 February 2013
Not enjoyable, I watched this dumb video last night and it was a waste of time. The characters remind me of the ones in 3000 Leagues in Search of Mother, I mean... some of the annoying kids do. I stopped watching this.
I don't like A Christmas Carol but this is the worst adaptation I ever seen and I don't see how it got such a high rating. It just looks so old and dark.
This movie was rushed, simple, stupid, dark, and unremarkable. Now, the start was mediocre, but the animation is rough and so is the film itself.
I think you are better off watching Rugrats, this cartoon was lazy and the person tried too hard to make it. I watch funny dubs of Rugrats on YouTube and they are so much better than A Christmas Carol.
Just because I don't like the book, I also don't like many adaptations of A Christmas Carol but I don't hate either one of them. They're usually boring and fairly interesting.
I won't watch this anymore.... avoid this and go watch Rugrats instead.
I don't like A Christmas Carol but this is the worst adaptation I ever seen and I don't see how it got such a high rating. It just looks so old and dark.
This movie was rushed, simple, stupid, dark, and unremarkable. Now, the start was mediocre, but the animation is rough and so is the film itself.
I think you are better off watching Rugrats, this cartoon was lazy and the person tried too hard to make it. I watch funny dubs of Rugrats on YouTube and they are so much better than A Christmas Carol.
Just because I don't like the book, I also don't like many adaptations of A Christmas Carol but I don't hate either one of them. They're usually boring and fairly interesting.
I won't watch this anymore.... avoid this and go watch Rugrats instead.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
