Scrooge Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray release of "Scrooge" presents the film with a VC-1 encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio, making it the finest home video presentation to date. The image exhibits significant improvements in sharpness and definition, boasting well-saturated color and intricate fine detail. Despite some minor drawbacks, such as occasional crush in dimly lit scenes and a tendency for fleshtones to skew yellow in early sequences, the overall visual presentation is vastly improved. Grain remains intact, contributing to a pleasingly filmic appearance, while special effects sequences involving double printing show a noticeable increase in grain.

The transfer often dazzles with wonderful clarity and fine contrast, delivering a lovely film-like look marked by a light grain structure that enriches the texture of its 19th-century London setting. The color palette is predominantly muted, accurately reflecting the drab ambiance of Scrooge's environment, but bursts of vibrant hues are evident in specific scenes—like the red velvet dress of the Ghost of Christmas Past and the colorful toy shop interiors. Black levels are deep and rich, and shadow detail is commendable, bringing out fine background elements and enhancing the Victorian period atmosphere. Close-ups reveal remarkable detail, from Scrooge's weathered face to nuanced make-up effects.

While the print is largely free from damage—with just minor debris and faint white specks—there are sporadic occurrences of flicker and grain variability. Some processing artifacts become more apparent, particularly in special effects shots like Scrooge's descent into hell. Despite these minor issues, this high-quality transfer brings "Scrooge" to life like never before, ensuring that fans will be genuinely thrilled with this visual presentation.

The Blu-ray release of "Scrooge" marks a substantial improvement in audio quality with the upgrade to DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, effectively replacing the older Dolby Digital 5.1 track from the 2003 DVD. The cinematic experience is enriched right from the opening credits, where the enhanced stereo separation across the front channels isolates individual vocal parts in 'A Christmas Carol,' creating an immediate sense of clarity and dynamic range. Ian Fraser's orchestrations are vividly realized, bringing out colorful effects like glockenspiels and bells that evoke the festive spirit.

The DTS-HD Master Audio mix artfully handles Leslie Bricusse's intricate score, featuring extensive antiphonal singing where the separation of soloists and choirs is rendered with precision. Dynamic range is handled impressively, capturing everything from Scrooge's remorseful whispers to the booming church chimes. Dialogue remains crisp and clear throughout, with excellent prioritization and no signs of age-related defects like hiss or pops. Details such as galloping horse hooves and the distinct clink of coins are also impeccably detailed.

While true surround sound opportunities are somewhat limited, the mix provides a subtle, immersive wrap-around effect. The musical numbers, a major highlight of the film, benefit from a slight volume boost that enhances their fidelity without overpowering other elements. This ensures that both solo and ensemble pieces maintain their vocal nuances and counter melodies. Notably absent from this release is the film's original Overture, though the restored Exit Music offers a fitting conclusion to this high-quality audio presentation.

The Blu-ray of "Scrooge" significantly enhances its predecessor by including a high-definition version of the original theatrical trailer. While the trailer is the only extra feature, its vintage feel adds considerably to the film's nostalgic holiday charm. The preview’s high-definition quality is a notable improvement, and its presence is a welcome touch, despite the missed opportunity for an audio commentary by Finney and director Ronald Neame. These additions, although limited, mark a significant upgrade from the previously bare DVD release, providing fans a more enriching experience.

Extras included in this disc:

• Theatrical Trailer: High-definition preview that captures the nostalgic essence of the film’s original release.

The 1970 film "Scrooge", directed by Ronald Neame and featuring a score by Leslie Bricusse, merges the timeless charm of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" with the vibrant energy of a musical. While some purists may find the concept of a musical adaptation less appealing, Bricusse’s melodies complement the narrative effectively, adding depth to the characters and highlighting key emotional beats of the story. Tunes like "Father Christmas," "Happiness," and "Thank You Very Much" exemplify Bricusse's skill in blending hummable melodies with the plot's dramatic moments, transforming the traditional tale into an enchanting musical experience.

Albert Finney's portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge is stellar, showcasing his versatility as he convincingly depicts both the young and old Scrooge. Finney's ability to infuse his performance with subtle nuances makes his character transformation both believable and poignant. Supporting performances by legends like Sir Alec Guinness as Jacob Marley add layers of enjoyment to the film. The production design is richly detailed, authentically capturing Victorian London’s grimy yet festive environment. Neame’s direction further enhances the film’s appeal, skillfully merging elements of old-school glamour with gritty realism.

Despite its strengths, "Scrooge" is not without its flaws. Departures from Dickens' original story, such as an ill-advised sequence depicting Scrooge in hell, tend to weaken the narrative's credibility. However, these deviations are minor blemishes in an otherwise well-crafted film. The cinematic techniques used, including some effective processed shots to depict different ages of Scrooge, showcase technical ingenuity. Although not universally hailed as the definitive version of "A Christmas Carol", "Scrooge" remains a delightful musical adaptation that continues to resonate with audiences, offering a unique blend of holiday spirit and timeless music.

The Blu-ray release of "Scrooge" puts a rousing musical twist on Dickens' classic 'A Christmas Carol,' delivering an enchanting family film that masterfully captures the holiday spirit. Led by Albert Finney's remarkable performance as Ebenezer Scrooge, the film benefits from Leslie Bricusse's melodic and exhilarating score and Ronald Neame's assured direction. The combination of these elements ensures that the beloved tale is enhanced rather than cheapened, providing a fresh yet faithful adaptation.

Paramount's Blu-ray edition showcases a solid video presentation, retaining the film's vintage charm with only minor video glitches that do not detract from the overall viewing experience. The audio quality is excellent, ensuring the musical richness of Bricusse’s compositions is fully appreciated by audiences. While the release lacks substantial supplementary content, the strength of the film itself makes this a minor shortcoming.

Leslie Bricusse’s contributions to film and stage musicals have garnered mixed critical responses over the years. However, "Scrooge" stands out with its enduring appeal, highlighted by Finney's stellar portrayal of the title character. The Blu-ray presentation effectively brings out the essence of the film, enabling even those who might not typically enjoy film musicals to find themselves enchanted by this adaptation. Overall, this Blu-ray edition is highly recommended for both devotees of classic holiday movies and those looking to experience a timeless story anew.