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Rating:  - Should have looked at length of picture!
This is the 60 minute version of the film. I'm a bit dissappointed in myself for not rerading that in the description. Also, I was very unimpressed with the transfer. Very VERY dark. I didn't view the colorized version, though, so it may be better. The movie itself is the earliest talking version of the book. Perhaps there's a better, complete print available somewhere.
Rating: - Looks Better Than Image DVD But Not As Complete!
I agree that Legend Film's version of SCROOGE (1935)is visually better than the Image Entertainment's version, however, be forewarned that the restored Lengend version is the shorter more common public domain version found on dozens of different video and dvd labels. The Image Entertainment version is 18 minutes longer and is derived from a complete print provided by Blackhawk Films. While I give Legend's DVD "TWO STARS", the Image DVD I give "Four Stars".
Rating:  - Best Version Yet of Great 1935 Scrooge!
This is an excellent DVD release which contains both black and white, and color versions of the classic DIckens tale - Scrooge. This version, by Legend Films, contains the highest quality yet released of the 1935 film. You can tell it has been well restored, and looks loads better than the version by Image. Highly recommend this for viewing during the Christmas season, and anytime you are feeling a little humbuggy.
Rating: - The oldest Scrooge film available.
Having suffered through the butchered VHS version, this was a joy to behold. Well worth buying. Very interesting to see the low tech version of the ghost of Jacob Marley!
Rating:  - Better Than You Might Think for 1935...
...But not as good as the last three versions (Sim - 1951, Scott - 1984, and Stewart - 1999). I do place this slightly above the Owen version from 1938, however - not as Hollywood-y.
As with another reviewer, I feel that they could have come up with better spirits than a light, a shadow, and a voice. I also agree with Scrooge's reformation coming on a bit too fast. He was clearly already a changed man before the Ghost of Christmas Past was finished with its job. And, I have to say that Scrooge's former love, Belle, seemed to be quite the motherly type - we counted at least 14 children from her post-Scrooge marriage!
Now for the pluses: the sets were terrific! Very authentic - I wonder if they were actually filmed in original period structures? The Cratchit's home is perfect for their status, as was the home of nephew Fred. And the showing of Tiny Tim's body lying in state in the Cratchit home gives realism that the other filmed versions (except for the 1999 version) haven't touched. Also, seeing Mrs. Cratchit pull out the pudding from the laundry tub gave this that extra bit of authenticity rarely seen anywhere else.
The addition of Queen Victoria celebrating Christmas was unique.
Unfortunately, the quality of the print is not as good as it should be. It's not horrid but not what one is used to from a remastered disc. I am guessing that the original print is long gone. But, it's much much better than the VHS version.
All in all, not bad for its age. Very dark, but Mr. Hicks gives a wonderful Scrooge impression that is better than most.
A worthy DVD, especially if you are a collector.
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