The Muppet Christmas Carol Reviews

• Response to D. Bartlett (Miami, FL)

  
  By AK58GYKR4ZVNP on 2005-10-13
  The five stars are for the MOVIE, not necessarily this 2005 DVD release . . . . (Now that I have seen the new DVD, I give it 3 1/2 or 4 stars. See explanation below.)
  
  In Oct. 2002, Disney Home Video released its first DVD formatted THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL. The response was both pro and con. The response that was negative dealt with two primary issues:
  
  (1) That DVD was pan-and-scan (AKA "full screen" or "1.33:1") instead of widescreen, and, in fact, unlike many DVDs, did not even offer the viewer a choice between pan-and-scan and widescreen. For fans of the movie who prefer widescreen, this was a great disappointment!
  
  (2) That DVD also removed the "When Love Is Gone" song. Disney has not, to my knowledge, offered an explanation for the removal. I would guess that it was because the song is "sad" and someone at Disney probably decided that such a "sad" song did not belong on a DVD intended for children.
  
  Thus, that 2002 DVD had TWO strikes against it as far as MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL purists were concerned. At the Amazon site for that earlier DVD, you can find more than 130 reviews, many of which express PROFOUND disappointment and which elaborate in more detail my two points above.
  
  Fast forward to 2005, just a couple of months ago. Disney announced a new release of this film--The Muppet Christmas Carol - Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition. Eager fans immediately assumed that this would be the long-awaited anamorphic widescreen version. However, various statements and press releases listed the movie as 1.33:1 or, in other words, pan-and-scan. When this was discovered, the fans HOWLED at what seemed like a betrayal and an absence of common-sense by the people at Disney. THEN, within a few days of the official announcement, Disney "back-peddled" and issued a new announcement that the first one was in error and that the 50th Anniversary version would be in BOTH pan-and-scan and widescreen. The ***SIGH*** of relief was like a wind that rushed across the globe!
  
  But now comes the TRICKY PART that tries to answer your specific question. Some fans who have contacts within the industry or have means of mining the Internet, discovered that the CONTENT of the pan-and-scan and the widescreen versions that would be on the same disc would be different in that one would have the afore mentioned song and one would not. As mentioned HERE in these reviews for this new release, apparently the version to contain the song is the pan-and-scan version--which, if it's true--is a totally incomprehensible creative decision. (Why would the the version that was TRUE to the widescreen format be missing the song, thereby compromising that version?)
  
  Right now, as a GIANT FAN of MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL, who has longed for a widescreen DVD since the advent of DVD, I am hoping that there has been some miscommunication going on (for example, look above at the official aspect ratio listed in the Product Details. On today's date of Oct. 13, it's listed as 1.33:1, so the facts about this release seem to be unfortunately garbled!)
  
  Incidentally, there exists a WIDESCREEN (though obviously not anamorphic) Laserdisc version of the film that INCLUDES the song "When Love Is Gone." I know because I own it . . . and it is among my most precious possessions!!
  
  All we can do is wait until November 29 to find out what this new release will truly hold. I personally hope there will be an anamorphic widescreen version that also includes "When Love Is Gone."
  
  ADDENDUM: Well, yesterday was November 29 and I picked up this DVD. There's good news, bad news, and some qualified good news. The anamorphic widescreen image far exceeds any previous video or DVD version. However, the rumours are TRUE that the widescreen does NOT include the wonderful song "When Love Is Gone," and that the fullscreen version DOES include it as "Extended with Deleted Scene." However, for the diehard, there is this awkward-but-workable compensation: The two versions are on the same side of the DVD, thus when the widescreen version comes to the point when the song should be sung, you can use your remote to go back to the menu, choose fullscreen, go to chapter 5, listen to the song, and then go back to widescreen to view the rest of this glorious Christmas movie. It is a pain and an unfathomably poor decision by the suits at Disney!
  
  Since a complete widescreen version obviously does exist in the Disney archives (the Laserdisc version in the mid 90s was both widescreen AND complete), one can only wonder how and why Disney made this very insensitive and unprofessional decision!
  
  Neverthless, FINALLY having MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL in anamorphic widescreen is definitely a plus. It is the best resolution (though not perfect) that has ever been available in any home media format, and the Dolby Digital sound is quite acceptable.
  
  Since this is likely to be the last DVD version of this movie for quite some time, we should (1) continue to ponder Disney's callous obliviousness and its clear childish stubbornness to do what's right, while (2) counting our blessings that at least we are nonetheless PART way to the ideal MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL DVD.
  
  Talk about MIXED emotions! I think that one problem is that nobody at Disney is clear that the film is a true work of art, instead of "just a movie stamped out for kids." I think nobody there realizes that the film deserves far more respect than the grudging, lackluster, shoddy efforts they have so far foisted on the public. I am very pleased to see the many astute reviewers for this new edition over and again make this point exceedingly clear! THE WORST OF IT IS THAT IT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE!
  
  BTW, on November 29, Garan Grey posted a review mentioning several EXCELLENT points underscoring Disney's faulty decision-making--especially about the lackluster special features, recycled menu design, and so forth, in what is supposed to be a very special "special edtion"! However, this reviewer says: "By the way, it seems that the "widescreen" version is just matted down from the full 35mm 1.33 frame, so the fullscreen version is not missing any of the picture." In point of fact, ALL pan&scan versions that I have seen (INCLUDING the pan&scan on this very disc) SQUISHES the titles, cuts Muppets off the sides of the movie, and even sometimes squishes scenes so the characters look tall and skinny. Which is WHY I have been waiting for the widescreen for years! In general, I'd say that Garan Grey is definitely incorrect on this point.
  
  Carl Cannella, too, has made some fine points!
  
  

• Be advised: widescreen version is not uncut.

  
  By A3JNVI7XF1LE4A on 2005-09-01
  This DVD contains a 4:3 version and a 16:9 widescreen version.
  
  Disney Home Video reps have confirmed that only the 4:3 pan & scan version is the home video version which contains the full version of this movie. The widescreen version is the theatrical cut and does not include the song "When Love is Gone".
  
  

• Two beloved classics combined

  
  By A3QZCA4LTTVGAD on 2001-10-21
  Charles Dickens' classic tale "A Christmas Carol" has probably been adapted for stage, screen, and TV more than any other story in the history of literature. Many have been really great -- the Mr. Magoo animated version, Patrick Stewart's one-man stage show, the George C. Scott version, etc. But one of the best is definitely "The Muppet Christmas Carol," directed with heart and intelligence by Brian Henson. This version is particularly noteworthy because it combines two beloved pop-culture icons: Dickens' story and the Jim Henson Muppets.

  It's been a long time since I read Dickens' original text, but from what I remember, the MCC is quite faithful to Dickens. Like the other Muppet films, MCC combines human actors with the whimsical Muppet characters (just in case you don't know what a Muppet is, it's a sort of puppet). The great Michael Caine plays Scrooge, and the Muppets play other Dickens characters: Kermit the Frog is Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy is Mrs. Cratchit, etc.

  One clever touch is having Charles Dickens (portrayed by Muppet Gonzo the Great) appear as a narrator in the film. Gonzo/Dickens is accompanied by Rizzo the Rat, and the two have some great comic banter and slapstick humor. This device nicely complements the main story without distracting from it. The film is enhanced by some lovely songs; my favorite is the one sung by the Ghost of Christmas Present.

  Dickens' original "Carol" is, at its core, a compassionate and life-affirming story, and the Muppet version is right on target in preserving the soul of the tale. There are some genuinely sweet and moving touches (such as one Muppets' gift to Scrooge) that combine well with the trademark Muppet humor. Add to this good special effects, fine performances (both human and Muppet), and impressive sets and costumes, and you have a true classic: a film for every member of the family. In "The Muppet Christmas Carol," Brian Henson and his Muppets prove that, with imagination and skill, new life can be breathed into a favorite old story.
  
  

• DVD NOT IN WIDESCREEN, Disney should be ashamed!!

  
  By A1YVTP35OVMWMN on 2002-10-07
  This film is one of the Christmas classics and a favorite of our whole family's. The film deserves "5-stars." However, Disney chose to release "pan-and-scan" only for the DVD. Since pan-and-scan chops off the sides so that the movie is the same aspect ratio as a standard TV, we're only seeing half of the film. Therefore, I can give this "VHS with chapter stops" version of the film no more than two stars.

  Disney should be ashamed of themselves, ... ruining such a wonderful film with a sub-par DVD release. I was really looking forward to seeing this film as it was seen in the theaters (i.e. in WIDESCREEN). Maybe another year.

  Perhaps Disney is letting art imitate life. Perhaps, ... just perhaps, ... they will turn over a new leaf like Ebeneezer Scrooge and start releasing films in their Original Aspect Ratio!!

  We can only dream.
  
  

• A Christmas Classic! Disappointing DVD!

  
  By A2B8GXSCB1R05T on 2003-12-03
  A full five-stars for the wonderful "The Muppet Christmas Carol." I am amazed that a fresh and interesting take can be found on the often re-made Charles Dickens's "A Christmas Carol." Muppet movies are hit-or-miss at best, and this one is either the top 1 or 2.

  Michael Caine is brilliant as Scrooge, and the combination of the completely straight Caine and the antics of the muppets creates a wonderful reality, blending the original ghost story with a heartwarming chaser.

  The DVD contains two really nice special features, including a very interesting "Making of..." featurette , and a nice "Christmas's Across the World" featurette. The "Making of...." featurette is one of the most interesting that I have seen, quite long with cast interviews, special effects, song information and pretty much everything you could want.

  However, several really disappointing choices were made on this DVD release, including producing a full-screen edition and eliminating the song "The Love is Gone" from the UK edition. When I buy a DVD, I want to full movie, not 75% or it with the edges trimmed off. Also, the exclusion of "The Love is Gone" from the UK edition makes no sense, as it is singled out to be the most important transition point of the movie during the "Making of..." featurette.
  
  

• I can't believe it
  By A3KC7EID0WQK11 on 2003-12-26
  I really can't believe it. I've waited for so long for this DVD and now I know that it is a "edited version" of the original film. WHAT? I should buy a cutted version of the movie? Are you crazy? Selling this, Walt Disney is fooling us all. It's like to buy a "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci with just the face and without the body, the hands and the mountains. I wonder what you guys had in mind. One of the most beautiful film ruined by someone without brain. They' ve even cut some scenes!!! I'm sorry for Amazon, but I hope nobody will buy this dvd until the Disney band will reflect on their deeds and their sins. And this is even a special edition, yeah, a special trick. And someone still wonder why people keep downloading the films in internet...
  
  
• Excellent movie, awful DVD
  By A1VJALJYVIM6OH on 2003-08-02
  This movie is a classic. A cherished Christmas tradition at my house. You can always rely on the Muppets for some entertainment, but this is one of the best. Now, you would think such a classic would get decent DVD treatment, right? Wrong. Disney has decided to release this movie edited. That's right -- 25% of the picture is cut off from the sides to fit a standard television. If only the correct Widescreen version had been offered. Forget about black bars -- with widescreen, you can see a movie the way it was meant to be seen!
  
  
• A thoroughly delightful Christmas Carol
  By A35FEM4C0LQTPN on 2001-01-09
  Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol has appeared many times in various incarnations, in the movies, on television and on radio. I haven't seen or heard every version there is, but I would have a difficult time finding a version that is more enticing than this one. In fact, I am not currently aware of any Christmas video that touches me more than this outing by the Muppets, not even my other two favorites "It's a Wonderful Life" and "A Charlie Brown Christmas." Yes, it is directed to an extent toward children, but it is also directed toward the child in each of us, and in this it succeeds 100 percent. In fact, being an adult is definitely a plus in catching some of the humor.

  Some of the better-known Muppet characters play important roles in this adaptation, including Kermit as Bob Cratchit and of course Miss Piggy as Mrs. Cratchit. These two are by turns comic and surprisingly moving as the situation requires. Gonzo in the role of Charles Dickens narrates and provides comic relief, along with his cleverly-named sidekick Rizzo the Rat, but the two wisely disappear from the film during the more somber Ghost of Christmas Future episode, to return, as they tell us ahead of time, for the finale. And Fozzie the Bear appears as Scrooge's old employer named, not surprisingly, Fozziewig rather than Fezziwig.

  There are certain plot changes to the story, but none of them are severe and none affect the tale's basic meaning. One of the changes is that Scrooge presides over an office of bookkeepers of whom Cratchit is the spokesperson. Perhaps the biggest change is that there are two Marley brothers, Jacob and the newly created Robert, played by those two hecklers whose names I don't know. This modification gives the two of them a chance to sing a darkly comic duet about their current situation. We do get to see the brothers one more time, as guests at Fozziewig's Christmas party, so our final impression of them is not as the suffering spirits. Another important change is that the final scene takes place at Bob Cratchit's house on Christmas day rather than at Scrooge's office the day after, thus allowing for a big finale involving most of the major characters.

  The Muppets and even the subtle changes in plot all add a little extra something to the show. However, it is Michael Caine as Scrooge who really brings this picture off. He is younger than most Scrooges, which gives hope that he will be able to benefit his community for many more years than he might if he were older. His portrayal of Scrooge is so full of subtlety that I find myself sympathizing with the character at a much earlier point than I do in most versions. For example, when he joins his former sweetheart in her good-bye song "Love Is Gone," I am genuinely touched, because I can see that he has repeated to himself many times over the years the words she said to him that day. And when he discovers that this Christmas he is the butt of his nephew's rather unchristian Christmas game/joke, I feel Scrooge's pain. So we are well prepared for his completely believable and indeed inevitable final transformation when he sees his tombstone. Caine is so good in fact, that I don't even begrudge him his appropriation of Tiny Tim's immortal final line. He surely deserves that much of a plum, especially after spending the film acting with a bunch of Muppets, which cannot have been the easiest assignment of his career. A wonderful portrayal from every aspect.

  I mentioned "Love Is Gone" as a touching representation of Scrooge's state of mind. But the fact is that each of the half-dozen or so songs in the movie sets an atmosphere and a mood, and each adds something to the film that would not be there if the song were omitted.

  The Muppet Christmas Carol can, of course, be seen merely as an introduction to Charles Dickens' famous story (and Gonzo does in fact advise the audience to read the book if they enjoyed the movie). But I think the film also stands magnificently by itself as a wonderful retelling of this particular Christmas tale. Either way, it's a Christmas film that is not to be missed, by young or old. 5 stars? 7 or 8 at the very least!
  
  

• 20% Of This Title Is Missing
  By A1KOE1128CTCTI on 2005-01-25
  This is a great movie, but a poor DVD, and here is why. 20% of this movie is missing--cut out by Disney. 10% is missing on the left, and 10% is missing on the right. It's called full screen and this title was originally released for movie theaters in Widescreen. The only widescreen version available is on Laser Disk. This title is not worth the one star I am forced to give it. Don't be fooled by all the 5 star ratings who watch all their movies on a TV set, the original movie is great, but this DVD release is bad.
  
  
• The Director's Cut is FOOL-SCREEN ONLY!!
  By A3UFKDXE87TD8V on 2005-11-17
  Yes it's true: the Widescreen 16:9 version on the new Disney DVD has the theatrical cut...MINUS When Love Is Gone...the song that Disney inexplicably cut out of the movie in theaters and so enraged Brian Henson that he made sure it was restored to EVERY video version of MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL...that is until now :(
  
  While the Widescreen 16:9 version gets the cut version, the Full-Screen Version is touted as the "Extended Version with Deleted Scene!" -- what a joke that Disney didn't get this right, giving the cropped pan-and-scan frame the version of the movie any real fan of the movie prefers to see.
  
  It truly, sadly, seems as if we're cursed to EVER getting a proper widescreen release of the correct Director's Cut of MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL -- because it's not on this new 2005 DVD, either!
  
  
• Muppets' Christmas Carol, Wildly Wrong Yet Remarkably Right
  By on 1997-01-07
  Being a literature professor who specialized in Charles Dickens, I have had a number of people mention in a teasing way "The Muppets Christmas Carol." They expect me to burst an artery in fury and indignation and are surprised to find me not only acknowledging the film but also praising it. One would think that someone who cherishes the original story as I do would detest a version in which Fezziwig becomes Fozziewig (owner of a rubber chicken factory) or in which an extra brother (Robert) is given to Jacob Marely or (even more incredible) Dickens himself becomes a blue long nosed creature (Gonzo, and who knows what he is?!). And yet this version of the Carol remains at its base exactly what Dickens intended it to be--a story of loss and reclamation. It often surprises those friends of mine who bait me to learn how much of the Muppet Carol remains true to Dickens' vision, even containing elements which match the text better than other versions. For example both the aging of the Ghost of Christmas Present before Scrooge's eyes and the gentle quality of the Ghost of Christmas Future as it leads Scrooge to view his horrible future are elements found originally in the book which are faithfully depicted in this movie if not in many others. However the major reason the film works so is because Michael Caine plays Scrooge straight. He allows the Muppets do their humor, but he portrays the agonizing process needed to change a human being from a self centered man of business to "as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man as the good old city ever knew." What would Dickens think of this version? I can't say, but I do know that he had no difficulty in having his stories brought to all members of society especially to children. He wrote a children's version of the New Testament as well as several children's versions of his own novels. I think he would have liked the film even with the addition of Robert Marley. END
  
  
• Respectful, joyous treatment of Dickens and Henson
  By A2B8GXSCB1R05T on 2002-05-29
  "Muppet's Christmas Carol" manages the almost impossible task of merging Dicken's haunting ghost story of loss and redemption with Henson's style of wacky, screwball comedy and Muppets. I was not expecting to like this movie as much as I do.

  Michael Cain is well suited to the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, and plays the character as the nasty old man that Scrooge is. It takes an actor of his caliber to threaten Muppets! The Muppets themselves are in full form, ranging from familiar faces like Kermit the Frog and Mrs. Piggy, to characters created just for the Christmas Carol. Sadly, this is the first Muppet movie after the passing of Jim Henson, but Steve Whitmire fills his shoes just fine. Of all the characters, the Ghost of Christmas Past is my favorite. The aging giant is as amiable as any live actor to play the part.

  Suprisingly, the musical numbers are quite catchy and enjoyable. I would happily buy a soundtrack version. Much of the original Dickens dialog is retained, and there is no attempt to soften or update the story. It is an abridged version, and most of the usual cuts happen.

  This has become as much a Holiday classic for my family as "It's a Wonderful Life" or "White Christmas."
  
  

• Why it's not in widescreen
  By A6TUWVFDJK18Y on 2003-04-13
  Okay, Many a folk has wondered why this long anticipated DVD is in fullscreen rather than widescreen. Here's my answer:

  In the original movie there were more scenes. For example, when scrooge is at his desk in the beginning and beaker and his budy come in, they are supposed to sing a song. The same with the Eagle when Scrooge goes to christmases past and is with the the eagle. These songs, along with other scenes, were omitted in the VHS edition which many have come to love because they forgot about the original songs.

  I suspect this is also why the soundtrack is amost impossible to find. I got it when the theatre version came out, but I haven't seen it since! Both of the deleted songs are on the tape though!

  Hopefully the execs will get their heads on straight and release a good DVD, otherwise I recommend sticking with the video until other notice!

  Although I gave the DVD 2-stars, the movie in itself if a muppet classic and very good!
  
  

• Song was absent from theatres
  By A1CRC4SQQIK1I on 2005-10-20
  I adore this movie and would love to have it on DVD, but I don't want it in fullscreen. As to the song - When the movie came out, I had the soundtrack nearly memorized and was shocked in the theater when at what was clearly the correct moment for "The Love is Gone" they played only the instrumental background and not the vocals. This was especially puzzling as the closing song, which was left in, directly referred back to the lyrics of "The Love is Gone". The song clearly belongs in the movie and I never could figure out why it was absent, but at my local theater they showed a cut version. I'll rent this to see what's on it, but I'm not buying until I can get the complete movie on widescreen.
  
  
• Major disappointment
  By A3N2NITG7DCIBD on 2005-12-04
  I own a copy of this film on laser disk and looked forward to seeing this edition for months. It was a major disappointment to me. I seems to me that most DVD producers put their special features with a wide screen edition. Unfortunately Disney elected to associate the comentary and extended version with the full screen version which omits a lot of visual detail from the sides and is more grainy than the wide screen edition. And one of my favorite songs from the laser disk is only found on the full screen version. For those who own the laser disk edition I would recommend that you don't purchase this DVD.
  
  
• Once again, Disney commits desecration.
  By A2UTQFAIRTM5C6 on 2005-12-13
  I'm sorry to say that the bizarre antics of the Disney production staff have continued. You have two ways of watching this new 2005 version. 1.) You may watch it with the sides chopped off ( Formatted for your screen. Who's screen? Not mine, I own an HD widescreen monitor.) but the movie is unedited, (although it's a grainy, jittery copy); or 2.) You may watch it in a beautiful new anamorphic widescreen print with the very meaningful song, "The Love Is Gone", ripped completely out of the film. Needless to say, I'm a little upset. This is one of my favorite movies. I watch it EVERY year at Christmas. Now it appears I'll have to watch chapters 1-4 in widescreen, switch over to fullscreen for chapter 5, then finish the film by going back to the widescreen version for chapters 6-End. Disney, if you're listening, WHEN WILL IT END? I can put up with the hands and feet being chopped off of people in Pollyanna and Old Yeller, but this release of The Muppet Christmas Carol earns you a new low. I am utterly disgusted.
  
  
• This DVD is a catastrophy
  By ADWWUDHVZS5UM on 2006-10-07
  The movie rates 5, the DVD is a massive disappointment.
  
  Mr. Scrooge's epiphany is with the ghost of Christmas past when he sees his love and she sings a moving song of a love that almost was. Michael Cane (Scrooge) sings a counter point in a quivering voice. It even brings Rizzo the Rat to tears. They cut the song and the DVD viewer is left wondering, "Why would the rat be crying?"
  
  Try again, Disney!
  
  
• It's Missing More than Just a Song...
  By A3JY82VJGNUIKE on 2005-11-30
  While the menus for this disc are almost identical to the previous DVD release, this version is missing the entire Fireside Chat with Brian Henson - a nice behind the scenes look at the making of the film with interviews of Michael Cane and nice bits from the production. Those and some cute banter between Brian, Gonzo and Rizzo made this feature fun to watch more than once. Why leave it out??
  
  The Pepe Profiles Gonzo thing has nothing to do with this film and was a very poor choice to replace the behind the scenes featurette. Only diehard fans could sit through this thing once.
  
  And yes there is NO good reason for Disney Home Video not to include the entire movie in the widescreen version. Except maybe that they didn't want to bother to remaster from the original elements.
  
  Another thoughtless decision by Disney Home Video is that everytime you press play you are forced to sit through Disney's obnoxious "Disney DVD" title (as if they invented the DVD format) then read the FBI warning and the Copyright warning. These things belong at the beginning when you insert the disc so they don't corrupt the presentation of the film, but Disney would rather use that space to try to sell you things...
  
  There is then a very long blackout before you actually get to the film. Long enough to make you think there is something wrong with the disc.
  
  By the way, it seems that the "widescreen" version is just matted down from the full 35mm 1.33 frame, so the fullscreen version is not missing any of the picture. While I do prefer widescreen, this kind of full screen is better than a movie that was shot wide and pan/scanned to full screen.
  
  So there is really not much excuse to buy this new release. There IS a widescreen version but it's missing that crucial song that is argualbly the heart of the movie. And by squeezing both widescreen and pan/scan versions on the same side, they have compromised picture quality of both.
  
  I frankly regret selling off my copy of the previous edition. There is nothing here worth buying this again if you have the earlier release.
  
  
• Disney ruins a classic with a bad DVD again.
  By A1R22497W4KHJ4 on 2006-11-17
  The heart and meaning of this film has been removed in an edit choice directed at a bland audience. The Muppets are Not standard Disney characters. Jim Henson always gave them a tiny bit of an edge that made their work shine and be accessible to all ages. I am tired of Disney's marketing department making bad decisions that Ruin art. My years old LaserDisc will continue to be played each year in December until they are Fired and someone who cares about film comes in to makes Smart decisions. If Disney wants to release a bland Christmas Carol, they should buy the rights to the 'Family Circus' and animate it into the ultimate white bread, politically correct travesty. I fear for the future of the art that the Disney Corporation owns.
  
  
• Good drama and great fun
  By A2DE49DWG4LJBK on 1999-11-17
  Easily the best of the Muppet movies, I can only second the literature professor's comments. Dickens would very probably have liked this version of his story too. Michael Caine plays the part straight and with an intensity that suggests he had waited for the chance to play Scrooge for some time. If Alistair Sim was a light hearted Scrooge and George C Scott was bluff then Caine is deadly serious - which only gives the Muppets the proper foil to work their humour from. As Jim Henson once said, the best guests to have on the show are the ones that can treat the Muppets like actors. The humour is great, the songs and storyline touching. Great for kids of all ages and I am grateful to it for the line: 'You are SUCH an idiot!' which I use often.
  
  
• Perhaps the best "Christmas Carol?"
  By A1CH1UP6JFR247 on 1999-12-08
  Charles Dickens' masterpiece "A Christmas Carol" has been endlessly dramatized, adapted, rewritten, parodied, musicalized, folded, spindled, and mutilated to the point that it has nearly become just a Yuletide ghost story. Oddly enough, THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL brings greater depth and humanity to the story than many recent versions. The story stays quite true to the original while allowing the Muppets to get laughs by staying true to their established characters. It might seem like a strange combination, yet it plays beautifully.Michael Caine makes an superb Scrooge. His performance is on target all the way through, as he subtly finds the hardness, cynical humor, pain, and ultimately, the joy for life that's within Scrooge. And he automatically accepts the Muppets as the various Dickens' characters, never letting on to the audience that it's all a charade.THE MUPPET CHRISTMAS CAROL is a curiosity, in a way, but it is also truely a treasure suitable for the whole family.
  
  
• The DVD is amazing! New footage awaits you....
  By A3EFLT5PI0TU57 on 2002-09-30
  Disney and Henson have really got it right with The Muppet Christmas Carol DVD.

  The DVD has a stunning menu with a newly-recorded introduction and hilarious sarcastic navigational advice from Kermit. The menu begins with a Dikendian snowy scene of rooftops which then pans to a snow encrusted CGI window inside a fire-lit Victorian house. Here the new sound and video footage of Kermit in yuletide attire plays over the animated menu of snow falling. After some time, Kermit plays hide and seek whilst he waits, impatiently, for you to select your choice.

  With a swoop of CGI animation, the Special Features are on another menu, which has also music and newly recorded Kermit puppetry and a roaring Yuletide fire. Here you will find the extras - a wonderful and entertaining `Behind the Scenes' with Rizzo and Gonzo, `Audio Commentary' Option, `Christmas Around the World' feature and a `unique' on the set extra! Amazing!

  The menus are true to the magic of Christmas, Disney and The Muppets! This is one Disney release you'll love - real thought and imagination have gone into the production and it shows. It's a Christmas DVD gem - alas, in 1.33:1 but in glorious 5.1 DD Surround which is noticable.
  
  

• A perfect movie -- so why does Disney treat it so poorly?
  By A11YV6VC51HJTV on 2002-11-23
  This is my absolute favorite "Christmas Carol" adaptation. What makes the Muppets so great is their versitility --they can be used to tell any story, and this proves it. Kermit is Bob Crachit, Gonzo is Charles Dickens (a brilliant touch) and Academy Award-winner Michael Caine is Ebenezer Scrooge. The songs are as touching and as funny as any Muppet production in history, and Brian Henson is doing his father proud, helming these classic characters the way he has.

  The only beef I've got is with Disney's production of the DVD -- NO WIDESCREEN VERSION! Blast it, why are we still being subjected to fullscreen? TVs are going to be widescreen in a few years anyway -- the same people who whine about black bars at the top and bottom of their screen now will be whining about them on the SIDES then... The movie is nearly perfect. Five stars. The presentation is what yanks it down to three.
  
  

• The Movie deserves 4-5 stars. The DVD deserves 1.
  By A2RK3QEUEFRNAN on 2003-10-04
  A poor excuse...this DVD is completely edited from it's original release. FULL FRAME! Wonderful acting and story of course. So if you just want something cheap for the little ones it's great. If you really want a good DVD of this film, then you'll have to look elsewhere. Who was the brain who decided adults don't want quality Muppets DVDs? The laserdisc was widescreen with no edits.
  
  
• A Huge Mis-Step for Disney
  By A18Z33BM3GZE9R on 2005-12-02
  "The Muppet Christmas Carol" is arguably one of the greatest interpretations of Charles Dickens' classic Ghost Story of Christmas. With equal parts humor and heart, it perfectly balances that stylish Muppet humor with big emotion and depth. It does so without ever condescending to the children that make up its core audience. Michael Caine gives a phenominal performance as the crotchety curmudgeon, Ebeneezer Scrooge, and the film boasts the best score of any of the Muppet films.
  
  The heart of any version of A Christmas Carol is the crucial scene involving Scrooge's long-lost love, Belle (or in some cases Emily). This scene is crucial to both character and story - this is when Scrooge's frozen heart begins to melt, giving credibility to his dramatic change at the end of the story. Even the Jim Henson company knew better to fiddle with this emotionally raw scene, allowing the fairly long sequence, told largely in song, to play without a single beat of humor.
  
  The song, entitled "When Love is Gone," was inexplicably removed from the original theatrical release. In removing the sequence, Disney destroyed any beievability from the tale, leaving the film feeling unfinished and choppy. When the VHS was released in 1992, the song was put back into the film. This is not only the purist version of the film, but the one that feels most complete.
  
  With this 50th anniversary Special Edition DVD, Disney has made one of the most disastrous creative decisions in recent memory. The DVD boasts both Widescreen and Fullscreen formats, but "When Love is Gone" is disappointingly present only in the Fullscreen format. Also, in using a single-sided duel layer disc, the film's visual presentation is sacrificed. This grainy, lackluster "Special Edition" presentation undermines the film's quality, leaving the buyer wanting more.
  
  The bonus features are almost more of a disappointment then the film's presentation on the disc. Containing only a brief (and terribly unfunny) gag reel, a documentary with no relevance to the movie, and a restrained commentary from director Brian Henson, one feels cheated for gaining no insight into the making of this classic.
  
  "The Muppet Christmas Carol" is a phenominal movie, and in that respect this is the must-have DVD of the season, however it deserved much better treatment than Disney was willing to supply it. This is a DVD to purchase, but only to have a long-lasting copy of one of the greatest Christmas stories ever told.
  
  
• Misses the opportunity for the home run...
  By AQDMJA2WPXA10 on 2005-12-03
  I have seen other reviews that ding this film for its inexplicable deletion of a scene...and I am 100% in agreement.
  
  As I watched it, I was really impressed by the sound, the extra details that would have been lost in pan-and-scan, etc. I was in heaven, watching my favorite Christmas movie in its original glory...
  
  And then they cut "When Love is Gone" it felt like I had been slapped in the face...
  
  Honestly, it's not even my favorite song, but to cut it leaves the movie choppy, and leaves the viewer feeling cheated. Even my 6-year-old noticed noticed it.
  
  So one full star from an otherwise 5-star rating for the unforgivable offense of editing the movie.
  
  
• Light the lamp, not the rat!
  By A3SPFHD6DL9VBW on 2006-11-30
  This is the one Christmas movie that I watch every single year. If you like muppets, buy this movie.
  
  To clarify, the DVD release contains two versions of the movie. The wide screen version is the original theatrical version in which the song between Scrooge and his fiance does not appear. This was not cut out for the DVD--the the original version of the movie that was released to the theatre simply did not contain the song.
  
  The song does appear in the full screen version which is the original-released-to-video version for which they reinserted the song.
  
  The above information is from the Brian Henson commentary included on the disc. Mr. Henson quite liked the song and that is why it reappeared when it was released on video.
  
  Myself, I'm thrilled to have the original no-love-song version since I always fast forwarded through it before. However, it appears that Disney simply put both versions of the movie as they are on the disc without cutting or adding.
  
  As Gonzo says, "If you liked this, read the book!"
  
  
• The most moving film I've ever seen
  By A1D3LBBRO47B7G on 1998-11-18
  Well, this is one of the very few movies that has had this 24-year old crying his heart out, not just once, but everytime I re-watch it!

  Particulary the "Love is gone"-song, where the young Scrooge chooses a career in business before love, and the incredibly moving speech by Kermit in the christmas-yet to come-scene: "It's alright, children. Life is made up of meetings and partings. I'm sure we'll always remember Tiny Tim as the first parting that was among us."

  I also felt that this movie really gives alot of insight into the character of Scrooge, and why he's become the way he is, like in the first of several masterful Paul Williams-songs: "There's nothing in life that freezes your heart like being alone...He's really a wictim of fear and of pride, look close and there must be a sweet man inside."

  And the scene with Scrooge as a child, all alone in the schoolroom on Christmas Eve really gets to me, with the now grownup Scrooge commenting on his lonely childhood: "I was often alone as a child. The christmas holiday was just a time to get some extra work done".

  Of course, this movie isn't just sadness and melancholy, but I felt it's important to mention this as you might not expect that from a muppet movie. It's alot of fun as well, of course, particulary with Uncle Sam as the Headmaster: "You'll love business, IT IS THE AMERICAN WAY...oh, sorry, IT IS THE BRITISH WAY!"

  And Gonzo/Charles Dickens and Rizzo the Rat make a terrific story-telling couple, providing comic relief and downright slap-stick humour, and some very insightful comments on the nature of story-telling in general, and their source material in particular:

  "Gee, this is scary stuff, should we be worried about the kids in the audience?" "No, this is culture!"

  "Great story, Mr.Dickens!" "Thank you. if you liked this, you should read the book!"
  
  

• Best version yet!
  By A2IAR5XDY0KT2F on 2000-08-19
  I grew up loving the Muppets, so perhaps all the happy childhood memories and hours of viewing pleasure that they gave me have caused me to be extremely biased in their favour, but I say in all sincerity that this endearing, enjoyable film is another triumph for Brian Henson and his creative team as they utilise his late father's wonderful creation, those lovable Muppets, in this wonderful movie retelling of Charles Dickens' classic Christmas story. Other film remakes of this story have been quite frightening (at least to me) but given the Muppet touch, it emerges as a merry, loving, winsome, and moral tale with a catchy musical score that will illustrate the true meaning of Christmas to even the most ardest Grinches around! Michael Caine is the most believable Scrooge of them all, and he is wonderfully supported by a cast of Muppet characters who help him to realise that the lasting spirit of Christmas must be kept in the heart all year around and not just during the festive season. This is a movie which can be enjoyed throughout the year and not just on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day! Parents, buy or rent this movie for your children. I guarantee that it will entertain you as much as it will them.
  
  
• Muppet Christmas Carol needs the song"When Love Is Gone".
  By on 2005-12-04
  The Muppet Christmas Carol is a great film and in my opinion it is the best christmas carol movie that has been made.I have watched this film over the years on the VHS tape and now I just bought the new anniversary DVD.Ever since I started watching DVDs,I have been a fan of widescreen and I was happy to find out that The Muppet Christmas Carol would be in widescreen on this new anniversary DVD.But we all know that the widescreen version of this film is missing that wonderful song,"When Love Is Gone".I watched the widescreen version and the movie did not feel the same without that song.Ever since I first saw The Muppet Christmas Carol,I have always seen it with"When Love Is Gone".I always thought that the song"When Love Is Gone"was the most beautiful and touching song in the movie.When watching the film with that song you really start to feel for scrooge and"When Love Is Gone"touches your heart and will bring a tear to your eye.So each time that I watch The Muppet Christmas Carol I am forced to watch the fullscreen version because it is the only version that has"When Love Is Gone".I don't care much about special features(which there are not many on this DVD).All that I would like is a widescreen version of The Muppet Christmas Carol with the song"When Love Is Gone".Anyway,The Muppet Christmas Carol is a great film and anyone would enjoy it no matter what age.
  
  

• Muppet Treasure Island - Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition
• It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
• Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (50th Birthday Deluxe Remastered Edition)
• The Muppet Movie - Kermit's 50th Anniversary Edition
• Classic Cartoon Favorites, Vol. 9 - Classic Holiday Stories (The Small One/Pluto's Christmas Tree/Mickey's Christmas Carol)