Christmas Carol 1972 Chuck Jones Animated Cartoon DVD

Directed by famed master animator Richard Williams and Produced by veteran master animator Chuck Jones (Looney Tunes, Tom and Jerry, The Grinch) with narration by Sir Michael Redgrave and Alastair Sim himself reprising his role as Scrooge, this "Christmas Carol" is as faithful and stylistic as any filmed version. In fact, the atmosphere evoked by the double-vision animation itself makes it the spookiest version told; indeed, some scenes may be too intense for children under five. The artists' unique use of lighting adds to the spectral effects, this film "Being a Ghost Story of Christmas" as the subtitle reminds us. The artwork is stunning: the backgrounds recall the bleakness of mid-19th century England and the characterizations remind one of the pen and ink renderings that graced 1930s editions of the novella by illustrator Milo Winter. Important details often overlooked by films three times the length are included. The narration itself mirrors the classic 1951 film version and Sim himself lends all his charm to this remarkable picture. Why this was aired so little then disappeared altogether is as mysterious as the story it tells.  W.M. Parsons

This should not be confused with the live action version of "Carol" filmed in 1951. This is the animated version of "A Christmas Carol" that won the Academy Award for Best Animated Film for 1972. It aired on TV a few years later and has not been seen on televsion since.

It was produced by Chuck Jones (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and directed by Richard Williams (Raggedy Ann and Andy). But don't be fooled into thinking that this is a cartoon for the little ones. This is a serious animated 30 minute film that will scare small children. The sequence with Jacob Marley in particular will scare the you-know-what out of you.

Bottom line: if your kids gets spooked easily, you're better off buying them a Disney video for Christmas instead. But older children and adults should enjoy this intelligent, well- animated film immensely.

30 Minutes, Color, English Language, All Region DVD