54 reviews

Format: Color, Dvd-video, Ntsc
Language: English (Original Language)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Region: 0
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
DVD Layers: 1
DVD Sides: 1
Picture Format: Academy Ratio
Number Of Discs: 1
Running Time: 98 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.6

MPN: 014381666625
UPC: 143816666258
EAN: 0014381666625

Theatrical Release Date: December 16, 1979
Release Date: November 23, 1999
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

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Editorial Reviews:

Product Description
No Description Available.
Genre: Feature Film-Drama
Rating: NR
Release Date: 26-OCT-1999
Media Type: DVD

Customer Reviews: Read 49 more reviews...

5 out of 5 stars

Original, Amrerican, Thought Provoking and Unique October 25, 2008
Snazzo (Chicago, Illinois)
93 Snazzes on the 100 Point Snazz-O-Scale! An excellent and original adaption.

An American Christmas Carol is a superb and original adaption of the Dickens Christmas classic. Henry Wrinkler stars as the Scrooge character, Benedict Slade. He does a great job as a hardnosed old man, and he does look convincing in aged make up. The story takes place in New England America, during the Great Depression.
-An American Christmas Carol is unique in many ways. Slade doesn't believe he's evil or even a miser; he's just a practical businessman. On Christmas Eve he and his employee, Thatcher, go out in their truck to repossess items - to take back what is rightly his, Slade says. When carolers show up at Slade's door, he doesn't chase them away with a stick like Scrooge did, he congratulates them on their wonderful singing and offers them a present: A small book he printed up at his own expense on how to save money and make yourself a future.
-Slade's deceased business partner Jack Latham appears and he offers some stunning quotes.

"Hell isn't what you think it is, devils with pitchforks, fire and brimstone."
"Thank God," Slade responds.
"It's worse," Latham says.

A short while later Slade says "But you were a man of business, Latham. You drove a hard bargain but you never did anything evil!"
"Evil isn't just what you do," Latham replies, "It's also what you DON'T do."

A wonderful sentiment. The whole movie is full of incredible quotes and comments on generosity, history, a man's life, and a man's effect on the people and world around him.
-As a unique feature I've never seen in any other adaption, the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future are played by Slade's customers, the very people he just repossessed items from. Slade actually believes them to be the same people, having broken into his warehouse. Until they provide a sample of their supernatural powers. The spirits are heralded by Slade's old radio broadcasting music and news from either the past or the future, even when it's unplugged.
-Another unique thing is once Slade has seen the light and transformed into a better man, he is still a bit of a grump. As if the transformation isn't instantaneous and is still a work in progress. He is more generous, more concerned with the welfare of others, including the town, the unemployed, his employee Thatcher and his sick son, the orphanage where he once stayed at, but he has a very nice and realistic bite to him yet.
-The movie comments on the Dickens work frequently. "Did you read that book, Mister Slade?" a bookseller asks, after Slade has reformed.
"The ghost of hell? The ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future? Complete and utter ... what was the word he used?"
"Humbug?"

4 out of 5 stars

Classic August 2, 2008
Connie L. Williams (Urbandale Ia)
Enjoyed watching this,I have looked for years for the Henry Winkler verson.Got it very fast.Great quality,much better than vhs.

5 out of 5 stars

Great retelling in an Amercan Setting June 1, 2008
P. Kettle (Portland, OR)
I remember seeing this when it was first broadcast on TV. I loved it then and loved being able to watch it on DVD for the first time in almost 30 years. Other reviewers have provided story details, so I'll just say that this is a sweet movie that has aged well. If you are already considering this purchase then you are bound to like it.

5 out of 5 stars

Movie Remake April 20, 2008
David C. Lewis
This is an excellent remake of the Dickins' A Christmas Carol. It should be placed along side your existing Christmas collection!

5 out of 5 stars

A WONDERFUL VARIANT OF THE DICKENS 'CHRISTMAS CAROL' STORY February 28, 2008
Bob S. (Northeast Massachusetts USA)
We'd taped this from TV years ago and I was delighted to find this version on Amazon. Winkler is fantastic as the Scrooge character. While the story-line has been modified to be early 20th century New England the elements of the original Dickens story are preserved in this version. I'm a "Christmas Carol" fanatic and this is a super addition to my collection. Buy it- you won't be disappointed!