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Dec 6, 202210 min read

A Christmas Carol (2009) 3D Blu-ray Review

Updated: Apr 8, 2023

Chances are, you probably the story of A Christmas Carol by heart. But for those of you who have somehow missed hearing Charles Dickens classic tale, the synopsis is this: There is a greedy old miser name Ebenezer Scrooge who runs a business with the help of his associate Bob Cratchit. December 25 is only hours away and Scrooge is headed home to once again to look at the holiday and to it say his signature phrase "Bah, Humbug!" But when he's sitting at home all alone, he soon becomes visited by three spirits who take him on a journey showing him the shadows of his past life, the consequences his actions have in the present, and what will happen if he continues in his selfish ways.

A Christmas Carol has been brought into film form time and time again. But that hasn't stopped Robert Zemeckis from bringing us this 2009 adaption of the novel using the 3D motion capture animation he made popular (or infamous, depending on how you look at it) in the mid-2000s. This is an strange film to talk about as while not everything about it particularly works, the results are none the less unique and lead to an ultimately pretty fun experience. This is a difficult thing to explain, so let's start by breaking down what elements of the film work and which ones don't.

I'll begin by addressing the elephant in the room: that is of course, the hyperrealistic motion capture technology. This style trails a weird line between real life and animation because on one hand, everything you see on screen is the result of something from a computer program. But on the other hand, you are also witnessing real performances from real actors. Most people either like this type of animation, finding it unique and interesting, or strongly dislike it, finding it creepy and limiting the actors' facial expressions. Personally, I fall into the former category and find it impressive. But I think it can only work with certain types of films. The technology obviously requires a movie that doesn't rely on the range of expressions and benefits from the limitless places you can put the cameras. Something like Monster House or The Adventures of Tintin are meant to be roller-coaster rides and serve as prime example of the technology done right (and they both, ironically, aren't directed by Robert Zemeckis). And while The Polar Express and Beowulf do look pretty dated today, they still get along surprisingly well without the wide range of emotional expressions. On the other hand, there is still an uncanny-valley look to these films. And if used with the wrong movie, it can severely backfire (look no further than the infamous Mars Needs Moms).

A Christmas Carol does utilize the technology in some very impressive ways, that I'll get into more detail with in the 3D section, that gives it a unique style that can be appreciated by anyone not immediately turned away by the technology. However, because of the story we're dealing with here, a much wider range of expressions comes greatly desired. I wouldn't call A Christmas Carol the worst fit for motion capture, as there is still plenty of visual grandeur surrounding the film's setting. But if you look at other versions of the way the story has been adapted and then look over at all the rubber faces on display in this movie, you're obviously going to see a dip in quality in terms of the way the characters can use their faces to really express the emotions. And in a few crucial scenes, this issue can be somewhat distracting.

It's not all bad though, as the movie does often work in spite of the rubbery faces. And most of that can be credited to the performances. Jim Carrey's plays Scrooge pretty much impeccably, embodying this animated Scrooge character while also providing the energy and quirkiness that only Jim Carrey can provide. And it also seeps into the other roles he provides (the spirits, namely). Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, and other even other more minor actors such as Bob Hoskins and Cary Elwes all give their all to the roles, which really shines through the animation. All of these things help make the movie more distinctive and unique.

As for the story itself, it's a bit darker than most of the usual film adaptions of Christmas Carol past. While most Christmas Carol films focus on the lightheartedness and show how it clashes with our main character so that the emotion is balanced out when the darker themes arrive, this version lets you know from the first shot this one is staying truer to the book, beginning right with Marley's death and opening up on his creepy animated corpse. Yes, the film is inspiring and redemptive when it needs to be. But when it gets dark, it can lead to some truly unsettling moments that more than justify its PG rating. And Alan Silvestri's score only amplifies it. That shouldn't scare away most adults, but it might give a few parents pause before taking the young kiddies (Of course, I saw this in the cinemas at the age of 5, but I didn't find it too intense for me).

That all being said, the film does make some decisions that can be seen as admirable for the older audiences. Unlike most Christmas Carol adaptations, this one takes a bit more of a roller coaster-like approach to its story. Yes, the dark dramatic moments are genuinely dark and dramatic. But with its thrill ride-like approach to it, I personally found it very engaging and got into it. And at the end, when Scrooge comes back to reality, the sense of release and joy feels all the more deserved.

So with all I've said about the film, the question remains: is it good? That's a bit hard to answer. Ultimately, I've come up with two ways to view the film. 1. You can compare it to the other Christmas Carol films that came before it. And while you can see and appreciate some of the creative choices it makes, the overall product might come out ultimately unsatisfying, mainly due to the rubber faces and the over-the-top dark and scary moments. Or 2. You can view it as its own unique thing, like something along the lines of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and judge it from there. If you think to the Polar Express, you'll probably see that part of the reason that movie has such a group of dedicated fans is because there is no other Polar Express movie to compare it to. Therefore, people judge it on its own merits and those who dig its style really enjoy it. I think if more people took a similar approach with A Christmas Carol, it could gain a similar following. Is it a film that will work with everyone? Certainly not. And I don't even know if I'd call it objectively good. But I still did enjoy it a lot, and the things that were good were genuinely good. Yes, there's a hundred different Christmas Carol movies, and if you had to choose just one to watch this Christmas season, this one probably won't be it. But if you are considering giving it a look, I encourage you to. You might just enjoy it as much as I did.


OVERALL FILM RATING: 4/5



With all the talk about James Cameron's Avatar from 2009, people often forget about just how much Robert Zemeckis and his motion capture technology have played into the creation of modern 3D films. With films like The Polar Express and Beowulf, he took every advantage he can to make 3D such a crucial part to the experience. And although A Christmas Carol might not seem like the best fit for the format, Zemeckis has created a better 3D film from it than about 90% of 3D films that preceded it. Yes, A Christmas Carol is a 3D masterpiece.

Where to begin with this one? I guess I'll start with talking about how much amazing depth is on display from beginning to end. Throughout the movie, even during the more mundane scenes, everything retains proper 3D space. Rooms go back into the screen a decent amount and have accurate shapes. Right from the get go with Marley's death the characters and way they interact with the environment never appears flat. Once we move outside, though, we're greeting to a long sweeping shot of London. This is one of several long roller coaster-like shots that showcase some of the best depth in the entire movie, taking us on a mesmerizing 3D ride through the movie's environment. The London shot where the opening credits take place takes us over buildings, around them in interesting ways, through crowds, and more. All the while, various far away buildings look go so far into the screen you wouldn't believe. And it's not just this segment that deserves to be highlighted. Throughout the movie, whenever we're taken through the London streets, whether it's in a chase scene with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, a flying scene with the Ghost of Christmas Past, or even just a character walking through then normally, the depth is nothing less than staggering. And all the little details in the streets with the people, carriages, and street lights make it all the more a bonus.

As we begin to talk about more indoor scenes, I should probably go ahead and mention there's a scene involving the Ghost of Christmas Present where he's sitting on top of a ginormous tree in a ginormous room. Once again, Zemeckis's direction makes this scene a 3D wonder. But it gets even better when the floor turns transparent and the Ghost takes it up and flies it over London, getting views almost similar to the ones before. But now, you have the added bonus of seeing the cracks in the floor, Scrooge himself, and the furniture within the same 3D space, making it all such a mesmerizing experience. Besides that highlight, we also get a scene inside a clock tower that features ample amounts of space. Any scene featuring a ghost floating around, such as Jacob Marley or The Ghost of Christmas Past, is always a treat. Not just because of how the move around the screen, but because the details surrounding them from the smoke to beams of light all greatly benefit from being given 3D shape. There's even one moment where The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, who is usually a shadow throughout the movie, sticks his arm out of the wall to draw attention to something important to the story. If you aren't watching the scene in 3D, you would completely miss that little detail.

And that's all to say nothing about the sheer amount of pop outs we get. Once again, right from the beginning, everything from characters' hands to money to a candle to the opening titles are coming off the screen. But that all looks like nothing when the snow starts coming out, making the film extremely immersive. The snow comes so far out of the screen you wouldn't believe. If you were looking through an actual window rather than watching a movie, you'd have a wet theater by the end.

You'd also probably have a haunted theater too. At the height of this film's fun, everything ghost related is coming off the screen. There's a jump scare involving a door knocker that will have everyone peeing their pants, kids and adults. But it doesn't end there. I could fill an entire essay describing things that pop out of the screen. But to summarize, we get everything from chains to boxes to floating ghosts to beams of light from the Ghost of Christmas Past to snow to glowing magic dust to frightening children to a steeple to a jump scare (actually several jump scares) involving the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come to mad black horses to icicles to even more. Hardly a minute goes by without having anything pop out at us. And it does so in ways that range from scary gimmicky fun to somewhat subtle. Either way, if you're planning to watch A Christmas Carol in 3D, be prepared for the movie come out into your world plenty.

With all this movie has going for in terms of 3D, there are a few caveats that are worth mentioning. The most major one here is the brightness. While things are never so bad you're having to squint, there is still a noticeable darkness throughout a lot of the movie, especially during the night or indoor scenes. This isn't particularly the 3D's fault as the film is already dark enough. But if you have friends who get turned off by 3D because of the extra dimness added by the glasses, A Christmas Carol might not be their first choice for a 3D movie night.

Besides that one issue though, the rest of the 3D here in A Christmas Carol is top-notch. It's probably not in the top 5, but it's pretty darn near close. Once again, Zemeckis uses the animated medium to place the camera virtually wherever he wants, and subsequently, giving us a 3D experience that's nothing less than memorable. If you are a lover of 3D filmography, A Christmas Carol should not be passed up. What more can I say? This is an 3D classic that needs to be seen to be believed.


3D RATING: EXCELLENT


Other sources that review this movie's 3D:






FINAL THOUGHTS:


A Christmas Carol 2009 isn't considered quite a classic the same way The Polar Express is. And like I said earlier, I think that has to do with the fact that there has been lots of other renditions of A Christmas Carol, and a lot of those films have told the story better than this one. I do understand many of the criticisms this movie has received from people over the years, mainly regarding the overtly dark moments and the rubbery faces from the characters. But in spite of that though, I have a certain soft spot for this film. Not just because I grew up with it, but because it's a take on A Christmas Carol unlike anything we've seen before. Does that make it a good movie? The jury's still out on that. But personally, I find it to be a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable film with a unique vision that delivers a thrilling experience. Will it work for you? Give it a shot and find out for yourself. And if while doing so, do yourself a favor and pick up the 3D version. A Christmas Carol is an incomplete movie without the third dimension. Robert Zemeckis is an often overlooked pioneer of the modern 3D era. And while The Polar Express certainly deserves credit for its impact in IMAX 3D cinemas, A Christmas Carol also ought to be recognized as one of the 3D greats. Just like Gravity and Zemeckis's other movie The Walk, the 3D isn't just used to enhance the movie, but a necessary tool to experiencing it the way it was intended. In short, if you're a 3D fan, this is an absolute must-own. And even if you only like to dish out on 3D movie's occasionally, this one is definitely worth your money. Waste no time this holiday season and check out this stellar 3D gem.




DID YOU LIKE "A CHRSTIMAS CAROL" (2009) IN 3D

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