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I have the horrible ability to buy a DVD that would become outdated in a matter of months with a new re-release. This is yet another case of that happening. I bought this so I could have it in time for the Christmas season last year, and they re-released mere months later a two-disc special edition. The moral of the story? I don’t know, really.
The Main Characters
--Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) is a young kid growing up in post-world war II Chicago. Christmas time is approaching and he desperately wants only one item for Christmas, A Red Rider BB Gun. His parents, as well as everyone else are against that idea though.
--Mr. & Mrs. Parker (Darren McGavin & Melinda Dillon) are Ralphie’s parents. The mother is the usual stereotypical homemaker of the time, making turkey dinners on Christmas and just being mommish. She is really against Ralphie getting the BB gun. The father agrees, thinking that Ralphie will shoot his eye out.
The Setting
1940’s Indiana
The Plot
It’s the mid 1940’s in Indiana. Young Ralphie lives in the usual suburb, with his brother and mother and father. It’s the perfect stereotype of Post-War America. Christmas is almost upon us and young Ralphie wants only one thing for Christmas: A Red Rider BB Gun. He tells his parents this but they just tell him he’ll shoot his eye out. No matter who he tells, his teacher, the Santa at the mall, they tell him the same. He will in fact shoot his eye out. We see Ralphie go through the typical youngsters life leading to Christmas, including the dreaded double-dog dares, the school bullies and those great mail away prizes with some suspect and disappointing messages.
Movie Review
This is one of those films that have gained a great appreciation over the years, mostly due to TNT playing it all day long on Christmas Eve. It’s one of those traditions that I always look forward too, like those Twilight Zone marathons on New Years Day and those old Star Trek marathons on the 4th. I’m sure many of you reading this have seen this film and my feelings on it are probably the same as everyone else’s. It’s a look back in time of the average family with a 3-bedroom house, their 2.4 children, etc. The movie works well as a great comedy. Every child can relate to this story. Who hasn’t wanted a gift that their parents wouldn’t get for them? Who hasn’t had a dysfunctional Christmas like this? It’s really one of the best looks at the average Christmas. Don’t let you think that this movie is average though. It’s probably one of the best Christmas comedies there is and the fact that it’s still being showed on television (for a FULL-DAY no less) speaks highly of its lasting appeal. I probably give this rating too often, but I’d call it ****.
DVD Features
A) Extras
1) Theatrical Trailer
Just a 2 minute 14 trailer. The average trailer I guess.
B) Audio/Video
The movie is presented in Dolby Digital, but the sound is mono, so I don’t know what good it does. There are English, French and Spanish language tracks and subtitles for all three. The movie is also presented in full screen. The transfer leaves a lot to be desired. It looks like they took a VHS copy and dubbed it onto DVD. The sound is just average too. It’s a talking film but there’s no stereo and everything just comes through the center. I don’t know if they fixed that on the new collector’s release, but I’m sure they did.
C) Liner Notes
There are no liner notes. It’s in the open up case that snaps shut. The chapter listing is listed on the inside cover, though.
D) Easter Eggs
None
Overall Review
Well, it’s a great movie, but why would anyone buy this version when there is a superior DVD special edition out there. Definitely take a pass on this for the newer one. I originally gave this a one, but upon re-reviewing the review, I decided to give it a 4.0 since it's a horrible DVD, but the movie was great itself.
Overall Rating
4.0
10.0 Perfect
9.0-9.5 Near Perfect, Highly Recommended
8.0-8.5 Really good disc, Recommended
7.0-7.5 Good DVD, Mildly recommended
6.0-6.5 Above Average DVD. Mildest of mild recommendations
5.0-5.5 Decent all around disc, but catch it on TV
4.0-4.5 Great Movie but horrible DVD
3.0-3.5 Horrible movie but great DVD
2.0-2.5 There’s at least some merit to this DVD, but not much.
1.0-1.5 Horrible DVD, don’t even bother
0.0-0.5 Worst DVD ever
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