A Christmas Carol - Your favourite

[thejboy88]

The classic tale by famed author Charles Dickens has, over the years, been re-told more times than I can count. We were all introduced to it at one point or another and I imagine that most of us have some version thast we hold as the "definitive" telling of the tale, or at the very least a version we prefer above others.

Me personally, I've always favoured the three versions made by Disney: The 1983 version with Mickey Mouse (for introducing me to the story), the Muppets version (for giving my my all-time favourite Scrooge, Michael Caine), and the recent 2009 version (for being perhaps the most faithful adaptation I've seen yet).

But I'd like to hear what versions you all hold dear, and for what reasons.

 

[Stasisesque]

Above all, I prefer the book. However, in terms of adaptations, my favourites would have to be the Kelsey Grammer musical version (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0406649/) simply because I adore Kelsey Grammer and I love musicals; and the stage musical production (called Scrooge) I saw starring Tommy Steele because I freaking love Tommy Steele and will use any excuse to see him perform while I still can.

After those, A Muppet's Christmas Carol, because Muppets and the 1951 Alastair Sim version (also called Scrooge) because it was the first I saw, and the acting is spectacular. I haven't seen the 2009 version at all, it didn't really appeal to me.

 

[madwarper]

Being from Philly, I'm going to have to go with the Dicken's Village at Wanamaker's.

Growing up, my family would spend a day downtown, watch the light show, pick out a gift for Salvation Army's toy drive and go through the Christmas Carol exhibit.

 

[TheYellowCellPhone]

I liked the Looney Tunes version, since OP already said the Muppets version.

Googling that link told me that there was another Looney Tunes retelling of A Christmas Carol in the Looney Tunes Show on Cartoon Network. Hadn't heard of that...

I sort of liked the 2009 redo for being absolutely faithful and traditional to the book -- for old language, what scenes got in, and especially the imaginings of the ghosts and spirits. But as MovieBob said in his review, the movie got absolutely retarded with random chase and flying renditions it did to pad out the movie and make use of the gimmicky 3D.

EDIT: And there was that funny little reference in the Christmas special of Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends.

 

[Hero of Lime]

There's an old black and white one I really like, but I have no idea what it's called. I think it was made in the 50s or 60s, I remember it was faithful to the original story and well made at the time.

 

[TheRightToArmBears]

Nice, very seasonal.

Still, you can't top The Muppets. You just can't, especially with Michael Caine in it as well, and all the best songs.

 

[Frybird]

1. Scrooged, because Bill Murray
2. The Muppets Version, because i guess it gets a nice balance between playing it straight and parodying aspects
3. Does the Doctor Who Christmas Special one count?

 

[foxlovingfreak]

For me it's the mickey mouse version it intrdouced the story to me and it was nice to a variety of disneys other charecters such as Jimny cricket and mr toad filling out the various parts it also has my favorite version of the ghost of chrstmas future sequnce despite how radicaly differnt it is from the orginal story.

 

[Scarim Coral]

To me that's pretty much Scrooged and the Muppet version. Scrooged was a modern (well somewhat 90's version now) take on it and the Muppets had Muppets!

 

[likalaruku]

The first one that comes to mind is the old Disney one with Scrooge McDuck.

The next is the episode of the Ghostbusters where the GB accidently trap the 3 ghosts. It's so bad it's funny.

 

[saintdane05]

The Muppets version was before the Disney takeover.

 

[Imperioratorex Caprae]

I have to go with Scrooged, because Bill Murray. A modern (is it bad I still think of the 80s as modern?) take on the story, plus Bobcat Goldthwait, made this a gem I watch religiously over the Christmas season along with Christmas Vacation, Home Alone 1&2 and A Christmas Story.

 

[piinyouri]

I just love the Muppet version. On one hand I have a bunch of nostalgia for it so yeah. I love Michal Caine as Scrooge. Well I just love Michael Caine really.
And I mean its Muppets, how can you not like it? : 3

I also really enjoy Patric Stewarts uber hammy performance in the UK version he did. Just wonderfuly silly and fun.

Though I think my all time favorite would be this one.

Spoiler

Some of the best animation I have ever seen.