An Animated Christmas Carol 12 Day Countdown to the Holidays

Thankfully, the animation medium has been kind in terms of how often Charles Dicken’s holiday classic has been reinterpreted. By my estimate, out of the many available to view versions that’s out there, I can make a list of my twelve favourite animated Christmas Carol adaptations.

A not so Animated Christmas Carol CoverThankfully, the animation medium has been kind in terms of how often Charles Dicken’s holiday classic has been reinterpreted. There isn’t that many when compared to how many times it’s been remade in live-action! By my estimate, out of the many versions that’s out there, I have a list of my twelve favourite animated Christmas Carol adaptations to enjoy every year. I have even included television specials. To be current, I considered Netflix’s animated release, Scrooge: A Christmas Carol, and unfortunately have to say this merry CGI musical is better off skipped.

Had Charles Dickens known about the legacy his tale had upon the entertainment industry, I’m sure the copyright law would have been changed to ensure his estate would get some payment. Sadly, his works are in the public domain. Thankfully, many productions acknowledge this author in the playbill, but in terms of his descendants getting royalties, I’m sure they’re all screaming, “bah, humbug!”

According to Collider.com, the earliest version is Marley’s Ghost (1901), directed by Walter R. Booth and produced by R.W. Paul. This work is impossible to find. Next is most likely Harold M. Shaw’s 1914 silent film short, and many more takes were made before Alastair Sim gave us the most beloved take with the 1951 motion picture. I have to give credit to the 1938 production; this actor made the character memorable, and he’s included in this list of animated works. They are ranked going from least to best:

The Stingiest Man in Town PosterThe Stingiest Man in Town
(Rankin/Bass, 1978)

This studio’s take is a departure from their cheerier stop-motion holiday works. In this earlier time, their holidays specials were on air every time December rolled around, and kids grew up watching Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman.

Although this work is a departure from style, and that the work was done at Topcraft, a Japanese animation studio, this title is worth noting because many of the animators would later be key staff members for Studio Ghibli! In regards to why this take is memorable is because of Tom Bosley. He lends his voice to play a bug named B. A. H. Humbug to narrate the story. Anyone who remembers this actor from Happy Days (He plays Howard Cunningham) will appreciate this take.

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There’s No Time to Die With James Bond’s Home Video Outing

James Bond No Time to Kill in 4K4K Collector’s Edition available to preorder on Amazon USA

James Bond’s No Time to Die will continue to run in theatres for another week or so, but for those wanting to keep his spirit alive, this film will be arriving on home video on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD Collector’s Editions on December 21, 2021.

This film from Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment has generated more than $700 million worldwide and is Certified Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes. It’ll be the perfect holiday gift for the James Bond enthusiast who has everything to date, and this release promises more than an the usual bonus content exploring the action, spectacle and stunts. It’s possible a Daniel Craig legacy collection is in the works for release too, but news hasn’t dropped yet as for when that package will be offered.

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Revisiting the Gate, Stargate the RPG Quick Takeaways

The designers assume gamers know the finer points of the Stargate franchise. New content will be in the core book, detailing the launch point of where this new canon material begins.

Stargate RPG Core RulebookKickstarter expected Q4
Retail edition Q1 2021

MGM is not letting go of the Stargate property anytime soon. Wyvern Gaming’s SDCC2020@Home panel had Brad Ellis, Wes Walker, Mack Martin and Lee Alley with Jenny Stiven hosting talk about their passion for SG-1, and their upcoming game set in this universe–especially as a living campaign–to Kickstarter later this year.

The rules are based on Wizards of the Coast’s D&D 5th Edition Open Gaming License, and part of the reason is that more role playing gamers are familiar with this set of rules than any other. It makes sense to develop from the television series since there’s a lot to draw from (four series) and the Goa’uld threat will never fully disappear.

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Time to Get Kooky with The Addams Family

 

Image result for addams family movie posterBy Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)

Every couple of years, some entertainment mogul wants to bring The Addams Family back to the public consciousness. They can’t be buried and It’s impossible to change their ways; they’re wonderfully spooky and kooky. As for whether that’s with recognized talents or voice-over gurus in the roles, Gomez (Oscar Isaac), Morticia (Charlize Theron), Pugsley (Finn Wolfhard) and Wednesday (Chloë Grace Moretz) are what they are. To bring to life the quintessential elements of what they are to a any kind of stage has artist Charles Addams grinning from the grave.

The Addams are an off kilter family with a love for the macabre. They live their lifestyle in all its supernatural glory which include staying in a haunted house that wants them out. It’s not expected to learn Wednesday will one day leave the flock. Years of isolation has her curious about the outside world and establish an identity of her own. As with any movie with a tween as its star, it’s time to explore.

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Hey Abbott! The Complete Universal Pictures Collection

The Complete Universal Pictures Collection is getting the high definition treatment and I hope further information will be released to say if they are true remasters or transfers from the previous edition.

Abbott & Costello: The Complete Universal Pictures Collection [80th Anniversary Edition] - Blu-ray :: Shout! Factory

Release Date:
November 5, 2019
Available in US & Canada

The Abbott & Costello fan in me wants to buy the upgrade Shout! factory is offering come the end of the year. The Complete Universal Pictures Collection is getting the high definition treatment and I hope further information will be released to say if they are true remasters or transfers from the previous edition.

The only difference is with including It Ain’t Hay. Two editions exist of the prior DVD release. One was packaged in a keepsake box and the later version were in amaray cases. Due to legal issues with the estate of Damon Runyon (one of the characters), there was a delay in getting a home release out.

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