This DVD is available in several versions, released in different years, and having different features vary widely in price. One of my all time favorite holiday movies, it is shown every year on TV and is easy enough to capture on DVR, but for some reason I missed it this year, so I was compelled to buy the DVD. The 1999 var. is less expensive but works fine for the purpose. I imagine if you want a bit more HD you can buy the current release, but it's 30% more cost, and I'd rather spend it on some popcorn and drinks, kick back with the kids, and it always brings a smile to my face and a happy feeling inside that no other holiday flick seems to do (for me at least)..
Being a child in the 50's...this movie is like stepping back in time. It truly is the 50's all over again. Darren McGavin is wonderful..rough exterior..man of the house...with a big soft heart. Melinda Dillon warms your heart, she just shines on the screen, makes you miss your own mother. Peter Billingsley and Ian Petrella are typical brothers..nostalgia plus. McGavin and Dillon have the perfect chemistry for their roles. The storyline is so like what Christmas was for children in that decade. The magic, mystery, longing and just plain anxious anticipation for Christmas morning. Yet, at the same time, the movie is justly appreciated in the present. If you have children, this is a must have movie, if you are a parent or grandparent, this is a must have movie. We adults can always use memories of what it is like for children. Being a female, my most memorable Christmas was not for a Red Ryder gun like Ralphie, but I completely relate..mine was a black English bike with a saddle bag in back. Like Ralphie, my greatest wish also came true. The scenes with the dogs running through the house, Ralphie in a pink bunny suit and Christmas dinner in the Chinese restaurant are hysterical, but what could have ever topped McGavin opening his prize and placing it in the front window..the leg lamp. Get this movie...you will not be disappointed.Read full review
A Christmas Story is in a class by itself, carrying us back to a time before drugs and technology took our focus off family. Our haven was Mom and warm smells from the kitchen and a safe place where even quirky parents and dubious neighbors didn't fail to weave a supportive realm for us to thrive. We could still be stirred by everyday joys and seasonal wonders. I miss it.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I purchased a DVD of "A Christmas Story" to replace the VHS that I have practically worn out. I love to watch this movie every year during the holiday season with some of my grandchildren. (I used to watch it with my children!) The movie is very true to the book in warmth and humor. The story is told around a child, Ralphie, and his desire to receive a BB gun for Christmas. The machinations of a child's mind are very funny. All of the characters in the film are very well drawn and acted. I love the cast of characters. The movie is also very true to the period right down to the accepted forms of punishment for naughty children. (My grandchildren have been shocked and awed that I, like Ralphie, experienced holding soap in my mouth for saying something objectional. Ivory isn't tasty either.) The frailities, faults and everyday wonderfulness of humans is the thread running through the movie that I enjoy. The characters of the film are shown with truth in the roles they play in their family, and with neighbors and friends. I wouldn't recommend children younger than 8 years watching the movie for two reasons. Both reasons have to do with Santa. The dept. store Santa is obviously not Santa and he and his elves are rude with the children. Santa also puts his boot on Ralphie's forehead and pushes him away. This has bothered the smaller children and raised many questions in the past so I have an eight or older rule. There are references to sex concerning a risque lamp that have never elicited the first question. GIGGLE ALERT: Tweenies and preteens may get hysterical during the lamp scene. So do I. The only disappointment I have in the film is the fact that it was heavily used in commercials this past season and it did take some of fun out of the movie for first time viewers. The movie itself is practically flawless. Good fun. Five stars.Read full review
This movie is one of the few I really look forward to every Christmas season. Absolutely top shelf. I can watch it repeatedly (and do when TBS runs its marathon beginning Christmas Eve). So the purchase was long overdue, and the picture will have a venerable place in my compact but prideful collection of Christmas favs!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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