AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on November 04, 2023, 12:03:42 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/eNpplfB.jpg)
Studio: Paramount
Release Date: November 7, 2023
Rating: PG-13
Film: 4/5
Plot
Frank Cross (Bill Murray) is an uncaring and unforgiving television executive whose live production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ is more important to him than any true meaning of Christmas. Before the night is over, he'll take a hilarious journey through his past and into the future to find redemption and put a little love in his heart.
My Thoughts
A modern-day twist on the classic Charles Dickens' tale, "A Christmas Carol." Murray's portrayal of the cynical and heartless TV executive, Frank Cross, is just as timeless as the story itself. The film skillfully combines humor and holiday sentiment, with Murray's signature deadpan delivery and impeccable comic timing adding a unique charm to the character. The supporting cast, along with a cleverly updated narrative set in the fast-paced world of television, makes "Scrooged" a delightful Christmas movie that serves as a perfect reminder of the importance of compassion and the true spirit of the holiday season. Even after many decades, Murray's performance and the film's overall wit ensure it remains a cherished classic for both fans of the actor and the Christmas genre.
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d watched the film and it was like seeing it again for the first time. I have to admit it was a bit strange watching the film before Halloween---normally we don’t watch Christmas movies until Thanksgiving—but seeing how Costco has had Christmas decorations up since late September, I guess it isn’t that strange after all. It was fun seeing a much younger Murray in action when he was one of the biggest stars in Hollywood and the supporting cast includes a lot of familiar faces.
I found the video encode to be quite good, but maybe a bit scrubbed of grain when you consider the year the film was made. Regardless, the color pallet is bold and beautiful and the black levels give the image a great depth. The audio track is about what I expected and is mostly front-loaded with the dialog firmly rooted in the center channel. The track features some decent bass response and occasional use of the surround speakers as well.
Video 8.5/10
Audio 8/10 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Special Features:
- Commentary by director Richard Donner
- A Christmas to Remember
- Updating Ebenezer
- Bringing the Ghosts to Life
- The Look of Scrooged
- On the Set with Bill Murray
- ShoWest Clips with Bill Murray
- Digital Copy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YjrsSEEreY&ab (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YjrsSEEreY&ab)
Conclusion
I like this film more than my wife, which is strange because it’s usually the other way around when it comes to Christmas movies. Regardless, I love Murray’s performance as the modernized classical character and find the film timeless and entertaining. The 4K presentation is great and I’m sure fans of the film will love to have it in their collection. Recommended.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS3100 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 110” 2.35:1 Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Kaleidescape Strato + Server
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
Dual Rythmik FV15HP2
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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I read this as funny hahah “I like this film more than my wife,”
Wow you either really like the movie. Or your wife not so much ahhah