This is the second version in a row I've seen with a Scot playing the curmudgeonly, cantankerous lead role. Perhaps that goes some of the way to explaining the national stereotype or perhaps it's due to the widely-held belief that Alastair Sim still leads the way as the archetypal Scrooge for his 1951 live action performance? Either way, Sim is almost certainly the star of the show once more in this celebrated animation.
It is not difficult to understand why this version is so widely loved. Firstly, it sticks religiously to the original text featuring nearly all the key lines which make repeated viewing of this story such a treat. Secondly, this was to my knowledge the very first time the story had been animated, a medium which allowed the expansion of Marley and the three spirits beyond camera trickery. Unfortunately on this, my first viewing, I was left a tad disappointed; my main gripes being the prohibitive running length and the stomach-churning animation during flying sequences. However, perhaps these should be applauded - Scrooge is turned from snarling malcontent to laughing, leaping philanthropist in record time and, for once, the audience does feel what it is like for the miser to be dragged quickly through the night.You can watch the whole damn thing here though - make up your own mind.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hA5T1G7rxg
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwii8AMfgkA
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXsALUC4HEU
Part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtsV8QZXS7Q
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