Cross has cut himself off from everyone who cares about him, delights in humiliating colleagues and he leads a lonely life, sitting in his proper office, watching TV and drinking vodka. His next planned production is multi-million-dollar Christmas Eve adaptation of “Scrooge” starring Buddy Hackett in the title role. Joining Hackett are Jamie Farr as Jacob Marley, Mary Lou Retton as Tiny Tim, David Johansen as the Ghost of Christmas Past, and Carol Kane as the Ghost of Christmas Present. Cross isn’t impressed with the ‘weak’ spots produced by his junior executives to promote the Christmas extravaganza, nor does he like his own violent, blood-soaked ad for the show denigrated by lackey Eliot Loudermilk (Bobcat Goldthwait), whom Cross promptly cans for his unsolicited opinions. Cross’ put-upon secretary, Grace (Alfre Woodard), is horrified that Cross would do such a thing at Christmastime (she has her own problems, including rotten pay from Cross and a child who won’t speak, slipping away into his own world).
Unmoved by his employee’s troubles, Cross’ only concern is the television special, and his burgeoning career. However, his rise to the top is threatened by the network’s crazy owner, Preston Rhinelander (Robert Mitchum), who hires unctuous “L.A. slimeball” Brice Cummings (John Glover) as Cross’ assistant—a move that sends the already paranoid Cross into fits of rage and fear. It’s a major shock when he’s visited by the mummified ghost of his former boss, Lew Hayward (John Forsythe), who warns Frank that he’ll be visited by three more ghosts on Christmas Eve. Lew warns him that he best concerning himself with others, much in the way Frank’s old girlfriend Claire (Karen Allen) has or face dire consequences.
The Ghost of Christmas Past takes Cross through his painful childhood: On Christmas Eve, young Frank is in front of the television. His mother drinks a lot and avoids her husband, a snarling butcher who gives four-year-old Frank five pounds of milk-fed veal for Christmas instead of the choo-choo train he really wants. When Frank complains, his father tells him to get a job. It’s no wonder he grew into a man obsessed with his career.
The Ghost of Christmas Present then appears as a life-size pixie who delights in punching and slapping Frank; she shows him how his secretary’s family lives in poverty because of his stinginess. Nonetheless, looking in her window makes Cross realize how much happiness is missing in his life. He also learns how much his brother (John Murray) misses him.
The most controversial scene involves Cross standing center stage on television ranting and raving about the spirit of spirit of Christmas. It’s not really an inspirational speech, nor is it particularly funny. It sounds like it might have been ad-libbed as an afterthought. It just doesn’t work for me. Though the message he delivers rings true.
While Scrooged has some weaknesses, It also has lots of humorous moments. Bill Murray took some chances with this adaptation of A Christmas Carol. If you’re a fan of the comedian, this film is well worth checking out.
Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, overall sharpness is fine. Occasional softness is evident, likely due to the visual effects. Grain appears natural and consistent throughout. Colors are a bit flat but offer a nice level of clarity. HDR adds a welcome pop to the proceedings. Blacks are deep and inky. Low light shots deliver pleasing clarity. Contrast is noticeably stronger than the previous Blu-ray release. While it shows its 1980’s roots, my guess is that this is as good as Scrooged will ever look.
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track is equally satisfying. Danny Elfman’s score is breezy and, utilizing plenty of dynamic range. Effects are centered with the occasional breakout to the left and right channels. Surround use is frequent and well used. Dialogue is clear throughout.
English, English SDH, French, Portuguese and Spanish subtitles are included.
The following extras, originally created for the 2006 Blu-ray but never released, are available:
- Audio Commentary with Director Richard Donner
- A Christmas to Remember (HD, 14:04)
- Updating Ebenezer (HD, 13:34)
- Bringing the Ghosts to Life (HD, 9:53)
- The Look of Scrooged (HD, 6:22)
- On Set with Bill Murray (HD) this is broken into two segments: “Brother’s Apartment” (3:22) and “Frisbee the Dog” (3:41).
- ShoWest Clips with Bill Murray (HD) Two in total: “The Best Money Can Buy” (1:15) and “Now Everybody Get Up” (0:59).
No products found.
