JamesM

Yes, but not until next year.

Babalugats

Is this from the film in question?
I just love all the Christmas Carol versions.
I can't wait for Christmas!

JamesM

It transpires that there is to be a Georege Cole audio commentary on the DD Video release. When I approached George Cole, he must have already recorded this commentary. That would explain whyhe was not interested. At the time I could not have envisaged there being one in existance as the two companies entiltled to release the DVD were not involved. It was only because BBC Worldwide were under the false impression that it would be 'public domain' in the US that they planned to release the film on DVD. They must have recorded this audio commentary in preparation. Two short versions of the film, mastered for the BBC Worldwide release, will now accompany the DD Video release, as will the colourized version. VCI were also planning to approach BBC Worldwide for their prepared materials so I supect they shall accompany their re-release in time, hopefully with the proposed Denis O'Dell / Michael Johns audio commentary commentary.

rediffusion

So is this being released this year?

DB7

There is a release scheduled for next month but I've no details.

JamesM

I was not asked to produce the proposed audio commentary I suggested. I have since found an asistant art director from the film.

bigkam

I'm curious if anyone has information on the Cratchit's other two daughters. I find it interesting as well that neither of the two were credited in the film, or anywhere else I have looked.

And certainly keep us posted on any news regarding your commentary. I'm very interested to hear it.

bigkam

I should also ask if you have found any additional info on Carol Marsh or Olga Edwardes. I know that IMDB continues to show they are alive and well (and from reading this board from time to time, that you posted this same question a while back), but could have just missed it. Are they still around?

JamesM

Yes indeed Carol Marsh and Olga Edwardes are still with us but neither were keen to be interviewed.

The commentary might still be on the cards. I never found out who the Cratchit daughters were. It does seem odd that the boys were credited and the girls not.

aaron

Thought i'd post this for those interested... This is a wonderful film, and Kathleen Harrison is superb!!!

'He who is not one up...Is one down'

bigkam

Good to hear they are still with us.

Out of curiosity, did you speak directly to those two when you were inquiring about an interview, or to representatives? I certainly find it interesting that people such as these seem to fall through the cracks as the years go by. And it's a shame they have turned down the interview request, because it would be neat to hear what they had to say.

John Hodson

So VCI has announced its R1 SE, and the extras looked to be culled largely from DDHE's R2:

Holiday favorite A Christmas Carol, starring Alastaire Sim as miserly Ebenezer Scrooge, arrives on October 23rd from VCI Entertainment in a new two-disc Ultimate Collector's Edition. Featuring a brand new high-def restored and remastered fullscreen transfer from the original 35mm negative, the disc also contains an optional fullscreen colorized and 16x9-enhanced B&W version for widescreen monitors.

Extras include an audio commentary by Marcus Hearn & George Cole, "Spirit of Christmas Past" (George Cole remembers Alastair Sim), "Richard Gordon Remembers George Minter & Renown Pictures" and "Charles Dickens: His Life & Times" featurettes, original British and U.S. trailers, Before & After restoration comparison, optional narrative track for the blind, photo & pressbook gallery, cast bios and the bonus 1935 movie "Scrooge" starring Seymour Hicks. Retail is $19.99.

Crayoned in and zoomed for widescreen versions; classy...

filmjournal.net/john

Focus 2

The colourised version was shown on Channel 5tv on Xmas Day 1998. The very thought of tampering with the film filled me with horror but I must say I was impressed with the results and gave the impression of how the film would've looked had it been made in colour in the first place. Congratulations to all concerned. I enjoyed it very much when viewed on an early '70s hybrid colour set.

Should it be issued on DVD a double pack featuring the original black and white film as produced and the colourised version would be nice.

ChristineCB

After all of these films are colorized, I hope the programmers will start doing CGI-replacements, wiping out some of the original actors and replacing them with modern ones. Sims replaced by Hugh Grant perhaps? I'm sure the colorization fans and supporters will love this technology, too.

smudge

Us Hammer fans were amazed when Carol Marsh was rolled out as the extra special surprise guest at HAMMER AT BRAY III the other Saturday. A marvellous surprise, and quite a coup it would seem.

Smudge

Welcome to my house. Enter freely, and of your own will...