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DVD Review

An example of an early DVD release, A Christmas Story fails to take advantage of the DVD format.  This is not surprising for any early 1980s movie, especially one with an obviously low budget, such as A Christmas Story.  The fact that this movie earned a "2" in picture quality should be weighed against the fact that this is a "2" rating in DVD standards.  This places it at or above the best VHS recording.  The transfer is sharp and clear, but it's obvious that the original lacked today's digital mastering quality.

Menus are minimal as are features.  The direct scene access is thorough and welcome.  The Original Theatrical Trailer, while I'm glad it's included, is really a terrible trailer.  This version is in standard, full-screen only.   Audio quality is poor, as it was in the theatre, with mono only sound, and sometimes muffled dialogue.

Despite the lack of DVD features, this movie was and is great on VHS and is even better on DVD.  The strength in this film is the story, not the effects.

Movie Review

A Christmas Story is the story of 9-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) and his day-to-day life amidst his quest for the ultimate Christmas gift during the 1940s in a small Indiana town.  This simple plot line manages to encompass the spirit of Christmas, elementary school social order, bullies, parental conflict, childhood punishment and just about everything else relevant to a child's life in a clever and funny package.

The character choices, acting and scripting in this story come together in a perfect synergy to make a lasting impact on any child who has grown up in or around small-town America.  Memorable lines such as "Double-dog dare you!" and "Ho, Ho, Ho..." will burn themselves into your memory after just one dose of this film -- but you'll be back for more.

Ralphie's story begins as he yearns for a "Genuine Red Ryder Carbine Action Two-Hundred Shot Lightning Loader Range Model Air Rifle" -- truly the ultimate Christmas gift for a 9-year-old boy in the 1940's.  His quest for this gift will meet opposition at home, at school and even by the jolly old man himself.  In the span of what seems to be a few weeks, Ralphie manages to grow up a bit, write an epic "theme", weather a family battle, win a fight, suck on a little hand-soap, get a "sweet" new outfit, become a code-breaker, break some eyeglasses and learn a little more about the meaning of Christmas.

We are guided skillfully through this story by the wonderful narration of   the adult Ralphie, whose voice and inflections mesh perfectly with the rest of the film. 

Will Ralphie get his Red Ryder BB-gun?  Watch and find out. 

Note:  While it is strange to me, this movie does not appeal to everyone.   Generally, people agree that it is hilarious, or rather dull and unappealing.   Basically, you either relate to this movie, or you don't.  A friend of mine recently stated that this movie didn't impress him.  I certainly respect this opinion, even though it is plainly wrong.   Give it a shot, though, you may be pleasantly surprised.