Mickey's Christmas Carol

Newly re-released as part of Disney's animation collection of classic short films, this 1983 adaptation—a perennial favorite—of the Charles Dickens novella features Disney characters, with Alan Young (Mister Ed) as the voice of Ebenezer Scrooge McDuck. Miserly misanthrope Scrooge intimidates his anxious employee Bob Cratchit (portrayed by Mickey Mouse), shoots down his young nephew Fred's invitation for a holiday dinner, and isn't all that fazed by a vision of the ghost of his former partner Marley (a chuckling Goofy), who warns that Scrooge will be visited by three spirits. Scrooge learns lessons from Jiminy Cricket, who takes him to scenes from Christmas past (during which he first became stingy), and Willie the Giant (from Mickey and the Beanstalk), who shows Scrooge the ill effects of his tightfisted ways on Cratchit's ailing son Tiny Tim. But the old duck really starts to come around during a hellish sequence featuring Disney villain Pete chomping a cigar and predicting that Scrooge will end up a lonely man in an early grave. Also including the 1978 Nativity ode “The Small One,” the 1952 short “Pluto's Christmas Tree” (starring mischievous chipmunk duo Chip and Dale), and the 1932 Silly Symphonies entry “Santa's Workshop,” this festive compilation is highly recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams-Wood)[Blu-ray/DVD Combo Review—Nov. 19, 2013—Walt Disney, 58 min., G, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $36.99—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1983's Mickey's Christmas Carol is presented with an overly-digitally-scrubbed transfer and Dolby Digital stereo. Extras include five bonus animated shorts: “Yodelberg,” “The Hockey Champ,” “Pluto's Christmas Tree,” “The Art of Skiing,” and “Corn Chips” (33 min. total), a “Disney Intermission” option for viewers to sing Christmas carols with Mickey and friends, and bonus DVD and digital copies of the film. Bottom line: although the video transfer is disappointing, this two-fer presentation of a beloved Disney holiday title is still recommended.]