A Christmas Story: 20th Anniversary

This 20th anniversary two-disc set celebrates 1983's family 1940s-era classic about a young boy's hilariously hectic holiday, based on writings by Jean Shepherd. From the first moment nine-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) spies the store window display for a Red Ryder Air Rifle, all he can think about is the BB gun--despite warnings from nearly every adult (parents, teacher, Santa, etc.) that “you'll shoot your eye out!” Between holiday preparations with his family, constant daydreams (Ralphie inserts himself into imaginative scenarios as hero, victim, or genius), and dodging yellow-eyed bully Scut Farkus, Ralphie always keeps his eyes on the prize--which he ultimately receives…and narrowly misses shooting his eye out. Memorable moments include the tongue-on-flagpole triple-dog-dare, Ralphie's pink bunny suit, the dad's leggy lamp, a visit to Santa, Ralphie's erroneous use of the “f-word” (and subsequent soap mouthwash), Christmas dinner at a Chinese restaurant, and me and my brother Chris's personal favorite when we watched this (repeatedly) as kids: Ralphie's dad's mistaken interpretation of a package marked "fragile" (“Fraj-eel-ay? Must be Italian!”). Extra features include audio commentary by Billingsley and director Bob Clark, the retrospective documentary “Another Christmas Story,” a “Triple Dog Dare” interactive trivia challenge, readings by Shepherd from his novel In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash, a “Decoder” challenge with quote-to-scene matching segments, and five-minute featurettes for “Daisy Red Ryder: A History” and “The Leg Lamp: A Shining Light of Freedom.” A nicely souped-up package for a staple of the Christmas season, this is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. (J. Williams)[DVD Review—Nov. 11, 2008—Warner, 2 discs, 93 min., PG, $39.98—Making its latest appearance on DVD, 1983's A Christmas Story sports a great transfer and Dolby Digital mono sound. While the extras are virtually identical to the 2003 double-disc release, this version is bundled with non-DVD goodies, including a 48-page recipe book with festive film photos, five cookie cutters inspired by the film, and a chef's apron, all packed inside a decorative tin canister. Bottom line: if you own the 2003 release, you don't need this one—unless you're looking for a gift to give.]