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From Amazon.co.uk
Now perhaps the most beloved American film, It's a Wonderful Life was largely forgotten for years, due to a copyright quirk. Only in the late 1970s did it find its audience through repeated TV showings. Frank Capra's masterwork deserves its status as a feel-good communal event, but it is also one of the most fascinating films in the American cinema, a multilayered work of Dickensian density. George Bailey (played superbly by James Stewart) grows up in the small town of Bedford Falls, dreaming dreams of adventure and travel, but circumstances conspire to keep him enslaved to his home turf. Frustrated by his life, and haunted by an impending scandal, George prepares to commit suicide on Christmas Eve. A heavenly messenger (Henry Travers) arrives to show him a vision: what the world would have been like if George had never been born. The sequence is a vivid depiction of the American Dream gone bad, and probably the wildest thing Capra ever shot (the director's optimistic vision may have darkened during his experiences making military films in World War II). Capra's triumph is to acknowledge the difficulties and disappointments of life, while affirming--in the teary-eyed final reel--his cherished values of friendship and individual achievement. It's a Wonderful Life was not a big hit on its initial release, and it won no Oscars (Capra and Stewart were nominated); but it continues to weave a special magic. --Robert Horton
Product Description
Frank Capra directs this heartwarming Christmas fantasy. George Bailey (James Stewart) has spent his entire life in the small town of Bedford Falls. Despite his yearning to see the world, George has always sacrificed his personal ambitions for the sake of his family and the local community, settling down to marry his childhood sweetheart, Mary (Donna Reed), and raise a family. However, when a huge amount of money goes missing from the savings and loans company he panics and finds himself preparing to commit suicide. However, he is shown the error of this idea by Clarence (Henry Travers), an angel who has been sent to Earth in order to earn his wings. To this end, Clarence shows George just how badly Bedford Falls and its residents would have turned out had he never been born.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
213 of 224 people found the following review helpful
By AV1
Format:Blu-ray|Amazon Verified Purchase
This film is simply one of my favourite films of all time. The movie is timeless & inspirational. I cannot reccomend it highly enough.
Now for the blu-ray review. This release includes the original black & white release of the film and a recent colourised version.
BLACK AND WHITE VERSION: Taking into account that the film is over 60 years old there is little to no grain. The picture and (mono) sound is crystal clear. The restoration of the film is fantastic and it has never looked better.
COLOUR VERSION: I'm aware that a few people dislike the colourisation of classic b/w movies, certain films should never be colourised as they work better in b/w (e.g. psycho). However I've always felt that It's a wonderful life, being a festive film and everything, would benefit from a colour print (not that there was anything wrong in the original b/w version) as long as it was done properly and not have people with yellow skin, etc. This is by far the best example of colourisation I have ever seen. If you didn't know the film you would believe that it was shot in colour (and quite recently too).
Having both versions pleases both the nostalgics and new generations. Both versions are included on a single disc.
One thing worth noting is that the film is presented in it's original aspect ratio. Instead of black lines at the top and bottom of the screen we have black bars at the sides. Normally producers stretch the film out when releasing on dvd / blu-ray but have not done so here. I believe this was intended to make the picture clearer as stretching it out to fit modern widescreen TV's may have distorted the picture and it wouldn't have looked quite as sharp as it does.... Read more ›
Now for the blu-ray review. This release includes the original black & white release of the film and a recent colourised version.
BLACK AND WHITE VERSION: Taking into account that the film is over 60 years old there is little to no grain. The picture and (mono) sound is crystal clear. The restoration of the film is fantastic and it has never looked better.
COLOUR VERSION: I'm aware that a few people dislike the colourisation of classic b/w movies, certain films should never be colourised as they work better in b/w (e.g. psycho). However I've always felt that It's a wonderful life, being a festive film and everything, would benefit from a colour print (not that there was anything wrong in the original b/w version) as long as it was done properly and not have people with yellow skin, etc. This is by far the best example of colourisation I have ever seen. If you didn't know the film you would believe that it was shot in colour (and quite recently too).
Having both versions pleases both the nostalgics and new generations. Both versions are included on a single disc.
One thing worth noting is that the film is presented in it's original aspect ratio. Instead of black lines at the top and bottom of the screen we have black bars at the sides. Normally producers stretch the film out when releasing on dvd / blu-ray but have not done so here. I believe this was intended to make the picture clearer as stretching it out to fit modern widescreen TV's may have distorted the picture and it wouldn't have looked quite as sharp as it does.... Read more ›
90 of 95 people found the following review helpful
By Alias_Vegas
Format:DVD
This review is for all those looking to buy but who are concerned about the colourization of such a brilliant and classic film. Don't be. There is nothing on these pages other than one review (thank you Pring "x"), that makes it clear that this DVD has two discs - one with the colourized version and one containing the original. Sure, debate can be had about whether we should or should not be fussing with cinematic gold but here there is no need. You get both and you can choose. If you're a purist - brilliant. If you are someone that sneers at the idea of B&W and so have avoided watching this awesome movie - brilliant...you can now, and you'll be better for it.
Simply, this film is, without doubt, 5 stars. Full stop. In B&W it's tremendous and in colour it is tremendous. Buy this movie whether you are cool about black and white movies or whether you need a bit of colour. Its great either way and this DVD gives you both. Choose and enjoy.
Simply, this film is, without doubt, 5 stars. Full stop. In B&W it's tremendous and in colour it is tremendous. Buy this movie whether you are cool about black and white movies or whether you need a bit of colour. Its great either way and this DVD gives you both. Choose and enjoy.
73 of 78 people found the following review helpful
By Scully Bloke
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
Its hard to find anyone who hasnt seen this film, but yesterday my partner watched it for the first time and immediately fell in love with it. And that is 60 years on from when it was first released.
The film wasnt actually a big hit in 1947, it actually started to receive rave reviews much later in life when an administrative mistake meant that the copyright was lost and it was free to be aired on TV. The TV stations took in on board and it quickly grew to become a must see film every christmas.
There are many things that make this a fantastic film. The acting of James Stewart is brilliant, the casting of Donna Reed as Mary, and the supporting roles played by many of the other brilliant actors is spectaculor.
However its the story that 1 mans life and how it touches and changes other peoples lives that hold it in the nations hearts
The film wasnt actually a big hit in 1947, it actually started to receive rave reviews much later in life when an administrative mistake meant that the copyright was lost and it was free to be aired on TV. The TV stations took in on board and it quickly grew to become a must see film every christmas.
There are many things that make this a fantastic film. The acting of James Stewart is brilliant, the casting of Donna Reed as Mary, and the supporting roles played by many of the other brilliant actors is spectaculor.
However its the story that 1 mans life and how it touches and changes other peoples lives that hold it in the nations hearts
61 of 66 people found the following review helpful
By Pring
Format:DVD
At last this classic has been given the colour treatment and looks fantastic! The picture quality is amazing on both b/w and colour (this dvd set has both). The original will always be the best but to have a colour version as well is an unbelievable bonus. Buy and enjoy one of the best films ever made enhanced beautifully and perfectly. This is an absolute must have!
70 of 76 people found the following review helpful
By Aesop
Format:DVD
Good films have the power to inspire, amaze and leave audiences captivated.
Legendary films have the power to change lives and the way we as humans look at the world forever.
This is an unforgettable film. All Christians (who are devout and religious) ought to watch this film.
I am not Christian, nontheless this film had not only left me crying by the end, completely moved, but ultimately like George (the lead character)it prompted and encourgaed me to understand that all our lives no matter who we are or what we do are truly worth living. Maybe like George (and I know I may be spoiling it here), we should ask ourselves how many peoples' lives have 'I 'changed or influenced for the better. Maybe like George, we would only truly begin to appreciate life and see it as a miracle after our 'guardian angels' have descended from heaven and showed us what the world would be like if we hadn't been born.
A fundamentally simple, yet phenomenal film. It's power and beauty lies in utterly convincing us that life is worth living no matter what; as well as the potential, innate kindness, compassion laying deep within all our hearts as humans, and I can think of no higher praise for any film.
I would give this film a million stars if I could; I would 'lasso the moon' and give it not just stars but the whole moon if I could. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Legendary films have the power to change lives and the way we as humans look at the world forever.
This is an unforgettable film. All Christians (who are devout and religious) ought to watch this film.
I am not Christian, nontheless this film had not only left me crying by the end, completely moved, but ultimately like George (the lead character)it prompted and encourgaed me to understand that all our lives no matter who we are or what we do are truly worth living. Maybe like George (and I know I may be spoiling it here), we should ask ourselves how many peoples' lives have 'I 'changed or influenced for the better. Maybe like George, we would only truly begin to appreciate life and see it as a miracle after our 'guardian angels' have descended from heaven and showed us what the world would be like if we hadn't been born.
A fundamentally simple, yet phenomenal film. It's power and beauty lies in utterly convincing us that life is worth living no matter what; as well as the potential, innate kindness, compassion laying deep within all our hearts as humans, and I can think of no higher praise for any film.
I would give this film a million stars if I could; I would 'lasso the moon' and give it not just stars but the whole moon if I could. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christmas Film
What can be said about this wonderful film, It's A Wonderful Life, great actors, great story line. And the bonus is you get the B/W film and the Color version, so you can watch... Read more
Published 6 days ago by s,p.ellis
4.0 out of 5 stars
Reviews say its good
Havent watched this film yet, am saving it for near christmas. It has fantastic reviews, never heard of anyone not liking it, so will let you know in December ;-)
Published 11 days ago by Susie
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Present
Ordered as a present and a film I had always intended to purchase, it was easy to get and arrived promptly
Published 14 days ago by richard musgrave
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good brief 'extras' on the DVD
Know the film well, so pleased to own it!
In extra on the disc, good history of the story , and marketing and popularity of the film, which I found interesting. Read more
In extra on the disc, good history of the story , and marketing and popularity of the film, which I found interesting. Read more
Published 17 days ago by Morebrightness
5.0 out of 5 stars
wonderful!
Jimmy Stewart's first film after serving as a bomber pilot over Europe in WW2, and his favourite film. It is warm and human, as opposed to his earlier experience!
Published 21 days ago by Mike
5.0 out of 5 stars
It's a Wonderful Christmas Movie
Beautiful film, have to watch it every year, even more so now because my partner proposed to me whilst we were watching this one!! Read more
Published 22 days ago by L. Williams
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant.
Watched it last week, middle of May and now we are already in the Christmas spirit...Merry Christmas. Oh, every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings....
Published 25 days ago by Mr Hypercritical
5.0 out of 5 stars
five plus stars
This is a wonderful film. It explores the question 'what if I'd never been born?' Perhaps we don't all have the impact that George has on his community but makes you realise... Read more
Published 29 days ago by Dm Harrison
5.0 out of 5 stars
Still as good as it was
Still as good as it was first time I watched it. They don't make 'em like this any more - pity. I had the VHS which has now been passed to a care home, but could not bear to be... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mr Paul Herring
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely film
Lovely film. Everyone should watch it. This film will be watched many more times over the years. A tear jerker.
Published 1 month ago by paule
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