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It's A Wonderful Life [DVD] [1946]
 
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It's A Wonderful Life [DVD] [1946]

DVD ~ James Stewart
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (158 customer reviews)

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Product details

  • Actors: James Stewart, Charles Lane, Charles Williams, Bob Scott, H.B. Warner
  • Directors: Frank Capra
  • Format: Black & White, PAL, Subtitled
  • Language English
  • Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
  • Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
  • Number of discs: 1
  • Classification: U
  • Studio: Universal Pictures UK
  • DVD Release Date: 10 Nov 2008
  • Run Time: 130 minutes
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (158 customer reviews)
  • ASIN: B000WOTTRE
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 8,039 in DVD (See Bestsellers in DVD)

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Reviews

Amazon.co.uk Review

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

Amazon.co.uk Review

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
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Customer Reviews

158 Reviews
5 star:
 (137)
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 (9)
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 (2)
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Average Customer Review
4.7 out of 5 stars (158 customer reviews)
 
 
 
 
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

 
31 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars If you're ever in need..., 9 Sep 2006
By Anna (London) - See all my reviews
(TOP 100 REVIEWER)   
This review is from: It's a Wonderful Life [1946] [DVD] (DVD)
This is one of those films that everyone assumes everyone else has seen. There's no way for me to extol its virtues in a way that hasn't already been done by the other reviewers, but maybe this is a new slant: if you're ever feeling low or scared, suffering from a broken heart or insomnia, and have that only-person-on-earth feeling, this film will singularly get you through. It won't necessarily make you cry, but it will leave you feeling comforted and safe, and that feeling is priceless. Jimmy Stewart was magical, and this is him at his best.
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43 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars BLU-RAY REVIEW, 2 Nov 2009
By AV1 - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   
This review is from: It's a Wonderful Life (Black & White and Colourised Versions) [Blu-ray] [1946] (Blu-ray)
It is with pleasure that I am writing a review about 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.

The only negative (for some people) about this release are 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. Some people may be a little dissapointed with this (others may not), but when I watched it I quickly forgot about it as I got wrapped up in the story!

Another thing is the lack of extras. Many consider this to be one of the greatest movies ever made so why do we have no worthwhile extras included. All that is included are the 2 versions of the film, an original trailer, trivia track and a picture comparison of the 2 versions. Even the documentary presented by Frank Capra Jr. that was on previous releases has been ommitted. There is of course the usual scene selections and animated menu as well as English subtitles. The case does have a cardboard sleeve if that is any help!

All in all a classic movie with 2 versions to satisfy different tastes. Definately worth a look!! Highly reccomended.
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43 of 45 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect to watch while you wrap Christmas presents, 23 Nov 2007
This film is an annual tradition for me - and one I really look forward to. Every year, once the tree is decorated, I watch this while I wrap presents and it always gets me in the perfect Christmas mood.
One of the best Christmas films ever! Just like seeing an old friend.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of both worlds
This movie is one of my all time favourites and a must for the whole family (and newcomers/guests) at every Christmas just like the turkey. Read more
Published 5 days ago by A. Robinson

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
The colour looks so good it's as though it has always been there.
Lovely film and great to be able to see it in colour, good to have the original as well.
Published 22 days ago by Debs

5.0 out of 5 stars Bawl in Colour
A coloured bawl bonanza. Everyone who complains should be made to see this and understand the impact of the message:'it may not get a whole lot better; but it could be an awful... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mr. Arthur L. Hancock

5.0 out of 5 stars Its a wonderful life
What a great DVD, you will need plenty of tissues though. The story has a really good moral message for the viewers. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Avril Wilson

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a Wonderful Life (Blu-ray version)
First about the film,a classic xmas film everyone should have this In there collection always gets me everytime I see It. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Brf Churchill

5.0 out of 5 stars SENTIMENTAL CLASSIC!
I WATCHED THIS OVER CHRISTMAS, IN COLOUR FOR THE FIRST TIME. IF ANYTHING, IT WAS EVEN BETTER THAN WATCHING THE ORIGINAL B&W VERSION. A SENTIMENTAL ALL TIME CLASSIC. LOVED IT.
Published 1 month ago by Mrs. S. A. Mckeeman

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a Wonderful Life
This film was really well done and I would recommend it to anyone. The original film lost nothing in its tranfer to Blu-ray infact it enhanced it. Well worth the price.
Published 1 month ago by J. M. Morris

5.0 out of 5 stars Its a wonderful life
What a great movie everyone should have this. It is even better now with colour and you cant see the joins
Published 1 month ago by John Manson

5.0 out of 5 stars Heart of Gold Beats Heart of Stone
...both literally and metaphorically.
Who could not love this film. I'm 6'1" and nearly 16 stone - I still cry like a baby every time I watch this. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mr. C. I. Taylor

4.0 out of 5 stars MAGNIFIQUE
MASTER EXCEPTIONNEL MAIS ATTENTION PAS DE VERSION FRANCAISE NI DE SOUS TITRE FRANCAIS ALORS QUE L'EDITION AMERICAINE ALL ZONE LES PROPOSES.....VRAIMENT DOMMAGE
Published 1 month ago by S. Roussel

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