It's A Wonderful Life

One Christmas Eve, thirty years ago give or take, I woke up the house because I was watching "It's a Wonderful Life" on late night television (which was the only way to see it at that time) and as George Bailey ran back to the bridge to tell Clarence that he wanted to live again the station went to a commercial break. As Kenneth Burke said a long time ago, form is the creation of an appetite and the satisfying of that appetite in the mind of an audience. So there I was, getting all ready to start weeping when the snow starts to fall again, and suddenly I am being bombarded with commercials for the sort of projects that are only advertised in the middle of the night. One reason to own your own copy is that not only can you control the breaks, but you can also watch it any time you need a little Christmas. The general consensus is that "It's a Wonderful Life" is a timeless holiday classic, a black & white movie that NBC is proudly airing tonight on Christmas Eve once again, because of the point that Clarence Oddbody, AS2 makes to George when he tell him, "Remember, George: no man is a failure who has friends." The point is underscored as the film's benediction when Clarence writes that reminder in the copy of Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" and when Harry Bailey proposes a toast to his big brother George as "the richest man in town." The grand irony here is that the only person who does not know these things ends up being George Bailey himself, and the fact that Jimmy Stewart is perfect in the role does not hurt either. But I would contend that "It's a Wonderful Life" is also a timeless classic for the simple reason that it makes you cry even more the second time around. Once you have seen Frank Capra's 1946 film you cannot help but notice how everything in the nightmare sequence is set up earlier in the movie. Certainly you remember what happened with Mr. Gower and when Harry fell through the ice, but the first time through did you pick when Mary said she married George to keep from being an old maid? Once you know the story the whole opening litany of prayers ("Something's the matter with daddy") can get you chocked up. For me I lose it when young Mary leans over into George's bad ear and says, "George Bailey, I'll love you 'till the day I die" (and not because I am deaf in one ear either, but because I am a hopeless romantic). Like so many of the director's classic "Capra-corn" films, namely "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town," and "Meet John Doe," the story of George Bailey is basically a crucifixion story. Voltaire once said that the crucifix represents the wise man assassinated, and in each of those films there is certainly a point where the hero is symbolically crucified in public: to wit, the impeachment in the Senate, the competency hearing, and the mass rally. But only George Bailey actually descends into Hell as he sees what the world would have been like if he had never been born. Such stories have become a commonplace on television ("Smallville" did it for Lex Luthor earlier this month and I have fond memories of the one "Moonlighting" did), and there are countless movies in which the main character gets a chance to see the road not taken. The genre goes back at least to "A Christmas Carol," but whereas Ebenezer Scrooge is the ancestor of Mr. Potter, George Bailey has always lived a good life. George is so selfless he claims he was the one that lost the money when he goes to Mr. Potter for help. The guy cannot help but do the right thing. Granted, there are some imperfections in this divine film, just as a Persian carpet always contains a flaw. For me the initial levity of Clarence as a blinking star is a bit too cute after the stage is set up by the people of Bedford Falls on bended knee entreating for divine intervention for George. But once Henry Travers shows up as Clarence in person that is rectified (I like the way he tells George, "You've never been born," as if what was about to happen was the most natural thing in the world. However, the errors I recall now with regards to this film are my own. The first couple of times I saw the film I thought that Mr. Potter showed up at the end to join in the festivities because the magic of Christmas was such that even his heart grew to the right size. For years I was convinced that when they are searching Uncle Billy's hovel for the missing money and it looks like somebody will be going to prison that George not only says "It's not going to be me," but adds "for once in my life it is not going to be me." The romance between Stewart's George and Donna Reed's Mary stands on its own: you could do a movie that ends with them on their wedding night and have a winner. Still, the reason that the ending is so glorious is that "It's a Wonderful Life" gets really dark before the dawn. The extreme closeup that Capra shoots of Stewart when the enormity of the fall hits George is absolutely harrowing, as is the terror in his face when the spinster Mary collapses and George has totally lost it, because we understand exactly what that means. In the end we come back to Clarenece's message because George's only problem is that he does not know this simple and profound truth (and because Mary and the people of Bedford Falls have taken care of the missing money regardless of Clarence's intervention). That is why this is a wonderful movie.

this movie is one of the best of its time it carries a Christmas movie moniker but it really isn't a Christmas movie although you can show it at Christmas time and it fits very well because this movie is offered in both color and black-and-white I feel it's time for a little history about this movie the fact is for political reasons this picture nearly wasn't made Frank Capra fell in love with this script he didn't really want to make a politically charged movie but that's what it ended up being you see the movie was written from the point of view of the Working Man and there's an awful lot of speech is that George Bailey gives that come off from the working man's point of view and aren't very complimentary of the banking industry so the political climate at the time these were fighting words and very unpopular so the funding for this movie was almost impossible to come by Frank Capra ended up having to finance it himself largely if not completely some of the details are a little foggy so because color was so drastically expensive it had to be shot in black and white the money just wasn't there to shoot it in Technicolor and the fact is that any movie shot in black-and-white meant time was strictly a financial reasoning not artistic decisions were made to shoot in black and white as was the case with any movie that wasn't expected to make the production cost back that it took the shooting color if you were to go back in time and offer the seed money to have these movie shot and color believe me they would have shot them in color it was not an artistic at all if you'll take the time to read your history you'll find out that I'm telling you the truth so all of this controversy about colorized movies really is quite laughable there's only 1 person I know of the shot in black and white for artistic reasons Woody Allen Mel Brooks in Young Frankenstein shot in black and white because the movie he was spoofing he was spoofing was originally shot in black and white shooting Young Frankenstein in color would have been totally inappropriate now onto the movie It's a Wonderful Life this is one of Jimmy Stewart's finest pictures and if you're Jimmy Stewart fan it's a must the transfer of this movie is absolutely excellent 1080p does it justice it literally jumps off the screen the sound is excellent the movie is blemishless remastering was a masterpiece Frank Capra is a genius and this movie is one of his finest works In almost anyone's opinion this is a must-have for anyone that serious about collecting these kinds movies the colorized version is excellent and 1080p makes it look even better you will not go wrong in buying this movie having both in the same package for this price and 1080p you just can't go wrong I bought this movie right before Christmas and Amazon delivered it on time intact and for a good price that you can't beat that please forgive my history lesson but I'm getting a little tired of hearing about the controversy about colorizing movies it's not like they're destroying the original black-and-white Masters when they do it they're not if you don't want to watch the colorized version give it away to somebody but this movie is a bargain at this price having both on two separate discs and not one on top of the other that's a disaster it's an absolutely excellent shot of Americana and frankly I'm a history nut and it's a pretty doggone accurate slice of Americana everyone should know what those times were like besides the movie is super entertaining warm and heartfelt I highly recommend it thank you for taking the time to read my review if you did I hope it's helpful

Favorite Christmas Movie. Arrived soon after I ordered it.

“IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” is the 1947 heartwarming movie classic, produced and directed by Frank Capra. We are lucky to now enjoy this wonderful film in natural color and clarity that past moviegoers didn’t have. Each actor in the iconic cast was born to play their role. The story is essentially a cohesive series of emotional vignettes that cogently illustrate our human need for love and compassion. And this is skillfully accomplished without preaching or beating us over the head with moralism. We see that negative emotions such as anger and greed are just temporary speed bumps in our road to greater wisdom. For example, we feel Mr. Gower’s painful remorse after slapping young George, and then realizing the kid had just saved a customer’s life and the druggist’s reputation. And we almost feel sorry for Mr. Potter knowing that greed is his sad attempt to fill his loveless life with material things. Even adult George’s anger at zuzu’s teacher had more to do with his own frustration at the sudden loss of $8,000 and facing bankruptcy, than with the teacher’s alleged misbehavior. Being human, George Bailey had allowed negative events to temporarily overwhelm his normal optimistic perspective… until he finally realized that the most important thing in his life was NOT the dream of building bridges of steel and concrete, but rather the reality of human bridges made of unconditional love from his family and friends…which triggered his desire to live again. And during the climactic scene, who didn’t feel the love when the police official ripped up the arrest warrant, and the bank examiner donated to George’s bank fund? Alive with drama, warmth, humor, and wit, the cinematic masterpiece “It’s A Wonderful Life” was based on a short story “THE GREATEST GIFT”, written by author/historian PHILIP VAN DOREN STERN in 1939. He privately published 200 copies as a booklet in 1943. And he distributed a synopsis of his book as a Christmas card to his friends. Philip’s story was based on a dream that he had after reading Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. Phil’s book deserves greater recognition today for its own merit, and because it was the inspiration for Frank Capra’s universally acclaimed movie. Angel first class Clarence was recently overheard saying: “If Charles had never been born, Philip’s book “The Greatest Gift” would not have been written, and Frank’s movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” would not exist today. We all need each other for inspiration and unconditional love, which is indeed the greatest gift!”

The original black & white version of this film is glorious. One of the best movies of all time. However, someone came up with an “abridged” version that cuts out the most pivotal scenes. Why? Because of some copyright issues. Money. DO NOT WATCH THE ABRIDGED VERSION. I cannot stress that enough. Only watch the full-length version with all scenes intact. If you prefer color, by all means go enjoy the full-length colorized version of the original. It’s a nice variation, especially if you don’t like b&w films. But by no means should you EVER consider the abridged version! As a side note, I have no idea why Amazon would show the same reviews for both of these versions. It’s so misleading! You’ll see all these 5-star reviews on the abridged version without realizing they were given for the original and not the abridged version. I’m posting this on the original b&w version. If you’re seeing it on the abridged version, that’s not where I put it! Amazon, please stop misleading people by combining reviews for different versions. Better yet, immediately remove and stop distributing or promoting the abridged version. The abridged version of this movie is an atrocity.

There are over 2 thousand reviews on Amazon for this movie with the majority giving it 5 stars. There is a reason for the rating, obviously. This is a timeless film that captures the idea of family and its importance in the community. It is not about politics or religion. It's about how any family member has influence on each of its members and the community as a whole. It takes a family and a village, to paraphrase. Intellectualizing aside this emotional film moves me like no other. It says as an individual we are relied upon for the some of the biggest issues and the smallest issues in other lives. It shows us how one person can make a difference in one person's life or many lives. Simply by being we change the time line of our world in a emotional and human way. It is a charming and sweet view of difficult times and how those individuals cope or might have coped if one person was never alive to connect. I feel that emotionally the film gets it right as the main character moves from frustration to despair as local events close in on and bear down on him. Little things in his life, (the loose finial ball on top of the stair case post.) irritate him so easily. This is noticed by his family and wife as a seem- ingly easy going, happy-go-lucky guy who has everything in the world, takes a downward spiral. There is only one option, he thinks, that will help his family and his community. The actual historical time line in the film is a bit skewed but most films always play fast and loose with facts to simply get across an emotional idea. That's okay because if you are watching this film and noticing that historical facts are not in line then you are not experiencing the film. Just sit back and enjoy it for gosh sake. It was made as entertainment and to present an emotional idea about the individual and community. Interestingly this film did not do well when it was released on December 25, 1946. Like some films they need to age a bit before an audience is found and a cult status emerges. It got mixed reviews, 5 Oscar nominations, won none and was a box office receipt failure. Of the 400 plus films released that year it came in number 26. It was not until the 70's and 80's, with repeated holiday viewings during those 2 decades, that helped create this film as an "instant classic". If you do not have this on any media, get it. It is worth watching this film any time of the year. But with the coming holiday it is a must see for the entire family. So cozy up, pop the popcorn, pour the eggnog, a big blanket with the family and prepare to be entertained and elated beyond belief.

Have tape needed dvd it is wonderful.

* BLU-RAY UPDATE 2 of 2 - The October 2016 two-disc 70th Anniversary Platinum edition of "It's A Wonderful Life" Blu-ray is an outright duplicate of the November 2009 two-disc Blu-ray edition of "It's A Wonderful Life" - with the EXACT same extras and features. The 2016 edition comes with new packaging that describes itself as a "Platinum Edition" - which in my view, is a marketing gimmick to lure buyers into thinking this re-issue is different from what we got in 2009. In fact, with the 2016 "Platinum" issue - nothing has been added, modified, enhanced or subtracted from 2009. As such, the 2009 Blu-ray issue is still the gold standard for this title - no matter how often the packaging changes - until something significantly new or different is released to customers. * BLU-RAY UPDATE 1 of 2 - The November 2009 two-disc Blu-ray edition of "It's A Wonderful Life" contains both the black-and-white and colorized versions of this film in high definition - and is configured similarly to the standard definition "Two-Disc Collector's DVD Set" that was issued in November 2007. There are four notable differences: 1) The very few audio defects from the 60th Anniversary Edition black-and-white DVD edition that was issued in October 2006 have been wiped clean, thus making this 2009 two-disc Blu-ray the new "gold standard" for this title. 2) The old, 14-minute "A Personal Remembrance" featurette memorializing the passing of director Frank Capra in 1991 - with interviews from Capra himself and from actor James Stewart and hosted by Frank Capra, Jr. - has been dropped from the 2009 Blu-ray. 3) The subtitles on both Blu-ray discs have been replaced with a sharper white typeface that looks better on high-definition TVs. 4) A second set of subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing (SDH) has also been added to both Blu-ray discs. * All other special extras, i.e., the 1990 standard definition "The Making of 'It's A Wonderful Life'" featurette hosted by Tom Bosley - and a re-release theatrical trailer now rendered in high definition (but not cleaned) - have been carried over to the 2009 two-disc Blu-ray . * As the cost of Blu-ray players and discs continues to fall through the floor, more buyers are taking the plunge and replacing selected titles in their DVD libraries with high-definition Blu-ray discs. Although the Blu-ray edition DOES boast the sharpest images to date - in my view, it's not necessary to make the upgrade. There IS a difference in image quality between the DVD and the Blu-ray - but it's not dramatic enough (especially if you're already using an upscaling DVD player) - to junk your 2006 or 2007 DVDs of this title. Also note that this film is presented on Blu-ray in its original 1:37:1 semi-square aspect ratio format. Like "Gone With the Wind," "Casablanca," and the equally wonderful "The Best Years of Our Lives" - the latter which beat "It's A Wonderful Life" as the Best Picture of 1946 - this film was NEVER shot with wide screen cameras. ============================================= ORIGINAL 2006 and 2008 PRODUCT REVIEWS BELOW. ============================================= * Rather than review the content of this almost universally beloved film, I'm just going to comment about the quality of the 2006 60th Anniversary Edition DVD itself. I've since written an updated review about a new edition of this title, now available in a "Two-Disc Collector's Set." Please find that review -- which was posted on December 13, 2008. (Amazon has posted my 2006 review in both places -- even though the "60th Anniversary Edition" DVD is DIFFERENT from the "Two-Disc Collector's Set" . Read my write-up for the "Two-Disc Collector's Set" -- to better decide which product you prefer.) * I've owned nearly every version of this title in almost every format available on home video during the past 25 years. It's true that the CONTENT of this Viacom/Paramount DVD -- including its special features -- is identical to the Republic Pictures Home Video release more than 10 years ago. * However, this 60th Anniversary edition is spectacular for several different and extremely important reasons. (I'll address the criticisms some people have leveled about the sound on this 2006 DVD in a little bit, so stick with me.) * You don't have to be a technical expert to immediately notice the striking improvement of the picture AND sound in this 2006 edition. The print is crystal-clear and in my view, has more vividness and sharpness than ALL other previous releases of this title on home video. * Proof? I put my "old" THX-version DVD issued by Republic Pictures / Artisan Home Video (the former DVD gold standard for this title) -- into my Sony multi-changer DVD player -- and watched and listened to every frame of this film AND its special features. I stopped and started this "older" DVD in several spots -- and stopped and started the new 2006 Paramount edition repeatedly -- so I could compare quality almost "side-by-side." * Hands down -- this 2006 version is fabulous. The spots and dirt have been wiped clean, the sharpness and contrast are arguably better than what film audiences saw 60 years ago. There are no ragged spots, no jumped frames and no lint, fiber or hair fragments along the edges or jumping across the screen. I believe the technicians at Paramount (which acquired Republic Pictures Home Video) -- digitally cleaned EVERY frame of the last DVD release -- so that the film now looks like a million dollars. It's almost too pristine, if there is such a thing. No jump cuts, no "jump ahead" sound breaks, no fogged-out scenes, nothing ragged -- with the result being the cleanest and purest version of "It's A Wonderful Life" ever issued in home video history. * It gets better. English subtitles were available on older DVD versions of this title, but the 2006 version has a cleaner typeface, wiping out some of the confusing and unnecessary attributions of "who's saying what" that were disruptive to some hearing-impaired viewers. In this 2006 version, you'll get a mostly straight, line-by-line reading of what's being said -- as it's being said. * Meanwhile, the DVD's special features - which includes the same pair of documentaries produced in 1990 and 1991 - are identical in that they were shot on video tape hence there isn't much improvement in picture quality. However, subtitles that WERE NOT available for these special features - are NOW available in this 2006 edition. The only "extra" that remains unchanged - is the original 1946 trailer. Subtitles are not available and it has the same raggedness and dirt commonly seen with vintage trailers stored separately from the films they used to advertise. * I'm highly critical of re-issued DVDs that seem nothing more than an excuse to squeeze more dollars out of buyers for the same material with new packaging. But this 2006 Paramount DVD version of "It's A Wonderful Life" is the best to date. It is NOT in color. (I own a colorized version for younger people who can't stand black-and-white. Despite controversy surrounding colorization, know that the 2007 "Two-Disc Collector's Set" has the same 2006 60th Anniversary black-and-white edition you see here - plus a new "colorized" version. This version uses the same pristine print - but has the added bonus of boasting the best "color" hues ever seen for this film, using the latest image technology available. Despite my preference for black-and-white, the quality of this new colorized version is impressive.) * Meanwhile, let's address the criticisms about the sound on this new DVD. Go back a little bit. Much was made when Republic Pictures Home Video got the THX LucasFilm sound system seal of approval for "It's A Wonderful Life" during the 1990s. But it was still two-channel mono with negligible equalization of sound effects. In this 2006 DVD, you'll get consistent two-channel mono and decent sound equalization to minimize "booming" and over-modulated portions in the film. In the old versions, you had to turn down the volume a notch during the musical portions -- and turn it back up when the dialogue came back. It's a nit-pick, but you really notice the difference if you're crazy enough to do a side-by-side comparison like I did. * As for the digital sound "pops" that perfectionists keep bringing up -- they're right. They're even in the spots noted by another fine reviewer who listed time codes where you can find them. But in my view, unless you brace yourselves for them to arrive like a booming train - unless you purposely crank up your speakers to carry sound throughout your house - yeah, you "might" be annoyed if you demand the same perfection for a film made in 1946 as you would for a film made in 2006. Honestly, the disproportionate attention given to these digital "pops" is, in my view, giving fence-sitters the impression that they're supersonic cracks of lightning that will make people jump out of their seats. I didn't twitch at all. They almost "blended" into the 60-year-old soundtrack. Yes, I know they're digital defects, but do you remember the zillion "pops" scattered throughout dirty prints of "It's A Wonderful Life" with filthy optical soundtracks? The audio on this 2006 DVD still wins. You have EVERY RIGHT to demand perfection for your dollars. But as a person who's more fastidious than average - I don't believe most buyers will care about a few "pops" in a film that's this old. Combine the overall improvements with the relatively low cost of this DVD - and I still say this is the BEST experience of "It's A Wonderful Life" I've ever SEEN and HEARD on home video. * Finally, another reason to buy this DVD. It's old news to some, but it's not widely known that this version of "It's A Wonderful Life" can only be broadcast by NBC. It used to air a zillion times during the holidays on every TV station on earth. It was a quick way to get tired of even a super film you think you know by heart. But Viacom/Paramount now owns this version of "It's A Wonderful Life" and NBC has exclusive licensing rights to air it just once or twice after Thanksgiving. This is a good thing for future generations to appreciate. * So junk the old, buy this version and be happy. It may feel painful, but it's worth it. And no, I DON'T work for Amazon NOR for Paramount Home Video.