Adaptation: Starring Marc Wenke, and featuring the Bonn Ballet
Dates and Places of Earliest Release:
1992 Germany
2007 U.S.A.
Format Reviewed: live-action film, on DVD
Runtime: 59 minutes
Availability:
As of February 16, 2021, copies of this film, on DVD, are available, online, for approximately $15 U.S. Dollars.
Is this adaptation reverent?
Not particularly.
Does this adaptation mention "God" or "Christ"?
No, there is no singing or talking in this adaptation, just instrumental music, dancing, acting, and pantomiming.
Does this adaptation include the phrase "God bless us...?"
No.
What does my wife think of this adaptation?
She hates musicals, and refuses to watch any part of this adaptation.
Where and when does this adaptation take place?
Victorian England.
What language and/or dialects are used?
This adaptation does not follow the original novel very well. It's hard to follow at all. It's a combination of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. Fortunately, it is filmed with credits as subtitles for four of the actors: Marc Wenke, who plays Ebenezer Scrooge; Paul Boyd (Bob Cratchit); Joyce Cuoco (Clara Cratchit); and Anna Vita (Mrs. Cratchit). Also fortunate, is that the DVD comes with a program which lists scene selections, to help the viewer understand what they're looking at.
The story begins in a town with several buildings, where men dressed like British soldiers dance ballet in the streets. One of the buildings has a sign which reads "Drosselmeyer Toys"; another reads "Scrooge and Marley Investment Co." Marley's name is crossed out. I think the gist of this scene is that, while Bob treasures newspaper to burn, Scrooge treasures the currency he counts in his counting house.
Another scene shows Scrooge going to bed at 9:30, after checking the safe in his home. At midnight, he receives a rude awakening by the Devil and his minions, who put him in chains. There are a couple glimpses of a man whom I presume is Jacob Marley.
Then a young woman with gray hair shows up and sends the Devil and his minions away. Then another young woman dances with a young man. I'm guessing this is young Scrooge with his fiancée.
Another scene shows Scrooge getting nine girls out of one bed and giving them Christmas presents. Spanish and Russian dances are performed, as well as a Thai long nail dance. Harlequins dance around a young woman dressed like a clown in a box.
Back in town, finally, there is a grand finale.
What language and/or dialects are used?
N/A
How closely does this adaptation follow the original novel, by Charles Dickens?This adaptation does not follow the original novel very well. It's hard to follow at all. It's a combination of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol. Fortunately, it is filmed with credits as subtitles for four of the actors: Marc Wenke, who plays Ebenezer Scrooge; Paul Boyd (Bob Cratchit); Joyce Cuoco (Clara Cratchit); and Anna Vita (Mrs. Cratchit). Also fortunate, is that the DVD comes with a program which lists scene selections, to help the viewer understand what they're looking at.
The story begins in a town with several buildings, where men dressed like British soldiers dance ballet in the streets. One of the buildings has a sign which reads "Drosselmeyer Toys"; another reads "Scrooge and Marley Investment Co." Marley's name is crossed out. I think the gist of this scene is that, while Bob treasures newspaper to burn, Scrooge treasures the currency he counts in his counting house.
Another scene shows Scrooge going to bed at 9:30, after checking the safe in his home. At midnight, he receives a rude awakening by the Devil and his minions, who put him in chains. There are a couple glimpses of a man whom I presume is Jacob Marley.
Then a young woman with gray hair shows up and sends the Devil and his minions away. Then another young woman dances with a young man. I'm guessing this is young Scrooge with his fiancée.
Another scene shows Scrooge getting nine girls out of one bed and giving them Christmas presents. Spanish and Russian dances are performed, as well as a Thai long nail dance. Harlequins dance around a young woman dressed like a clown in a box.
Back in town, finally, there is a grand finale.
Is this adaptation a prequel or a sequel?
No.
Is this adaptation supernatural?
Yes, this adaptation is supernatural, with at least one ghost, the Devil, demons, and at least one goddess or angel, who banishes them.
Is this adaptation "framed"?
Yes, this adaptation is framed as a man's dreams.
Is this adaptation a musical?
Yes.
What songs and/or dances are included?
This is a musical, by Tchaikovsky, and a ballet, with several international influences, including Russian, Spanish, and Thai.
How attractive and effective is the visual art?
How attractive and effective is the visual art?
The set, wardrobe, and art are excellent. I found the extra wide, rolling, twirling bed particularly amazing!
How creative and intense are the transitions, especially when "the Scrooge" is taken from one time and/or place to another?
How creative and intense are the transitions, especially when "the Scrooge" is taken from one time and/or place to another?
The transitions are well done. I don't remember any annoying special effects, but the camera work and film editing are excellent. For example, the head shots of the principle actors with subtitles
to indicate their names and the names of the characters they play...
Also, the camera zoomed in on the signs on the buildings, and on the
clock to show time advancing more quickly than in reality, and what time it was...
What aerial and/or nap-of-the-earth footage is included?
N/A
What use is made of background extras?
Adequate use is made of background extras.
What is the most remarkable thing about this adaptation?
The most remarkable things about this adaptation are, perhaps, that it doesn't include any singing or talking, and that it's a combination of The Nutcracker and A Christmas Carol.
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD?
What bonus material is included on the tape or DVD?
Scene selection is available on the DVD, and a hard copy program is included.
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