Search - Diva's Christmas Carol on DVD

A Christmas Carol for the Musically Oriented

Darren | Jersey Shore, NJ USA | 12/12/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A witty, musical new twist on the old classic, this VH1 production casts Vanessa Williams as a miserly and grinchy "Ebony Scrooge,". Ebony was once part of a popular 80s singing trio, but after one of the trio is killed in an auto accident, Ebony embarks on a solo career characterized by extreme narcissism and greed. While in New York for a "charity" concert, designed to benefit no one but herself, Ebony is visited by four spirits who want to make her change her wicked ways. Suddenly Susan's Kathy Griffin gives a noteworthy performance as the sarcastic, tongue and cheek spirit of Christmas Past. Also making appearances are TLC's Chilli, John Taylor from Duran Duran, Brian McKnight and Nile Rogers.Williams acting isn't the most fluid but her singing is superb. Her articulate vocals in the Christmas songs she sings in this movie provide some great "built in" holiday music videos. The "Sleigh Ride" sequence will quickly get you into the holiday spirit and the "Heartquake" sequence provides some humorous musical 80's nostaligia. Vanessa Williams holiday musical numbers from this movie would make a great Christmas soundtrack and I'm very surprised VH 1 hasn't already released and marketed it. Overall, those who love music, Christmas and/or the vocals of Vanessa Williams, will enjoy this fun remake of a treasured holiday classic."

A Well Updated Classic

Christina Dougherty | Orlando, FL USA | 12/26/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I thoroughly enjoyed this version of "A Christmas Carol" for many different reasons. The main reason being that I own several versions of "A Christmas Carol" and I find that this is the ONLY one that allows characters to act like real people. Bob Cractchett DOES stand up for himself, though in a caring manner....Mrs. Cratchett is NOT happy that her husband spends so much time at work and lets him know this...Tim Cratchett is an ill child without being so saintly sweet that's he's unbelievable. Many of the lines are gems...."Who the Dickens are you calling boy?" is my favorite, as it pays homage to Charles Dickens, and the tiresome "God Bless Us, Every One" isn't spoken by Tim but by a member of the band in a completely new way. I think that "A Diva's Christmas Carol" has some of the sharpest writing for a Christmas movie to come along in awhile.While Vanessa Williams is good as Ebony Scrooge, the best member of the cast is Brian McNamara as Bob Cratchett. For the first time, you see Bob Cratchett as a real man, torn between his job and his family. McNamara's scene during "Christmas Future" almost brings a tear to your eye because he's superb at showing the depth of the character, without making it so syrupy that you don't care. The cast is rounded out by various "Music Industry" personalities, none of whom are major stand-outs but play their parts adequately. I gave this a 4 star rating rather than a 5 star for two reasons: The lack of special effects (when Marley removes her face, you're shown this from the back), and a heavy scene from Ebony's past showing her abusive father. If shooting Marley's face removal from the back was to shield children from a potentially gross scene, it was incongruous along with all of the "*itch" comments. If it was due to budget constraints, it's a shame. Even with these notes, I highly recommend "A Diva's Christmas Carol" mainly for Brian McNamara, for the great script, for Vanessa Williams, and for some good singing and cute tunes. I wore out my VHS tape, and replaced it with the DVD."

A Great "Female" version of Ebenezer Scrooge!

Christina Dougherty | 11/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like the old version of Scrooge, you'll love "A Diva's Christmas Carol"! Vanessa Williams is excellent as "Ebony" Scrooge. The story this movie tells is heartwarming, sad, happy and all emotions in between. The music in the movie also rocks! I thoroughly enjoyed this movie when it first premiered on television a few years ago, and am estatic to own the DVD version! The picture quality and sound on the DVD is great! Thanks so much for getting this out on DVD....I've been waiting for this for two years!!"

Very entertaining DVD

C. Vaughn | Florida | 09/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This DVD is a fabulous version on the traditional "A Christmas Carol." Vanessa Williams makes a strong presence on the screen and plays "scrooge" beautifully. It is a must have for all lovers of Christmas movies."