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By
NICK ZEGARAC
"A Christmas Story" is the
brilliant spoof and satire of traditional family
life, set during in 1940s Indiana. From the
narrative rose-colored memories of his own
childhood, Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley)
reflects on the year when he desired nothing more
than to own his own Red Ryder BB gun. Mom (Melinda
Dillon), of course, is dead-set against the
purchase. Dad (Darrin McGavin) might be a bit more
receptive to the idea, having just won a contest
in which the grand prize is a fish-netted stocking
lamp.
A slew of small calamities ensues that perfectly
and poignantly captures all of the kitsch of the
period. Who can forget the incident at school
where Schwartz's (R.D. Robb) tongue is stuck to an
ice-cold metal pole on a dare, or the hilarious
Christmas dinner scene at a Chinese restaurant?
When Mr. Parker declares that he can't eat the
goose he's been served because "it's staring at
me," a diligent waiter produces a cleaver and
promptly decapitates the bird right in front of
the whole family.
Warner gives us an average effort in their DVD
remastering of this film. Previously, "A Christmas
Story" had been made available in a full-frame
only edition with no extras. This time around we
are given an anamorphic widescreen transfer but
contrast levels continue to be too low and the
colors, somewhat muted. Certain scenes are
incredibly soft while others suffer from
considerable film grain. Pixelization, aliasing
and edge enhancement exist throughout. The audio
is mono and nicely balanced. Disappointing
nevertheless.
The author of the book, the late Jean Shepherd,
reads his story as part of the extra features that
also include a new documentary on the making of
the film and some hidden easter eggs (how ironic
-- easter eggs for Christmas!) as well as the
theatrical trailer and a generally benign trivia
game. |
