- Actors: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Henry Travers
- Directors: Frank Capra
- Writers: Frank Capra, Albert Hackett, Frances Goodrich, Jo Swerling, Michael Wilson
- Producers: Frank Capra
- Format: NTSC
- Number of tapes: 1
- MPAA Rating:
- Studio: Republic (Universal)
- VHS Release Date: Sep 28 1999
- Run Time: 130 minutes
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (77 customer reviews)
- ASIN: 6304145438
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #2,664 in Video (See Top 100 in Video)
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Product Details |
Product Description
From Amazon.co.uk
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 feelgood 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 Two). 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.com essential video
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
Most helpful customer reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
One of the most incredible movies of the 20th century
Sep 7 2002
Format:DVD
The American Film Institute calls this movie the 11th greatest movie ever made. This movie will completely change your perspective on life. I strongly suggest watching this movie, for it will have a meaningful impact at the way you understand things.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
It's a wonderful movie
Nov 25 2007
Format:DVD
Truly a great and inspirational film, "Wonderful Life" will remain one of my favorites and a classic. The colorized version? Skip it. See this one.
But, oh, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy. He is the best actor in history and in this film, this one being his first one after WW2, he delivers in his usual style.
He plays everyday schmuck George Bailey, a modern day Bob Cratchit with an urge to get out on his own.
Unfortunately, he is forced to watch his dreams get smashed repeatedly by business and family obligations. It is on Christmas Eve that his last shred of hope is diminished and he is forced to take the only way out; suicide.
Then we have Clarence, George's guardian angel who hasn't earned any wings. He gives proof to my theory (convieniently called the Frank Capra/Jimmy Stewart theory) that everyone has an effect on everyone else.
He shows George that he should stop feeling sorry for himself by creating an alternate reality; one that shows what Georges hometown of Bedford Falls would have been like without George.
It is here that Capra shows a darker, spookier side as he takes us into what is now called Pottersville, named after the rich villain of the story Henry F. Potter. It has been transformed from an innocent Mom and Pop town to a Las Vegas-ish pit.
The most powerful scene is that where George meets up with Mary, a woman who (in the real world) was his wife. Here, we see that she has turned into a lonely old maid.
Frank Capra was the Spielberg of his time, and the way that he tells the story of one man who doesn't know his own goodness, is truly amazing.
But, oh, Jimmy, Jimmy, Jimmy. He is the best actor in history and in this film, this one being his first one after WW2, he delivers in his usual style.
He plays everyday schmuck George Bailey, a modern day Bob Cratchit with an urge to get out on his own.
Unfortunately, he is forced to watch his dreams get smashed repeatedly by business and family obligations. It is on Christmas Eve that his last shred of hope is diminished and he is forced to take the only way out; suicide.
Then we have Clarence, George's guardian angel who hasn't earned any wings. He gives proof to my theory (convieniently called the Frank Capra/Jimmy Stewart theory) that everyone has an effect on everyone else.
He shows George that he should stop feeling sorry for himself by creating an alternate reality; one that shows what Georges hometown of Bedford Falls would have been like without George.
It is here that Capra shows a darker, spookier side as he takes us into what is now called Pottersville, named after the rich villain of the story Henry F. Potter. It has been transformed from an innocent Mom and Pop town to a Las Vegas-ish pit.
The most powerful scene is that where George meets up with Mary, a woman who (in the real world) was his wife. Here, we see that she has turned into a lonely old maid.
Frank Capra was the Spielberg of his time, and the way that he tells the story of one man who doesn't know his own goodness, is truly amazing.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Colorized Version Stinks!!!!!!
Jan 22 2002
Format:VHS Tape
The colorized version of this timeless holoday classic is a complete desecration of the original black and white presentation. The garish washed out colors (done in 1988 by Colorization Inc.), destroys the shadow and picture contrasts and kills the entire mood and tone of the film.
Go with the original black and white version. You will enjoy the pathos of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), who attempts to commit suicide after a financial breakdown but is stopped by his guardian angel who shows him the importance of his life...This is a true holiday classic that is strictly meant to be seen in B&W!!!!!!!
Go with the original black and white version. You will enjoy the pathos of George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart), who attempts to commit suicide after a financial breakdown but is stopped by his guardian angel who shows him the importance of his life...This is a true holiday classic that is strictly meant to be seen in B&W!!!!!!!
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Most recent customer reviews
great film
i think that this film is an all time classic,my wife and 4 kids and all our immediate family really enjoy sitting down to this film at xmas. Read more
Published on May 8 2005
corny - but so what?
Many of the reviews of It's a Wonderful Life focus on its "corniness" or "schmaltz" or on scenes which are less than believable ("No one would ever pour... Read more
Published on Jan 31 2005
Amazing...
As a lover of classic films, this one tops them all.
I remember watching this as a child every Christmas and the tradition continued into my adulthood that I now share with my... Read more
I remember watching this as a child every Christmas and the tradition continued into my adulthood that I now share with my... Read more
Published on July 30 2004 by "nilnilnilnil"
WAKE UP! This is a lousy movie!
This movie never won any awards. It was so bad that the studio could hardly give it away when they first puit it on tape, then they let it be colorized just so they could sell... Read more
Published on July 12 2004
It's a wonderful film.
This is a mini review of one of my all time top 10 favorite films
Since this film is set at Christmas time many view it as a must see film for the holiday season. Read more
Published on May 12 2004 by David C. Roller
You reap what you sow
This uplifting film directed by Frank Capra was released in 1947; still being watched years later, It's a Wonderful Life is a true classic. Read more
Published on April 24 2004 by Carla Klebba
Good movie but...
Miracle on 34th Street is a wonderful movie but on the DVD that I bought the sound isn't in sync with the actors lips but is a little bit ahead of them. Read more
Published on April 2 2004
It's a Wonderful Movie!
Back in the 70's I went to see "It's a Wonderful Life" at a theatre that specialized in old movies. Read more
Published on Dec 25 2003 by Randy Keehn
It's a wonderful movie!
George Baily ( James Steward) is a trouble man who had a bad past, he is now a total failure and wants to end his life. Read more
Published on Dec 23 2003 by John Lindsey
Embodiment of Christmas Spirit. (For All Faiths & Creeds.)
"It's a Wonderful Life" is often thought of as a Christmas movie -perhaps because it has become a tradition to show the movie on television every year in December. Read more
Published on Dec 15 2003 by mirasreviews
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