A Christmas Carol (Reissue)

I enjoyed this reading of Dickens' classic book, but it would be so much better if it had sound effects and music, which would have cost very little to add, not to mention other readers. Patrick Stewart does an admirable job of reading the tale, but he sounds a bit silly when he imitates non-human sounds, and even the best reader finds it hard to play the part of all the characters of a multi-character story. Having other readers read the parts of the other major characters would not have cost a huge sum of money, and it would have made the CD much more entertaining.

Patrick Stewart gives the voice performance for the ages in this reissue of the original production that became a tradition in our home a quarter century ago. Only an actor of Stewart's sublime talent could achieve what he does in this beautifully done interpretation of Dicken's classic masterpiece. Perhaps you think you've seen this done far too many times and probably believe nothing more can be done with this, especially if you saw Jim Carey's super-odd animated abomination or been stunned by Mr. McGoo's version. There has been some good work done by many actors, from Reginald Owen to George C. Scott. The Muppets, with the superb assistance of Michael Caine, did a fantastic job. However, by leading the mind's eye through our own imaginations, Sir Patrick is an absolutely wondrous guide. Indeed, this is not simply one of the truly excellent Christmas Carol's, it also is one of the finest voice performances ever recorded. In a time when we are bombarded by visual stimulation constantly and radio dramas are all but forgotten, this would be a incredible introduction for young people to the world of personal imagination as a single voice enacts a story and the pictures originate in their minds. Stewart is masterful and each Christmas we celebrate his gift to us by listening as a family as he brings A Christmas Carol to life for us. Sadly, this might all be coming to an end as everyone texts, tweets, and instagrams and attention spans are measured in microseconds. For now, I live with the illusion that the old tradition continues and I am at peace with that. Sir Patrick Stewart is still part of my Christmas and is performance is mesmerizing as all the people in the Dicken's tale come to life in my imagination.

My dad is OBSESSED with A Christmas Carol... I think I have seen every movie version of it ever made in English. He's also a big Star Trek fan, so I figured this would be the perfect gift. He loves at... and of course Sir Patrick Stewart is a treasure, and brings the story to life vibrantly!

I have had this book memorized since childhood, have worked on many multiple productions of it for the stage, and will honestly say this audio version is on par with simply sitting down and reading it for the immense joy it always gives.

Bought this as a gift to give to my friend.

I bought this last year at Christmastime and never had the opportunity to listen to it until recently. My parents and I absolutely love it !I have always adored Patrick Stewart's video version of a Christmas Carol, he is one of the best Scrooge's ever ! In this version it is just him reading the entire book with no sound effects, he does all of the voices brilliantly. You are drawn into the story from beginning to end.This is a masterpiece of acting. You will be enthralled by the entire production. You will feel like you are there in Merry Old England as a partof the story. Mr. Stewart has one of the best voices in the business !

I so longed to see Patrick Stewart perform this on Broadway as his one-man show. This dvd is the closest I will ever get and I think it may almost be better. You can sit back in silence and close your eyes and see every character as the story unfolds. His vocal characterizations are spot on, his narration moving. Shakespearean trained, but in Dickens do we see the true depth of this versatile actor. I transferred this to my phone so that I can listen undisturbed. I've played it over supper in the weeks close to Christmas. This could only be better if Dickens himself was reading it, as was done when he first published. But it wouldn't be better by much.

If you've never heard Patrick Stewart's reading of A Christmas Carol, please get this and give it a listen. I guarantee chills down your spine.

Absolutely the best. This audio book holds you spellbound from start to finish, as Sir patrick Stewart takes us straight into the world of Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, the three Spirits of Christmas, and all the other characters of this wonderful book, seamlessly moving from one character to another. It's not just a reading, it is a performance. He makes each character and each scene come alive before our very ears. You don't need video, this performance helps you to see it all in your mind's eye!

As long term Star Trek fans, we were eager to get hold of this CD. Patrick's version of The Christmas Carol, even more remarkable for him doing it as a one man show, is exceptional. He portrays all characters with enthusiasm and skill so you just want to listen to more. He makes Charles Dicken's style of writing a little more easy to listen to. My 17 year old son, who wants to be an actor and is an ST fan too, loved it even more than I did! For my computer game mad son to love this, says something about the approachability of the acting/reading style.

I received this product, an audio book but rejected as it would not play after track 19. only short way into the book. I received a replacement and guess what, exactly the same!So great product. it was not my system which happily plays other items of the same technical status.I had to return the original one to avoid charges via Amazon collection/returns system and I selected Next Aylesbury as the best location. Guess what? The hub was down, has been down for a week or more and my return date is only few days away.Thanks Amazon, Next or whoever but mostly thanks to the supplier of this crap product.

It takes a moment or two to feel accustomed to the theatrical style of delivery but it's soon enthralling. Patrick Stewart throws himself into every nuance of feeling and atmosphere. Ordinarily I find Dickens a bit of struggle to wade through but the changes of tempo and tone make this a Christmas bedtime story with everything you could wish for.

My wife has a bit of a "Christmas Carol" obsession and we have heard and seen many versions. Patrick Stewart does the best DVD film version and this audiobook is also the best version.