Mickey's Christmas Carol - Scrooge's Worst Nightmare

 

Last year I decided to watch Mickey's Christmas Carol, I liked it at first, but I seemingly like it more nowadays because of how more dramatic and deep this film is. It's still really timeless after 42 years! The particular scene I'm discussing is Scrooge's haunting nightmare. This is some stellar stuff for a rather harmless franchise. 

The imagery in this scene is fascinating.

Also given that Scrooge McDuck chosen the role of Ebenezer Scrooge is just perfect.

The colors remind me of Secret of NIMH especially with the final act. Those clouds though. Just wonderful.

The blue smoke layers add a little more depth. It's extremely well-crafted.

I always kinda liked the original story, it's dreadful but very interesting for what it is especially with the truly dark and menacing moment when Tiny Tim Cratchit loses fate. It's really emotional but well executed. 

I love this scene. Great animation and feeling of utter grief as Mickey sheds a tear. 

I also really miss when animated films added details to make the scenes more unique like when Mickey places Tim's crutch on the gravestone. 

If you haven't watched this film yet it does feature cameos. It was nice to see some traces of old Disney movie characters since I'm more interested in them than the Mickey Mouse characters. Characters from Robin Hood, and Wind In The Willows. They don't feel pointless either. 

Now we get into the most threatening part of all. Ebenezer's last fate, as the Ghost of Christmas Future lights a candle revealing his name on the gravestone.

It turns out to be Pete and smacks him inside. To be fair, Pete has never been a truly terrifying antagonist to me, but here he feels like an actual good villain, great animation as well.

It's insane to think this was an actual dream that Scrooge had all because he was too selfish and his lack of welfare. This type of behavior will put you in bad condition so that's why you should trust other people. 

Then, the coffin opens and shows the flames of Hell. 

My goodness, this is some cruel stuff. It's hard to allow these certain elements to a film that originally released in theaters but also television.

After Scrooge's unpleasant nightmare is over, he then learns his lesson. He spreads joy and happiness around London and comes to visit The Cratchit family house to send over gifts and gives Bob played by Mickey Mouse, a raise. Sometimes one dream could ultimately change you.

My final thoughts? I absolutely loved it. This might be one of my favorite adaptations of the original novel. I could easily relate to all the morality and emotion behind it. When they show scenes of the food, it really looks tasty and delectable. The early to mid 80s for Disney was honestly underappreciated. I felt like their concepts and character development was at their best, probably better than the Golden Age and Renaissance era. What's also special about this film is that it's getting more recognition. It's free to watch on YouTube, probably for a limited time though but feel free to experience it yourself. 

I would give this film a 9.5/10.