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    WSR Detailed DVD Review
    Christmas Story, A
    Two-Disc Special Edition
    Genre: Family

    Reviewed In Issue 79 (Dec 2003) Of Widescreen Review®

    Stars:
    Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, Scott Schwartz, Jean Shepherd & Peter Billingsley

    WSR Review Scores
    WSR Picture Rating: 3
    DD Sound Rating: 2
    DTS Sound Rating: NA
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    Reference Systems
    Critics' Composite Score: 4
    Internet Links
    http://www.warnervideo.com
    Special Features
    This two-disc 20th Anniversary Special Edition includes, on Disc One, audio commentary by actor Peter Billingsley and director Bob Clark, a semi-hidden script of a deleted scene, and the theatrical trailer. Disc Two includes the 19-minute interview-laden (with the director and the kids in the movie) Another Christmas Story, a Triple Dog Dare quiz, a Radio selection in which Jean Shepherd reads excerpts from his book, a quote-scene match Decoder game, a fun five-minute history on the Daisy Red Ryder, and a humorous five-minute look at the making-of the leg lamp.


     DVD General Information

    (Studio/Distributor): Warner Home Video
    (Catalog Number): 65764
    (MPAA Rating): PG
    (Rating Reason):

    		 NA
    (Retail Price): $26.99
    (DVD Type): Tw-Disc Set: DVD-9 & DVD-5
    (Widescreen Edition): Yes
    (Full Screen Edition): Yes
    (Anamorphic Widescreen): Yes
    (Running Time In Minutes): 93
    (Color Type): Color
    (Chaptered/Scene Access): Yes
    (Closed Captioned): Yes
    (Regional Coding): 1
    (Theatrical Year): 1983
    (Theatrical Release): Yes
    (Direct-To-Video Release): No
    (DVD Release Date): 10/07/03
    (THX® Digitally Mastered): No

     Credits Information

    (Director): Bob Clark
    (Screenplay/Written By): Subscribe Now!
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      DVD Picture Information

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    (Measured DVD Letterbox Aspect Ratio): Subscribe Now!

      DVD Sound Information

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      WSR Narrative Review
    Story Synopsis:
    "A Christmas Story" is based on the novel "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash" by humorist Jean Shepherd. It is a whimsical and slightly twisted tribute to the traditional all-American Christmas. Set in Indiana during the 1940s, the film follows the adventures of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker (Billingsley) as he pursues his happiness in the form of a genuine Red Ryder Two Hundred Shot Range Model Air Rifle. (Gary Reber)

    DVD Picture:
    Available for the first time on DVD in widescreen format (the title was originally released several years ago only in a modified full screen version, though the LaserDisc before that was in widescreen format), this anamorphically enhanced 1.78:1 DVD exhibits a picture that is certainly satisfying, especially for those who have waited through two full screen releases. The picture has a bit of a soft, hazy character at times, but other times details are nicely rendered. The color scheme is generally muted, with lots of browns affecting fleshtones and blacks. The source element is revealing of film grain and flecks of dirt, occasionally seeming excessive. Edge enhancement is occasionally a problem, and pixelization causes the

    Soundtrack:
    The Dolby

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