It’s A Wonderful Life
The Record
Nick at Nite/Sony Wonder
Frank Capra’s It’s A Wonderful Life is the most subtly definitive Christmas movie ever. Sacrificing all holiday trappings to focus on a story of human hope and meaning, it’s one of only two seasonal offerings that I can stand to watch more than once a year (the other one being Jean Shepherd’s A Christmas Story). This record provides a convenient synopsis of the film through the use of a bit of music here and there and a large helping of dialog from the movie. While nothing beats the luminous black and white power of the original film, this disc still packs a mighty wallop as we trace the story of George Bailey and Family, Clarence the Angel, crotchety Mr. Potter and the whole town of Bedford Falls. An odd bird, certainly, but not a bad idea at all. Certainly a sight better than a Freshe Aire Xmas Muzak Holiday.