8mm Forum: National Lampoons Christmas Vacation

This is topic National Lampoons Christmas Vacation in forum General Yak at 8mm Forum.

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Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on November 25, 2015, 04:00 AM:

Off cine topic I know but wanted to share my minor quest..

Its been some time since we went to the flicks to see this, 1989 in fact and almost forgot about it then I heard Warners were going to produce a new interpositive print which re sparked interest in the film for me for the Blu Ray. They seem to have gone to great lengths to get this release right with really nice images and sparkling sound so worth investing £8 at your local Asda for a 1 disc issue(Any 2 for £12 offer also available).
There will also be a steel box issue out 1st Dec I believe as well.

Hilariously funny movie and a ideal stocking filler for Christmas enjoy watching the feat of putting up 25,000 lights on a house and the ultimate Christmas tree.
[Big Grin]

Posted by Paul Barker (Member # 4318) on November 25, 2015, 04:39 AM:

hi Lee. a great christmas film we watch it every year without fail. i did have the first issue blu ray but was not so happy with that. if this re re release is better then i shall certainly get it. thanks for informing us. Paul.

Posted by Jonathan Trevithick (Member # 3066) on November 25, 2015, 04:58 AM:

Hi Lee. I have the old blu-ray edition but have upgraded to this remastered edition. Currently, it's on its way from the US. I hope to get it by December 1st which is when I've watched it almost every year since the early 90s. It has a good review on bluray.com
http://www.blu-ray.com/movies/National-Lampoons-Christmas-Vacation-Blu-ray/137750/

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on November 25, 2015, 05:13 AM:

Thanks folks. Yes Paul go for it you will be impressed, your local Asda should have it in and as I say they have the 2 for £12 offer running now so beloved chose The Grinch Stole Christmas.

Christmas Vacation would make a relatively easy edit into a nice 600ft Super 8 release for 2016.

The new box design is the one to look for.

PS The scene where Chevy is projecting the cine films in the loft just about had me falling off the couch laughing, oh so funny.

Posted by Del Phillipson (Member # 513) on November 25, 2015, 06:33 AM:

Hi Lee, you're a man after my own heart, we both love Christmas Vacation, if it doesn't get you into the Christmas spirit nothing will. Thanks for the info, will definitely be getting it, Del.

Posted by Mike Newell (Member # 23) on November 25, 2015, 09:31 AM:

Chevy Chase leaves me cold at least he is resting now as they say in actor circles. If they ever remake it lets hope they get mad as a LSD squirrel Randy Quaid to feature agian

Posted by Osi Osgood (Member # 424) on November 25, 2015, 12:21 PM:

I know that there may be some that disagree with me on this, but when it comes to modern Christmas movies, this one truly is the 1# classic. "It's a Wonderful Life" and a few of the Scrooge movies are right up there with totally repeatable Christmas films, but "Christmas Vacation" is an absolute must see, as it is so true to so many Christmas's we have these days that are, quite frankly, shot to hell by relatives, (among other annoyances). I fell in love with it from the first viewing and it certainly is the top Chevy Chase comedy he ever did (personal opinion on that too).

Posted by Jean-Marc Toussaint (Member # 270) on November 25, 2015, 12:33 PM:

I really like that film too. As a matter of fact, I like the whole series.
In French, the title is "Le Sapin a les boules", which can be translated by "The Christmas Tree Got Balls". The expression here has a different meaning "Avoir les boules (having balls)" is "being very upset" and a great pun on Xmas tree decorations...

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on November 25, 2015, 12:37 PM:

I have to admit, I've never watched this Christmas film.I'd give it a go, problem is it'd have to be digitally and the wife will simply not even begin to entertain the "National Lampoon" films.

She really doesn't like Chevy Chase also, so I guess it'd take some selling on my behalf.

It had better be good guys! [Big Grin]

Posted by David Skillern (Member # 607) on November 25, 2015, 12:59 PM:

Hi Andrew,

If you're a fan of the National Lampoons series of movies - then you'll enjoy it - I have to admit it is a guilty pleasure of mine around this time of year - with the usual sugary sentimentality peppered with some salty language.

David

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on November 25, 2015, 04:44 PM:

Oh I don't mind either of those David! Ha ha.
As for the wife, well I doubt it somehow! [Big Grin]

She's far too cynical for cheese of any variety.

She's more of a Hills Have Eyes type gal!

Posted by Jonathan Trevithick (Member # 3066) on November 26, 2015, 03:42 AM:

My bluray arrived today and it's much brighter, less scratchy and more cinematic looking than ever before. Admittedly, you'd need to project it to see the most difference.Oddly the dvd in the 2 disc set is just an old version.

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on November 26, 2015, 04:05 AM:

That's what I thought Johnathan. Its probably one of the few BR in my collection that actually looked like a film experience when projected. Ill probably include it in my Christmas Super 8 show this year for a change, also showing Pluto's Christmas Tree on 8mm with the Chipmunks. [Cool]

Posted by Andrew Woodcock (Member # 3260) on November 26, 2015, 04:17 AM:

Another excellent Christmas small film there Lee!

Posted by Jonathan Trevithick (Member # 3066) on November 26, 2015, 04:53 AM:

Lee, do you know if super 8 trailers for any of the Vacation films were ever released? A 16mm trailer for the original Vacation once came up on Ebay but I was outbid.

Posted by Mark L Barton (Member # 1512) on November 26, 2015, 05:19 AM:

Its a tradition in our home at Christmas to watch on the run up to Christmas day:
Scooged
Christmas Vacation
Elf and for the first time this year on 16mm, Its a Wonderful life.

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on November 26, 2015, 05:29 AM:

Jonathan I would not be surprised if at least one made it onto 8mm somewhere along the line, perhaps someone else may have a better idea?

You did well to get Wonderful Life Mark on 16. [Big Grin]

Heart warming seasonal films go down so well.

Posted by Tom Photiou (Member # 130) on November 26, 2015, 06:22 AM:

This would have been a great 2 or 3 400 footer if it were on 8.
This one and Bad Santa,(totally adult Christmas film) are two of my favourite seasonal films.

Posted by David Skillern (Member # 607) on November 29, 2015, 02:33 AM:

Hi all,

Picked up my copy from Asda yesterday - haven't watched it yet - probably put it on later today and have a good chuckle.

David

Posted by Mark Todd (Member # 96) on November 29, 2015, 07:32 AM:

I always preffered John Candy in these sort of films to Mr Chase.

Is he any relation to Charlie while we are on ?

Best Mark.

Posted by Mark Silvester (Member # 929) on November 29, 2015, 08:36 AM:

Hi Mark

I have to agree as comedy is subjective...I personally have never found "Chevy" Chase in the slightest bit funny...neither any of the "National Lampoon" stuff... I am surprised that travelled the "ocean" at all..any way just my opinion.

I will add though that John Candy - is top shelf comedy...in a different league altogether with "Chevy"..

[Smile]

Posted by Mike Newell (Member # 23) on November 29, 2015, 10:19 AM:

Have to agree with both Marks

Chase has the comedic touch of a wet lettuce. His two love child followers Adam Sandler and Will Ferrell are in the same boat. The sad thing is all three believe their egos and think they are comedy geniuses [Eek!]

Thankfully two out of three of them their careers are effectively over with Ferrell skating around the toilet bowl before the final flush.

Now that is funny! D [Big Grin]

Posted by Mike Newell (Member # 23) on November 29, 2015, 10:36 AM:

[ November 29, 2015, 12:32 PM: Message edited by: Mike Newell ]

Posted by Del Phillipson (Member # 513) on November 29, 2015, 01:11 PM:

My son picked me up a copy from his local Asda this week, when he brought it round for me today I looked at the back of the case and the sound was just 2.0 stereo which is exactly the same as the one I already have, it was the new box design so a bit confused. It didn't say anything about 25th anniversary on the case anywhere. He is returning it to Asda for me next week, I will keep looking I've got a good 3 weeks before we normally watch it, Del.

Posted by Jonathan Trevithick (Member # 3066) on November 29, 2015, 02:24 PM:

The new version is remastered DTS 2.0, Del. Personally, having seen the film many times in the past, the sound is now slightly richer and clearer but not an incredible improvement.
There's a debate amongst bluray collectors regarding remixing in 5.1 from old Dolby stereo as it does not recessarily mean an improvement.
As i've hinted at before, unless you are going to project this on a big screen, i'd stick with the old version.

Posted by Del Phillipson (Member # 513) on November 30, 2015, 04:03 AM:

Thanks for that Jonathan, I looked on the back of the case and it didn't even mention DTS anywhere in the sound section just 2.0, plus it didn't say anything about the 25th anniversary on the case itself so I assumed it was the old version in a new box. I do watch this on a large screen but for the time being I will stick with the old version, certainly for this year, thanks again, Del.

Posted by Lee Mannering (Member # 728) on November 30, 2015, 05:31 AM:

Tom agreed. This title would make a great release on Super 8 perhaps a 600fr.
The BR looks great through our player on the big screen but what a nice seasonal 8mm film it would make. [Cool]

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