A good but slightly ineffectual man tries to off himself after an error that really wasn't his fault. In Christmas Carol fashion, his crusty-but-lovable guardian angel shows up to give him a tour of the world without his presence, and it isn't a pretty place. Moral courage, small-town American life, civic cooperation, and family love are glorified; corporate greed and self-involvement are vilified; at the climax, a blanket of snow like spun sugar makes everything pure and clean like redemption itself.
IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE was added to the Library of Congress National Film Registry in 1990.
Academy Award Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (James Stewart), Best Editing, Best Sound.
Blu-ray Disc Features:
Region [unknown]
Audio:
English, French, Spanish
Subtitles - English, French, Spanish
Costume Designer
Edward Stevenson: Costume/Art Director
Director of Photography
Joseph Biroc: American Director Of Photography
Director of Photography
Joseph Walker: American Director Of Photography
Story
Philip Van Doren Stern:
Art Director
Jack Okey: Art Director
Review 1:
"...With the power to melt the coldest of hearts. James Stewart gives a flawless performance..."
Source: Total Film
p.88 06/01/2000
Review 2:
"George Bailey's everyman charm reminds us that it doesn't take a war to make a hero."
Source: Premiere
p.60 04/01/2004
Review 3:
"...As appealing as ever..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.61 02/01/2001
Review 4:
"...It looks more masterful than ever..."
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.28-9 01/11/2002