‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ was released in 1946. Audiences have enjoyed the story of George Bailey during the holiday season. However, fans prefer the original version of the film and not the recent colorized one that is on the racks. Hal Roach Studios released the film in color, which was later taken up by Republic Pictures in 1989 and Legend Films in 2007. However several are only discovering the colorized versions.
It is understandable that the film is loved by many and some may have reservations about seeing it in color, which may take away from the original candor. Many have expressed disinterest in it and also dissatisfaction. Many viewers have said that having watched it in color, they would rather continue to view it in black and white.
‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ Creates Different Opinions
Karolyn Grimes, who played the part of Zuzu stated that when it was shot at first, it was shot in color and to her gives a more distinct sense of reality. It was shot in real life and the memories made are also a huge part of it. Tommy Bailey played by Jimmy Hawkins in It’s A Wonderful Life, on the other hand, is seen to be supporting those in favor of the black and white version. He goes on to say that he prefers it because that’s the way it was meant to be viewed.
While maintaining that the techniques used for colorization are commendable, he said that a lot of work went into the original version and there is a certain kind of depth to it.
Whether one likes the black and white version or the colorized version, what is not conflicting is the love for this timeless classic.
