The animation and cinematography in this movie is very good. The way they frame the pictures and what they include and exclude top notch.
Is the story the same...... essentially. But it leaves a lot to be desired since the essential cues created by Charles Dickens are all but completely void. This is like reading "The Message" bible - a paraphrase - rather than the word for word text itself. A pity because Dicken's original wording is immaculate. There's a reason that his book sold so well and touched so many, because they way he wrote it only added to the story and made it moreso.
The songs? Okay. Nice.
The length? Shouldn't really be a factor when telling a good story, but... fine.
The animators made everyone look like a Ken or Barbie Doll - painting a picture that is devoid of reality. But it was made for kids. A sort of introduction to "A Christmas Carol" for children who are not yet old enough to think.
There was backstory added (which I won't divulge) that was NOT part of the original, that DID add to the story and lend a little push to the original story. This story is warmer than the original story's. A "feel-good" kiddie version.
All in all, I like it. Not sure if it will be added to collection thought. Have let my Wife, the "Boss", give her opinion first.
It was NOT an "excellent" movie, but it sure blew away the Jim Carrey version (that was pure rubbish)!!!