Scrooge (1984): Still Holds Up!

Okay, so I just re-watched the 1984 version of A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott as Scrooge, and man, it still packs a punch. I know there are like a billion versions of this story, but something about this one just works for me. Maybe it's because Scott just nails the bitter old miser thing, but I also think the special effects, for their time, are pretty darn impressive. I mean, the Ghost of Christmas Present being so huge and booming? That image stuck with me since I was a kid. Even now, the way he uses practical effects and forced perspective to make the sets look huge and the ghosts look ethereal is top notch. And the sound design! Specifically, during the Ghost of Christmas Future sequence. The low, rumbling score and the echoing footsteps as Scrooge is dragged through the graveyard? Chills, every time. It isn't overly loud, but really adds to the dread. Maybe people don't talk about sound enough in older movies, but it makes or breaks the tone and mood, and this movie totally nails it. The sound just lingers in the air like a ghostly presence, mirroring the ominous message of the spirit himself. It's more than just hearing -- it's feeling the hopelessness. I do have minor gripes. The Ghost of Christmas Past could've been a little more, uh, ghostly, I guess? He felt a little too solid somehow. And maybe the ending is a little TOO saccharine sweet? But honestly, those are just nitpicks. George C. Scott's performance is so good that it makes up for any minor shortcomings. Anyone else feel this is the definitive Scrooge movie? Or am I just blinded by nostalgia?