The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol (2011) is a 22-minute animated short film that adapts Charles Dickens' classic novella into the colorful world of the Smurfs. Directed by Troy Quane and written by Todd Berger, it was originally released as part of the 3-disc DVD/Blu-ray combo pack for the 2011 live-action The Smurfs movie. Plot Overview
A unique highlight for many viewers is the visual style. While the short is bookended with the used in the 2011 feature film, the sequences featuring the ghosts transition into traditional 2D animation , serving as a nostalgic homage to the 1980s Saturday morning cartoon series. This blend was achieved through a collaboration between Sony Pictures Imageworks and Duck Studios. Review Perspectives The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol
: The humor is gentle and appropriate for younger children, making it a "wholesome" holiday watch. What Reviewers Criticized: Scrooge 3: The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol The Smurfs: A Christmas Carol (2011) is a
: Smurfette (Melissa Sturm) reveals that Grouchy’s bitterness stems from never receiving the one gift he truly wanted—a hang glider. While the short is bookended with the used
: The switch to 2D animation is frequently praised as the best part of the special, appealing to older fans who grew up with the original show.
: Several reviewers, including those from IGN , noted that this 22-minute short felt more focused and "competently made" than the full-length live-action movie it was paired with.