Are There Different Versions of Christmas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

Christmas Vacation is a classic holiday movie that has been enjoyed by generations. It tells the story of the Griswold family and their adventures during the Christmas season.

But have you ever wondered if there are different versions of this beloved film Let’s take a closer look.

Theatrical Release

The original version of Christmas Vacation was released in theaters in 1989. It starred Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold and Beverly D’Angelo as his wife, Ellen. The film was directed by Jeremiah S. Chechik and written by John Hughes.

The theatrical release of Christmas Vacation was a commercial success, grossing over $71 million dollars at the box office. It also received positive reviews from critics and has since become a holiday classic.

Home Video Release

After its successful theatrical run, Christmas Vacation was released on VHS and DVD for home viewing. However, some fans noticed that there were certain scenes missing from the home video release that were present in the theatrical version.

One notable example is a scene where Clark goes to buy lingerie for his wife at a department store. In the theatrical version, he encounters a beautiful woman who mistakes him for someone else and gives him her phone number. This scene was cut from the home video release.

TV Airings

In addition to its home video release, Christmas Vacation has been shown on television numerous times during the holiday season. However, due to time constraints and content restrictions, some scenes have been edited out or shortened for television broadcasts.

For example, the scene where Clark gets stuck in the attic while looking for Christmas decorations is often shortened on TV broadcasts. Additionally, some networks choose to edit out certain language or suggestive content to make the movie more family-friendly.

Conclusion

So, are there different versions of Christmas Vacation The answer is yes and no.

While there is only one theatrical release of the film, the home video and TV versions may differ slightly due to editing and time constraints. However, these differences are typically minor and do not significantly impact the overall viewing experience. Whether you’re watching it in a theater, on DVD, or on TV, Christmas Vacation remains a beloved holiday classic that continues to entertain audiences year after year.