Yes, this IS a story-type we've seen before, but the acting is good and the 3D IMAX is absolutely mind-boggling. I found that I wished that the movie did not end.
An exciting 3-D treatment of "A Christmas Carol" that didn't stray too far from Dickens original text. The movie's creators obviously did a LOT of research and captured a great deal of the "flavor" of mid-19th century London and it's people, especially for a non-historical/educational film. (Small nitpicking point: I wish the opening dance scenes at Fezziwigs were a bit more realistic, if only to make even better contrast with the purposely supernatural sequences.) I agree with other reviewers in this is NOT for small children (the "departure" of the Ghost of Christmas-Present approaches Freddy Kruger-levels of grisly!), but this IS a truly amazing production.