8.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.5 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
The story of Charlie Bucket, a little boy with no money and a good heart, who dreams wistfully of being able to buy the candy that other children enjoy. Charlie enters into a magical world when he wins one of five "Golden Tickets" to visit the mysterious chocolate factory owned by the eccentric Willy Wonka and run by his capable crew of Oompa-Loompas. Once behind the gates, a cast of characters join Charlie and Grandpa Joe on a journey to discover that a kind heart is a far finer possession than a sweet tooth.
Starring: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear, Julie Dawn ColeFamily | 100% |
Musical | 47% |
Fantasy | 44% |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
Original aspect ratio: 1.85:1
English: DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Italian: Dolby Digital Mono
French: Dolby Digital Mono
Spanish: Dolby Digital Mono
English: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
English: Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, French, German SDH, Italian SDH, Spanish, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
4K Ultra HD
Region B, A (C untested)
Movie | 5.0 | |
Video | 3.0 | |
Audio | 3.5 | |
Extras | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.5 |
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is one of the most beloved family films of all time. Based on the classic children's novel by Roald Dahl, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a ode to dreams and the unending power of imagination. Produced by Stan Margulies (Roots, Separate But Equal) and David L. Wolper (L.A. Confidential, The Race for Space), the classic tale is one that is worth re-visiting time and time again.
A contest is held to find a golden ticket in Willy Wonka candy: the ticket providing access to the esteemed chocolate factory. Charlie (Peter Ostrum) finds one of five magical golden tickets from Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) and is swept up in a magical adventure at the factory – alongside Grandpa Joe (Jack Albertson). A world of imagination and magic awaits.
One of the best performances of Gene Wilder, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory showcases the actor's impeccable talents. The role was perfect for Wilder and his charm and wit is easily apparent throughout the production. There was something magical about Wilder: bringing his A-game to every scene in the film. Wilder's manic energy and charisma made the film the classic it still is today.
The cinematography by Arthur Ibbetson (Where Eagles Dare, Nine Hours to Rama) is exquisite – showcasing a vibrant and colorful tapestry throughout the film. The visuals are key to the filmmaking (and the hyper-stylized components provide a dream-like quality to the film). The art direction by Harper Goff (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea) is similarly exquisite and the chocolate factory design has a seemingly endless supply of creativity.
Pure imagination.
One of the most creative elements of the production is the exquisite costumes by Helen Colvig (Play Misty for Me, The Andromeda Strain). The colorful and vibrant costume designed for Willy Wonka provides the film with a magical vibrancy that has helped Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory be the memorable classic it is to this day.
The screenplay by Roald Dahl (The Witches, You Only Live Twice) adapts his own novel. Dahl did an exceptional job with the screenplay and brings the story to life with vibrancy. The original book was full of creative ideas (as was the under-rated sequel novel, ) and the adaptation does a solid job of bringing the tale
Directed by Mel Stuart (The White Lions, One is a Lonely Number), Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a classic: the story, enchanting characters, and imaginative ideas bring audiences together for an unforgettable experience. No fan of cinema should overlook this majestic gem. A unique masterpiece – every bit as rare as Wonka's golden ticket.
Arriving on 4K UHD from Warner Bros., Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is presented in the theatrical aspect ratio of 1.85:1 widescreen. The release is presented with a native 4K scan of the film. For additional information regarding the picture-quality, please refer to the review by my colleague Randy Miller III.
The release is presented with a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround sound presentation. For additional information regarding the audio-quality, please refer to the review by my colleague Randy Miller III.
The collectors steelbook features a stunning design. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is presented with an iconic image on the front of the steelbook design. The back art-work showcases Charlie as he opens his golden ticket. The inside-art showcases a Wonka chocolate bar and candy: providing a nice confection of colors (enhancing the presentation of the release). The release has both 4K and Blu-ray discs. On disc extras remain the same as the standard edition. For additional details on these supplemental features, please refer to the review by my colleague Randy Miller III.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is one of the most enchanting films of all time. The uniquely imaginative gem is a must-see classic – please share it with family and friends. With an outstanding performance by Gene Wilder, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory is a pure delight. With this collectors edition steelbook, Wonka fans can own their own golden-ticket. Highly recommended.
1971
1971
Ultimate Collector's Edition
1971
1971
1971
85th Anniversary Theatre Edition
1939
1977
1971
2005
50th Anniversary Edition
1964
30th Anniversary Edition
1986
2009
Diamond Edition
1950
1985
2019
2018
2017
1953
1940
1978
1968
2014
1996
Peter Pan: Return to Neverland / Peter Pan 2
2002
2016