The British author Roald Dahl, named by his Norwegian parents after the renowned explorer Roald Amundsen, is celebrated for numerous books adapted into films. These include Häxorna (recently filmed by Robert Zemeckis, with varying degrees of success), Den Fantastiska Räven, Matilda, and Kalle och Chokladfabriken. The animated version of Kalle och Chokladfabriken, which aired on SVT in 1983, remains a vivid memory. Narrated by Ernst Hugo Järegård, the descriptions of the delectable treats within the magical factory were particularly memorable. Shortly thereafter, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, initially produced in 1971, was released on VHS and quickly became a favorite. Gene Wilder’s portrayal of the enigmatic and eccentric Willy Wonka is definitive, and the film’s environments are as captivating as envisioned. After replacing the well-worn VHS copy with a DVD, the brand new Ultra HD 4K edition is now under review, offering an opportunity to assess how this classic film has aged.
Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum), a young boy living in poverty with his mother and grandparents, faces considerable hardship. His life takes an unexpected turn when the chocolate manufacturer Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder) announces a contest, concealing five golden tickets within his chocolate bars, each granting the finder a guided tour of his factory.
The production of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory involved several emerging filmmakers, whose relative inexperience was offset by their resourcefulness and creativity. Director Mel Stuart’s background in documentaries lent the film a sense of authenticity. The film’s opening scenes depict the frenzy and avarice surrounding the search for the golden tickets. This realistic feel contrasts effectively with the film’s musical numbers. Gene Wilder’s performance as Willy Wonka is exceptional, maintaining an air of mystery throughout. The film adeptly captures the dark undertones often present in Roald Dahl’s writing, a quality less evident in the later remake directed by Tim Burton.
Peter Ostrum’s portrayal of Charlie marks his sole film appearance. He is now a veterinarian, with no further involvement in the film industry. However, he occasionally attends events to discuss the film. Ostrum delivers a natural and compelling performance, effectively guiding the audience through the narrative.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory presents exceptionally well in Ultra HD. The visual quality belies the film’s age. The colors and contrasts are of reference quality. The psychedelic boat sequence, in particular, showcases the image’s clarity and stability, resolving details previously lost in older formats. While some film grain remains, this is a welcome choice, preventing the image from appearing overly processed and artificial. The audio is presented in DTS-HD. Considering that the film’s original release in 1971 featured mono sound, significant audio processing has been applied. The resulting audio quality is commendable, given the source material.
The release includes a substantial amount of supplemental material, including a 30-minute documentary offering insights into the film’s production. A commentary track featuring the actors who played the children provides an enjoyable retrospective. The absence of newly produced content is a minor drawback, as all included material is sourced from the 30th-anniversary DVD edition released in 2001.
In conclusion, this edition is highly recommended. It offers an ideal viewing experience for both newcomers and longtime fans of this enduring classic, presenting the film in its best possible quality.
