WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY [1971 / 2009] [Deluxe Limited Edition DigiBook] [Blu-ray] [USA Release] The Scrumdidilyumptious! It’s Everybody’s Non-pollutinary, Anti-institutionary, Pro-confectionary Factory of fun!
Join the expedition visiting legendary Candy Man Willy Wonka [Gene Wilder] in a splendiferous movie that wondrously brings to the screen the endlessly appetizing delights of Roald Dahl’s classic book. Coated with flavourful tunes and production design that constantly dazzles the eye, this effervescent musical never fails to enchant young and old. On a whirlwind tour of Willy Wonka’s incredible, edible realm of chocolate waterfalls, elfish Oompa-Loompas and industrial-sized confections, a boy named Charlie Bucket [Peter Ostrum] will discover the sweetest secret of all: a generous, loving heart. And you’ll rediscover the timeless magic of a delicious family classic.
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 1972 Academy Awards®: Nominated: Best Music, Scoring Adaptation and Original Song Score for Anthony Newley, Leslie Bricusse and Walter Scharf. 1972 Golden Globes: Nominated: Best Actor in a Motion Picture in a Comedy or Musical for Gene Wilder. 2014 National Film Preservation Board, USA: Win: National Film Registry for National Film Preservation Board for ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.’ 2018 Online Film & Television Association: OFTA Film Hall of Fame for ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ Motion Picture.
FILM FACT No.2: The idea for adapting the book into a film came about when director Mel Stuart's ten-year-old daughter read the book and asked her father to make a film out of it, with "Uncle Dave" (producer David L. Wolper, who was not related to the Stuarts) producing it. Mel Stuart showed the book to Wolper, who happened to be in the midst of talks with the Quaker Oats Company regarding a vehicle to introduce a new candy bar from its Chicago-based Breaker Confections subsidiary (since renamed the Willy Wonka Candy Company and sold to Nestlé). David L. Wolper persuaded the company, which had no previous experience in the film industry, to buy the rights to the book and finance the picture for the purpose of promoting a new Quaker Oats Wonka Bar. David L. Wolper and Roald Dahl agreed that the film would be a musical, and that Dahl himself would write the screenplay. However, David L. Wolper changed the title to ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY.’ Screenwriter David Seltzer conceived a gimmick exclusively for the film that had Wonka quoting numerous literary sources, such as Arthur O'Shaughnessy's Ode, Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, Samuel Taylor Coleridge's The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. Seltzer also worked Slugworth (only mentioned as a rival candy maker in the book) into the plot as an actual character (only to be revealed to be Wilkinson, one of Wonka's agents, at the end of the film). All six members of Monty Python, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, expressed interest in playing Wonka, but at the time they were deemed not big enough names for an international audience. Incidentally, three of the members, John Cleese, Eric Idle and Michael Palin, were later seriously considered for the same role in Tim Burton's version.
Cast: Gene Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear, Julie Dawn Cole, Leonard Stone, Denise Nickerson, Nora Denney, Paris Themmen, Ursula Reit, Michael Böllner, Diana Sowle, Aubrey Woods, David Battley, Günter Meisner, Peter Capell, Werner Heyking, Peter Stuart, Dora Altmann (uncredited), Victor Beaumont (uncredited), Rudy Borgstaller (uncredited), Tim Brooke-Taylor (uncredited), George Claydon (uncredited), Pat Coombs (uncredited), Frank Delfino (uncredited), Malcolm Dixon (uncredited), Stephen Dunne (uncredited), Walker Edmiston (uncredited), Michael Gahr (uncredited), Rusty Goffe (uncredited), Michael Goodliffe (uncredited), Kurt Großkurth (uncredited), Shin Hamano (uncredited), Ismed Hassan (uncredited), Jack Latham (uncredited), Franziska Liebing (uncredited), Gloria Manon (uncredited), Norman McGlen (uncredited), Angelo Muscat (uncredited), Ed Peck (uncredited), Pepi Poupee (uncredited), Marcus Powell (uncredited), Bob Roe (uncredited), Madeline Stuart (uncredited), Albert Wilkinson (uncredited) and Ernst Ziegler (uncredited)
Director: Mel Stuart
Producers: David L. Wolper and Stan Margulies
Screenplay: Roald Dahl (book/screenplay) and David Seltzer (screenplay) (uncredited)
Cinematography: Arthur Ibbetson (Director of Photography)
Image Resolution: 1080p (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Audio: English: 5.1 Dolby TrueHD Audio
German: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
Italian: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
Spanish: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
Portugués: 1.0 Dolby Digital Mono Audio
English: 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo Audio
Subtitles: English, French, German, Italian, Italian SDH, Spanish [Castilian], Dutch, Spanish, Portugués, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian and Swedish
Running Time: 99 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Warner Home Video
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ [1971] is a musical fantasy classic that stands the test of time. This is largely because of Gene Wilder’s pitch-perfect performance as Willy Wonka and Roald Dahl’s darkly humorous storytelling. The special effects may be slightly dated, but it is still magical and the messages about consumerism versus care for others are just as relevant as ever today. Even though the sets are a little dated by 21st-century standards, they’re so creative and packed with detail that they still impress.
The most famous and influential of either of the adaptations of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” is of course the first ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ directed by Mel Stuart and starring Gene Wilder. As Mel Stuart tells his account of the making of the film, because his daughter Madeline told him she had read “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” three times and wanted him to make it into a film. “And have Uncle David sell it.” Uncle David was David Wolper, with whom Mel Stuart had already made many major documentary films in the past. It probably takes a 12-year-old’s iron determination and limitless faith to present such a team with the story of a boy named Charlie Bucket in a magical chocolate factory as their next project.
Gene Wilder signed up on one condition – that his entrance would comprise him hobbling out of the factory and limping painfully slowly towards the ticket winners. At the last moment, he would slip, fall, execute a perfect somersault and end up standing triumphantly in front of them. “Because from that time on,” he explained in his autobiography, Kiss Me like a Stranger, “no one will know if I’m lying or telling the truth.”
Willy Wonka is famous for his chocolate bars and sweets have been a recluse for many years and he suddenly announces a Golden Ticket competition. The five people who find them will be invited into his chocolate factory for the day. One of them ends up being Charlie Bucket [Peter Ostrum], a very poor little boy who appreciates every second of it.
This is such a classic film that it is actually going to be hard to do it all justice in this review. I always forget that it has so many catchy songs and incredible moments, which show us that we should always expect the unexpected. Especially when it comes to Willy Wonka played so incredibly by the legend that is Gene Wilder.
It takes 44 minutes for him to appear for the first time, which is pretty incredible when he is all you remember and think about when it comes to this film. It is an outstanding performance. His wit, humour timing and facial experiences all show why he was truly the best in the comedy genre, but still managing to have a very serious edge at times.
The film is first and foremost a children’s musical, and the film is considerably more transatlantic than the book, with most of the principal cast being Augustus Gloop [Michael Böllner], the glutton, is German; Veruca Salt [Julie Dawn Cole], the spoilt kid, is English. The film added two significant plot elements: the sinister figure of Mr. Slugworth [Walker Edmiston], who tries to persuade each child to tell him the secret of Everlasting Gobstoppers; and Willy Wonka’s threat to expel Charlie Bucket, Grandpa Joe, after they sample the Fizzy Lifting Drinks, as also along with the other children. The film transforms Roald Dahl’s story into a classic of pop-art kitsch, with costumes, design and lettering all contributing to an extravagantly imagined work. But the author Roald Dahl was very vocal about his unhappiness with Mel Stuart’s changes to his book.
The musical moments of the songs certainly do come at perfect times and come on “Pure Imagination” is a truly outstanding moment. If you listen to the words in that song, don’t we all want to be in the world really? Well, I certainly do it sounds much more fun than reality! Roald Dahl certainly had a knack for coming up with wacky and wonderful things, even better than he wrote the screenplay for the film and shows us that it came from Willy Wonk’s own imagination as well. I think we need more make-believe screenplays in our film world; because some franchise films have gone very serious.
The message the film sends is about behaviour and is something that could well be used, I mean we are shown many different traits in the children and they were all tested early on with loyalty and being able to enjoy the special experience. Even more interesting to compare them to the parents and that certainly answers a lot of questions and parenting! On top of all that, I find that amazing is to remember the film was released in1971! I guess society really hasn’t learnt anything over the years.
WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY MUSIC TRACK LIST
THE CANDY MAN (uncredited) (Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) (Music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) [Performed by Aubrey Woods]
CHEER UP, CHARLIE (uncredited) (Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) (Music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) [Performed by Diana Lee]
(I've Got a) GOLDEN TICKET (uncredited) (Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) (Music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) [Performed by Jack Albertson and Peter Ostrum]
PURE IMAGINATION (uncredited) (Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) (Music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) [Performed by Gene Wilder]
OOMPA-LOOMPA-DOOMPA-DE-DO (uncredited) (Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) (Music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) [Performed by the Oompa Loompas and additional uncredited vocalists]
I WANT IT NOW (uncredited) (Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) (Music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) [Performed by Julie Dawn Cole]
WONDEROUS BOAT RIDE (uncredited) (Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) (Music by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley) [Performed by Gene Wilder]
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Blu-ray Image Quality – Warner Hove Video presents us the film ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ with a glorious 1080p image and is enhanced with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. Colors seem to leap off the screen in Wonkaville with vibrant reds and oranges, emerald greens and even Violet’s dress colour seems very lively. ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ looks great on Blu ray considering the movie was released in 1971. I was very impressed with the transfer. I was even more impressed when you look at the vintage featurette and see what the original footage looked like. There’s a lot more sharpness to this transfer than the previous release on the inferior DVD, but that also makes the special effects even more apparent. Flesh tones vary wildly through the movie which really isn’t as bad as it sounds since there’s a variety of different skin tones present and of course the orange Oompa Loompas. Black levels were pretty good and solid throughout the movie. For a 1971 release this old and filmed on the stock available at the time, this is probably the best we will ever get it and it’s good enough for me.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Warner Hove Video brings us the film ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ with a brand new 5.1 Dolby TrueHD Audio experience and it does have enough “oomph” to warrant some attention. The songs sound a bit more rich and full and even the surrounds seem a bit more active as well. As someone who loves all of the songs, it’s great to hear them all sound much better and more clear. The film’s dialogue is clear and consistent and I liked that the rear speakers assisted with adding some subtle directionality and emphasizing some over the top sound effects and again for a musical from 1971, this sound pretty good for its age. Also, this isn’t a film that will be used for demonstration material, but it’s hard to imagine the film sounding much better than this.
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Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Audio Commentary with the Wonka Kids: With this special audio commentary for the film ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY,’ features all five golden tickets winners from the film: Peter Ostrum [Charlie Bucket], Julie Dawn Cole [Veruca Salt], Denise Nickerson [Violet Beauregarde], Paris Themmen [Mike Teevee] and Michael Böllner [Augustus Gloop]. As Julie Dawn Cole points out, this is the first time in over thirty years in doing this audio commentary, since the cast has been reunited to watch the film together, but the banter between them seems as if it was only yesterday that they last spoke to each other. It's a really great listen, as they impart various recollections and small trivia titbits about the production and working with other cast and crew members. Overall, this audio commentary is a fun track, filled with laughter and vivid memories of production. They discuss their cast mates and what they are up to, recognize their shortcomings, recall their crushes, and share things that fans have said to them over the years. This audio commentary was really enjoyable and it remains one of the most memorable ones I've ever heard in very long time.
Special Feature: Pure Imagination: The Story of ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ [2001] [1080i / 480i] [1.37:1] [30:25] We hear that the film ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ was filmed in Munich. The producer didn't want the scenery to look like anyplace the audiences might recognize, like New York or even St Louis. They wanted a place "you couldn't peg for any time nor any place - a fantasy place." They chose this castle-like complex in Munich. Producer David Wolper said they got $3 million by a company to release the film the same time a new candy bar was being introduced on the market: Wonka Bar, so they also changed the title from author Roald Dahl's "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" to ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ because of the chocolate bar's name. Gene Wilder said he wouldn't do the role if he couldn't make an entrance with a cane and limping, looking like he was crippled. Then he would do a somersault. From that point, people wouldn't know if he was telling the truth or not which is the way he thought people should view the character "Willy Wonka." One of the keys to the success of the film, according to Mel Stuart, was Harper Goff, the art designer "who had an incredible imagination." David Wolper said the set costs about two million, which would probably be at least $80 million today. On top of all that we get a plethora of behind-the-scene filming on the set. All in all this is a very enjoyable documentary special. Contributors include: Mel Stuart [Director], David L. Wolper [Producer], Roald Dahl [Author of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” (archive footage), David Seltzer [Screenwriter], Gene Wilder [Willy Wonka], Peter Ostrum [Charlie Bucket], Michael Böllner [Augusta Gloop], Julie Dawn Cole [Veruca Salt], Denise Nickerson [Violet Beauregarde], Paris Themmen [Mike Teavee], Rusty Goffe [Oompa Loompa], Harper Goff [Art Director] (archive footage), Anthony Newley [Lyrics/Music] (archive footage) and Leslie Bricusse [Lyrics/Music] (archive footage).
Special Feature: The Moviemakers Vintage Feature [1971] [480i] [1.37:1] [4:02] With this very short feature, it focuses largely on the contributions of production designer Harper Goff, Gene Wilder, and director Mel Stuart. Despite being typical promotional stuff, it is interesting nonetheless, and is basically a repeat of what you view in the previous special feature.
Special Feature: Sing-Along Songs [1971] [1080i] [1.37:1 / 1.78:1] [9:04] Here we get to view four songs from the film ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY,’ but with the first three songs "I've Got a Golden Ticket," "Pure Imagination" and "I Want It Now" you get the words appear like a karaoke so you can sing along with the actors. But with the fourth song "Oompa-Loompa-Doompa-De-Do" it is just a repeat of the scene in the film and has no words appear to sing along with the Oompa Loompa. As usual, you can either play each song separately or Play All.
Theatrical Trailer [1971] [480i] [1.37:1] [3:11] This is the Original Theatrical Trailer for the film ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY,’ but what a shame they could not have shown it in the right aspect ratio.
Finally, in this fabulous 1971 musical adaptation of Roald Dahl's evergreen story, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and it is Gene Wilder who parks his loveable buffoonish comic personality to bring a pinch of the mysterious macabre of the loveable wide-eyed candy-maker. Roald Dahl was partially involved with the screenplay and although he had misgivings about the finished article, this vibrant, imaginative fantasy still reveals a layer of grimness beneath the confection. Peter Ostrum makes a convincing Charlie Bucket, desperate to find that last golden ticket to gain entrance to Willy Wonka's phantasmagoric factory, and Julie Dawn Cole is the perfectly awful glorious spoilt and spiky Veruca Salt. Meanwhile Jack Albertson [Grandpa Joe] and Roy Kinnear [Mr. Salt] bring sugar and spice as their grown-up guardians. Add some of the sing-along ditties like “The Candy Man,” “Pure Imagination” and the "Oompa-Loompa-Doompa-De-Do" song, and you have a wonderful, timeless entertainment. On top of all that, ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ is a really lovely magical fantasy classic film that still has the ability to entertain and amuse, especially a family audience. The film isn’t really suitable for children under five years and I recommend parental guidance for younger viewers because of a couple of scenes that are bit creepy and scary. The main messages from this film is that one should be kind, humble and honest, which will go a long way, and that the consequences of being really nasty, greedy and cheeky behaviour will eventually catch up with you eventually. In giving children everything they want doesn’t necessarily make them happy or give them the skills they need to grow and develop well. Greed, ingratitude and selfishness make it hard for you to get along with others. Dishonesty will catch up with you eventually. So if try and avoid those nasty negative traits, it will greatly award your efforts 100% in life. Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
