Charlie and the Chocolate Factory [HD DVD] [2005] [US Import]

Amazon.co.uk Review

Director Tim Burton's take on Roald Dahl's classic story is undeniably more faithful to the source material than the 1975 musical retelling of the same story. His Charlie & The Chocolate Factory is also a slightly darker, visually inventive film, and is ultimately a tasty treat that the whole family can enjoy.

Filling the coat of Willy Wonka is frequent Burton collaborator Johnny Depp--the pair have previously worked together on the likes of Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood and Sleepy Hollow--and what fun he clearly had. His Wonka is a kooky, isolated figure, extremely distrusting and clearly uncomfortable around the children who win a golden ticket to look round his factory. Burton invests time in his main character, giving him a rounded back story that pays dividends, and while some will inevitably prefer Gene Wilder's edgier take on the same role all those years ago, Depp nonetheless is on strong form. The cast around him also perform well, particularly Freddie Highmore in the title role.

The story is as you'll likely remember it, with five children given the chance to visit Willy Wonka's mysterious chocolate factory. And what a visual treat that factory is, bursting with colour and vibrancy. Along the way, they encounter chocolate lakes, industrious squirrels and the infamous oompa loompas, and truthfully, it's fun to be along for the ride.

Is it better than that aforementioned 1975 version? Actually, it's just different. Each film will no doubt have its legion of fans, but the bottom line here is that Roald Dahl's classic has provided the source for an enjoyable, well pitched movie with plenty of rewatch value. Now if only they'd go and film Charlie & The Great Glass Elevator…--Simon Brew

Customer Reviews:

fabulous.......2008-01-30

An adaptation of the famous children's book, 'Charlie and the Chocolate factory' is a truely fabulous movie. Tim Burton isn't my favourite director in the world as I usually find his stuff a little weird but he does a splendid job with this.
It's been a long long time since I read the book so cannot comment fully on the accuracy but the other children involved seemed familiar as were their 'misfortunes'. The ending doesn't ring a bell but don't quote me on that either way! Just keep an open mind about it and you should be fine as Tim Burtons brilliance takes you away...

The graphics and set are fantastic giving the movie its unique atmosphere. The acting by all involved compliments this success. They all bring the characters personalities through with few words while also conveying their roles and importance to Charlies and Willie Wonka's lives..

Great, fun movie!!!.......2008-01-17

This movie is really good. Several other reviewers are unfairly comparing it to the the 1971 Gene Wilder version, "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." The Johnny Depp version is actually much closer to the children's book written by Roald Dahl. In fact, Roald Dahl completely hated the Gene Wilder version because the film makers changed everything in his book. One reviewer says that Johnny Depp's portrayal of Willy Wonka was scary and wierd. Well, if you've read the book, you'll know that Willy Wonka is supposed to be scary and wierd.

Brandon Simpson

Original Remake.......2007-10-06

I loved the original film. It was light and fun...great kids movie. I still love it. I found this movie just as good, but completely different. It has Tim Burtons trade mark darkness placed into it. And I feel more of Dahl's book is actually in it. This one does follow the book more closely, though this movie does add an extended ending, which does not exist in the text. But do not expect to see the same charming movie...it is not here.

Johnny Depp's take on the reclusive Willie Wonka was strange and interesting. I could see his character being a recluse. And he has the typical quirkiness of a true genius. Who, in this case puts his driven and strange intellect toward making chocolate.

Mr. Burton decided to make the tribe of Oompa-Loompas played by Deep Roy. Who does a great job considering everything that this placed on his shoulders. The lyrics from these songs come right out of the book. But I must admit I had a hard time hearing them with the music chosen. I would have liked to be able to discern the lyrics better. Other then that, I thought the movie is great. And I recommend both versions.

MORE SATISFYING THAN THE AMOUNT OF CHOCOLATE DISPLAYED ON SCREEN.......2007-08-19

Tim Burton does it again in this clever and visually stunning adaptation to Roald Dahls' classic children book. Using his regular actor Johnny Depp as the misunderstood Willy Wonka, and re-teaming him with child star Freddie Highmore (following the touching bio-drama Finding Neverland), this new version receives that unique quirky feeling Burton creates again and again in his marvelous films. Being a man of vision and style, Burton paints the screen with surreal visions, showing us devilish squirrels and dangerous chocolate streams inside the spectacular Wonka mansion. As always, all this would never work without the pounding heart of the film - the story of two lonely soles finding friendship in the least expected place.

Not to spoil the plot for anyone, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory tells the story of a little boy (Highmore) who along with several stereotypic kids wins a golden ticket which will grant him a tour in the mysterious chocolate factory run by the eccentric Willy Wonka (Depp). The tour quickly takes on a sinister turn, as the various children get punished for their sins (think of a children version for Saw or Se7en). If you want to know what happens next, put your hands on a rental quick - this entertaining ride feels like a lucid dream and is at times more satisfying then the endless amounts of chocolate displayed on screen.

Old and new.......2007-04-18

I bought this for my kids 5 and 10 year olds they loved it
the 5 year old prefers the original all the time
think the music is better from the ompahs in the original
but the new is glossed up hollywood but it does miss
something that the original caught but still kids will
love it as the original looks way to old fashion now
10 year olds like the original but prefer the glossy version
under 6 they care not for all that just the fun and vision of it all
BOTH ARE FANTASTIC

Average customer rating:

princess peppa pulls it off!

Peppa is the best children's show ever

Peppa Pig - Peppa's Christmas
Peppa Pig
Manufacturer: Contender
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Children's TV | Television | Categories | DVD | Video
All Children's DVD | Children's DVD | Categories | DVD | Video
DVD | Format (binding_browse-bin) | Refinements | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000NA7EVU
Release Date: 2007-10-29

Customer Reviews:

princess peppa pulls it off!.......2007-11-21

If your kids love peppa pig as much as mine do... buy/rent this. We have had it for 2 weeks and my boys have watched it 17 times!!! peppa and george at their very best, the ONLY programme on tv that guarantees 30 minutes of peace for mum/dad as the kids never take their eyes off the screen while it's on! yippeee!!!

Peppa is the best children's show ever.......2007-11-21

Peppa Pig is such a joy. My kids love it and we love it too. It's funny and it's true, whoever made it must have young kids too.

It's British and its brilliant. Can't say much better than that.

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