Product Details

• Actors: Johnny Depp, Freddie Highmore, David Kelly, Helena Bonham Carter, Noah Taylor
• Directors: Tim Burton
• Writers: John August, Roald Dahl
• Producers: Brad Grey, Bruce Berman, Derek Frey, Graham Burke, Katterli Frauenfelder
• Format: Dolby, Closed-captioned, Dubbed, DVD, Full Screen, Subtitled, NTSC
• Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1 EX), French (Dolby Digital 5.1 EX), Spanish (Dolby Digital 5.1 EX)
• Subtitles: English, Spanish, French
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
• Number of discs: 2
• Rated: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures
• DVD Release Date: November 8, 2005
• Run Time: 115 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (533 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000BBOUU4
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #27,795 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition)" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Mixed reviews and creepy comparisons to Michael Jackson notwithstanding, Tim Burton's splendidly imaginative adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory would almost surely meet with Roald Dahl's approval. The celebrated author of darkly offbeat children's books vehemently disapproved of 1971's Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (hence the change in title), so it's only fitting that Burton and his frequent star/collaborator, Johnny Depp, should have another go, infusing the enigmatic candyman's tale with their own unique brand of imaginative oddity. Depp's pale, androgynous Wonka led some to suspect a partial riff on that most controversial of eternal children, Michael Jackson, but Burton's film is too expansively magnificent to be so narrowly defined. While preserving Dahl's morality tale on the hazards of indulgent excess, Burton's riotous explosion of color provides a wondrous setting for the lessons learned by Charlie Bucket (played by Freddie Highmore, Depp's delightful costar in Finding Neverland), as he and other, less admirable children enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime tour of Wonka's confectionary wonderland. Elaborate visual effects make this an eye-candy overdose (including digitally multiplied Oompa-Loompas, all played by diminutive actor Deep Roy), and the film's underlying weirdness is exaggerated by Depp's admirably risky but ultimately off-putting performance. Of course, none of this stops Burton's Charlie from being the must-own family DVD of 2005's holiday season, perhaps even for those who staunchly defend Gene Wilder's portrayal of Wonka from 34 years earlier. --Jeff Shannon

DVD features
The second disc is filled with a number of distinctive featurettes. The likely crowd-pleaser in most households is "Attack of the Squirrels," which recounts how those fuzzy little creatures (a combination of hard-to-train live animals, animatronics, and computer graphics) can be ornery in their own right. "The Fantastic Mr. Dahl" is a 17-minute look at author Roald Dahl through vintage footage and new interviews with family, friends, and colleagues. "Becoming Oompa-Loompa" follows Deep Roy as he is filmed over and over again through his dance steps and music performances.

Roy is a constant throughout the kids' activities as well. You can follow him to learn two different dance steps "Augustus Gloop" and "Violet Beauregarde," and make him taste weird candy inventions in a simple game. "Search for the Golden Ticket" is a five-part challenge that tests your remote-control fingers, your deductive abilities, or your luck. Finally, if you just want basic behind-the-scenes information, "Making the Mix" is a collection of featurettes (around 40 minutes total) covering the film's casting, music, production design, and special effects. --David Horiuchi

Product Description

Long isolated from his own family, Willy Wonka launches a worldwide contest to select an heir to his candy empire. Five lucky children from around the world, including Charlie Bucket, draw Golden Tickets from Wonka chocolate bars and win a guided tour of the legendary candy making facility that no outsider has seen in 15 years.

DVD Features:
Biographies:The Fantastic Mr. Dahl: Learn about Dahl's life story and extraordinary body of work.
Challenges:4 SCRUMPTIOUS Challenges for kids to play! 1) Oompa-Loompa Dance Machine 2) The Inventing Machine 3) The Bad Nut 4) Search For the Golden Ticket
DVD ROM Features
Documentaries:Attack of the Squirrels: See how they trained live squirrels to perform in the film.
Featurette:5 Making-Of Featurettes!
Other:Becoming Oomp-Loompa: See how one actor, Deep Roy, was turned into a multi-talented army of Oompa's.

See all Editorial Reviews

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Deluxe edition, Soul Brother... ****1/2, November 8, 2005

By 

JWKrappy New Year "jwk" (Dallas, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (DVD)

I once made the comment that most of the entertainment today is in very bad shape. The industries are trying to relive past glories, especially music and movies. Most of the money being made in the music industry is reissues, HDCD releases of well-known titles, delux reissues, legacy reissues, offical releases of bootlegs, greatest hits, and any and all repackaging of classic albums. And they all use well known, classic, big name artists, because they know people will buy it. Because the majority of new CDs, and new artists aren't of any real quality, they have to rely on the old stuff to make money. The same can be said of the movies. It's all sequels, prequels, remakes, and remodels.

Accordingly, I was not thrilled when I heard a new version of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" was coming out. When I learned it was a Tim Burton/Danny Elfman/Johnny Depp production, I was less skeptical. When I saw a trailer, I was interested. When I heard Danny Elfman was writing/composing the music AND doing the vocals, I was excited. The collaboration is great, almost to the point of excusing all their pretensiousness and self-absorbtion... enough quibbling. On to the movie!

It holds many of Tim Burton's staples; it is dark, stark, eerie, and filled with the regular unnamable props, but he has allowed joy into the equation. The movie is much better for it. There is rich color, specifically in the factory, to match the rich imagery and funny comparisons of Willy Wonka. Depp is cast perfectly in this role, which is not really apparent unless you see the movie. He is funny, quirky, confused, and innocent; much different than the brilliant, strong character played by Gene Wilder in the original. The children who find the golden tickets and their parents do a great job too. Perhaps my favorite part is the wild card, Danny Elfman. If you don't know WHO Elfman is, you're sure to have heard his music whether in any number of cult classic 80's films (Pee Wee's Big Adventure, Beetlejuice, Batman 1 & 2), his TV themes (The Simpsons), his musical-esque movies featuring his vocals (Nightmare Before Christmas-- an absolute classic soundtrack), or his 15-plus years of work as the vocalist/writer/guitarist for 80's heavyweight Oingo Boingo. "Charlie" is the 11th time Tim Burton has used Elfman as his composer, and this is arguably their greatest work together (though I prefer "Nightmare Before Christmas").

The movie itself is quite interesting, moving into parts of the Willy Wonka story the orignal movie didn't, relying more on the Ron Dahl book. Note: even the lyrics to the four Oompa-Loompa songs are the lyrics from the novel. We learn that Willy became a chocolateer to spite his father and is forever haunted by this falling out. An eventual redemtion of their relationship serves as a very positive pro-family element. Best of all, it's clean. Nothing negative, offensive, or disturbing is presented, meaning a green light for families and kids; a HUGE plus. The problem of lacking special features is corrected here, but you can save a few dollars if you don't mind a slimmer package. A great, big, fun movie.

Overall: 9 out of 10.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A Colorful, Saccharine Mess, April 3, 2008

By 

Andrea Whelden (Portland, OR USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Widescreen Edition) (DVD)

Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory begins extremely well. Right off the bat, we see Burton's trademarks just about everywhere. The Bucket's dilapidated house, all shadows and bizarre angles. Wonka's chocolate factory, looming castle-like, seems to stretch upwards forever as the camera pans up from the bottom. Also at the beginning, the script and cast really sucker us into Charlie's little world. A much better intro than the Gene Wilder version, Burton's take introduces us stupendously to the characters in such a way that, by the time twenty minutes roll around, your insides are quivering in anticipation at what is in store for Charlie. Sure, we all know the story, but one still feels that anticipatory, warm sensation of excitement.

When the children walk through the gates of the factory, they come face to face with what look like eerie robo-puppet rejects from Disneyland's "It's a Small World" ride. They look absolutely delightful and creepy, twist about mechanically, singing Willy's theme song ("Willy Wonka, Willy Wonka, the amazing chocolatier..."). When a fireworks display goes awry, they melt and ooze and, in true Burton style, their eyes pop out of their sockets, leaving what was cutesy and childish looking more like something hideous from a Chucky movie.

Inside the factory, one notices how different this film is from the original and, at first, this adds to the excitement. There is no gigantic clause to sign, no lickable wallpaper, no shrinking hallway with a piano lock on a little-bitty door. Instead, it just looks like a really expensive hallway. There is a little door, which Wonka opens with a key, and then...*drumroll*...it's the chocolate waterfall room!

Wonka proceeds to tell the children, in his helium-rich voice, to go have fun and eat what they will. He says everything is "eatable" and that, "even I'm eatable, but that is called CANNIBALISM, and is generally frowned upon." That line holds the promise of fiendish delights and dark Burton humor, giving the viewer ever more excitement.

However, don't hold your breath.

As soon as glutton Augustus Gloop falls into the chocolate river, getting sucked up the pipe, you start feeling like you've "been there, done that". Sure, it's a remake, but shouldn't this all feel fresh and new? A step above and beyond the previous film?

Well, then the Oompa Loompas make their debut appearance, of course. Thankfully, the orange skin and green hair are gone, replaced instead by very, very short people with Cool Whip coifs. Knowing that the Oompa Loompas possess the only musical moments in the film, you can't wait to hear those lovely little devils lecture about the rotten nature of the children.

But wait, what's this? Synchronized swimming? I kid you not - gone are the endearing Oompa Loompas, replaced instead by nauseating performances that range from the just-mentioned synchronized swimming to disco to 70s long-haired hard rock bands. It COMPLETELY removes you from the plot of the film, making you feel like you accidentally wound up at a really terrible American Idol audition.

The movie genuinely lost me when the Oompa Loompas first showed up swimming, but I wasn't ready to give up on the film just yet.

Next we had the grand boat ride through the tunnel - a flat-out disappointment. In my opinion, this was one of the best moments in the previous version. However, here I was left in the dust during what should have been an exciting, whirlwind ride through tunnel upon tunnel. The fast motion and bright pink seahorse boat, though visually, erm, NICE, weren't able to hold a candle to Wilder's crazy-eyed "There's no earthly way of knowing..." and scenes of chickens getting their heads chopped off.

From the first appearance of the Oompa Loompas up through the end, the film just feels cheap, rushed, un-Burtonesque, and unbearably and embarrassingly BAD. The songs suck, the acting is extremely sub-par, the visuals, though colorful, are VERY lacking, Wonka's childhood flashbooks are awkward, unnecessary, and painful, and the ending is just HORRID.

So, though the first twenty minutes showed high promise and had the traditional, much-loved Burton flair, by the debut Oompa performance, the movie takes a nosedive into boring oblivion and never resurfaces again.

The film is only salvaged by the first twenty minutes. The beginning promised a film of excitement, creepiness, and wonderment, but the film consisted only of Depp's creepy, awkward moments of dialogue, repeated jokes (how many times do we REALLY need to hear him say, "you're weird"? How many times do we REALLY need to see him smack his face into the elevator?). It's like the filmmakers couldn't think of anything more original, so they just decided to pound the same bland jokes into our heads repeatedly.

There will no doubt be those who commend the film for its more accurate following of Roald Dahl's book. However, after seeing the film, one has to genuinely ask the question...

Is tradition always a good thing?

In this case, it is most certainly NOT. Overall, I give it one out of four stars. Stick with the original - it was absolutely magical, wicked, and genius.

19 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect Adaptation!, September 10, 2005

By 

Kyle G - See all my reviews

This review is from: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Widescreen Edition) (DVD)

First off, yes, I am a fan of Tim Burton. I even own every one of his movies on DVD (though one or two of them I could live without). But that's not the point. The fact is, I respect his vision as an artist; and his ability to create such surrealistic worlds that are both weird and wonderful are just enough why I idolize him.

Okay, now, some of you may wonder, if this is a direct remake of the 1971 film Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory that starred Gene Wilder. Actually, no, even though it's the same story concept. The only difference is that this film pays more homage to the book (MUCH more homage) and is (of course) AMAZING to look at. The storyline now, is simple enough (because I'm under the impression that a lot of people have seen the original film): Charlie Bucket (Freddie Highmore) is a boy from an impoverished family living under the shadow of a giant chocolate factory, who eventually wins a candy bar contest and is given a tour, along with four other children, of the amazing factory run by the eccentric Willy Wonka and his staff of Oompa-Loompas.

Performance wise, this movie belongs to Johnny Depp and Freddie Highmore, who are able to recreate their chemistry from Finding Neverland. However, quote: "Depp's Wonka is far less cuddly than that of Gene Wilder, playing it more like a demented Mr. Rogers with more than a bit of a sadistic streak. The way that he watches the kids meet their fates with giddy glee is quite disturbing, but it's hard not to enjoy this quirky hermit's complete lack of social skills."-Edward Douglas, [...] (sorry, but the guy explianed it perfectly)Also, I'd like to clear this up out of my system before it does any more damage, but it seems A LOT of ....people are comparing Depp's Wonka w/ a certain pop star so much that it really just sickens me. This assessment can be contradicted however. First reason (and this came from no other than Depp himself): In an interview, Johnny said he had NO INTENTION whatsoever to base his character off of Micheal Jackson. Second reason: Willy Wonka is a recluse, so he's supposed to be strange, weird, crazy, whatever. I mean, the guy shunned himself from society for 15 years so he's going to be pale, out of style/trend, and a bit behind. Also, throughout the movie, we're shown flashbacks of Wonka's past that are used to explain his weirdness. There, end of story. Freddie Highmore's Charlie is more sad than the original one, so much that you'll want to hug him b/c he's so optimistic depsite living such an impoverished lifestyle. Another performance nod goes to Deep Roy, who plays all the Oompa-Loompas w/ such panache. Everyone else is respectable in their performances.

Now, aesthetically, this film is amazing; in fact, this is Burton's most visually striking film to date. He yet again creates such surreal and imaginative landscapes that it's just real eye candy to look at; the factory rooms being the prime example. Some of the wacky machinery used to create candy is just as impressive and actually looks like it could work. Yet, as w/ the original film, this film creates an atmosphere that could unnerve sensitive folks. The boat ride down the chocolate tunnel is not the acid trip that was the original, but rather like an intense roller coaster ride. Also, for those who have seen the original, the four kids who fall to their weaknesses (loosely speaking: gluttony, pride, avarice(that's greed) and sloth) and punished for not heeding warnings are a bit more dangerous (thanks to the evolution of filmmaking) and look fatal, but are not.

Also, another treat in this film is to hear composer Danny Elfman (who has composed pretty much all of Tim Burton's films to date save for Ed Wood, which was scored by Howard Shore) sing again. He sings all the Oompa-Loompa songs provided by the lyrics written in the book with such style that you can't help but tap your feet. For the record, he also sung in Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas.

Well, I believe I covered over everything. Overall, real faithful adaptation that surpasses the original in practically every way (sorry, but...my opinion). Also, the ending is different, both from the book and the original film; but still good. This is also Burton's best film next to Ed Wood and redeems him from his Planet of the Apes remake (what was he thinking w/ that?). Anyways, great film: just as wacky and twisted as you might expect but nonetheless wonderful to look at and as magical as the original.