The acclaimed British film musical Oliver! captivated audiences upon its release in 1968, soaring to box office success and earning an impressive six Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Following its arrival on 4K through the Columbia Classics Collection: Volume 2 in 2021, it is now accessible as a stand-alone purchase, which is fantastic news for fans. This Oliver! 4K release significantly surpasses the previous Blu-ray version, boasting an array of special features that enhance your appreciation for this landmark musical.
“Dive into the exhilarating escapades of Oliver Twist in this Oscar-winning musical adaptation of Charles Dickens</b’ classic story! Young Oliver (played by Mark Lester) is a forlorn orphan who flees the grim existence of a workhouse, embarking on a journey through the bustling streets of 19th-Century London. He quickly finds himself among a gang of street children led by the charming rogue, Fagin (portrayed by Ron Moody), his nefarious accomplice, Bill Sikes (played by Oliver Reed), and his crafty protégé, The Artful Dodger (played by Jack Wild),” the synopsis reveals. “As he learns the tricks of the trade in pickpocketing, Oliver unexpectedly discovers a treasure far more valuable than gold… a loving home and family. Accompanied by a touching score featuring beloved songs like Consider Yourself, Where Is Love?, and As Long As He Needs Me, Oliver! takes us on a heartfelt quest for love, belonging, and honor among thieves. This film, a winner of six Academy Awards in 1968, including Best Picture and Best Score, is sure to steal your heart!”
Recognized as one of the greatest British films ever created, Oliver! has withstood the test of time remarkably well. Director Carol Reed made an excellent choice in casting Mark Lester for the titular role, along with Jack Wild as the Artful Dodger and Ron Moody as Fagin. Each actor delivers an unforgettable performance, perfectly embodying their roles from Oliver Twist. As the film’s tagline proclaims, it is “much, much more than a musical.” Despite its lengthy 153-minute runtime (featuring a fanfare introduction and an intermission), the film remains engaging from beginning to end, never feeling tedious. Furthermore, it boasts a stunning visual quality due to the restoration from the original camera negative, resulting in a crisp image that vividly showcases the gritty sets. The inclusion of HDR enhances the vibrant colors, making the visuals truly pop.
The delightful songs, originating from Lionel Bart‘s 1960 musical of the same name, greatly aid in maintaining the film’s pacing. Each song integrates seamlessly into the narrative, with standout numbers such as Food, Glorious Food, As Long As He Needs Me, and I’d Do Anything enriching the viewing experience. These musical pieces are further enhanced by the new Dolby Atmos audio track, which delivers a lively and immersive sound experience that is sure to delight audiences.
Kudos to Sony for their outstanding work on the Oliver! 4K special features. The release includes an insightful audio commentary from film historian Steven C. Smith, who skillfully contextualizes the film’s impact on cinema history. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive selection of video bonuses. Notable features include the original screen test of Jack Wild, and four informative featurettes exploring the characters of Oliver and Fagin, the film’s production process, and the various locations where it was filmed. For younger viewers, there are also opportunities to sing and dance along to several musical numbers, providing an enjoyable experience for kids who love the film’s memorable moments but may not wish to watch the entire movie again.
In-Depth Review of Oliver! 4K: Our Final Recommendations
Sony has excelled in delivering the Oliver! 4K release, which is not only a remarkable rendition of one of the finest movie musicals ever produced, but it also comes packed with a wealth of bonus features, including a digital version of the film. This makes it an effortless recommendation for all audiences. It’s a timeless crowd-pleaser that has aged gracefully. If you haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing it yet, prepare yourself for an unforgettable cinematic treat that appeals to viewers of all ages.
Disclosure: ComingSoon received product from the distributor for our Oliver! 4K review.
