Search - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory / The Wizard of Oz on DVD

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory / The Wizard of Oz
Actors: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Gene Wilder, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr
Directors: George Cukor, King Vidor, Mel Stuart, Mervyn LeRoy, Victor Fleming
Genres: Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Musicals & Performing Arts

G 2004 3hr 21min

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (Widescreen 30th Anniversary Edition) — Having proven itself as a favorite film of children around the world, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory is every bit as entertaining now ... more »as it was when originally released in 1971. There's a timeless appeal to Roald Dahl's classic children's novel, which was playfully preserved in this charming musical, from the colorful carnival-like splendor of its production design to the infectious melody of the "Oompah-Loompah" songs that punctuate the story. Who can forget those diminutive Oompah-Loompah workers who recite rhyming parental warnings ("Oompah-Loompah, doopity do...") whenever some mischievous child has disobeyed Willy Wonka's orders to remain orderly? Oh, but we're getting ahead of ourselves ... it's really the story of the impoverished Charlie Bucket, who, along with four other kids and their parental guests, wins a coveted golden ticket to enter the fantastic realm of Wonka's mysterious confectionery. After the other kids have proven themselves to be irresponsible brats, it's Charlie who impresses Wonka and wins a reward beyond his wildest dreams. But before that, the tour of Wonka's factory provides a dazzling parade of delights, and with Gene Wilder giving a brilliant performance as the eccentric candyman, Wonka gains an edge of menace and madness that nicely counterbalances the movie's sentimental sweetness. It's that willingness to risk a darker tone--to show that even a wonderland like Wonka's can be a weird and dangerous place if you're a bad kid--that makes this an enduring family classic.

The Wizard of Oz

When it was released during Hollywood's golden year of 1939, The Wizard of Oz didn't start out as the perennial classic it has since become. The film did respectable business, but it wasn't until its debut on television that this family favorite saw its popularity soar. And while Oz's TV broadcasts are now controlled by media mogul Ted Turner (who owns the rights), the advent of home video has made this lively musical a mainstay in the staple diet of great American films. Young Dorothy Gale (Judy Garland), her dog, Toto, and her three companions on the yellow brick road to Oz--the Tin Man (Jack Haley), the Cowardly Lion (Bert Lahr), and the Scarecrow (Ray Bolger)--have become pop-culture icons and central figures in the legacy of fantasy for children. As the Wicked Witch who covets Dorothy's enchanted ruby slippers, Margaret Hamilton has had the singular honor of scaring the wits out of children for more than six decades. The film's still as fresh, frightening, and funny as it was when first released. It may take some liberal detours from the original story by L. Frank Baum, but it's loyal to the Baum legacy while charting its own course as a spectacular film. Shot in glorious Technicolor, befitting its dynamic production design (Munchkinland alone is a psychedelic explosion of color and decor), The Wizard of Oz may not appeal to every taste as the years go by, but it's required viewing for kids of all ages. --Jeff Shannon

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Movie Details

Actors: Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Gene Wilder, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr
Directors: George Cukor, King Vidor, Mel Stuart, Mervyn LeRoy, Victor Fleming
Creators: Bert Lahr, Arthur Freed, David Seltzer
Genres: Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Musicals & Performing Arts
Sub-Genres: Action & Adventure, Classics, Family Films, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Musicals
Studio: Warner Home Video
Format: DVD - Color - Closed-captioned
DVD Release Date: 10/12/2004
Original Release Date: 08/25/1939
Theatrical Release Date: 08/25/1939
Release Year: 2004
Run Time: 3hr 21min
Screens: Color
Number of Discs: 2
SwapaDVD Credits: 2
Total Copies: 0
Members Wishing: 5
MPAA Rating: G (General Audience)
Languages: English, French, German

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Member Movie Reviews

K. K. (GAMER)
Reviewed on 7/21/2023...

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory - A classic! RIP Gene Wilder.

Movie Reviews

Great Classic Combo

Mom of 3 | San Diego, CA | 10/27/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"How can it get any better. Two classic movies for one low price. My 4 year old daughter watches these movies over and over again. I really enjoy watching them with her. Beats the heck out of watching the Wiggles and Barney."

Old movies for ever

Irving Bustillo | 08/22/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This classic movies shows the importance of the things that really matters in life and is good for new generations to appreciate the art, the real art, of the movies."

Excellent Family movies ~ Great gift idea !

Sassy Gammaw | Oklahoma City, OK United States | 03/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I got these two movies for my granddaughter for Christmas ~ and it is a staple in our home, as well. Who couldn't love this version of Willy Wonka with Gene Wilder? Don't get me started about the "other" Willy Wonka that came out a couple years ago.. that was an atrocity! Gene Wilder is truly a warm, loving mentor in this Willy Wonka movie, and it's just one of those films that leaves you feeling so good inside! Regarding the Wizard of Oz, I've been watching that movie for over 40 years, and watched it with my sons, and now my granddaughter. Willy Wonka and Wizard of Oz are must have's for any good family movie collection. FAST shipping, excellent quality products."