Oliver! Blu-ray Review

The 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 transfer for the Blu-ray release of "Oliver!" is largely robust, offering a commendably filmic presentation. Grain structure is well-managed, providing a dense yet pleasing visual texture that enhances the period aesthetic. The Blu-ray excels in capturing details across various elements, such as the dull stonework, wooden supports, iron railings, and the tattered clothing of the orphans, all of which contribute significantly to establishing the film’s historical setting and tone. While exteriors also benefit from this attention to detail, offering rich textural density even for the grungy facets of London, some bloom and edge enhancement issues are sporadically visible, particularly against snowy backdrops in chapter three.

Color reproduction is meticulously handled, with the initial bleak gray tones of the orphanage gradually giving way to more vibrant hues as Oliver's circumstances improve. This nuanced use of color underscores narrative shifts and character development effectively. Noteworthy scenes like the encounter between Oliver and Jack Dawkins feature isolated splashes of bold color against otherwise muted settings, which heightens their visual and emotional impact. As the narrative progresses, scenes such as the Bloomsbury Square sequence showcase a more vivid palette with rich reds, greens, and blues, thus significantly enhancing visual appeal.

Black levels are consistently deep, especially prominent in the scenes within Fagin's dimly lit hovel, whereas whites are impressively handled from the snow-covered early sequences to the bright exteriors later in the film. Flesh tones remain stable and true throughout, with close-ups revealing fine facial details convincingly. Background elements are rendered with clarity, and shadow delineation is well-maintained. Despite some occasional noise and minor print wear issues, this transfer stands as the best "Oliver!" has ever looked on home video, providing both legacy fans and new viewers a visually enriched experience.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track for "Oliver!" on the Blu-ray delivers a competent listening experience that aligns well with the film's original sound design. True to its roots as a song-and-dance film set in bustling environments, the audio track remains largely front-focused, providing good stereo separation that is immediately noticeable during larger musical numbers. The orchestrations and vocals benefit from a notable depth of tone and clarity, effectively shading the award-winning music score. Notwithstanding the front-based orientation, surround effects and atmospherics do make occasional appearances, particularly in scenes that benefit from added immersion. Notably, about 31 minutes into the film, the rear channels engage with subtle environmental sounds, enhancing the listener's sense of being in the busy streets of London.

Dialogue clarity, however, varies and can be problematic at times, suffering from minor muffling and occasional distortion, particularly during musical numbers. The Cockney accents and some mumbled lines further challenge comprehension. Despite these issues, the dynamic range is commendable, comfortably managing the rich textures of John Green's score to fill the room. Ambient sound effects, such as creaking gears or chirping birds, are rendered adequately without any noticeable age-related audio artifacts like hiss, pops, or crackles.

The sound presentation does necessitate a volume boost to achieve optimal output, but once adjusted, the track reveals its subtleties and intricate details more effectively. Though it may not leverage modern audio capabilities to their fullest extent, this DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track provides a faithful and immersive auditory rendition, suitable for fans of this classic film.

Sony's Blu-ray release of "Oliver!" offers a well-rounded collection of extras that will appeal to fans of the film and enthusiasts of behind-the-scenes content. While some features from the 2013 Twilight Time release are absent, such as the isolated score track and dance instructions, this edition compensates with a new featurette and high-definition interviews. The vintage behind-the-scenes featurettes capture the intricacies behind musical numbers and the director’s rapport with child actors, despite being faded over time. Insightful interviews with Mark Lester and Ron Moody provide deep dives into their experiences on set, enriched with personal anecdotes and reflections. Additionally, the locations featurette offers a fascinating look at how real-world settings were recreated for the film.

Extras included in this disc:

Original Behind-the-Scenes Featurette: A vintage 1968 promotional piece focusing on musical sequences.

The Locations of Oliver!: A run-through of film locations recreated at Shepperton Studios and their real-world counterparts.

Meeting Oliver!: An interview with Mark Lester discussing his role and experiences.

Meeting Fagin!: An interview with Ron Moody about his character and memories.

Theatrical Trailer: A trailer featuring graphics and photos designed to pique interest.

Carol Reed's 1968 adaptation of the stage musical "Oliver!" remains a significant achievement in filmmaking, having been embraced both critically and commercially. Adapted from Charles Dickens' classic tale "Oliver Twist," the film won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The narrative follows Oliver Twist (Mark Lester) as he navigates the grim realities of 19th century London, transitioning from an orphanage's harsh conditions to Fagin's (Ron Moody) den of young pickpockets, before ultimately finding hope and potential redemption. The character dynamics are richly portrayed, with notable performances from Oliver Reed as the menacing Bill Sikes and Shani Wallis as the protective Nancy.

The film's vibrant adaptation retains Dickens' original themes of social inequality and the exploitation of underprivileged children while coupling it with Lionel Bart’s memorable score. Songs such as "Food, Glorious Food," "Where is Love?," and "As Long as He Needs Me" resonate with poignance and energy, though some critics argue that the musical format occasionally undermines the gravity of the narrative's darker elements. Carol Reed integrates a film noir aesthetic, heightening drama as the film progresses, particularly through the imposing character of Bill Sikes.

Technically, the Blu-ray release by Sony, formatted in 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, showcases a meticulously restored visual and auditory experience. Vivid colors and detailed set designs come alive, enhancing the film’s nostalgic yet timeless appeal. Lionel Bart's infectious compositions and the film's art direction contribute significantly to its enduring legacy, making "Oliver!" an evergreen favorite among audiences of all ages.

Sony's Blu-ray release of "Oliver!" offers a chance to experience one of the better musicals of its time. Adapted from Charles Dickens' classic novel, the film's production design and performances are exceptional. While it may lack the grandeur of the genre's best, the movie's unforgettable musical numbers and robust character portrayals make it a richly rewarding watch. The Blu-ray includes one additional feature not present in the Twilight Time disc edition, albeit with a few subtractions in other areas.

This edition boasts a sparkling video transfer and solid lossless audio. However, it should be noted that the video presentation sometimes suffers from undesirable edge enhancement but generally looks very good at its best. The score by Lionel Bart, filled with recognizable tunes, takes center stage and is complemented well by the strong British cast performances, offering an immersive viewing experience for both young and old audiences.

In conclusion, while "Oliver!" may not fully stretch the capabilities of Blu-ray in terms of video and audio, it remains a compelling film that continues to captivate audiences half a century later. The movie's charm is undeniable, making Sony's release highly recommended for anyone looking to relive or discover this multi-Oscar-winning classic.