Oliver! Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "Oliver!" offers an impressive and vibrant display, delivered via a 1080p AVC encoded transfer in the original 2.35:1 aspect ratio. While it might not reach the pinnacle of visual excellence seen in other comparable releases, the film retains a highly filmic quality, characterized by a natural, yet occasionally heavy, grain. Colors are generally accurate and richly saturated, though subtle shifts like Shani Wallis' hair appearing slightly less vibrant than nostalgic memories might suggest, do surface. Fine detail is exceptional, revealing intricate textures in costumes and minute particles on brick walls. The solid contrast enhances shadow details significantly, especially noticeable in the film’s darker alleyway scenes.

Enhancements from earlier DVD editions are marked, with the Blu-ray featuring a brighter and clearer picture absent of previous nicks and marks, which previously marred the standard definition. The reduction in noticeable grain maintains the film-like atmosphere without becoming intrusive. The contrast remains robust, providing extraordinary depth to large ensemble numbers such as 'Who Will Buy?' and 'Consider Yourself.' The color palette transitions effectively from muted tones during the movie’s bleak openings to more lively hues post-interval, vividly showcased in sequences like Bloomsbury Square.

Black levels demonstrate notable consistency, particularly within the dark, shadowy environments of Fagin’s hideout, while whites are rendered with impressive luminosity, from snow-covered scenes to brightly lit exteriors. Flesh tones maintain stability and accuracy throughout, and fine facial details are well-represented in close-ups. Background elements are clear and sharply defined, with no detectable issues like crush or noise. This remarkable transfer solidifies "Oliver!" as a visual treat that surpasses all previous home video iterations, making it a worthwhile upgrade for fans of this classic musical.

The Blu-ray release of "Oliver!" presents a notable improvement in audio quality compared to previous versions, utilizing a lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix that brings new life to the film's soundscape. The mix intricately surrounds the listener with Johnny Green’s magnificent orchestrations, bringing out the depth and richness that were previously compromised. While earlier soundtrack recordings suffered from compression and muffling, this new release largely alleviates those issues. However, some limitations remain in terms of dynamic range and power, particularly when compared to other musicals of its era.

Dialog is cleanly presented, maintaining a clear and prioritized delivery throughout the film. However, some difficulties in understanding conversations and lyrics are noted, partly due to Cockney accents and occasionally muffled audio. Despite these minor setbacks, the mix's fidelity and depth add warmth to the vocals and robustness to the orchestrations, significantly elevating the overall listening experience. The front-loaded soundstage focuses most audio on the front channels but does achieve excellent stereo separation that augments the soundscape's expansiveness.

Ambient effects, such as the creaking gears of a mill or the bustling streets of London, are effectively portrayed, adding to the immersive quality of the mix. Age-related audio imperfections like hiss, pops, and crackles have been meticulously cleaned. Although not a perfect restoration due to the unavailability of original audio stems, the presentation offers a compelling auditory experience. An isolated audio track is included for those desiring complete immersion into Lionel Bart's remarkable score, giving "Oliver!" an appreciably enhanced audio framework suitable for classic musical aficionados.

The extras on the "Oliver!" Blu-ray disc offer an engaging blend of high-definition and standard definition content, with a substantial focus on both the film's production and interactive elements for viewers. Despite the varying quality of video resolution, these features provide a rich historical context and creative insights into the film's making, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with key cast members. Karaoke-style sing-alongs and dance instructions add an interactive component, making the viewing experience dynamic. Additionally, an isolated score track significantly enhances the audio experience compared to the primary soundtrack.

Extras included in this disc:

• Behind the Scenes: Vintage featurette with filming scenes.
• Meeting Oliver!: Interview with Mark Lester and film snippets.
• Meeting Fagin!: Interview with Ron Moody and film snippets.
• Sing Alongs: Karaoke-style lyrics for selected songs.
• Dance Instructions: Guidance on Onna White's choreography.
• Dance and Sing Alongs: Combined dance instructions and karaoke.
• Original Theatrical Trailer: Promotional content.
• Isolated Score: Includes sound effects, presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 4.0.

"Oliver!" is a triumph of adaptation, capturing the essence of Charles Dickens’ "Oliver Twist" with both grandeur and grit. Directed by Sir Carol Reed, this 1968 film manages to balance the buoyant spirit of a musical with the somber undertones of Dickens' social critique, providing a unique take on the musical genre that was increasingly unpopular at the time. Lionel Bart’s score energizes the narrative, featuring timeless numbers like "Consider Yourself" and "As Long As He Needs Me," although it sometimes softens the story's inherent darkness. The movie portrays a vibrant, if nostalgic, vision of 19th-century London, emphasizing the fairy tale aspects over harsh realities.

Mark Lester stars as Oliver Twist, bringing an innocent charm to his role, although his musical performances were notably dubbed—a rare but criticized choice. Jack Wild shines as The Artful Dodger, earning an Oscar nomination for his spirited portrayal. The supporting cast excels, with Ron Moody (Fagin) and Oliver Reed (Bill Sikes) delivering standout performances. Reed's menacing Sikes adds a layer of palpable tension that aligns well with Reed's film noir expertise. Shani Wallis as Nancy conveys a poignant blend of toughness and vulnerability that resonates in her signature song.

"Oliver!" succeeds in eschewing typical glitz, instead offering a dynamic and darker narrative that proved commercially and critically successful, garnering six Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. The choreography by Onna White, which received a special Oscar, blends seamlessly with Reed’s assured direction, encapsulating the film’s balance of exuberance and gravitas. This adaptation remains a cherished version of Dickens' tale, its meticulous production and array of memorable tunes ensuring its status as an enduring classic in the realm of musical cinema.

Twilight Time's Blu-ray release of "Oliver!" is a commendable representation of this classic musical film, both through its superior technical quality and enduring charm. The remarkable video fidelity presents a brilliantly evocative and beautifully designed version of Dickens' gritty London, making the period setting exquisitely tangible. The audio, with its solid lossless format, ensures that Lionel Bart’s memorable score—an essential component of this film's appeal—resounds with clarity and warmth, perfectly complementing the robust performances from the cast.

Though "Oliver!" may not rank as the greatest musical ever made, it remains an electrifying adaptation of Charles Dickens' beloved narrative. The film’s blend of ebullience and melancholy, underscored by Bart's outstanding tunes, continues to resonate profoundly, making it a timeless entry in the family entertainment genre. This Blu-ray edition not only honors the artistry of the original production but also enhances the viewing experience with a sparkling transfer that surpasses previous home video releases.

Despite a few eccentric supplements accompanying the Blu-ray release, the overall presentation makes it a highly recommended addition to any collector’s library. Those fortunate enough to secure one of the 3,000 copies available from Screen Archives Entertainment will undoubtedly find it a prized possession. "Oliver!" offers heartwarming entertainment that will captivate audiences young and old, with a quality that ensures its place in the annals of classic cinema.

Oliver! is an ebullient, but at times surprisingly melancholy, musical that is buoyed by the lovely songs of Lionel Bart and superb performances by its principal cast. The film nicely opens up the stage musical (though as a former Bill Sikes myself, did they have to delete Bill's big song My Name?) and the production design is among the most evocative of any musical film, brilliantly bringing Dickens' gritty, grimy London fully to life. My own sons are getting old enough now that we may be seeing grandchildren within a decade or so, so if that old skipping a generation adage holds true, maybe I can finally settle down with one of my future grandkids to enjoy Oliver! all over again. This Blu-ray offers great looking video and very good sounding audio, and comes with some good (and some patently silly) supplements. Highly recommended.