Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Widescreen Edition)

There is no doubt that Tim Burton has a penchant for things that are eccentric and sometimes plain creepy. This isn't a bad thing, however -- as he demonstrates in CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY, being different can be fun and quite exciting.For starters, the film has special effects and visuals that anyone would marvel at. From the opening sequence onward, the viewer is awestruck at the Factory itself, the town below, and the sharp distinction made between these places and Charlie's little house. The lighting is superb and the music is magnificent, making for a delectable opening sequence. Grandpa Joe's storytelling then ensues with rich, vibrant colors and amazing scenery.As the action continues and kids begin finding Wonka's Golden Tickets, we are introduced in turn to the winners (plus parents) and each of their peculiar quirks. By the time the children end up in the Factory, we are formally introduced to Wonka himself -- a wonderfully odd, zany, and weird character in his own right (played beautifully by Depp).The Factory tour consumes much of the rest of the film and accounts for a considerable amount of wackiness. The verdant Candy Meadow, the River of Chocolate (plus the Waterfall!), and many other gorgeous locales await the viewer. Each has its own peculiarities, but the adventure never stops as the group treks through the Factory, finding excitement and humor around every corner.At the end of the day, this film radiates with Burton's creative talents. I agree, however, that it is not for all ages. Even some adults will be taken aback by the film's eccentricities, so letting really small kids watch it first might be reconsidered. Keep in mind, however, that the wackiness is the only reason why this might be said -- the film is clean, fresh, and appropriate for children and adults (particularly the young at heart!).My suggestion: Let your mind go and relax as you take in the wild world of Willy Wonka. And, if you have the chance, see this film in IMAX -- the true surround sound and size of the screen make it an unbelievable experience. Very highly recommended.

I remember when I first saw the preview for this movie in theatres. I was going to go see "Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events," which is another movie and book series that I strongly recommend. Anyway, I was very doubtful. Tim Burton is, and always was, my favorite movie director. I still remember the first of his films I ever saw: "Edward Scissorhands." Burton has an imagination all his own that I love so much, and can see in every one of his movies. However, I have seen "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (made by the same film studio: Warner Brothers) starring Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka, and I have loved it for years. It was a "golden" movie to me. When I saw the first moments of the preview for this movie for the first time, I thought that Warner Brothers had finally decided to put Roald Dahl's book "Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator" on the big screen. I was wrong of course. Having seen "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" as many times as I have and loving it so much, I almost did not go to see this, until I learned who was directing it.I saw it, keeping an open-mind. I kept saying to myself: "Tim Burton directed this" as the movie began. Let me just say what happened to me. I was Wonka-fied all over again. I saw it (this movie) a total 5 times in theatres (which is a lot considering I cannot drive) and special ordered it, deluxe 2-disc edition, from Amazon.com. By special order, I mean that I payed the $3.99 extra to have it as one-day shipping (I am an Amazon.com prime member as I write this review).It is Wonka. Johnny Depp was great. My favorite Wonka movie? For me, it's a tie. Really it is. Tim Burton had some obstacles to overcome to do this movie, and I think he passed them with flying colors. Have a Wonka-tafic day!

Bought this as a replacement. Great price and fun movie!

I bought this movie for my 3 year old who used to watch it all the time on Netflix but then they removed it. The movie played perfect without any problems and my son has watched it everyday since he got it! He has a liking for different/weird movies and this one has always been his favorite! His favorite part is when Violet eats the bubble gum and blows up like a balloon and needs to go to the juicing room to be squeezed :) in my opinion it's a really fun movie especially for kids and it keeps you entertained the whole time you watch it. I love the story line to it where Charlie won't leave his family behind to make himself rich. Family is the most important thing and money won't buy you happiness. It is really sad though how poor Charlie's family really is so I love that they make the ending happy and Willy Wonka ends up letting Charlie's whole family come live at the factory. It is a little bit of a different movie but it makes it fun to watch. It's not your average ordinary movie that are just like all of the others. Johnny Depp always plays his parts perfect and makes every single one of his movies so much fun to watch! Such a fun movie I really recommend it!