Oliver! 4K Review: Oscar-Winning Musical Shines in UHD

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In 1968, the British film musical “Oliver!” created quite an impression, turning into a blockbuster at the box office and bagging six Academy Awards, among them Best Picture and Best Director. Fast forward to 2021, when it made its debut on 4K through the Columbia Classics Collection: Volume 2, now available as a separate purchase. This is fantastic news because the 4K version of “Oliver!” surpasses the previous Blu-ray release and offers an abundance of special features that deepen your admiration for this iconic musical even further.

Immerse yourself in the lively musical rendition of Charles Dickens’ timeless story, ‘Oliver Twist’, which won an impressive six Oscars in 1968, including Best Picture and Best Score. In this adaptation, young orphan Oliver (Mark Lester) flees a dismal workhouse life to navigate the bustling streets of 19th-Century London. Upon meeting a group of street kids led by the charming rogue Fagin (Ron Moody), Oliver learns the tricks of the trade – pickpocketing, in this case. Along his journey, he encounters the ruthless Bill Sikes (Oliver Reed) and his right-hand man, The Artful Dodger (Jack Wild). However, instead of amassing wealth for himself, Oliver discovers something far more valuable: a home and a family of his own. This heartwarming tale filled with songs like Consider Yourself, Where Is Love? and As Long As He Needs Me, takes us on an emotional rollercoaster as we follow Oliver’s quest for love, connection, and integrity among a band of thieves.

Buy Oliver! 4K UHD

Oliver!, a British classic, remains one of the most impressive films ever produced and has retained its charm over time. Director Carol Reed skillfully cast Mark Lester as Oliver, Jack Wild as the Artful Dodger, and Ron Moody as Fagin. Each actor delivers an iconic portrayal of their respective Oliver Twist characters. True to its tagline, it’s “far from just a musical.” Despite its lengthy 153-minute duration, complete with an opening fanfare and an intermission, the film is engaging throughout and never feels tiresome. The movie has been beautifully restored from the original camera negative, offering a crisp visual experience that accentuates the gritty set designs. Similarly, the incorporation of High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology enhances the vibrancy of the colors.

The tunes from Lionel Bart’s 1960 musical “Oliver!” not only contribute significantly to the flow but seamlessly blend into the narrative. Standout numbers like “Food, Glorious Food,” “As Long As He Needs Me”, and “I’d Do Anything” truly shine, and their performance is enhanced by the dynamic and immersive new Dolby Atmos soundtrack.

Kudos to Sony for an exceptional job on the 4K special features of Oliver! The package offers a captivating audio commentary from film historian Steven C. Smith, providing insight into the film’s significance. Additionally, it boasts a variety of video extras, such as Jack Wild’s original screen test, four featurettes covering aspects like Oliver, Fagin, production details, and shooting locations. Plus, there are interactive features for children to sing and dance along to multiple musical numbers, making repeat viewings more enjoyable for fans who love the film but prefer not to watch it in its entirety again.

Oliver! 4K Review: Final Verdict

The 4K release of Oliver! by Sony is truly impressive. It’s not just one of the greatest movie musicals ever created, but it also offers an abundance of extra features (including a digital copy of the film) that make it highly recommendable to all. This timeless classic has stood the test of time beautifully, and if you haven’t watched it yet, you’re in for a delightful experience.

Disclosure: ComingSoon received product from the distributor for our Oliver! 4K review.

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2025-06-28 17:40