Oliver Twist (Masterpiece Theatre, 1999)
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: David Ross, Ger Ryan, Julie Walters, Roger Lloyd-Pack, Sam Smith (III)Brand: Wgbh Wholesale
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Unknown; English (Original Language), Unknown
Format: Box set, Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Letterboxed, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 360 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2004-04-13
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: PBS
Movie Reviews of Oliver Twist (Masterpiece Theatre, 1999)
Movie Review: Best I've yet seen of the Twist tale!
Summary: 5 Stars
I decided to buy this on DVD and compare it to the recent version of Oliver Twist that just played on Masterpiece Theater with Timothy Spall. Wow! I thought that one was good, but this one is the best I've seen.
I must start with the performance of Marc Warren as Edward Leeford. He took a character I couldn't have cared less about in other versions and painted a heartbreaking portrait of a disturbed human being.
I actually love Robert Lindsay's take on Fagin. From his look to his voice, he's a perfect physical interpretation of the character. Sure, the incorporation of magic into Fagin's background isn't exactly faithful to the book, but I like how it adds a bit of flavor and flamboyance to the him. While other versions have started making Fagin more sympathetic, this mini-series chose to stay reasonably faithful to the more flawed aspects of Fagin. Great job by both the filmakers and Lindsay. (Timothy Spall in the newest version is an interesting choice and very quirky. But I feel like I'm watching the true Fagin with Lindsay)
I was looking forward to Andy Serkis' Bill Sikes and he was appropriately scary. He's certainly physically brutal and not one you'd want to cross. I thought Serkis might add more layers to the character, but apparently not. In truth, it's difficult to turn a character so evil into anything more than a monster.
Julie Walters and David Ross do a fine job as Mrs. Mann and Mr. Bumble. I have to admit, however, I grew less interested everytime their characters appeared onscreen. Not the actors' fault. I just kept asking myself, "Why do we keep going back to these two?" Of course, they do become fairly important later on.
Sam Smith is pretty much the sort of kid I see when I think of Oliver Twist in terms of his angelic look. But I also liked his performance overall and the way he responded to others by making comments sometimes under his breath. Keira Knightly's Rose (who looks shockingly older than her actual age in this) is almost as heartwarming as Emily Woof's Nancy is heartbreaking. Also Michael Kitchen is a joy as Mr. Brownlow, as is Annette Crosbie as Mrs Bedwin. I don't want to forget Sophia Myles who really brings Oliver's mother to life.
This brings me to episode one of the mini-series, which is essentially the prequel to the more familiar story. It really ties together questions I probably had when watching other versions of the story. When I heard part one was entirely before the famous workhouse chapter, I was concerned. But Myles, Kitchen and Warren really make it work.
I was touched almost to tears when Oliver relays his story to Rose and Mr. Brownlow while lying in bed. Also when Oliver feels sympathy for Edward.
While the mini-series apparently takes a few liberties with Dicken's original story, it's very faithful compared to most versions and beautifully done.
Summary of Oliver Twist (Masterpiece Theatre, 1999)
In this extraordinary production, storyteller Alan Bleasdale broadens the scope of Charles Dickens' classic tale of an orphan in 19th century England?and the characters who influence his destiny.Oliver's mother, Agnes, struggles against the tragic circumstances that ultimately leave Oliver a penniless orphan. At the Parish Workhouse, he is forced by other boys to ask for more food, and as a result, is sold as an apprentice to a miserly undertaker. He runs away and is taken in by master thief Fagin, who is in league with a murderous pair determined to see that Oliver never inherits the fortune he deserves. Life twists and turns again and again for Oliver, landing him in alternately dangerous and hopeful circumstances.
Oliver Twist is a drama of dark comedy, astonishing vivacity and soaring imagination, but ultimately, it is a story that celebrates the resilience and triumph of a little boy's spirit.
Special DVD features include: materials and activities for educators; a link to the Masterpiece Theatre Web site; closed captions; and described video for the visually impaired.
On three DVD5 discs. Region coding: All regions. Audio: Dolby stereo. Screen format: Letterboxed.
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