Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory 4K UHD Screenshots (Patreon)

Video

To address the controversy regarding this release, it's not that Willy Wonka's framing is zoomed in so much as it was always zoomed out. This UHD release represents the intended aspect ratio, which yes, does crop some information compared to precious releases. Is that a flaw? No.

The rest looks fine if unspectacular. Warner's master shows enough resolution to justify this release. Gains over the Blu-ray included better refined detail and more visible texture. However, the jump is fairly marginal, likely a reasonable limitation of the source film stock. Cinematography does veer to the softer side. Luckily, Warner's encode manages the precise grain structure cleanly.

HDR zest is fair, bringing some glitter to the contrast, adding weight to the highlights, and overall bettering dimensionality. In this era/format, black levels don't quite have the modern kick. Shadows appear drier than bolder presentations, if still enough to show added energy compared to the SDR release.

Disappointments noted, the greatest quality comes by way of the deep color pass. It's sensational. Inside Wonka's factory, the sheer plethora and variety are marvelous. There's a definite classic film quality to these hues, similar to the glow in Wizard of Oz (if not with the same overwhelming pop as that disc). Even in the drearier first act, flesh tones carry a desirable accuracy, as do the cold concrete buildings.

Audio

Transferring the DTS-HD surround mix, the decent mastering handles the older audio fair enough. Dialog produces adequate clarity, scuffed by recording methods and decades between this disc and the release. Higher treble struggles to hold together, those upper registers a minor bother. Music fares better, smooth and clear, avoiding the distortion noted elsewhere.

It's front-loaded, but widely spaced in terms of the score. A mild low-end push adds needed accentuation, naturally tight.